Injection devices and their components

Abstract

The present invention relates to a needle holding assembly, an injection delivery system, a needle and a safety mechanism, all of which are used in an injection device. The needle holding assembly includes a needle offset nut, which is configured to be removably attached to the needle holding nut and provide support for the needle. The injection delivery system includes an injection holding compartment, a plunger and a resilient member. The needle has a side wall defining a longitudinal channel and includes at least two orifices on the side wall, but no orifice at the tip of the needle. The safety mechanism includes a double switch, which includes two switch elements respectively located on opposite sides of a handle of the injection device.

Description

[0001] Related Applications Citations

[0002] This application is based upon and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 835,700 filed on April 18, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of injection devices. Background Art

[0004] Historically, plant pests and diseases have been controlled through the application of large quantities of pesticides. However, many pesticides contain nicotine. Nicotine-based pesticides have been shown to be a cause of honey bee population declines and are restricted in some jurisdictions. Concerns about the environmental and health effects of conventional pesticides have led to research and development of more natural pesticides or biological control measures that are delivered to plants in small doses via injection.

[0005] In developing alternatives to the mass application of conventional pesticides for controlling plant pathogens, researchers have developed toxic bacteriophages for use as biological control agents for diseases. One such disease is Pierce's disease, which affects grapevines and other plants and is spread from plant to plant by insects. While conventional pesticides are used to control insects that spread plant diseases from plant to plant, phages attempt to limit the impact of the pathogen once it is established inside the plant. However, unlike conventional pesticides, phages cannot be effectively applied to the surface of the plant and must be injected into the plant to be effective.

[0006] When injecting vascular plants for certain applications (e.g., bacteriophages), it is desirable to deliver the injectate into the xylem of the plant. The xylem is the plant vascular tissue that transports water and nutrients from the roots of the plant to the stems and leaves. Therefore, injection into the xylem allows the injectate to be transported and provided to most plant tissues through the natural pathways of the xylem. Injection into the xylem is also desirable in cases where the injectate is used to affect bacteria present in the xylem tissue of the plant. Known applications for injection into xylem tissue are prevention and treatment associated with the plant pathogenic bacteria Xylella fastidiosa and Xanthomonas spp., which are commonly referred to as Pierce's disease in grape cultivation.

[0007] When trying to inject liquid into the xylem of grapevine, there are several technical difficulties. First, in plants of different ages and sizes, the xylem tissue is located at different depths below the plant's outer skin. For example, in young grapevines, the xylem tissue is at a depth of 1-2 mm in the grapevine. In more mature grapevines, the xylem tissue is at a depth of 3-4 mm in the grapevine. Therefore, for grapevines of different types and / or different ages, it is impossible to adopt a unified injection method. In addition, if the injection is not pressurized, the injection may only reach a small part of the xylem. In addition, when delivering a very small dose (<200 microliters), it is difficult to completely fill the injection device so that each operation cycle of the injection device can discharge the required dose to be applied. Small doses and narrow fluid path passages may make the injection device filling process challenging. Another difficulty related to this is that when a medicine bottle is installed on the injection device, it is often challenging to deliver the injection to the correct position when the medicine bottle may be at a certain angle, thereby causing the injection to be unable to be supplied to the device by gravity. Injection devices that rely on gravity to pressurize the injection are not ideal. In addition, the needles of the injection devices may bend or break due to the hardness of the grapevines, and it is difficult to replace the needles while working in the vineyard, and it is difficult to use special tools. Summary of the invention

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention relates to a needle holding assembly for use in conjunction with an injection device. The injection device includes a needle holding nut and a needle deflection nut. The needle holding nut is configured to be removably attached to the injection device and to removably secure a needle to the injection device. The needle deflection nut is configured to be removably attached to the needle holding nut and to provide support for the needle.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the needle retaining nut and the needle deflection nut include any suitable offset engagement mechanism that allows the needle retaining nut to be independently separated from the needle deflection nut and the injection device. Suitable offset engagement mechanisms include, but are not limited to, threads, flanges and flange engagement structures, pin locks, ball locks, key locks, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the needle retaining nut is removably attached to the injection device by rotational engagement. Preferably, the needle deflection nut is removably attached to the needle retaining nut by rotational engagement. More preferably, the needle retaining nut is removably attached to the injection device by rotational engagement in a first rotational direction, and the needle deflection nut is removably attached to the needle retaining nut by rotational engagement in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

[0010] In some embodiments, the needle retaining nut includes a retaining nut opening for receiving the proximal portion of the needle. The needle retaining nut opening is defined by an inner wall of the retaining nut opening. The needle retaining nut is removably attached to the injection device, and the needle is removably fixed to the injection device. The proximal portion of the needle is located within the retaining nut opening, and the diameter of the proximal portion of the needle is smaller than the diameter of the retaining nut opening.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the needle deflection nut includes an offset nut channel for receiving a distal portion of the needle. The offset nut channel is defined by an offset nut channel inner wall. When the needle deflection nut is removably attached to the needle retaining nut, the distal portion of the needle is located within the offset nut channel. Preferably, the diameter of the offset nut channel is greater than the outer diameter of the distal portion of the needle, and when the needle is removably fixed to the injection device by the needle retaining nut, the offset nut channel inner wall of the offset nut channel abuts against the side wall of the distal portion of the needle.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of attaching a needle to an injection device using the needle holding assembly of the present invention. The method comprises: placing a proximal portion of the needle within a retaining nut opening of a needle retaining nut; attaching the needle retaining nut to the injection device; and placing an offset nut channel of a needle offset nut over a distal portion of the needle; and attaching the needle offset nut to the needle retaining nut.

[0013] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of removing a needle from an injection device comprising a needle retaining assembly of the present invention. The method comprises: separating the needle retaining nut from the injection device; and removing the needle from the retaining nut opening of the needle retaining nut. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises separating the needle deflection nut from the needle retaining nut. Preferably, the needle deflection nut is separated from the needle retaining nut before separating the needle retaining nut from the injection device.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an injection delivery system for use in combination with an injection device. The injection delivery system includes an injection holding compartment, a plunger, and an elastic member. The plunger is slidably located in the injection holding compartment to form a fluid seal with the inner wall of the injection holding compartment. When the injection holding compartment is attached to the injection device, it is in fluid communication with the dosing chamber of the injection device. The elastic member is configured to apply continuous pressure to the plunger, thereby forcing the injection from the injection holding compartment into the dosing chamber when the injection holding compartment is attached to the injection device, thereby requiring neither gravity nor negative pressure to fill the dosing chamber.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the resilient member is a spring.

[0016] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of using the injection delivery system of the present invention. The method comprises: pressing the tip of the needle into the object to be injected and injecting the injection into the object to be injected. The needle is arranged for use in an injection device, and the injection delivery system is attached to the injection device. The injection is supplied to the dosing chamber from the injection holding compartment. The elastic member applies continuous pressure to the plunger, so that neither gravity nor negative pressure is required to fill the dosing chamber. The movement of the plunger toward the end of the injection holding compartment forces the injection from the injection holding compartment into the dosing chamber.

[0017] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a needle for use in conjunction with an injection device. The needle has a side wall defining a longitudinal passage. The needle includes at least two apertures on the side wall.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a safety mechanism for an injection device, the safety mechanism comprising a double switch, the double switch comprising two switch elements respectively located on both sides of a handle of the injection device. The double switch is movable between an on position and an off position, and movement of the switch element on one side of the double switch automatically moves the switch element on the other side of the handle.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an injection device comprising one or more of the following components: the needle holding assembly of the present invention; the injectable delivery system of the present invention; the needle of the present invention; and the safety mechanism of the present invention.

[0020] In certain embodiments, at least one of the switch elements comprises a depressible button, and the dual switch is movable between the on position and the off position by simultaneously depressing the button and moving either switch element between the on position and the off position.

[0021] Other aspects of the present invention and its attached advantages and novel features will be described in part in the following description, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art by studying the following description, or may be understood by practicing the present invention. The objects and advantages of the present invention may be realized and obtained by using the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary injection device of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A side view of an injection device with the safety mechanism in a closed position.

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an injection device showing the needle retaining assembly.

[0025] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an injection device showing the needle retaining assembly wherein the needle deflection nut and the needle retaining nut have been separated from the injection device.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an injection device showing a needle retaining assembly with the needle deflection nut separated from the needle retaining nut.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 1 Exploded view of the injection device.

[0028] Figure 7 yes Figure 1 A side view of an injection device with the safety mechanism in an open position.

[0029] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 A partial cross-sectional view of an injection device showing a needle holding assembly with a bent needle.

[0030] Fig. 9 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an injection delivery system of an injection device, wherein the spring is in a compressed position.

[0031] Fig.10 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an injectable delivery system of an injection device of the type shown in FIG. 1 , wherein the spring is in a partially uncompressed position.

[0032] Fig.11 yes Figure 1 A side view of the needle is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] Certain aspects of the present invention will now be described with reference to exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings but the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Figure 1 An exemplary embodiment of an injection device 10 of the present invention is shown.

[0034] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a needle retaining assembly 12. The needle retaining assembly 12 is configured to provide support to a needle used in conjunction with an injection device, set the penetration depth of a needle used in conjunction with an injection device, and allow for easier and safer removal of the needle, particularly if the needle is broken, bent, and / or damaged.

[0035] Please refer to Figure 2 , the needle holding assembly 12 includes a cylindrical needle holding nut 14 and a semi-conical needle deflection nut 16. Please refer to Figure 3 and4 The needle retaining nut 14 is configured to be removably attached to the injection device 10 and to removably secure the needle 18 to the injection device 10. Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the needle deflection nut 16 is configured to be removably attached to the needle retaining nut 14 and provide support for the needle 18. The needle retaining nut 14 can be removably attached to the injection device 10 by rotational engagement, and the needle deflection nut 16 can be removably attached to the needle retaining nut 14 by rotational engagement.

[0036] In certain embodiments, the needle retaining nut 14 can be removably attached to the injection device 10 by a rotational engagement along a first rotational direction, and the needle deflection nut 16 can be removably attached to the needle retaining nut 14 by a rotational engagement along a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction; this construction enables the needle deflection nut 16 to be more easily separated from the needle retaining nut 14 without separating the needle retaining nut 14 from the injection device 10.

[0037] like Figure 2 , 4 As shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 , the needle retaining nut 14 includes two tapered radial grooves 19, 21, each of which is defined by arcuate radial side walls 20, 22 arranged opposite to each other, and each arcuate radial side wall extends between the cylindrical inner wall 24 and the cylindrical outer wall 26 of the needle retaining nut 14. The needle retaining nut 14 also includes two alignment openings 28, 30 arranged opposite to each other, each of which is defined by a corresponding first axial side wall 32 and a second axial side wall 36 and a corresponding opposite first axial side wall 38, and each of which extends between the cylindrical inner wall 24 and the cylindrical outer wall 26 of the needle retaining nut 14. The radial grooves 19 and 21 face opposite directions, respectively. The alignment openings 28, 30 are configured to align with two identical flanges 40 (at Figure 2 and Figure 6 ), 42 (in Figure 6 The needle retaining nut 14 is aligned with the radial grooves 19 and 21 to position the needle retaining nut 14 for fixing it to the injection device 10, and the arcuate side walls 20 and 22 of the radial grooves 19 and 21 are respectively configured to fix the needle retaining nut 14 to the injection device 10 by rotating in a clockwise direction to engage with the corresponding flanges 40 and 42. Figure 6 As shown, each flange 40, 42 extends from a dosing chamber 46 (at Figure 1 The outer cylindrical surface 44 of the flange 40 and the flange 42 are oriented in opposite directions. Figure 2As shown, the flanges 40, 42 have proximal tapered surfaces that are located within corresponding complementary tapered recesses 19, 21 and in frictional abutment engagement with portions of the arcuate sidewalls 20, 22. It will be appreciated that the needle retaining nut 14 may be configured to be attached to the injection device 10 at a location other than the outer cylindrical surface 44 of the dosing chamber.

[0038] like Figure 5 As best shown, the needle deflection nut 16 includes threads 48 on a proximal portion of a cylindrical inner wall 50 thereof that are configured to secure the needle deflection nut 16 to the needle retaining nut 14 by rotationally engaging threads 52 on a cylindrical outer wall 54 of the needle retaining nut 14 in a counterclockwise direction. The threads 48 and 52 are preferably fine threads to reduce the force required to secure the needle deflection nut 16 to or remove the needle deflection nut 16 from the needle retaining nut 14.

[0039] Therefore, if Figure 3 As shown, the needle holding nut 14 is rotationally engaged to the injection device 10 in a first rotation direction (i.e., clockwise), and the needle deflection nut 16 is rotationally engaged to the needle holding nut 14 in a second rotation direction (i.e., counterclockwise) opposite to the first rotation direction. As a result, the needle deflection nut 16 can be easily unscrewed and removed from the needle holding nut 14 without unscrewing the needle holding nut 14 from the injection device 10.

[0040] It should be understood that the engagement of the needle deflection nut 16 with the needle retaining nut 14 and the engagement of the needle retaining nut 14 with the injection device 10 may also be achieved by utilizing any suitable offset engagement mechanism that allows the needle retaining nut 14 to be independently separated from the needle deflection nut 16 and the injection device 10, including but not limited to threads, flanges and flange engagement structures, pin locks, ball locks, key locks, etc. It should also be understood that the outer surfaces of the needle retaining nut 14 and the needle deflection nut 16 may include structures, materials or textures that make them easier to be gripped by the user's hands. For example, as Figure 7 As shown, one or more identical finger grips 56 may be disposed on the cylindrical outer wall 58 of the needle deflection nut 16, although only one finger grip 56 is shown.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the needle retaining nut 14 includes a retaining nut opening 60, which is defined by the cylindrical inner wall 24 of the needle retaining nut and is configured to receive the proximal portion of the needle 18. Figure 5 As shown, the proximal portion of the needle 18 is located within the retaining nut opening 60. The distal portion of the cylindrical outer flange 62 of the integrally formed cylindrical base 64 of the needle 18 is in abutting engagement with the proximal portion of the cylindrical inner flange 66 of the cylindrical inner wall 24 of the needle retaining nut 14. Figure 1 As shown, the needle 18, cylindrical base 64 and cylindrical dosing chamber 46 of the injection device 10 are axially aligned, and the proximal portion of the cylindrical base 64 is axially aligned and abuttingly engaged with the distal end of the dosing chamber 46. Therefore, the needle 18 is removably fixed to the injection device 10 by the needle retaining nut 14. The outer diameter of the needle 18 is smaller than the diameter of the retaining nut opening 60. Although a specific size difference is not required, the diameter of the retaining nut opening 60 is preferably oversized relative to the diameter of the needle 18 to facilitate insertion and removal of the needle 18 into and from the retaining nut opening 60 and to allow for a configuration out of axial alignment.

[0042] like Figure 5 As shown, the needle deflection nut 16 includes an offset nut channel 68 defined by a cylindrical offset nut channel inner wall 70 and configured to receive a distal portion of the needle 18. Figure 3 As shown, the distal portion of the needle 18 is located within the offset nut channel 68. The diameter of the offset nut channel 68 is larger than the outer diameter of the distal portion of the needle 18, preferably only slightly larger, and the offset nut channel inner wall 70 abuts against the side wall 72 of the distal portion of the needle 18 to provide support and increase the rigidity of the needle 18. In this way, the needle 18 is also less prone to deviation or lateral movement, which may cause the needle 18 to be misaligned / bent or broken.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the tip portion 74 of the needle 18 is located outside the offset nut channel 68. The front flat surface 76 of the needle offset nut 16 is configured to abut against the injection object during the injection process and serves as a stop point for setting the maximum penetration depth of the needle 18 (i.e., only the tip portion 74 can penetrate the object). Preferably, the needle holding assembly 12 includes a plurality of interchangeable needle offset nuts 16 of different heights h (see Figure 3 Multiple needle offset nuts are not shown) to enable the user to select the length of the tip portion 74 of the needle 18 extending outside the offset nut channel 68, thereby selecting the desired penetration depth of the needle 18.

[0044] The present invention also relates to a method of attaching a needle to an injection device. The method comprises: placing a proximal portion of the needle within a retaining nut opening of a needle retaining nut; attaching the needle retaining nut to the injection device; placing an offset nut channel of a needle offset nut over a distal portion of the needle; and attaching the needle offset nut to the needle retaining nut.

[0045] In certain embodiments, the operation of attaching a needle to a syringe may be performed using the injection device 10, the needle holding assembly 12, and the needle 18 according to the following exemplary method. Figure 4, place the proximal portion of the needle 18 in the retaining nut opening 60 of the needle retaining nut 14. Align the distal portion of the cylindrical base 64 axially with and abut the proximal portion of the cylindrical inner flange 66 of the retaining nut opening inner wall 24 of the needle retaining nut 14. Figure 6 , aligning the alignment opening 28 of the needle retaining nut 14 with the corresponding flange 40 of the injection device 10, and on the other side, aligning the opening 30 (not shown) with the flange 42. Then place the alignment openings 28, 30 over the corresponding flanges 40, 42 and rotate the needle retaining nut 14 clockwise to Figure 2 The needle retaining nut 14 and the injection device 10 are thus removably attached to each other, and the needle 18 is removably fixed to the distal portion of the dosing chamber 46 (at the distal end of the dosing chamber 46). Figure 1 Next, Figure 3 As shown, the offset nut channel 68 of the needle offset nut 16 is placed over the distal portion of the needle 18, the inner wall 70 of the offset nut channel abuts the side wall 72 of the distal portion of the needle 18, and the needle offset nut 16 is rotated counterclockwise to the position shown so that the needle offset nut 16 and the needle retaining nut 14 are rotationally engaged and removably attached to each other.

[0046] The present invention also relates to a method for removing a needle from an injection device. The method comprises: separating the needle retaining nut from the injection device; and removing the needle from the retaining nut opening of the needle retaining nut. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises separating the needle deflection nut from the needle retaining nut, and this additional step is optionally and preferably performed before separating the needle retaining nut from the injection device.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the operation of removing the needle from the injection device can be performed using the injection device 10, the needle holding assembly 12, and the needle 18 according to the following exemplary method. Figure 3 , the needle deflection nut 16 is rotated clockwise to rotate the needle deflection nut 16 and the needle holding nut 14 away from each other. Next, the inner wall 70 of the deflection nut channel is disengaged from the side wall 72 of the distal portion of the needle 18, and the deflection nut channel 68 of the needle deflection nut 16 is moved away from the distal portion of the needle 18. Figure 5 If the needle 18 is Figure 8As shown, the bent, broken and / or damaged portion of the needle 18 is removed, performing this step first allows the user to eliminate the bent, broken and / or damaged portion of the needle 18 without the needle retaining nut 14. As the needle deflection nut 16 is threadedly separated from the needle retaining nut 14, the bent, broken and / or damaged portion of the needle 18 is simultaneously pushed through the deflection nut opening 68. Once the needle deflection nut 16 is completely separated from the needle retaining nut 14, the needle deflection nut 16 is more easily slidably removed through the bent, broken and / or damaged portion of the needle 18, in part because the needle deflection nut 16 is free to move and is no longer axially aligned with the needle retaining nut 14. No tools are required; the needle deflection nut 16 can be removed by hand, and the finger grip 56 makes the needle deflection nut 16 easier to remove. Next, refer to Figure 5 , turn the needle retaining nut 14 counterclockwise to Figure 6 The needle 18 is then easily removed from the oversized retaining nut opening 60 of the needle retaining nut 14.

[0048] Please refer again Figure 1 Another aspect of the present invention relates to an injectable delivery system 78 for use in conjunction with an injection device. The injectable delivery system 78 includes: an injectable holding compartment; a plunger slidably disposed in the injectable holding compartment and forming a fluid seal with the inner wall of the injectable holding compartment; and an elastic member. When the injectable holding compartment is attached to the injection device, it is in fluid communication with a dosing chamber of the injection device. The elastic member is configured to apply continuous pressure to the plunger, thereby forcing the injectable from the injectable holding compartment into the dosing chamber when the injectable holding compartment is attached to the injection device, thereby requiring neither gravity nor negative pressure to fill the dosing chamber.

[0049] like Figure 6 As best shown, the syringe delivery system 78 includes a cylindrical syringe holding compartment 80, a cylindrical plunger 82 (including a plunger seal 84), a spring 86, an inlet tube 88, and an inlet valve assembly 90. Fig. 9 , the plunger 82 is slidably located in the syringe holding compartment 80, and the plunger seal 84 forms a fluid seal with the cylindrical inner wall 92 of the syringe holding compartment 80. As shown, when the spring 86 is compressed due to the presence of a syringe (not shown) in the syringe holding compartment 80, the plunger 82 is located at the proximal end of the syringe holding compartment 80. Fig.10The plunger 82 is shown in a distal-most position at the distal end of the syringe holding compartment 80 when the spring 86 is partially uncompressed. The open tip 94 of the syringe holding compartment 80 is in fluid communication with the dosing chamber opening 96 via the inlet tube 88, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 Please refer to Figure 1 , the inlet valve assembly 90 including the ball valve 98 is configured to supply the syringe from the syringe holding compartment 80 to the metering chamber 46 and prevent the syringe or air in the metering chamber 46 from flowing to the syringe holding compartment 80. The ball valve 98 is normally open and allows the syringe from the syringe holding compartment 80 to flow into the metering chamber 46. The ball valve 98 is closed only when back pressure is generated on the ball of the ball valve 98 due to the distal movement of the syringe piston 99 of the injection device 10. Although the syringe delivery system is shown with the inlet valve assembly 90, it should be understood that any suitable inlet valve assembly (and any suitable valve) can be replaced, including but not limited to solenoid valves, gate valves, diaphragm valves, etc.

[0050] Please refer again Fig. 9 The cylindrical syringe holding compartment 80 is slidably located in the opening of the cylindrical barrel 100. The cylindrical barrel cap 102 is attached to the outer surface 103 of the cylindrical barrel 100 by threads and is located above the proximal end of the cylindrical barrel 100. Figure 6 As shown, the cylindrical barrel 100 is in turn attached to the injection device 10 by identical bolts 104, which are located in corresponding aligned openings 106, 108, 110 and 112; 114, 116, 118, and an opening (not shown) corresponding to the opening 112. It should be understood that the cylindrical syringe holding compartment 80 can be attached to the injection device 10 in any suitable manner understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and does not necessarily have to be located in the cylindrical barrel cap 102.

[0051] Please refer again Fig. 9 , spring 86 is located between the proximal end of plunger 82 and top 122 of barrel cap 102. Spring 86 is compressible and applies continuous pressure to plunger 82 so that any injectable present in injectable holding compartment 80 is forced into injectable chamber 46 (e.g., when injectable chamber 46 is empty or partially empty). Figure 1 ). Thus, neither gravity nor negative pressure is required to prime the dosing chamber 46. It should be understood that although the injectable delivery system 78 includes a spring 86, any suitable resilient member configured to apply continuous pressure to the plunger 82 is within the scope of the present invention.

[0052] In certain embodiments, such as Figure 1As best shown, the plunger 82 includes a cylindrical bore defined by a cylindrical bore sidewall 124 and configured to receive an elongated threaded tool (not shown). As shown, the bore sidewall 124 of the plunger 82 preferably includes threads 128 that can engage with threads of the elongated threaded tool (not shown) so that when the threads of the threaded tool engage with the threads 128, the plunger 82 can be more easily moved distally within the injectable holding compartment 80 by pulling the threaded tool, thereby filling the injectable holding compartment 80 with injectable.

[0053] Because the syringe delivery system 78 does not rely on the use of gravity and / or negative pressure, it is able to deliver micro-amounts of syringes (i.e., as little as 20 microliters) more consistently and accurately than prior art syringe delivery systems. By the same token, the accuracy of the syringe delivery system 78 is not affected by its orientation during operation (i.e., upside down, sideways, etc.).

[0054] The present invention also relates to a method of using an injectable delivery system with an injection device. The method comprises the steps of: pressing the tip of a needle into an object to be injected, wherein the needle is placed in a position for use in the injection device; and injecting an injectable into the object to be injected. The injectable is supplied from an injectable holding compartment of the injectable delivery system to a dosing chamber of the injection device. An elastic member applies continuous pressure to a plunger of the injectable delivery system, so that neither gravity nor negative pressure is required to fill the dosing chamber. Movement of the plunger toward the end of the injectable holding compartment forces the injectable from the injectable holding compartment into the dosing chamber.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the method of using the injectable delivery system may be performed using the injection device 10, the needle 18, and the injectable delivery system 78 according to the following exemplary method. Figure 1 , the tip portion 74 of the needle 18 is pressed into the object to be injected, and the injectable (not shown) is injected into the object. As described in more detail below, the injection is performed by depressing the trigger 130, which in turn causes the injectable piston 132 to move toward its distal end within the dosing chamber 46. This movement of the injectable piston 132 forces the injectable present in the dosing chamber 46 to pass through the base central opening 134 in the proximal end of the cylindrical base 64 of the needle 18, which is aligned with the longitudinal passage 136 of the needle 18 (at Figure 3136 and the orifice 138. The injectable then flows into the subject through the longitudinal passage 136 and the orifice 138. The injectable is supplied from the injectable holding compartment 80 to the dosing chamber 46. The spring 86 applies a continuous pressure to the plunger 82, so that neither gravity nor negative pressure is required to fill the dosing chamber 46, and the plunger 82 moves toward the distal end of the injectable holding compartment 80 to force the injectable from the injectable holding compartment 80 into the dosing chamber 46. When the injection is completed, the injectable piston 132 moves within the dosing chamber 46 to return to its original position at the proximal end of the dosing chamber 46, as shown in FIG. Figure 1 This backward movement of the injectable piston 132 creates a void space within the dosing chamber 46, which is immediately filled with additional injectable supplied from the injectable holding compartment 80 through the inlet tube 88 and the inlet valve assembly 90. In certain embodiments, the method further includes selecting a needle retaining nut 16 that will control the desired injection depth. In some such embodiments, the subject is a plant, such as a grapevine, and the needle retaining nut 16 is selected to inject in the xylem layer of the subject.

[0056] The present invention also relates to a needle 18 for use in conjunction with the injection device 10. The needle 18 has a side wall defining a longitudinal passage. The needle 18 includes at least two apertures on the side wall of the needle 18, but no aperture at the tip of the needle 18.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 3 and Fig.11 , the needle 18 includes two identical orifices 138 located on opposite surfaces of the side wall 72, while the tip of the needle 18 has no orifice. Figure 3 , when the needle 18 is attached to the injection device 10 and used to perform an injection, the orifice 138 is located distally of the offset nut channel inner wall 70, and the injectate injected into the object is forced to flow through the orifice 138. Including multiple smaller orifices 138 can increase the rigidity of the needle 18 during injection compared to providing a single larger orifice at the tip of the needle 18. In addition, compared to a single orifice located at the tip of the needle 18, the orifice 138 arranged on the side wall 72 of the needle 18 reduces the risk of the needle 18 being blocked during injection, and forces the injectate to enter the target layer of the object laterally when the orifice 138 is located within the target layer. For example, the needle 18 can be targeted at the xylem layer of a grapevine. As described above, needle retaining nuts 16 of different heights h can be used to inject at a specific depth, such as at the depth of the xylem layer.

[0058] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a safety mechanism 140 for an injection device. The safety mechanism 140 includes a dual switch, which itself includes two switch elements. These switch elements can be placed on both sides of the handle of the injection device. The dual switch can be moved between an on position and an off position, and in the case where the switch elements are located on both sides of the handle of the injection device, the movement of the switch element on one side of the dual switch automatically moves the switch element on the other side of the handle. The safety mechanism 140 can be operated by the user's left or right hand. Preferably, at least one of the switch elements also includes a depressible button. The dual switch can be moved between the on position and the off position by simultaneously pressing the button and moving either switch element between the on position and the off position.

[0059] like Figure 2 As shown, the safety mechanism 140 includes a dual switch 142 having identical switch elements 144 located on both sides (the other side is not shown) of a handle 146 of the injection device 10. The dual switch 142 may be Figure 2 The switch-on position shown is the same as Figure 7 The trigger 130 is movable between the off positions shown, and the movement of one switch element 144 located on one side of the dual switch 142 automatically moves the second switch element 144 located on the other side of the dual switch 142. If the dual switch 142 is in the off position, the trigger 130 cannot move, and as a result, the injection device 10 cannot perform an injection. If the dual switch is in the on position, the trigger 130 can move, and as a result, the injection device 10 can perform an injection. One switch element 144 includes a depressible button 148. Pressing the button 148 inwardly and toward the handle 146 causes the two switch elements 144 to move simultaneously at an angle. When the button 148 is pressed, the switch elements 144 can rotate between the on position and the off position. The user can use either switch element 144 with the left or right hand to rotate the dual switch 142.

[0060] It should be understood that the needle holding assembly 12, the syringe delivery system 78, the multi-orifice needle 18 and the safety mechanism 140 of the present invention can be used in conjunction with virtually any injection device configured for use with a needle, and can be attached to the injection device by various mechanisms suitable for a particular injection device, which is readily understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. Suitable injection devices include, but are not limited to, stand-alone syringes or syringes combined with other components / mechanisms that facilitate injection. It should also be understood that the needle holding assembly, the syringe delivery system, the multi-orifice needle and the safety mechanism of the present invention can be used in conjunction with an injection device for injection into animals, humans or plants. Considering that the needle holding assembly of the present invention is configured to provide support to the needle, and considering its function of replacing a bent needle, the needle holding assembly of the present invention is very suitable for use in conjunction with an injection device to inject into an object having a tough or wooden skin or outer layer. Similarly, considering that its rigidity has been improved, the needle of the present invention is very suitable for use in conjunction with an injection device to inject into an object having a tough or wooden skin or outer layer.

[0061] From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to attain all the ends and objects set forth above, together with other obvious advantages which are inherent therein.

[0062] Since many possible embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope of the invention, it is to be understood that all matter set forth herein or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not limiting.

[0063] Although some specific embodiments are shown and discussed above, various modifications may of course be made to these embodiments, and the invention is not limited to the specific forms or arrangements of components and steps described herein, unless such limitations are included in the following claims. In addition, it should be understood that certain features and subcombinations are useful and can be used without reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by the claims and is within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A needle holding assembly for use in conjunction with an injection device, comprising: Needle retaining nut; and Needle offset nut; wherein the needle retaining nut is configured to be removably attached to the injection device and when a proximal portion of a flange of an integrally formed base of the needle is in abutting engagement with a distal end of the injection device, the needle retaining nut is in abutting engagement with a distal portion of a flange of an integrally formed base of the needle to removably secure the needle to the injection device; wherein the needle deflection nut is configured to be removably attached to the needle retaining nut and provide support for the needle; and wherein the needle retaining nut is removably attached to the injection device by rotational engagement in a first rotational direction, and wherein the needle deflection nut is removably attached to the needle retaining nut by rotational engagement in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

2. The needle holding assembly of claim 1, wherein: The needle retaining nut and the needle deflecting nut comprise any suitable deflecting engagement mechanism that allows the needle retaining nut to be independently separated from the needle deflecting nut and the injection device.

3. The needle holding assembly of claim 2, wherein: The offset engagement mechanism is selected from the group consisting of threads, flanges and flange engagement structures, pin locks, ball locks, key locks, and combinations thereof.

4. The needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The needle retaining nut is removably attached to the injection device by a rotational engagement.

5. The needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The needle deflection nut is removably attached to the needle retaining nut by a rotational engagement.

6. The needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The needle retaining nut includes a retaining nut opening for receiving a proximal portion of the needle, wherein the needle retaining nut opening is defined by a retaining nut opening inner wall, wherein when the needle retaining nut is removably attached to the injection device and the needle is removably secured to the injection device, wherein the proximal portion of the needle is located within the retaining nut opening, and wherein a diameter of the proximal portion of the needle is smaller than a diameter of the retaining nut opening.

7. The needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The needle deflection nut includes an offset nut channel for receiving a distal portion of a needle, wherein the offset nut channel is defined by an offset nut channel inner wall, and wherein the distal portion of the needle is located within the offset nut channel when the needle deflection nut is removably attached to the needle retaining nut.

8. The needle holding assembly of claim 7, wherein: The offset nut channel has a diameter greater than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the needle, and wherein an offset nut channel inner wall of the offset nut channel abuts against a side wall of the distal portion of the needle when the needle is removably secured to the injection device by the needle retaining nut.

9. A method of attaching a needle to an injection device having a needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: placing a proximal portion of the needle within a retaining nut opening of the needle retaining nut; attaching the needle retaining nut to the injection device; placing the deflection nut channel of the needle deflection nut over the distal portion of the needle; and Attach the needle deflection nut to the needle retaining nut.

10. A method of removing a needle from an injection device comprising a needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising: separating the needle retaining nut from the injection device; and Remove the needle from the retaining nut opening of the needle retaining nut.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising: Separate the needle deflection nut from the needle retaining nut.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein: The needle deflection nut is separated from the needle retaining nut before separating the needle retaining nut from the injection device.

13. An injection device comprising the needle holding assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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