Fluid transfer devices and methods of providing subcutaneous fluid transfer devices

Abstract

A fluid transfer device and a method of providing a subcutaneous fluid transfer device are disclosed. A method of administering an injection is also provided. A percutaneous fluid transfer device includes a first housing, a delivery needle, a second housing, and a stopper. The second housing is translatable between a protection position and an injection position, and is biased toward the protection position. The delivery needle penetrates the stopper as the second housing translates toward the injection position. A first method includes providing a first housing and providing a second housing. A second method includes contacting the device with the injection site, translating the second housing, penetrating the stopper of the transfer device, advancing the delivery needle, translating the second housing, and sealing the delivery needle. Advantageously, the percutaneous fluid transfer device may prevent leakage and / or evaporation of fluid and / or gas from the exposed needle tip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to medical tools and devices and, more particularly, to medical tools that penetrate the skin to deliver or withdraw fluids. Background Art

[0002] Medical tools are used to penetrate the skin to deliver or extract fluids, such as sharp objects, needles, syringes, etc. These tools can be used to pierce the skin of a subject to deliver substances and / or drugs into the muscles, blood vessels and / or skin of the subject. They can also be used to extract substances from a subject, such as during phlebotomy or dialysis.

[0003] During use, these tools are often exposed to the air and the substances contained therein may escape in their fluid form or even in gaseous form. Patient subjects and medical practitioners may be inadvertently exposed to these substances, which may be potentially dangerous. Health care workers in particular may use these devices frequently (often multiple times a day), so exposure to leaks and their harmful effects may be exacerbated over the long term. Summary of the invention

[0004] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a fluid transfer device, which includes a first shell, a second shell, a biasing mechanism and a stopper. The first shell has a delivery needle fixedly attached. The second shell can be longitudinally translated between a protection position and an injection position along a portion of the first shell. The biasing mechanism biases the second shell toward the protection position. And the stopper is attached to the distal end of the second shell. In addition, when the second shell is in the protection position, the second shell encapsulates the tip of the delivery needle, when the second shell translates between the protection position and the injection position, the tip penetrates the stopper, and when the sliding shell is in the injection position, the tip is exposed.

[0005] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a fluid transfer device comprising a first housing and a second housing. The first housing has a delivery needle fixedly attached. The second housing has a stopper at a distal end and is longitudinally translatable along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position. In addition, the second housing is biased toward the protection position, and when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position, the needle penetrates the stopper.

[0006] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of providing a fluid transfer device. The method includes the following steps: providing a first housing having a fixedly attached delivery needle; and providing a second housing having a plug at a distal end, the second housing being longitudinally translatable along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position. In addition, the second housing is biased toward the protection position, and when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position, the needle penetrates the plug.

[0007] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to a method of administering an injection using a transdermal fluid transfer device. The method includes the following steps: contacting a stopper of the transfer device with an injection site; translating a second housing of the transfer device from a protective position to an injection site; piercing the stopper of the fluid transfer device with a delivery needle; advancing the delivery needle into the injection site; translating the second housing from the injection site to the protective position; and sealing the delivery needle with the stopper.

[0008] It should be understood that, according to the present disclosure, various configurations of the subject technology will become clear to those skilled in the art, wherein the various configurations of the subject technology are shown and described by way of example. As will be appreciated, the subject technology can have other and different configurations and its several details can be modified in various other aspects, all of which do not depart from the scope of the subject technology. Therefore, the overview, drawings and detailed description are considered to be illustrative in nature, rather than restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate the disclosed embodiments and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a transcutaneous fluid transfer device having a first housing, a second housing in an injection position, a biasing mechanism, and a stopper according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a transcutaneous fluid transfer device having a first housing, a second housing in a protected position, a biasing mechanism, and a stopper according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 3 is a top view of a transcutaneous fluid transfer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device having a first housing, a second housing in an injection position, and a filling cap.

[0013] Figure 4 is a top view of a transdermal fluid transfer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, the device having a first housing, a second housing in an injection position, and a vial.

[0014] Figure 5A is a perspective view of a spherical stopper according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0015] Figure 5B is a perspective view of an oval-shaped plug according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 5Cis a perspective view of a capsule-shaped plug according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 5D is a perspective view of a prismatic or cubic plug according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0018] Figure 5E is a perspective view of a prismatic or cylindrical plug according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0019] Figure 6 According to various aspects of the present disclosure Figure 1 A cross-sectional top view of a subcutaneous fluid transfer device is shown.

[0020] Figure 7 is a hybrid view showing a perspective view of a delivery needle and a stopper and a cross-sectional view of a second housing according to various aspects of the present disclosure.

[0021] Figure 8 is a flow chart outlining a first method of administering an injection using a transdermal fluid transfer device according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] Fig. 9 is a flow chart outlining a second method of providing a transcutaneous fluid transfer device according to various aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following detailed description, many specific details are set forth in order to provide a full understanding of the subject technology. It should be understood that the subject technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known structures and techniques are not shown in detail to avoid confusing the subject technology.

[0024] In addition, although this specification describes the specific details of various embodiments, it should be understood that this specification is only illustrative and should not be interpreted as limiting in any way. Various applications and modifications of such embodiments that may be thought of by those skilled in the art are also included in the general concepts described herein.

[0025] Now go to Figure 1 , a percutaneous fluid transfer device is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The percutaneous fluid transfer device may include a first housing 10, a second housing 30, a biasing mechanism 50, and a stopper 40. The first housing may include a delivery needle 20 having a tip 22 fixedly attached. The second housing 30 may be longitudinally translated along a portion of the first housing 10 between a protection position and an injection position, wherein the biasing mechanism 50 may bias the second housing 30 toward the protection position. The stopper 40 may be attached to the distal end 34 of the second housing 30.

[0026] Figure 1The transfer device 1 is shown when the second housing 30 is in the injection position. Figure 2 , shows the same device 1 and components when the second housing 30 is in the protective position. Figure 2 As shown, when in the protective position, the second housing 30 can enclose the tip 22 of the delivery needle 20. Figure 1 When the second housing 30 translates between the protection position and the injection position, the tip 22 can penetrate the stopper 40 so that the tip 22 is exposed when the second housing 30 is in the injection position.

[0027] Continue to refer Figure 1 In another embodiment of the present disclosure, a percutaneous fluid transfer device 1 may include a first housing 10 and a second housing 30. The first housing 10 may include a delivery needle 20. In various embodiments, the delivery needle 20 may be fixedly attached to the first housing 10, removably attached to the first housing 10, and / or may be fluidly connected to the core 12 of the first housing 10.

[0028] Next, the second housing 30 may include a distal end 34 and a plug 40 located at the distal end 34. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second shell 30 may be arranged along a portion of the first shell 10. Figure 1 Injection sites and Figure 2 The second housing 30 can be biased toward the protection position, and the delivery needle 20 can penetrate the stopper 40 when the second housing 30 translates between the protection position and the injection position.

[0029] Continue to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2In some embodiments, the first housing 10 may include a longitudinal rail 12 having a partition 14 at a distal end, and the second housing 30 may include a slot 32 configured to receive the longitudinal rail 12. In an embodiment, the slot 32 may provide a clearance fit for the rail 12 that cannot be crossed by the partition 14. In the same or other embodiments, the initially free-floating second housing 30 may be attached to the first housing 10 by inserting the partition 14 and the rail 12 through the slot 32. And in the same or other embodiments, the second housing 30 may be irreversibly attached. For example, the shelf 14 may be tapered so that the partition 14 can be advanced through the slot 32 in a first direction, but prevented from retracting in the opposite direction. In some embodiments, the first housing 10 may include two longitudinal rails 12, and the second housing 30 may include two slots 32, each of which is configured to receive one rail 12. However, it should be understood that other devices and designs for longitudinally translating the second housing 30, such as roller tracks or linear bearings, are also possible and foreseeable.

[0030] Continue to refer Figure 1 and Figure 2 In some embodiments, the fluid transfer device 1 may further include a biasing mechanism 50 that biases the second housing 30 toward the protection position. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 50 may be a spring. For example, the biasing mechanism 50 may be a compression spring having a proximal end that presses against the first housing 10 and a distal end that presses against the second housing 30 and / or the stopper 40. In other embodiments, alternative biasing mechanisms are also possible and foreseeable, such as, but not limited to, disc springs, wave springs, and magnetic devices.

[0031] Now go to Figure 6 , provides a cross-sectional top view of the fluid transfer device 1. Figure 7 , a hybrid view showing a delivery needle 20, a stopper 40, and a section of a second housing 30 is provided. In both figures, the second housing 30 is shown in a protective position. According to some embodiments, when the second housing 30 is in the protective position, the second housing 30 can encapsulate the tip 22 of the delivery needle 20. For example, the second housing 30 and / or its components can protect from external physical contact with the tip 22. In the same or other embodiments, when the second housing 30 is in the protective position, the stopper 40 can encapsulate and seal the tip 22. For example, the stopper 40 can prevent fluids or gas vapors from entering or leaving the tip 22. In some configurations, the stopper 40 can create an airtight seal to the tip 22. And in other configurations, the stopper 40 can seal the tip 22, thereby preventing only liquids from entering, only certain molecules from entering, only certain sizes, states, or types of molecules from entering, or according to other filtering mechanisms known in the art.

[0032] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in many embodiments, the tip 22 may partially penetrate the stopper 40. However, in other embodiments, when the second housing 30 is in the protective position, the tip 22 may not reach the stopper 40 while remaining enclosed by the second housing 30. In addition, various lengths of the shaft 24 of the needle 20 may also be protected by the second housing 30 without departing from the present disclosure.

[0033] In some embodiments, the plug 40 may include an enclosed portion 42 and an exposed portion 44. In some of the configurations described above, the tip 22 may penetrate only the enclosed portion 42, and in other configurations, may penetrate both portions 42, 44.

[0034] Back to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , when the second housing 30 is translated distally between the protection position and the injection position, the tip 22 of the needle 20 can completely penetrate the stopper (ie, advance through the stopper 40). Figure 1 As shown, the tip 22 of the delivery needle 22 can be exposed. For example, the tip 22 can be exposed to the air, the tip 22 can be accessed to deliver or extract fluid to or from the injection site, and / or the tip 22 can be accessed to interface with other medical devices or other components of the fluid transfer device 1.

[0035] Figure 3 Another such component of the fluid transfer device 1 is shown in the form of a filling cap 2 . Figure 4 Another such component of the fluid transfer device 1 is shown in the form of a vial 3. The filling cap 2 can provide additional protection for the needle 20, to further prevent fluid and / or vapor from leaking from the needle 20, to receive fluid from the needle 20 and control the injection dose, and / or to achieve other uses common in the art. The vial 3 can store chemicals, medicines, tinctures, etc. for injection.

[0036] refer to Figure 3 In some embodiments, the fluid transfer device 1 may include a filling cap 2 removably attached to the first housing 10. The filling cap 2 may further include a cap housing 60 and a cap plug 70, which form a sealed interior 80. In some embodiments, the cap housing 60 may further include a lip 62 configured to lock onto the diaphragm 14 of the first housing 10.

[0037] Continue to refer Figure 3, when the filling cap 2 is attached to the first housing 30, the stopper 40 can be in contact with the cover plug 70. Therefore, when the second housing 30 is translated between the protection position and the injection position, the needle 20 can penetrate the stopper 40 and the cover plug 70 before entering the sealed interior 80. The tip 22 can be completely avoided from being exposed to the outside, and may not be exposed until it reaches the sealed interior 80. In various embodiments, the cover plug 2 can be hermetically sealed, can allow some air to pass, can only allow certain molecular types to pass, or can be sealed at other levels known in the art. In the same or other embodiments, the filling cap 2 can receive the delivered fluid 98 from the delivery needle 20 and store the fluid in the sealed interior 80. For example, the filling cap 2 can be used to measure the drug dose and release the drug dose from the needle 20 before injection. In some embodiments, after the fluid 98 has been deposited in the sealed interior 80, the second housing 30 can be translated back to the protection position. Then, the fluid 98 can be retained by the cap housing 60 and the cover plug 70, while the needle tip 22 can be sealed by the stopper 40.

[0038] Reference now Figure 4 In some embodiments, the fluid transfer device 1 may include a vial 3. The vial 3 may include a stored fluid 99 and a pierceable membrane 90. In order to transfer the fluid 99 from the vial 3 to the delivery needle 20, the pierceable membrane 90 may be placed in contact with the stopper 40, and the delivery needle 20 may pierce the membrane 90 when the second housing 30 translates between the protection position and the injection position. Therefore, the tip 22 may be prevented from being exposed to the outside and may not be exposed until it reaches the interior of the vial 3.

[0039] Now go to Figure 5A-5E , showing several different embodiments of the plug 40. In these and other embodiments, the plug 40 can have different shapes and can be made of different material compositions. For example, the plug 40 can be Figure 5A The spherical stopper shown, Figure 5B The oval plug shown or Figure 5C In some embodiments, the plug may be a prism with a flat contact surface, such as Figure 5D The cube stopper shown or Figure 5E The cylindrical plug shown. In other embodiments, the plug may have an angled contact surface or a curved contact surface. It is understood that the foregoing figures are for illustrative purposes only, and many other shapes and geometries of the plug 40 are possible and foreseeable.

[0040] In some embodiments, the stopper 40 can be made of a self-healing material. For example, the stopper 40 can include a self-healing polymer and a microstructure so that the stopper 40 can be repeatedly pierced by the needle 20 without losing the sealing function. In some embodiments, the stopper 40 can be made of polyisoprene. And in those embodiments of the present disclosure that include the filling cap 2, the cap 70 can be made of the same material as the stopper 40 or a different material.

[0041] In some embodiments, the stopper 40 can be replaceable and can be mounted to and / or removed from the second housing 30. The stopper 40 can also be interchangeable in shape and material so that the replacement stopper 40 does not need to be the same as the replaced stopper. In some embodiments, the shape and material of the stopper 40 can be suitable for the type, position and angle of the intended injection. For example, the material of the stopper 40 can be selected based on the drug being administered, its degree of danger, and its vaporization characteristics. According to another example, the shape of the stopper 40 can be selected so that the contact surface is parallel to or tangent to the injection angle. And in other embodiments, without departing from the present disclosure, the shape and material of the stopper 40 can be selected based on other injection criteria.

[0042] refer to Figure 7 In some embodiments, the stopper 40 may include a closed portion 42 and an exposed portion 44. The closed portion 42 may be closed by the distal end 34 of the second housing 30. In some embodiments, the closed portion 42 and the exposed portion 44 may be made of different materials. For example, the exposed portion 44 may be made of self-healing polyisoprene, while the closed portion 42 may be made of a non-self-healing material but its shape includes a hollow core for the needle 20 to translate through. In the same or other embodiments, the exposed portion 44 may be separated and / or replaced from the closed portion 42.

[0043] Now go to Figure 6 In some embodiments, the first housing 10 may include a leak-proof mating mechanism 19. For example, the device 1 may be modular and attachable to other medical tools commonly used in fluid transfer processes, such as syringes or catheters. In some embodiments, the mating mechanism 19 may be a Luer lock fitting.

[0044] Now go to Fig. 9, a method of providing a transdermal fluid transfer device is outlined and generally indicated by reference numeral 900. Method 900 may include first providing a first housing (910) comprising a fixedly attached delivery needle. Next, method 900 may include providing a second housing (920) that may be longitudinally translated along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position. The second housing may be biased toward the protection position, and the needle may penetrate the stopper when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

[0045] In some embodiments, method 900 may further include providing a filling cap (930). The filling cap may include a cap housing and a cap plug, the cap housing and the cap plug forming a sealed interior. Next, the filling cap may be removably attached to the first housing (940) so that the cap plug contacts the cap. In the same or other embodiments, method 900 may further include delivering fluid from the delivery needle to the filling cap without exposing the tip of the needle (950). More specifically, this step 950 may include translating the second housing from a protective position to an injection position and pushing the delivery needle through the cap plug.

[0046] In some embodiments, method 900 may further include providing a medicine vial (960). The medicine vial may include a pierceable membrane and a stored fluid. In the same or other embodiments, method 900 may further include drawing the stored fluid from the medicine vial into a delivery needle without exposing the tip of the needle (970). More specifically, this step 970 may include contacting the pierceable membrane with the stopper, translating the second housing from the protection position to the injection position, advancing the delivery needle through the pierceable membrane, and receiving the fluid into the delivery needle.

[0047] It should be understood that without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the steps of the aforementioned method 900 may occur in an order different from that shown, one or more steps may be omitted, one or more steps may be inserted, and method 900 may be repeated and / or may be combined with or performed simultaneously with other methods.

[0048] Now go to Figure 8 , a method of administering an injection using a transdermal fluid transfer device is generally indicated by reference numeral 800. Method 800 may include first contacting a stopper of the transfer device to an injection site (820). Next, method 800 may include translating a second housing of the transfer device from a protective position to an injection position (830). The stopper of the transfer device may then be penetrated by a delivery needle (840), the delivery needle may be advanced into the injection site (850), the second housing may be translated from the injection position to the protective position (860), and the delivery needle may be sealed by the stopper (870).

[0049] In some embodiments, the method 800 may further include first aligning the stopper with the injection angle (810). For example, the shape of the stopper may be suitable for the type of injection, such as intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intravenous injection, etc., and the contact surface of the stopper may be aligned with the corresponding injection angle. In some embodiments, this step 810 may precede the remaining steps of the administration method 800.

[0050] And in the same or other embodiments, method 800 can further include sealing and restoring the plug (880) when the second housing is in the protective position. In some embodiments, this step 880 can occur after the remaining steps of method 800 are applied.

[0051] It should be understood that without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, the steps of the aforementioned method 800 may occur in an order different from that shown, one or more steps may be omitted, one or more steps may be inserted, and the method 800 may be repeated and / or may be combined with or performed simultaneously with other methods.

[0052] In some embodiments, any one of the clauses herein can be dependent on any one of the independent clauses or any one of the dependent clauses. In one aspect, any one of the clauses (e.g., dependent clauses or independent clauses) can be combined with any other one or more clauses (e.g., dependent clauses or independent clauses). In one aspect, the claim may include some or all of the words (e.g., steps, operations, means or parts) narrated in a clause, sentence, phrase or paragraph. In one aspect, the claim may include some or all of the words narrated in one or more clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs. In one aspect, some of the words in each of the clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs can be removed. In one aspect, additional words or elements can be added to clauses, sentences, phrases or paragraphs. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented without utilizing some of the parts, elements, functions or operations described herein. In one aspect, the subject technology can be implemented utilizing additional parts, elements, functions or operations.

[0053] Description of this subject technology

[0054] For example, the subject technology is illustrated according to the various aspects described below. For convenience, various examples of various aspects of the subject technology are described according to numbered clauses (1, 2, 3, etc.). These are provided only as examples and do not limit the subject technology. It should be noted that any dependent clauses can be combined in any combination and placed in corresponding independent clauses, such as clause 1 or clause 5. Other clauses can be presented in a similar manner.

[0055] Clause 1. A fluid transfer device comprising: a first housing including a fixedly attached delivery needle; a second housing capable of longitudinally translating along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position; a biasing mechanism biasing the second housing toward the protection position; and a plug attached to a distal end of the second housing, wherein the second housing encloses a tip of the delivery needle when the second housing is in the protection position, the tip penetrates the plug when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position, and the tip is exposed when the second housing is in the injection position.

[0056] Clause 2. A fluid transfer device comprising: a first housing including a fixedly attached delivery needle; and a second housing including a stopper at a distal end and capable of longitudinally translating along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position, wherein the second housing is biased toward the protection position, and the needle penetrates the stopper when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

[0057] Clause 3. The fluid transfer device of Clause 2, further comprising a biasing mechanism that biases the second housing toward a protected position.

[0058] Clause 4. The fluid transfer device of clause 1 or clause 3, wherein the biasing mechanism is a spring.

[0059] Clause 5. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 2 to 4, wherein the second housing encapsulates a tip of the delivery needle when the second housing is in the protecting position.

[0060] Clause 6. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 1 to 5, wherein the stopper encapsulates and seals the tip when the second housing is in the protecting position.

[0061] Clause 7. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 2 to 6, wherein the tip of the delivery needle is exposed when the second housing is in the injection position.

[0062] Clause 8. The fluid transfer device of any one of clauses 1 to 8, further comprising: a filling cap removably attached to the first housing, the filling cap having a cap housing and a cap plug, the cap housing and the cap plug forming a sealed interior, wherein the cap plug is in contact with the stopper.

[0063] Clause 9. The fluid transfer device of Clause 8, wherein the needle penetrates the closure when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

[0064] Clause 10. The fluid transfer device of clause 8 or clause 9, wherein the filling cap receives delivered fluid from the delivery needle and stores the delivered fluid within the sealed interior.

[0065] Item 11. A fluid transfer device according to any one of Items 1 to 10, further comprising: a vial comprising a stored fluid and a pierceable membrane in contact with the stopper, wherein the delivery needle pierces the membrane when the second shell translates between the protection position and the injection position.

[0066] Clause 12. The fluid transfer device of any one of clauses 1 to 11, wherein the first housing further comprises a longitudinal rail having a baffle at a distal end; and the second housing further comprises a slot configured to receive the longitudinal rail.

[0067] Clause 13. The fluid transfer device of Clause 12, wherein the first housing comprises two longitudinal rails and the second housing comprises two slots, each slot being configured to receive one of the longitudinal rails.

[0068] Clause 14. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the stopper is one of a spherical shape, an oval shape, and a prismatic shape having a flat contact surface.

[0069] Clause 15. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the stopper comprises an angled flat contact surface.

[0070] Clause 16. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 1 to 15, wherein the stopper further comprises an exposed portion and a closed portion, and the exposed portion and the closed portion comprise different materials.

[0071] Clause 17. A method of providing a subcutaneous fluid transfer device, the method comprising: providing a first housing including a fixedly attached delivery needle; and providing a second housing including a plug at a distal end, the second housing being longitudinally translatable along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position, wherein the second housing is biased toward the protection position, and the needle penetrates the plug when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

[0072] Item 18. The method according to Item 17 further includes the following steps: providing a filling cap including a cap shell and a cap plug, wherein the cap shell and the cap plug form a sealed interior; and removably attaching the filling cap to the first shell so that the cap plug contacts the stopper.

[0073] Item 19. The method according to Item 17 or Item 18, further comprising a step of delivering fluid from the delivery needle to the filling cap without exposing the tip of the needle, the step comprising: translating the second shell from a protective position to an injection position; and pushing the delivery needle through the cap.

[0074] Item 20. A method according to any one of Items 17 to Item 19, further comprising: providing a vial comprising a pierceable membrane and a stored fluid; bringing the pierceable membrane into contact with the stopper; translating the second shell from a protective position to an injection position; pushing the delivery needle through the pierceable membrane; and receiving the fluid into the delivery needle.

[0075] Clause 21. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 1 to 13, wherein the stopper is replaceable and interchangeable in shape and material.

[0076] Clause 22. The fluid transfer device of any one of Clauses 1 to 13 and Clause 21, wherein the shape and material of the stopper are suitable for the type, location and angle of injection.

[0077] Item 23. A method for administering an injection using a subcutaneous fluid transfer device, comprising the following steps: contacting a stopper of the transfer device with an injection site; translating a second shell of the transfer device from a protective position to an injection position; piercing the stopper of the subcutaneous fluid transfer device with a delivery needle; advancing the delivery needle into the injection site; translating the second shell from the injection position to a protective position; and sealing the delivery needle with the stopper.

[0078] Clause 24. A fluid transfer device comprising: a delivery needle; and a housing comprising a proximal portion and a distal portion, the distal portion having a distal end and a plug located at the distal end, wherein the distal portion is longitudinally translatable along a portion of the proximal portion, the distal portion is biased distally, and when the distal portion translates distally, the delivery needle penetrates the plug.

[0079] The present disclosure is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the various aspects described herein. The present disclosure provides various examples of the subject technology, and the subject technology is not limited to these examples. Multiple modifications to these aspects are very clear to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects.

[0080] Unless expressly specified otherwise, elements referred to in the singular are not intended to mean "one and only one," but rather "one or more." Unless expressly specified otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Pronouns in the masculine (e.g., his) include the feminine and neuter genders (e.g., her and its) and vice versa. Headings and subheadings, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit the disclosure.

[0081] The word "exemplary" is used herein to mean "serving as an example or illustration." Any aspect or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one aspect, the various alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered to be at least equivalent.

[0082] Phrases such as "aspects" do not mean that such aspects are essential to the subject technology, or that such aspects apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to an aspect can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. One aspect can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "an aspect" can refer to one or more aspects, and vice versa. Phrases such as "embodiments" do not mean that such embodiments are essential to the subject technology, or that such embodiments apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to an embodiment can be applied to all embodiments or one or more embodiments. An embodiment can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as "embodiments" can refer to one or more embodiments, and vice versa. Phrases such as "configurations" do not mean that such configurations are essential to the subject technology, or that such configurations apply to all configurations of the subject technology. The disclosure related to a configuration can be applied to all configurations or one or more configurations. A configuration can provide one or more examples. Phrases such as this configuration can refer to one or more configurations, and vice versa.

[0083] In one aspect, unless otherwise indicated, all measurements, values, ratings, positions, sizes, dimensions, and other specifications in this specification, including those set forth in the appended claims, are approximate and not exact. In one aspect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they are related and with the customary practices in the art to which they belong.

[0084] In one aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to a direct coupling. In another aspect, the term "coupled" or the like may refer to an indirect coupling.

[0085] Terms such as "top", "bottom", "front", "rear", etc. used in this disclosure should be understood to refer to an arbitrary reference frame other than the common gravitational reference frame. Thus, the top surface, bottom surface, front surface, and rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in the gravitational reference frame.

[0086] Without departing from the scope of the subject technology, various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or divided in a different manner). All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described throughout the present disclosure are known to or will be known to those of ordinary skill in the art in the future, and are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be covered by the claims. In addition, regardless of whether such disclosure is explicitly stated in the claims, the content disclosed herein is not intended to be committed to the public. According to the provisions of the sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. §112, the elements of the claims will not be interpreted unless the phrase "means for..." is used to clearly state the element, or in the case of a method claim, the phrase "step for..." is used to state the element. In addition, for the scope of the terms "including", "having", etc. used, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "including", as explained when "including" is used as a transitional word in the claims.

[0087] The title, background technology, content of the invention, description of the drawings and abstract of the present disclosure are incorporated into the present disclosure and are provided as illustrative examples of the present disclosure, rather than restrictive descriptions. Submitting this application is based on the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the specific implementation, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples, and in order to simplify the present disclosure, various features are combined together in various embodiments. This disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the subject matter claimed for protection requires more features than those explicitly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the attached claims, the subject matter of the invention lies in less than all the features of a single disclosed configuration or operation. The attached claims are thus incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a subject matter claimed for protection.

[0088] The claims are not intended to be limited to the aspects described herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims and including all legal equivalents. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to encompass subject matter that fails to satisfy the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103, nor should they be interpreted in such a manner.

Claims

1. A fluid transfer device, comprising: a first housing including a fixedly attached delivery needle; a second housing capable of longitudinally translating along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position; a biasing mechanism for biasing the second housing toward a protective position; and a plug attached to a distal end of the second housing, Wherein, when the second shell is in the protection position, the second shell encapsulates the tip of the delivery needle, when the second shell translates between the protection position and the injection position, the tip penetrates the stopper, and when the second shell is in the injection position, the tip is exposed.

2. A fluid transfer device, comprising: a first housing including a fixedly attached delivery needle; and a second housing including a stopper at a distal end and being longitudinally translatable along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position, wherein the second housing is biased toward a protection position, and the needle penetrates the stopper when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

3. The fluid transfer device of claim 2, further comprising a biasing mechanism that biases the second housing toward a protective position.

4. The fluid transfer device according to claim 3, wherein: The biasing mechanism is a spring.

5. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, wherein: When the second housing is in the protecting position, the second housing encloses the tip of the delivery needle.

6. The fluid transfer device according to any one of claims 5, wherein: The plug encapsulates and seals the tip when the second housing is in the protecting position.

7. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, wherein: When the second housing is in the injection position, the tip of the delivery needle is exposed.

8. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, further comprising: a filling cap removably attached to the first housing, the filling cap having a cap housing and a cap plug, the cap housing and the cap plug forming a sealed interior, Wherein, the cover plug is in contact with the stopper.

9. The fluid transfer device according to claim 8, wherein: The needle penetrates the closure when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

10. The fluid transfer device according to claim 9, wherein: The filling cap receives delivered fluid from the delivery needle and stores the delivered fluid within the sealed interior.

11. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, further comprising: a medicine vial comprising a stored fluid and a pierceable membrane in contact with the stopper, Wherein, when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position, the delivery needle pierces the membrane.

12. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, wherein: The first housing further includes a longitudinal rail having a partition on a distal end; and the second housing further includes a slot configured to receive the longitudinal rail.

13. The fluid transfer device according to claim 12, wherein: The first housing includes two longitudinal rails and the second housing includes two slots, each slot being configured to receive one of the longitudinal rails.

14. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, wherein: The plug is one of a spherical shape, an oval shape, and a prismatic shape having a flat contact surface.

15. The fluid transfer device according to claim 14, wherein: The plug includes an angled flat contact surface.

16. The fluid transfer device according to claim 2, wherein: The plug further includes an exposed portion and a closed portion, and the exposed portion and the closed portion include different materials.

17. A method of providing a subcutaneous fluid transfer device, comprising: providing a first housing including a fixedly attached delivery needle; and providing a second housing including a stopper at a distal end, the second housing being longitudinally translatable along a portion of the first housing between a protection position and an injection position, wherein the second housing is biased toward a protection position, and the needle penetrates the stopper when the second housing translates between the protection position and the injection position.

18. The method according to claim 17, further comprising the steps of: providing a filling cap including a cap housing and a cap plug, the cap housing and the cap plug forming a sealed interior; and The filling cap is removably attached to the first housing such that the cap plug contacts the stopper.

19. The method of claim 17, further comprising the step of delivering fluid from the delivery needle to the filling cap without exposing the tip of the needle, the step comprising: translating the second housing from a protection position to an injection position; as well as The delivery needle is pushed through the closure.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Providing a vial comprising a pierceable membrane and a stored fluid; contacting the pierceable membrane to the stopper; translating the second housing from a protection position to an injection position; advancing the delivery needle through the pierceable membrane; as well as Fluid is received into the delivery needle.

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