Clamping piece for syringe testing system

Abstract

An example injection needle locator includes: a first clamping member including a first clamping surface on a first lateral side of the first clamping member; and a second gripping member comprising: a second gripping surface on a first lateral side of the second gripping member, the second gripping surface facing the first gripping surface, the second gripping surface comprising: a first section extending from a first end of the second gripping member and comprising a first profile configured to align a syringe; and a second section positioned relative to the first section toward the second end of the first clamp and having a second profile configured to cooperate with the first clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe.

Description

[0001] Related Application

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 558,971, entitled “GRIPS FOR INJECTOR TESTING SYSTEMS,” filed on February 28, 2024. The entire contents of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 558,971 are expressly incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to injection device testing and, more particularly, to a clamp for an injection testing system. Background Art

[0004] The injection testing system can test one or more aspects of an injection device (including an autoinjector), such as cap removal force, plunger actuation force, injection depth, injection time, needle retraction, and / or delivered dose. Summary of the Invention

[0005] There is disclosed a clamp for an injection testing system, substantially as illustrated by and described with reference to at least one of the accompanying drawings, as more fully set forth in the claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0007] Figure 1 is an example injection testing system for performing testing of an injection device according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example injection testing system including an injection needle locator and a clamp according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0009] Figure 3A and Figure 3B Can be used for implementation Figure 2 A perspective view of an example clamp of one of the clamps.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B A side view of an example clamp in a first orientation; Figure 4B yes Figure 3A and Figure 3B Side view of an example clamp in a second orientation.

[0011] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a perspective view of an example needle locator having an example clamp attached to a mounting block according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5A and Figure 5B A side view of an example injection needle positioner in a closed position when coupled to a mounting bracket in a first orientation.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 5A and Figure 5B A side view of an example injection needle positioner in a closed position when coupled to a mounting bracket in a second orientation.

[0014] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Demonstrated that it can be used for implementation Figure 2 Another example of a clamping member.

[0015] Figure 9 Demonstrated that it can be used for implementation Figure 2 Another example of an injection needle positioner includes two clamps coupled to the injection needle positioner via two mounting brackets.

[0016] The accompanying drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where appropriate, similar or identical reference numbers are used to designate similar or identical components. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] A needle testing device for measuring the dose delivered by a needle (particularly an autoinjector) includes a needle locator configured to align and securely position a syringe (e.g., an autoinjector) in a position suitable for various forms of testing and measuring the syringe. Conventional needle testing systems do not easily interface with certain types of syringes due to the syringe's geometry.

[0018] Disclosed example needle testing devices and injection testing systems include one or more clamps that provide excellent clamping characteristics.Some example needle testing systems include a needle locator that enables alignment of a syringe.

[0019] The disclosed example injection needle locator includes: a first clamping member, the first clamping member including a first clamping surface on a first lateral side of the first clamping member; and a second clamping member, the second clamping member including: a second clamping surface on the first lateral side of the second clamping member, the second clamping surface facing the first clamping surface, the second clamping surface including: a first section extending from a first end of the second clamping member and including a first profile configured to align a syringe; and a second section positioned relative to the first section toward the second end of the first clamping member and having a second profile configured to cooperate with the first clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe.

[0020] In some example injection needle locators, the first clamping surface includes a third segment and a fourth segment, the third segment extending from the first end of the first clamp and having a third profile configured to align the syringe, the fourth segment oriented toward the second end of the first clamp relative to the third segment and having a fourth profile configured to cooperate with the third segment and the second clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe.

[0021] In some example needle positioners, the first profile of the second clamp includes an angled alignment portion. In some example needle positioners, the angled alignment portion extends toward a second lateral side of the second clamp opposite the first lateral side.

[0022] In some examples of the needle locator, the second profile of the second clamping member includes an angled clamping portion. In some examples of the needle locator, the angled clamping portion extends at an angle away from a second lateral side of the second clamping member opposite the first lateral side. In some examples of the needle locator, the angle is less than 90 degrees relative to the second lateral side of the second clamping member. In some examples of the needle locator, the angled clamping portion extends away from and perpendicular to the second lateral side of the second clamping member.

[0023] In some example needle locators, the first profile of the second clamp is configured to align a syringe having an asymmetric geometry. In some example needle locators, the first clamp is configured to align a syringe having an asymmetric geometry. In some example needle locators, the first profile of the second clamp is configured to align a syringe having a symmetric geometry. In some example needle locators, the symmetric geometry is a cylindrical, elliptical, or semi-square geometry. In some example needle locators, the first clamp is configured to align a syringe having a symmetric geometry. In some example needle locators, the symmetric geometry is a cylindrical, elliptical, or semi-square geometry.

[0024] In some example injection needle positioners, at least a portion of at least one of the first clamping surface or the second clamping surface includes a non-slip coating.

[0025] In some example needle positioners, each clamp further comprises one or more accessory mounting holes. In some example needle positioners, the one or more accessory mounting holes are configured to interface with one or more custom plates.

[0026] In some examples of the needle locator, each clamping member further includes a first mounting recess configured to align with the mounting bracket. In some examples of the needle locator, each clamping member further includes one or more mounting holes configured to align with one or more mounting openings on the mounting bracket. In some examples of the needle locator, the first section of the second clamping surface includes a first alignment surface on a first side of the mounting recess and a second alignment surface on a second side of the mounting recess, wherein the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface have the same profile.

[0027] The disclosed example needle testing system includes: a positioning plate having a first side configured to contact a syringe, the syringe having a second side opposite the first side; a needle locator configured to align the syringe with at least one of a second needle locator or the positioning plate, the needle locator including: a first clamping member including a first clamping surface on a first lateral side of the first clamping member; and a second clamping member including: a second clamping surface on a first lateral side of the second clamping member, the second clamping surface facing the first clamping surface, the second clamping surface including: a first section extending from a first end of the second clamping member and having a first profile configured to align the syringe; a second section facing the second end of the first clamping member relative to the first section and having a second profile configured to cooperate with the first section and the first clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe; and a syringe actuator configured to actuate the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe through the needle of the syringe.

[0028] Figure 1 1 is an example injection testing system 100 for performing tests on an injection device, such as an autoinjector 102. The example injection testing system 100 can be configured, for example, to perform some or all tests to evaluate the requirements of the ISO 11608-5 standard. The example injection testing system 100 can be, for example, a general-purpose testing system configured for injection testing.

[0029] Figure 1The example injection testing system 100 includes: (multiple) positioning devices (e.g., for positioning the autoinjector 102 in one or more positions and / or orientations for automatic testing); (multiple) actuators (e.g., for actuating components of the autoinjector 102, for actuating (multiple) positioning devices, for positioning and / or orienting the test device, etc.); and / or sensors for measuring various aspects of the autoinjector 102 during testing (e.g., load cells for measuring (multiple) actuation forces, auditory sensors for detecting auditory events), mass scales for measuring expelled doses, displacement and / or position sensors for triggering test steps and / or for measuring displacement of components of the autoinjector 102, etc. The example injection testing system may include one or more cameras for, for example, recording injection events and / or performing optical measurements of needle extension and / or injection duration. The example injection testing system 100 further includes one or more user interface devices, such as a display 104 and an input device 106.

[0030] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example injection test system 200 that may be used to implement Figure 1 Some or all components of the injection testing system 100.

[0031] The example injection testing system 200 includes a needle locator 202, a syringe actuator 204, a syringe collector 206, and a control circuit system 208. The needle locator 202 positions and / or orients a syringe 210 (e.g., an automatic syringe) for performing one or more tests in the injection testing system 200. For example, the needle locator 202 can grip the syringe 210 and move and / or rotate the syringe 210 to perform the test. The needle locator can grip the syringe 210 by two or more clamps 202a, which can be arranged in one or more groups of clamps 202a. The position of the needle locator 202 and / or the syringe 210 can be measured by one or more displacement sensors 212, which provide displacement and / or position information to the control circuit system 208.

[0032] The syringe actuator 204 actuates one or more aspects of the syringe 210, such as the plunger or other injection mechanism of the syringe 210. The force applied by the syringe actuator 204 may be measured by a force sensor 214, which provides the force measurements to the control circuitry 208.

[0033] The syringe collector 206 includes a loading surface (e.g., a positioning plate 216), a blow-off nozzle 218, and a collection container 220. The collection container 220 and the syringe 210 are positioned so that when the syringe 210 is actuated to discharge the fluid contained in the syringe 210, the fluid is discharged into the collection container 220. The collection sensor 222 measures the mass and / or volume collected in the collection container 220 and provides the mass or volume measurement to the control circuit system 208.

[0034] The positioning plate 216 allows the needle 224 of the syringe 210 to extend through the positioning plate 216 toward the collection container 220. The positioning plate 216 can prevent the body of the syringe 210 from extending through the positioning plate 216 using orifices that are appropriately sized for the needle 224 and body of the syringe 210, respectively. To test the dispensing of the contained fluid, the needle positioner 202 can position the syringe 210 in contact with or against the positioning plate 216 so that the needle 224 extends through the orifice of the positioning plate 216. When the syringe 210 is positioned, the syringe 210 can be actuated (e.g., manually or automatically via the syringe actuator 204) to expel the contents of the syringe 210 into the collection container 220.

[0035] While the examples disclosed herein use the positioning plate 216 as a loading surface, other examples may use different types of loading surfaces against which the syringe 210 can be actuated to expose the needle 224 and / or expel the contents of the syringe 210. For example, rods or other structural members may be used that are positioned to contact the body of the syringe 210 on the top side of the loading surface and avoid obstruction of the needle 224. In some such examples, the blow-off nozzle 218 may be coupled to another surface within the syringe collector 206 adjacent to the bottom side of the loading surface and / or adjacent to the location of the needle 224, or otherwise be adjustably supported.

[0036] At the end of actuation of the syringe 210, the blow-off nozzle 218 is controlled to blow the last drop of fluid from the needle tip or near the needle tip into the collection container 220. A gas supply 226 provides gas, such as nitrogen or air, to the blow-off nozzle 218. The gas supply 226 can be, for example, a compressed gas source, a pneumatic pump, or a blower. The blow-off nozzle 218 can be positioned and / or oriented to adjust the position at which the blow-off gas strikes the needle 224, and / or can be positioned and / or oriented to cause the blow-off gas to strike the needle 224 over a range of needle lengths.

[0037] Example control circuit system 208 can be a general-purpose computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and / or any other type of processing system configured to communicate with the sensors and actuators of injection test system 200. For example, control circuit system 208 includes processor 228, memory 230, and storage device 232. Example processor 228 can be any general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) from any manufacturer. In some other examples, processor 228 can include one or more dedicated processing units, such as a RISC processor with an ARM core, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, and / or a system-on-chip (SoC). Processor 228 executes machine-readable instructions 234, which can be stored locally at the processor (e.g., in the included cache or SoC), stored in memory (e.g., random access memory or other volatile memory, read-only memory, or other non-volatile memory such as flash memory), and / or stored in storage device 232. Example storage device 232 can be a hard disk drive, a solid-state storage drive, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and / or any other large-capacity data storage device.

[0038] Figure 3A and Figure 3B is a perspective view of an example gripper 202a. As discussed previously, injection needle locator 202 can include one or more grippers 202a through which injection needle locator 202 can grasp syringe 210. Figure 4A is Figure 3A and Figure 3B a side view of an example gripper in a first orientation, and Figure 4B is Figure 3A and Figure 3B a side view of an example gripper in a second orientation.

[0039] Example gripper 202a includes a gripping surface 302 that is located on a first lateral side opposite the second lateral side of gripper 202a. Example gripping surface 302 includes two or more sections, such as a first section 304 and a second section 306. First section 304 extends from or toward a first end 308 of gripper 202a, and second section 306 extends from or toward a second end 310 of gripper 202a. Each section 304, 306 has a profile configured to dock with syringe 210. The first section 304 and the second section 306 of example gripper 202a have different profiles to dock with syringe 210. Example first section 304 has a local height g that is less than the height h of gripping surface 302 (e.g., g < h), and second section 306 has a height j that extends over the entire height h of gripping surface 302 (e.g., j = h).

[0040] As described above, the profile of each section 304, 306 of the example clamp 202a is configured to interface with the syringe 210. To this end, the example first section 304 includes a profile configured to align the syringe 210 when the clamp 202a is engaged with the syringe 210. For example, when the clamp 202a is closed over the syringe 210 and physically engages the syringe (e.g., engaging the syringe with the first and second clamps 202a, wherein the first and second clamps face each other), a force is applied to the surface of the syringe 210 by the first section 304 to adjust the orientation of the syringe 210 until the surface of the syringe 210 substantially evenly contacts the first section 304, which urges the syringe 210 into alignment with a desired position (e.g., aligned with a gripping portion of the clamp 202a, such as the angled gripping portion 314). In some examples, the alignment portion of the first section 304 is an angled alignment portion 312 for at least one of the mutually opposing clamps 202a. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The angled alignment portion 312 extends at an angle toward a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side of the clamp 202a (eg, from a first end 312a to a second end 312b of the angled alignment portion 312). Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , but different angles can be used. In other examples, the alignment portion 312 can include other profiles, such as a curved alignment portion.

[0041] The second section 306 includes a second profile that is configured to securely grip the syringe 210. To this end, the example second profile of the second section 306 is configured to cooperate with another clamping surface 302 to securely grip the syringe 210 (e.g., the first clamp 202a cooperates with the second clamp 202a, wherein the first clamp and the second clamp face each other). The example second profile includes an angled gripping portion 314. Thus, the example clamp 202a can be configured to securely grip the syringe 210 using the angled gripping portion 314 of the clamp 202a, as shown. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7In some examples, the angled clamping portion 314 extends at an angle away from a second lateral side opposite the first lateral side of the clamp 202a (e.g., from a first end 314a to a second end 314b of the angled clamping portion 314). Figure 3A 、 Figure 3B 、 Figure 4A 、 Figure 4B 、 Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 , but different angles can be used. For example, the angled clamping portion 314 can extend away from the second lateral side of the clamp 202a at an angle (e.g., 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 degrees) less than 90 degrees relative to the second lateral side of the clamp 202a. In other examples, the angled clamping portion 314 extends away from and perpendicular to the second lateral side of the clamp 202a. Therefore, the relative angles of the angled alignment portion 312 and the angled clamping portion 314 can be directed to form a V-shaped surface that is configured to securely grip the syringe 210. In other examples, the clamping portion can include other profiles, such as a curved clamping portion.

[0042] As described above, the profile of each section 304, 306 of the example clamp 202a is configured to interface with the syringe 210. To this end, the shape of the profile can vary depending on the shape of the syringe 210. For example, each section 304 and 306 can be configured to interface with a syringe 210 having an asymmetric geometry. Thus, the example clamp 202a is configured to align (e.g., using the angled alignment portion 312) and clamp (e.g., using the angled alignment portion 312 and the angled clamping portion 314) a syringe 210 having an asymmetric geometry. In another example, each section 304 and 306 can be configured to interface with a syringe 210 having a symmetric geometry. Thus, the example clamp 202a is configured to align (e.g., using the angled alignment portion 312) and clamp (e.g., using the angled clamping portion 314) a syringe 210 having a symmetric geometry. Example symmetric geometries of syringes 210 include cylindrical, elliptical, and semi-square geometries.

[0043] In some examples, the clamping member 202a is made of an uncoated material. In other examples, at least a portion of the clamping member 202a includes an anti-slip coating. The anti-slip coating of the example clamping member 202a is configured to increase the stability of the syringe 210 when it is engaged by the two clamping members 202a. Various anti-slip coatings can be included. In some examples, the anti-slip coating is a surface alloy coating, rubber, brake lining material, and / or any other suitable coating material. Additionally or alternatively, in the absence of a coating, the clamping surface 302 can be knurled or otherwise textured to increase friction between the clamping member 202a and the syringe 210. The clamping member 202a (including the clamping surface 302) can also be sandblasted, passivated and / or otherwise treated to improve aesthetics and / or corrosion resistance.

[0044] The clamp 202a may include one or more mounting grooves 318 through which the clamp 202a may dock with or couple to the needle locator 202. For example, the clamp 202a may include a single mounting groove 318. The mounting groove 318 is configured to dock with or couple to the mounting bracket 504 of the needle locator 202, as described below. The mounting groove 318 may extend through a portion of the length of the clamp 202a or through the entire length of the clamp 202a. The size and shape of the mounting groove 318 may be selected to accommodate the shape and orientation of the mounting bracket 504. For example, the mounting groove 318 may be square, semi-square, rectangular, circular, oval, or any other suitable shape.

[0045] The clamp 202a may include one or more accessory mounting holes 402. The accessory mounting holes 402 may be threaded and configured to interface with threaded mounting screws. The accessory mounting holes 402 may be configured to interface with or connect to various accessories on either side of the example clamp 202a. For example, the accessory mounting holes 402 may be configured to interface with one or more custom plates. In some examples, the one or more custom plates are configured to alter, customize, and / or replace the profile of the first section 304 and / or the second section 306 of the clamping surface 302. For example, a custom plate may be attached to each clamp 202a via the accessory mounting holes 402. The profile of the custom plate may be configured to engage the syringe 210 before the syringe 210 is engaged by the clamp 202a, thereby enabling the custom plate to perform clamping of the syringe 210. As previously disclosed, the custom plate may be coated to achieve better clamping. As described above, the shape of the profile may be configured to interface with a syringe 210 having a certain geometry (e.g., a symmetrical or asymmetrical geometry). The clamp 202a may include more or fewer accessory mounting holes 402 than shown in the illustrated example. For example, the clamp 202a may include one or more additional alignment holes that may be engaged by the custom plate and / or by an alignment object (e.g., a pin) that facilitates proper alignment of the custom plate.

[0046] Figure 5A and Figure 5B is a perspective view of an example needle locator 202 including a clamp 202 a coupled to the needle locator 202 via a mounting bracket 504 . Figure 6 is a side view of the example needle positioner of FIG. 5 , with the clamp 202a in a partially closed position when coupled to the mounting bracket in a first orientation. Figure 7 5 is a side view of the example needle positioner of FIG. 5 , wherein the clamp 202a is in a partially closed position when coupled to the mounting bracket in a second orientation. Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown, the example clamp 202a includes one or more mounting holes 316 configured to interface with or couple to the mounting bracket 504. The mounting holes can be oriented perpendicular to the mounting recesses 318. In some examples, the mounting holes 316 are threaded and configured to interface with threaded mounting screws 502 to couple to the mounting bracket 504. In other examples, the one or more threaded mounting screws 502 can interface with one or more mounting openings located on the mounting bracket 504 to securely couple the clamp 202a to the mounting bracket 504.

[0047] like Figure 5A and Figure 5BAs shown, the example needle locator 202 includes two clamps 202a, 202b coupled to the needle locator 202 via two mounting brackets 504. The example clamps 202a, 202b have a mirrored arrangement. When in the open position, there is a space between the clamps 202a, 202b such that the clamps 202a, 202b are oriented to receive a syringe 210 (e.g., an auto-injector). The two clamps 202a, 202b can be moved laterally toward one clamp to a closed position. When in the closed position, the example clamps 202a, 202b are configured to securely hold the syringe 210. As shown in FIG. Figure 5A 、 Figure 5B 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, each clamping member 202a of the injection needle positioner 202 may include the above-mentioned and Figure 1 to some or all of the components of the clamp 202a shown in FIG. 4 .

[0048] Figure 6 The syringe 210 is shown misaligned in position between the example clamps 202a, 202b. When the clamps 202a, 202b are closed toward the syringe 210 (as indicated by arrows 602), the alignment portions 312 of the respective clamps 202a, 202b align the syringe 210 (as shown by rotational direction 604, or alternatively, by pushing the upper portion of the syringe 210 in direction 606). When the clamps 202a, 202b are fully closed on the syringe 210, the syringe 210 is held in the desired position by the alignment portions 312 and the clamping portions 314 of the clamps 202a, 202b.

[0049] Figure 8A and Figure 8B Demonstrated that it can be used to implement Figure 2 Another example clamp 800 of the clamping members 202a, 202b. The example clamp 800 includes a clamping surface 802 having a first section 804 and a second section 806. The clamping surface 802, the first section 804 and the second section 806 respectively provide Figure 3A and Figure 3B The clamping surface 802, the first segment 304, and the second segment 306 of the example clamp 800 can be configured to perform the same alignment and clamping functions as those of the clamping surface 302, the first segment 304, and the second segment 306. The clamping surface 802, the first segment 804, and the second segment 806 can include the same materials and / or coatings as previously disclosed with respect to the clamping surface 302, the first segment 304, and the second segment 306. Specifically, the contours of each segment 804, 806 of the example clamp 800 are configured to interface with the syringe 210.

[0050] and Figure 3A and Figure 3BCompared to the example clamp 202a, the example first section 804 includes an upper surface 808a and a lower surface 808b separated by a mounting recess 810. The mounting recess 810 accommodates the mounting bracket 504 for attaching the clamp 800 to the needle locator 202 via a fastener (such as a mounting screw 502) and a mounting hole 812. The upper surface 808a and the lower surface 808b are configured to align with the clamp 800 when the clamp 800 engages the syringe 210. Figure 3A and Figure 3B The syringe 210 may be aligned in the same or similar manner as disclosed in the first section 304 of the present invention, such as by introducing an angled alignment portion 814 and an angled clamping portion 816. The angled alignment portion 814 has a Figure 3A and Figure 3B The angled alignment portion 814 has the same profile as the angled clamping portion 316, and the angled clamping portion 816 has the same profile as the angled clamping portion 316. However, the alignment portion 814 can have other profiles.

[0051] The example clamp 800 is reversible in that the clamp 800 can be used on either side of the syringe 210, which allows for a reduction in the number of clamp types required by the operator. Figure 9 Another example needle locator 900 that may be used to implement the needle locator 202 is shown and includes two clamps 800 coupled to the needle locator 900 via two mounting brackets 504 .

[0052] The clamp 800 can include one or more accessory mounting holes 818. The accessory mounting holes 818 can be threaded and configured to interface with threaded mounting screws. The accessory mounting holes 818 can be configured to interface with or couple to a variety of accessories and can be positioned on either or both sides of the example clamp 800. For example, the accessory mounting holes 818 can be configured to interface with one or more custom plates. In some examples, the one or more custom plates are configured to alter, customize, and / or replace the profile of the first section 804 and / or the second section 806 of the clamp face 802. For example, a custom plate can be attached to each clamp 800 via the accessory mounting holes 818.

[0053] The present method and system can be implemented with hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The present method and / or system can be implemented in a centralized manner in at least one computing system, or can be implemented in a distributed manner with different elements spread over several interconnected computing systems. Any type of computing system or other device adapted to perform the method described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can include a general-purpose computing system with a program or other code, which controls the computing system when loaded and executed so that the computing system performs the method described herein. Another typical implementation can include a dedicated integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments can include non-transient machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) media (e.g., flash drive, optical disc, magnetic storage disk, etc.), which stores one or more lines of code that can be executed by a machine, so that the machine performs a process as described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transient machine-readable medium" is defined as including all types of machine-readable storage media and excluding propagation signals.

[0054] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can configure, be executed by, and / or otherwise be associated with the hardware. As used herein, for example, a specific processor and memory may constitute a first "circuit" when executing a first one or more lines of code, and a second "circuit" when executing a second one or more lines of code. As used herein, "and / or" refers to any one or more of the multiple items connected by "and / or" in a list. As an example, "x and / or y" refers to any element in a three-element set {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" refers to "one or both of x and y." As another example, "x, y, and / or z" refers to any element in a seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x, y), (x, z), (y, z), (x, y, z)}. In other words, "x, y, and / or z" refers to "one or more of x, y, and z." As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the terms "e.g.," and "for example" introduce a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, a circuit system is "operable" to perform a function when the circuit system includes the necessary hardware and code (if necessary) to perform the function, regardless of whether performance of the function is disabled or not enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, a factory adjustment, etc.).

[0055] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. For example, the frames and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, split, rearranged and / or otherwise modified. Additionally, many modifications may be made to adapt specific circumstances or materials to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed. Rather, the present method and / or system will include all embodiments that fall within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and according to the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. An injection needle locator, comprising: a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface on a first lateral side of the first clamping member; as well as A second clamping member, wherein the second clamping member comprises: a second clamping surface on the first lateral side of the second clamping member, the second clamping surface facing the first clamping surface, the second clamping surface comprising: a first section extending from the first end of the second clamp and comprising a first profile configured to align a syringe; and A second section is positioned relative to the first section toward a second end of the first clamp and has a second profile configured to cooperate with the first clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe.

2. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: The first clamping surface includes a third section and a fourth section, the third section extending from the first end of the first clamping member and having a third profile configured to align the syringe, the fourth section facing the second end of the first clamping member relative to the third section and having a fourth profile configured to cooperate with the third section and the second clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe.

3. The injection needle positioner according to claim 1, wherein: The first profile of the second clamp includes an angled alignment portion.

4. The injection needle positioner according to claim 3, wherein: The angled alignment portion extends toward a second lateral side of the second clamp opposite the first lateral side.

5. The injection needle positioner according to claim 1, wherein: The second profile of the second clamping member includes an angled clamping portion.

6. The injection needle positioner according to claim 5, wherein: The angled clamping portion extends at an angle away from a second lateral side of the second clamping member opposite the first lateral side.

7. The injection needle positioner according to claim 6, wherein: The angle is less than 90 degrees relative to the second lateral side of the second clamp.

8. The injection needle positioner according to claim 6, wherein: The angled clamping portion extends away from and perpendicular to the second lateral side of the second clamping member.

9. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: The first profile of the second clamp is configured to align the syringe having an asymmetric geometry.

10. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: The first clamp is configured to align the syringe having an asymmetric geometry.

11. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: The first profile of the second clamp is configured to align the syringe having a symmetrical geometry.

12. The injection needle locator according to claim 11, wherein: The symmetrical geometry is a cylindrical, elliptical or semi-square geometry.

13. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: The first clamp is configured to align the syringe having a symmetrical geometry.

14. The injection needle locator according to claim 13, wherein: The symmetrical geometry is a cylindrical, elliptical or semi-square geometry.

15. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of at least one of the first clamping surface or the second clamping surface includes a non-slip coating.

16. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: Each clamp further includes one or more accessory mounting holes configured to interface with one or more custom plates.

17. The injection needle locator according to claim 1, wherein: The second clamp further includes a mounting groove configured to align with the mounting bracket.

18. The injection needle locator according to claim 17, wherein: The second clamp further includes one or more mounting holes configured to align with one or more mounting openings on the mounting bracket.

19. The injection needle locator according to claim 17, wherein: The first section of the second clamping surface includes a first alignment surface on a first side of the mounting groove and a second alignment surface on a second side of the mounting groove, the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface having the same profile.

20. An injection needle testing system, comprising: a positioning plate having a first side configured to contact a syringe, the syringe having a second side opposite the first side; a needle locator configured to align the syringe with at least one of a second needle locator or the locating plate, the needle locator comprising: a first clamping member comprising a first clamping surface on a first lateral side of the first clamping member; and A second clamping member, wherein the second clamping member comprises: a second clamping surface on the first lateral side of the second clamping member, the second clamping surface facing the first clamping surface, the second clamping surface comprising: a first section extending from a first end of the second clamp and having a first profile configured to align the syringe; and a second section, the second section being positioned toward a second end of the first clamp relative to the first section and having a second profile configured to cooperate with the first section and the first clamping surface to securely clamp the syringe; and A syringe actuator is configured to actuate the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe through the needle of the syringe.

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