Device for coupling a syringe to an actuator
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2023765256
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-09-21
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-05
- Publication Date
- 2025-07-30
AI Technical Summary
Existing automated devices for administering radiopharmaceutical doses require complex and dexterous assembly processes, with manual docking and undocking of syringe actuators, which can be time-consuming and prone to errors, and lack a play-free coupling mechanism.
A device featuring a reversible coupling system with a sliding sleeve and pivoting hooks that automatically secure and release the syringe pusher, utilizing a pre-loaded spring and chamfered hooks to ensure precise alignment and eliminate play, along with an optional force sensor for measuring injection forces.
Enables simple, rapid, and precise coupling of syringe actuators, ensuring accurate and reliable administration of radiopharmaceutical doses with minimal operator dexterity required, and allows for automatic or manual operation to facilitate easy removal during machine breakdowns.
Smart Images

Figure 1.1
Abstract
Description
DEVICE FOR COUPLING A SYRINGE TO AN ACTUATOR Subject of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of automated devices for administering precise doses of drugs, for example intravenously, subcutaneously, etc., to a patient, in particular doses of radiopharmaceutical products.
[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a system for coupling a syringe to an actuator. State of the art and position of the problem
[0003] Automated devices for administering radiopharmaceutical doses are known, which withdraw a volume of solution corresponding to a required amount of radioactivity from a multi-dose vial. The device then pushes the withdrawn volume into a transfer line connected to the patient. The assembly of lines and other devices for administering doses to the patient constitutes a kit that must be replaced daily.
[0004] In a particular embodiment where the dosage is carried out by means of a syringe combined with a three-way valve, a representation of an example of a kit of this type is given in the diagram of figure 1. The kit 100 comprises: - a syringe 101 whose nominal capacity is, for example, 10 mL; - a 107 bottle of radiopharmaceutical product, for example with a maximum capacity of 20 mL, typically filled with 10-15 mL of solution, and fitted with a septum to be pierced; - a three-way valve 103; - a container containing saline 109 and a line 108; - a sampling line 106 connecting the radiopharmaceutical product bottle 107, via a needle 118 piercing the septum of the bottle and a tube passing through a bubble detector 112, to the three-way valve 103; - a “T” 104 connecting the three-way valve 103 to the NaCI solution line 108, to the injection line 110 and to the syringe 101-^ - line 108 connecting the saline container 109 to the injection line 110 via a non-return valve 105; - the injection line 110 comprising a non-return valve 105', a ventilated filter 111 and a self-sealing Luer connector 113. This line passes through a bubble detector 112' upstream of the self-sealing connector 113; - a patient extension 114 connected downstream of the line 110 by means of a Luer connector 115 and comprising at its other end another Luer connector 116, the connector 116 connecting either to a catheter, or to a transfusion line, or even to another syringe for preparing a dose in a syringe external to the machine with a view to manually administering this dose to a patient; - an activimeter 117 located at the height of the syringe 101.
[0005] The automated sequence of operations performed using the 100 kit is as follows: - a certain quantity of solution is withdrawn from the bottle 107 by suction through the sampling line 106 and via the three-way valve 103 by the syringe 101 whose piston is withdrawn by the actuator, the sampling line being open and the injection line closed by the three-way valve 103; - the concentration of the injectable solution can be adjusted by withdrawing via the three-way valve an appropriate quantity of saline from the saline container 109, via the line 108, which is drawn into the syringe 101; - the possibly diluted solution is injected via the three-way valve 103 by the injection line 110, the sampling line 106 being closed. The ventilated filter 111 prevents the passage of bubbles towards the patient and the detector 112' checks this; - the solution is routed to the patient extension 114.
[0006] The person skilled in the art who is called upon to design such a device must take into account various considerations which determine: - the precision required for sampling: the dose administered to the patient must be very precise (e.g. + / -5%), regardless of the concentration of the starting product. Both the concentration of the starting product and the dose to be administered (which depends on the patient's weight, and can even be pediatric) are very variable; - the choice of the maximum volume of the syringe and - control of the pressure exerted on the syringe when it is activated.
[0007] Other ergonomic and practical considerations determine the placement and replacement operations of the kit including the syringe.
[0008] Based on these considerations, the placement and replacement of the kit on its actuating device, called an injector, must be simple and rapid. The operation and performance of the administration system must be independent of the operator's dexterity.
[0009] In particular, the docking and undocking of the syringe plunger to the actuator coupling, once the kit is in place, must be automatic. This coupling must not include any “active” components, i.e., components that would need to be specifically activated by the control system beyond the syringe actuator itself. This mechanism for hooking and releasing the plunger must therefore be passive. In addition, when the plunger is docked to the actuator coupling, no play can remain between it and the actuator.
[0010] WO 2018 / 075386 A1 discloses an engagement mechanism associated with a reciprocally movable plunger of a fluid injector configured to releasably engage an engagement portion at a proximal end of a rolling diaphragm syringe, having a sidewall flexible configured to roll on itself when urged by the plunger. The engagement mechanism comprises a plurality of engagement elements reversibly and radially movable relative to the engagement portion of the syringe between a first position, where the plurality of engagement elements are disengaged from the engagement portion of the syringe, and a second position, where the plurality of engagement elements are engaged with the engagement portion of the syringe. The engagement mechanism further comprises a drive mechanism for moving the plurality of engagement elements between the first position and the second position.
[0011] WO 2015 / 085929 A1 discloses a syringe plunger clamping device for syringe pumps comprising a housing, a lever, a connecting rod, a limiting member, an elastic member, a clamping jaw, and a knob. The middle portion of the lever is rotatably connected to the housing, the connecting rod slidably passes through the housing, and one end of the connecting rod is movably connected to one end of the lever. The limiting member is fixed on the connecting rod, the elastic member is sleeved on the connecting rod, and two ends of the elastic member respectively abut against the inner wall of the housing and the limiting member. The clamping jaw is disposed on the housing and is fixedly connected to the end of the connecting rod that is far from the lever, and the clamping jaw is engaged with the outer surface of the housing so as to clamp the plunger of a syringe.The button slides through the housing and contacts the end of the lever away from the connecting rod. The button can slide into the housing to push the lever into rotation, thereby causing the connecting rod to slide out of the housing.
[0012] WO 97 / 07838 A1 discloses a syringe driver device capable of performing controlled parenteral infusion of a medical fluid using an available disposable syringe. The driver device comprises a frame having a movable carriage, in which is housed a force-applying member mounted thereon. A disposable syringe mounts on the frame and a long microbore tube attaches to the outlet tip of the syringe. When force is applied to the syringe plunger, fluid is expelled from the syringe, but its rate of flow depends on the diameter of the microbore tube. The driver device allows for the administration of multiple, sequential doses of fluid.
[0013] EP 1 447 105 A2 discloses a liquid injector having a gripping sensor disposed on the front face of a piston tappet for detecting when a piston is pushed by the piston tappet to thereby detect when a piston flange disposed on the piston is gripped by a pair of engagement claws on the piston tappet. The piston tappet cannot be actuated when the piston flange is not gripped by the engagement claws.
[0014] EP 1 779 830 A1 discloses a drug transfer device comprising a vertically movable vial clamp for holding vials of different sizes in position with their septum downwards, a syringe holder and an actuator which comprises a gripper for gripping the syringe plunger and a movable tray for supporting a bag containing an infusion solution. The syringe holder is movable between a suction position under the vial clamp with the syringe or needle attached to it points towards the septum of the vial and an expulsion position in which the syringe or needle attached to it points towards an injection port of the infusion bag. When the vial and syringe are in place with the syringe holder in the suction position, the vial clamp moves downwards so that the syringe needle pierces the septum.The actuator withdraws the plunger to a preset distance, drawing in the desired amount of medication. The vial clamp then moves up, releasing the needle. This is followed by the syringe holder moving to the expulsion position. The platen then moves toward the syringe holder until the needle enters the injection port. The actuator then depresses the plunger, and the medication is expelled into the bag, after which the platen is moved away from the syringe to disengage the needle.
[0015] WO 2014 / 129493 A1 discloses a chemical solution suction device provided with a piston holding mechanism that holds a piston member, and a cylinder holding mechanism that holds a cylinder member. The piston holding mechanism and the cylinder holding mechanism are configured to be movable such that the piston holding mechanism and the cylinder holding mechanism approach and separate from each other. In addition, the chemical solution suction device is provided with a pressing mechanism that applies a pressing force to the piston holding mechanism and / or the cylinder holding mechanism, thereby moving one of the piston holding mechanism and the cylinder holding mechanism from (i) a first state in which the piston holding mechanism and the cylinder holding mechanism are located in proximity to each other to (ii) a second state in which the two mechanisms are separated from each other by a predetermined distance. Aims of the invention
[0016] The present invention aims to provide a simple, precise and rapid coupling device between radiopharmaceutical kits and an automatic device for dispensing doses to a patient.
[0017] The invention also aims to produce a play-free coupling of the actuator with the syringe plunger. Main characteristic elements of the invention
[0018] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a device for reversibly coupling a syringe to an actuator, comprising an internal body with a longitudinal axis and an external sleeve capable of moving relative to the internal body along the longitudinal axis, the internal body comprising a sliding axis terminated by a play recovery plate held longitudinally inside the internal body in a rest position by a prestressed spring as well as at least one pair of hooks arranged longitudinally inside the internal body, mounted pivoting and retractable two by two around two respective axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an external part of the hooks being located opposite an internal part of the sleeve, characterized in that the hooks of the same pair each have a hooking zone at a proximal end of the play recovery plate,and are connected to each other at a distal end by a return spring, the distal part of the hooks being provided, towards the outside, with a boss capable of being inserted into a hollow zone of a first depth of the internal profile of the sleeve in a rest position of the coupling device where the hooking zone of the hooks is in the blocking contact position of the push button, the hooks being brought together, the relative sliding of the sleeve with respect to the internal body, in which the sleeve moves away from said distal end, hooks (upwards, if the syringe is arranged above the coupling device), causing the hooks to open by pivoting about their respective pivot axes, due to the boss of each hook entering a hollow area of a second depth of the internal profile of the sleeve, the hollow area of a second depth being adjacent to the hollow area of a first depth, the first depth being greater than the second depth.
[0019] According to preferred embodiments, the device further comprises at least one of the following features, or a suitable combination of several of them: - the device has 2 to 4 pairs of hooks; - the hooks have a hooking region defined by a projecting part with a chamfer sloping inwards, followed by a recess, below the projecting part, the recess being sized to block without play, by means of the hooks, the play recovery plate pushed by its pre-stressed spring and attached to a push button of a syringe.
[0020] A second aspect of the invention relates to a reversible coupling of a syringe for injecting a metered product and an actuator, said syringe being provided with a pusher with a push button, said actuator being capable of being coupled to the pusher of the syringe by means of the device described above, characterized in that, in the coupled position, the button of the pusher of the syringe is blocked in the recess between the projecting part of the hooks (44) and the play recovery plate which, thanks to the prestressed spring, exerts a force directed towards the pusher, so as to eliminate any play between the pusher and the coupling device.
[0021] Advantageously, the reversible coupling comprises a force sensor arranged behind the coupling mechanism between the actuator and the coupling device and capable of directly measuring the forces during injection and during coupling.
[0022] A third aspect of the invention relates to an automatic machine for administering a dose of product, comprising an actuator (3) and at least one syringe (5) for injecting the dosed product provided with a pusher (6). with a push button (7), and a reversible coupling of the syringe (5) and the actuator (3), according to claim 5.
[0023] Preferably, the automatic machine for administering a dose of product is a machine for administering a radiopharmaceutical drug to a patient and the machine also comprises a disposable radiopharmaceutical kit comprising at least one syringe for administering the dose to the patient.
[0024] A fourth aspect of the invention relates to a method for reversibly coupling and decoupling at least one syringe and an actuator of the syringe, implementing the coupling device described above, comprising coupling steps and decoupling steps, the coupling being characterized by the following steps: - the coupling device is in the rest position, with the coupling body projecting relative to the sleeve towards the syringe, preferably upwards when the syringe is above the coupling device, respectively downwards when the syringe is below the coupling device; - the actuator pushes the coupling towards the syringe push button; - the push button pushes on the hooks at their chamfer and causes the hooks to open, the bosses of the hooks successively passing from contact with the hollow zone of a first depth of the internal profile of the sleeve to a non-contact position; - as soon as the push button has reached the end of the projecting part of the hooks, the closing of the hooks on the push button is automatic, thanks to the return spring, the push button and the game restart plate coming into contact and inserting themselves into the recess; and - the push button is locked without play between the hooks and the play restart plate.
[0025] Advantageously, the method of reversibly coupling and decoupling a syringe and a syringe actuator, implementing the coupling device described above, has a decoupling characterized by the following steps, once the reversible coupling of the syringe and the actuator is achieved as described above: - from the rest position of the coupling, the actuator pulls it in the direction of withdrawal of the pusher, preferably downwards, respectively upwards, depending on the relative position of the actuator and the syringe, causing a withdrawal movement of the pusher in the syringe; - the sleeve comes to a stop on a support surface of the actuator frame and stops while the body continues its travel, preferably continues to descend, respectively to rise, under the effect of the actuator; - the outer profile of the hooks cooperates by contact with the hollow zone of the inner profile of the sleeve, the bosses of the hooks passing successively from a contact with the hollow zone of a first depth of the inner profile of the sleeve to a contact with the hollow zone of a second depth of said profile, so as to pivot and open the hooks; - the push button is detached from the coupling and, if a vacuum has been previously created in the syringe by closing a valve communicating in a line downstream with the syringe, the push button automatically returns to the body of the syringe as soon as the hooks open; - the syringe is released from the coupling and can be removed.
[0026] Alternatively, the method of reversibly coupling and decoupling a syringe and a syringe actuator, implementing the device described above, is characterized by the following steps (not part of the invention): - from the rest position of the coupling, the sleeve is manually moved towards the syringe pusher, preferably the sleeve is manually raised or lowered towards the syringe pusher; - the outer profile of the hooks cooperates by contact with the hollow inner profile of the sleeve so as to pivot and open the hooks, the bosses of the hooks passing successively from contact with the hollow zone of a first depth of the inner profile of the sleeve to contact with the hollow zone of a second depth of said profile; - the push button is detached from the coupling and, if a vacuum has been previously created in the syringe by closing a valve communicating in a downstream line with the syringe, the push button automatically returns to the body of the syringe as soon as the hooks open, a withdrawal of the actuator alternatively allowing the push button to be released from the coupling device; - the syringe is released from the coupling and can be removed or used in place to continue sampling and injection operations by manual movements of the pusher.
[0027] Thus, in the event of a machine breakdown, manual operation allows the pusher to be released from the faulty actuator. Brief description of the figures
[0028] Figure 1 schematically shows the components and operation of a kit used in an automatic radiopharmaceutical dose administration device in a particular embodiment of the invention.
[0029] Figure 2 shows a three-dimensional overall view of the actuator, the syringe and the coupling device of the two elements according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 3 shows different sectional views of the coupling and its components (according to orthogonal planes).
[0031] Figure 4 shows views of the coupling respectively in position with closed hooks (a) and open hooks (b).
[0032] Figure 5 shows in several views the mechanism for securing the syringe with relative movement of the coupling with respect to the syringe and opening / closing of the hooks.
[0033] Figure 6 shows in several views the mechanism for detaching the syringe with relative movement of the coupling with respect to the syringe and opening / closing of the hooks.
[0034] The figures show an embodiment of the invention in which the elements are in a vertical orientation. The present invention is not however not limited to this particular orientation and it is understood that embodiments presented in another suitable orientation fall within the scope of protection of the invention. Detailed description of the invention
[0035] A specific system for gripping the syringe plunger has been developed according to the present invention.
[0036] In Figure 2 is shown a fixed structure 1 with its bearing surface 2 for the coupling, the syringe actuator 3, its coupling device 4, the syringe with its body 5 and its pusher 6 in position secured to the coupling 4, the fixing system 8 of the syringe on a frame, the three-way valve 9 and the departure of the respective sampling tubes 10, saline connection 11 and injection 12.
[0037] On the right side of Figure 2, the detail of the coupling 4 is shown in a sectional view. We also see the button of the syringe pusher 7 inserted into the coupling.
[0038] Figure 3 shows the passive coupling device 4 alone with its various components, namely: - a coupling body 41; - a game recovery plate 42 and its pre-stressed spring 43; - several swivel hooks 44; - a pre-stressed return spring 45 for each pair of hooks 44; and - a sleeve 46 for controlling the opening of the hooks 44.
[0039] Figure 4a) shows the coupling 4 in its default (or rest) state, namely hooks 44 closed. Figure 4b) shows the coupling 4 with its hooks 44 open following the relative movement of the sleeve 46 with respect to the body of the coupling 41.
[0040] According to one embodiment, the hooks 44 are mounted longitudinally in pairs, the hooks of the same pair being connected by a return spring 45 arranged along an axis perpendicular to the mean axis of the hooks and secured to the hooks in their lower part. There are for example two pairs perpendicular 44 of hooks, their respective springs 45 also being perpendicular and located at different heights. The hooks 44 are pivotally mounted around an axis 47 located more or less at mid-height of the hook. In the direction from top to bottom, each hook 44 has an inwardly projecting part 48 followed by a recess 49, which will allow the function of locking the button of the pusher 7 of the syringe against the play recovery plate 42, once joined. Furthermore, the upward movement of the sleeve 46 relative to the body of the coupling 41 will allow, according to the invention, to open the hooks and to release the button of the pusher 7 and the pusher 6 of the syringe. To this end, the external structure of the hooks 44 must cooperate with the internal structure of the sleeve 46.According to one embodiment, the lower external part of the hooks is provided with a boss 50 and the internal part of the sleeve is provided with a hollow profile 51 corresponding to the desired movement of the boss 50 when the sleeve rises relative to the coupling body. In the default position, the hooks 44 of the coupling 4 being closed, the boss 50 of the hooks is located in the hollow of the profile 51 of the sleeve (figure 4a)). When the coupling body 41 is going to descend relative to the sleeve, the boss 50 will come out downwards from the internal profile of the sleeve 51 and the contact of the boss 50 with the lower edge of the profile 51 which projects will automatically cause the pivoting of each hook 44 around its pivot axis 47, so that the hook opens outwards and releases the button of the pusher 7 and consequently the pusher 6 of the syringe.
[0041] Figure 5 represents in three successive stages the mechanism for securing the syringe 5 (assumed to be fixed) with relative movement of the coupling 4 with respect to the syringe 5 and opening / closing of the hooks 44.
[0042] When moving in the injection direction, the coupling 4 approaches the button of the pusher 7 of the syringe 5 and hooks onto it. The opening of the hooks 44 is caused by the contact of the button of the pusher 7 of the syringe 5 on the hooks 44 (figure 5b). The closing of the hooks 44 on the button of the pusher 7 occurs as soon as the button of the pusher 7 of the syringe 5 exceeds the end of the projecting parts 48 of the hooks 24 (figure 5b) thereby compressing the play recovery plate 42 mounted on the prestressed spring 43 to fit into the recess 49 of the hooks (figure 5c).
[0043] The plate 42 mounted on its pre-stressed spring 43 takes up the play between the gripping hooks 44 and the upper bearing surface of the push button 7 and between the lower bearing surface of the push button 7 and the play recovery plate 42. The hooking process requires overcoming the force of this spring.
[0044] Once attached to each other, the pusher 6 and the actuator 3 are strictly secured regardless of the direction of movement of the actuator 3 (figure 5c) within the limit of the force of the pre-stressed spring of the plate.
[0045] Figure 6 then shows the different stages of detachment of the syringe (from left to right). The detachment is activated by a maximum downward retraction movement of the actuator (figure 6a). During the descent of the coupling 4, the sleeve 46 comes into contact with the bearing surface 2 of the fixed structure 1 which prevents the sleeve 46 from descending further, while the body 41 of the coupling 4 continues to descend. By its relative movement with respect to the body of the coupling 41, the sleeve 46 uses its internal profile to rest on the bosses of the hooks 44 so as to pivot and open them (as described above). As the hooks move apart, the button of the pusher 7 then detaches from the coupling 4 and the pusher 6 can rise automatically.In fact, if the movement of the piston 6 downwards has been carried out with the three-way valve in the closed position, this causes a vacuum in the syringe and the pusher 6 rises in the body 5 of the syringe instantly as soon as the hooks 44 open. The syringe 5 is released from the coupling 4 and the kit can be easily removed from the machine.
[0046] Uncoupling can also be carried out by hand by lifting the sleeve 46, the actuator being stationary (not part of the invention).
[0047] The sleeve 46 can be integral either (a) with the coupling (as shown above), or (b) the support surface of the fixed structure. Note that, in the latter case, it could not be operated manually. Description of preferred embodiments of the invention
[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the syringe has a nominal capacity of 10 mL for a stroke of the order of 48 mm, with the piston the ability to move several mm beyond the nominal filling. 10 to 15 mL represents a typical volume of radiopharmaceutical substance delivered in a vial for PET (Positron Emission Tomography).
[0049] A pediatric dose of 18F-FDG, for example, can be as small as 30MBq, while an adult dose is in the order of 200 to 300MBq. If the concentration of the starting solution is high, for example 30GBq in 10 mL, and we want to prepare a pediatric dose, we are in the most difficult case. The volume to be withdrawn is then 10*(30 / 30000) mL = 0.01 mL (=10pL).
[0050] The smallest sample size considered, and therefore the smallest volume variation (AV) targeted, is ~0.01 mL with an expected accuracy of ±10%. This AV corresponds to a displacement of 0.01 [mL]*(48mm / 1 OmL) = 0.048 mm, or 48 ± 6 pm.
[0051] Since the resolution of the syringe pump is ~2 pm, such dosages are only possible with the desired precision in the absence of any play and with good control of the forces applied.
[0052] According to another embodiment of the invention, a force sensor (not shown) is arranged behind the coupling mechanism between the actuator and the coupling device and makes it possible to directly measure the forces during injection and during coupling, which in particular makes it possible: - by creating a vacuum in the syringe, to check that the coupling has been carried out correctly; - to check the pressure differences in the kit because the pressure exerted by the substance present in the syringe on the syringe plunger is transmitted to the push button itself directly connected to the coupling, which is itself connected to the actuator via the force sensor in question. This allows us to detect anomalies such as a tube being bitten in the kit during fluid movement with the syringe. List of reference symbols 1 fixed structure (chassis) 2 support surface 3 actuator 4 coupling 5 syringe (body) 6 pusher 7 push button 8 syringe fixing system 9 three-way valve 10 sampling line 11 saline connection line 12 injection line 41 coupling body 42 game restart board 43 pre-stressed spring (from the game board) 44 swivel hook 45 return spring (pair of hooks) 46 coupling sleeve 47 pivot axis 48 protruding part of the hook 49 hook recess 50 bossage 51 inner profile of the sleeve 100 radiopharmaceutical kits 101 syringe 102 valve-syringe connection line 103 three-way valve 104 T-tube 105, 105' non-return valve 106 sampling line 107 vials of concentrated radiopharmaceutical product 108 saline connection line 109 bottles of saline 110 injection line 111 ventilated filter 112, 112' bubble detector 113 Self-sealing Luer 114 patient extension 115 Luer machine fitting 116 patient Luer connector 117 activimeter 118 piercing needle
Claims
CLAIMS 1 . A device (4) for reversibly coupling a syringe (5) to an actuator (3), comprising an internal body (41) with a longitudinal axis and an external sleeve (46) capable of moving relative to the internal body (41) along the longitudinal axis, the internal body (41) comprising a sliding axis terminated by a play recovery plate (42) held longitudinally inside the internal body (41) in a rest position by a prestressed spring (43) as well as at least one pair of hooks (44) arranged longitudinally inside the internal body (41), mounted pivotally and retractably two by two around two respective axes (47) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, an external part of the hooks (44) being located opposite an internal part of the sleeve (46), characterized in that the hooks (44) of the same pair each have a hooking zone (48, 49) at one end proximal to the game restart board (42),and are connected to each other at a distal end by a return spring (45), the distal part of the hooks (44) being provided, towards the outside, with a boss (50) capable of being inserted into a hollow zone of a first depth of the internal profile (51) of the sleeve (46) in a rest position of the coupling device (4) where the hooking zone (48, 49) of the hooks (44) is in the blocking contact position of the push button (7), the hooks (44) being brought together, the relative sliding of the sleeve (46) with respect to the internal body (41), in which the sleeve (46) moves away from said distal end of the hooks (44), causing the hooks (44) to open by pivoting about their respective pivot axes (47), due to the fact that the boss (50) of each hook (44) enters into a hollow zone of a second depth of the profile (51) internal of the sleeve (46),the hollow area of a second depth being adjacent to the hollow area of a first depth, the first depth being greater than the second depth., 2. The device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises 2 to 4 pairs of hooks (44).
3. The device (4) according to claim 1, characterized in that the hooks (44) have a hooking region defined by a projecting part (48) with a chamfer sloping inwards, followed by a recess (49), below the projecting part (48), the recess (49) being dimensioned to block without play, by means of the hooks (44), the play recovery plate (42) pushed by its pre-stressed spring (43) and attached to a push button (7) of a syringe (5).
4. A reversible coupling of a syringe (5) for injecting metered product and an actuator (3), said syringe (5) being provided with a pusher (6) with a push button (7), said actuator (3) being able to be coupled to the pusher (6) of the syringe (5) by means of the device (4) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, in the coupled position, the button of the pusher (7) of the syringe (5) is blocked in the recess (49) between the projecting part (48) of the hooks (44) and the play recovery plate (42) which, thanks to the prestressed spring (43), exerts a force directed towards the pusher (7), so as to eliminate any play between the pusher (7) and the coupling device (4).
5. The reversible coupling according to claim 4, characterized in that it comprises a force sensor arranged behind the coupling mechanism between the actuator (3) and the coupling device (4) and capable of directly measuring the forces during injection and during coupling.
6. An automatic machine for administering a dose of product, comprising an actuator (3) and at least one syringe (5) for injecting the dosed product provided with a pusher (6) with a push button (7), and a reversible coupling of the syringe (5) and the actuator (3), according to claim 4.
7. The automatic machine for administering a dose of product according to claim 6, characterized in that the product is a radiopharmaceutical drug and in that the machine also comprises a disposable radiopharmaceutical kit (100) comprising at least one syringe (5) for administering the dose to the patient.
8. A method for reversibly coupling and decoupling at least one syringe (5) and an actuator (3) of the syringe (5), implementing the coupling device (4) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, comprising coupling steps and decoupling steps, the coupling being characterized by the following steps: - the coupling device (4) is in the rest position, with the coupling body (41) projecting relative to the sleeve (46) in the direction of the syringe (5); - the actuator pushes the coupling (4) towards the push button (7) of the syringe (5); - the push button (7) pushes on the hooks (44) at their chamfer and causes the hooks (44) to open, the bosses (50) of the hooks (44) successively passing from contact with the hollow zone of a first depth of the internal profile (51) of the sleeve (46) to a non-contact position; - as soon as the push button (7) has reached the end of the projecting part (48) of the hooks (44), the closing of the hooks (44) on the push button (7) is automatic, thanks to the return spring (45), the push button (7) and the play restart plate (42) coming into contact and inserting themselves into the recess (49); and - the push button (7) is locked without play between the hooks (44) and the play recovery plate (42).
9. The method of reversibly coupling and decoupling a syringe (5) and an actuator (3) of the syringe, the decoupling being characterized by the following steps, once the reversible coupling of the syringe (5) and the actuator (3) is carried out according to claim 8: - from the rest position of the coupling (4), the actuator pulls it in the direction of withdrawal of the syringe pusher (5); - the sleeve (46) comes to a stop on a support surface (2) of the frame (1) of the actuator (3) and stops while the body (41) continues its travel under the effect of the actuator (3); - the outer profile of the hooks (44) cooperates by contact with the hollow zone of the inner profile of the sleeve (46), the bosses (50) of the hooks (44) passing successively from a contact with the hollow zone of a first depth of the inner profile (51) of the sleeve (46) to a contact with the hollow zone of a second depth of said profile (51), so as to pivot and open the hooks (44); - the push button (7) separates from the coupling (4) and, if a vacuum has been previously created in the syringe (5) by closing a valve communicating in a line downstream with the syringe, the push button (6) automatically rises in the body (5) of the syringe as soon as the hooks (44) open; - the syringe (5) is released from the coupling (4) and can be removed.