Drive assembly and spacer for drug delivery system

Abstract

To provide a drive assembly for a drug delivery system allowing drug solutions and other liquid therapeutic formulations to be administered by untrained personnel or to be self-injected.SOLUTION: A drive assembly 12 for a drug delivery system includes: a plunger member 52 configured to engage with and move a stopper inside a container 14, the plunger member having a first state and a second state axially spaced from the first state; an energizing member 56 configured to move the plunger member from the first state to the second state; and a plunger actuation member 60 disposed within the plunger member and coaxially rotatable relative to the plunger member, the plunger actuation member having a first rotational state where the plunger member is axially fixed to the plunger actuation member and a second rotational state where the plunger member is axially movable relative to the plunger actuation member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 18

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 347,948, filed June 9, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15 / 616,250, filed June 7, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to injector devices and methods for delivering fluids into a patient's body by injection. [Background technology]

[0003] Various types of automatic injector devices have been developed to allow drug solutions and other liquid therapeutic preparations to be administered or self-injected by untrained personnel. These devices generally include a reservoir pre-filled with the liquid therapeutic preparation and some type of automatic needle injection mechanism that can be activated by the user. When the volume of the fluid or drug to be administered is less than a certain volume, such as generally 1 mL, automatic injectors are typically used, which typically have an injection time of about 10 to 15 seconds. When the volume of the fluid or drug to be administered exceeds 1 mL, the injection time is generally longer, resulting in difficulty for the patient to maintain contact between the device and the target area of ​​the patient's skin. Furthermore, as the volume of the drug to be administered increases, it becomes desirable to increase the period for injection. The traditional method for a drug to be slowly injected into a patient is to start an IV and slowly inject the drug into the patient's body. Such procedures are typically performed in a hospital or outpatient setting.

[0004] Some devices allow for self-injection in a home setting and can slowly inject the liquid therapeutic formulation into the patient's skin. In some cases, these devices are small enough (both in height and overall size) to allow them to be "worn" by the patient while the liquid therapeutic formulation is being injected into the patient. These devices typically include a pump or other type of ejection mechanism to cause the liquid therapeutic formulation to flow from the reservoir and into the injection needle. Such devices also typically include a valve or flow control mechanism to timely initiate the flow of the liquid therapeutic formulation, and a triggering mechanism to begin the injection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2013 / 155153 [Patent Document 2] International Publication No. 2014 / 179774 [Patent Document 3] International Publication No. 2015 / 081337 Summary of the Invention

[0006] In one embodiment, a drug delivery system for injecting a medicament includes a housing, a container configured to receive a medicament including a stopper and a closure configured to move within the container, a needle in fluid communication with the container, a spacer configured to engage the stopper, a first plunger, a first spring configured to axially bias the first plunger, a second plunger disposed around the first plunger, and a second spring configured to axially bias the second plunger. The first plunger is configured to move the spacer and container relative to the housing via the first spring to establish fluid communication between the container and the patient needle, and the second plunger is configured to move the spacer and the stopper relative to the container via the second spring.

[0007] The second plunger may include an outer plunger member and an inner plunger member, at least a portion of the inner plunger member being received within the outer plunger member, the outer plunger member having an inwardly extending protrusion configured to engage the outwardly extending protrusion of the inner plunger member upon a predetermined axial displacement of the inner plunger member relative to the outer plunger member, and the outer plunger member configured to initiate retraction of the needle into the housing upon a predetermined axial displacement of the outer plunger member. The first plunger may include a flange that engages a proximal end of the second spring. The housing may include a stop, and the flange of the first plunger may be configured to engage the stop of the housing to limit axial displacement of the first plunger upon a predetermined axial displacement of the first plunger relative to the housing. The first spring may have a greater spring constant or a greater spring force than the second spring. The spacer may include a damping feature configured to dissipate energy of the second plunger during displacement of the second plunger relative to the spacer. The damping feature may include at least one resistance rib. The spacer may include a body and a flange extending radially outward from the body, the body of the spacer configured to engage the first plunger and the flange of the spacer configured to engage the second plunger.

[0008] In another aspect, a method for assembling a drug delivery device includes the steps of selecting a spacer from spacers of different sizes such that the spacer occupies a space from a proximal end of a stopper to be placed in a drug container to a proximal end of the container, inserting the spacer into the container, and loading the drug container with the spacer into the drug delivery device.

[0009] The method further includes providing a first spring, providing a first plunger member disposed around a distal end of the inner spring, providing a second plunger disposed around the first plunger member, and providing a second spring between the first plunger member and the second plunger.

[0010] In a further embodiment, a drive assembly for a drug delivery system includes a first plunger, a first spring configured to axially bias the first plunger, and a second plunger disposed around the first plunger, the second plunger including an outer plunger member and an inner plunger member, and at least a portion of the inner plunger member is received within the outer plunger member. The outer plunger member has a protrusion configured to engage with a protrusion of the inner plunger member upon a predetermined axial displacement of the inner plunger member relative to the outer plunger member. The assembly further includes a second spring configured to axially bias the inner plunger member of the second plunger.

[0011] In another embodiment, a drive assembly for a drug delivery system includes a plunger member configured to engage and move a stopper within a container, the plunger member having a first position and a second position axially spaced from the first position. the biasing member is configured to move the plunger member from a first state to a second state, and the plunger actuation member is rotatable relative to the plunger member, the plunger actuation member having a first rotational state in which the plunger member is axially fixed relative to the plunger actuation member and a second rotational state in which the plunger member is axially movable relative to the plunger actuation member.

[0012] The plunger actuation member may include a body including a drive surface and an actuator locking surface, the plunger member including the plunger locking surface, and the actuator locking surface engages with the plunger locking surface when the plunger actuation member is in a first rotational state. The plunger locking surface may include a plurality of protrusions, the actuator locking surface of the plunger member defining a plurality of recesses, and the plurality of protrusions of the plunger locking surface are received within the plurality of recesses of the plunger member when the plunger actuation member is in a second rotational state. The body of the plunger actuation member may include an annular portion and a spindle portion with the drive surface positioned on the annular portion and the actuator locking surface positioned on the spindle portion. The drive surface may be configured to be engaged by a portion of the needle actuator. The plunger member may include a first and a second plunger member, the second plunger member being received within the first plunger member, and the second plunger member being axially movable relative to the first plunger member. The biasing member may engage the second plunger member, the second plunger member configured to engage and move the first plunger member when the second plunger is axially moved a predetermined axial distance. The biasing member may include an inner spring and an outer spring, the inner spring having a different spring constant or a different spring force than the outer spring.

[0013] In a further embodiment, a drug delivery system for injecting a medicament includes a container configured to receive a medicament including a stopper and a closure configured to move within the container, and a drive assembly including a plunger member configured to move the stopper within the container, the plunger member having a first state and a second state axially spaced from the first state, a biasing member configured to move the plunger member from the first state to the second state, and a plunger actuation member rotatable relative to the plunger member. The plunger actuation member has a first rotational state in which the plunger member is axially fixed relative to the plunger actuation member, and a second rotational state in which the plunger member is axially movable relative to the plunger actuation member. The system further includes a needle configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the container, the needle being movable from the first state and the second state spaced from the first state, and a portion of the needle actuator configured to engage the plunger actuation member to move the plunger actuation member from the first rotational state to the second rotational state.

[0014] In another embodiment, a drug delivery system for injecting a medicament includes a container configured to receive a medicament including a stopper and a closure configured to move within the container, and a drive assembly including a plunger member configured to move the stopper within the container, the plunger member having a first state and a second state axially spaced from the first state, the plunger member defining a plurality of coded protrusions, a biasing member configured to move the plunger member from the first state to the second state, and a plunger actuation member movable relative to the plunger member, the plunger actuation member having a first state in which the plunger member is axially fixed relative to the plunger actuation member and a second state in which the plunger member is axially movable relative to the plunger actuation member. The system further includes a needle actuator assembly including a needle configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the container, the needle being movable from a first state and a second state spaced from the first state, and a portion of the needle actuator configured to engage the plunger actuation member to move the plunger actuation member from the first rotational state to the second rotational state. The system also includes a limiting member aligned with and configured to engage one of the plurality of coded protrusions to limit movement of the needle actuator assembly, and a spacer assembly configured to engage a stopper of the container and to engage the plunger member.

[0015] A portion of the needle actuator assembly may be configured to engage and move the limiting member, and axial movement of the needle actuator assembly is limited by engagement of the limiting member with one of the plurality of coded protrusions. The limiting member may be disengaged from one of the plurality of coded protrusions, and the needle actuator assembly is axially movable relative to the limiting member when the plunger member is in the second state. The spacer assembly may include a spacer and a spacer holder, the spacer holder being received by the stopper of the container, and the spacer being received by the spacer holder. The system may include a plurality of spacers, each having a different length, and each of the plurality of spacers configured to correspond to one of the plurality of coded protrusions of the plunger member. The system may further include a housing including the container, the drive assembly, and the needle actuator assembly, the drive assembly further including a coding member rotatable relative to the housing, and rotation of the coding member results in rotation of the plurality of coded protrusions of the plunger member.

[0016] The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of the present disclosure, and the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent, and the disclosure itself will be better understood, by referring to the following described embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]2 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with a top portion of the housing removed and showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 5] 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the drug delivery system in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed and showing the drug delivery system in an initial operating state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the drug delivery system in an initial actuated state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the drug delivery system in an initial actuated state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] 2 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed and showing the drug delivery system in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 11] 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drug delivery system in use. [Figure 12] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drug delivery system in use. [Figure 13] 2 is a top view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 with the top of the housing removed and showing the drug delivery system in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 14] 2 is a top cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the drug delivery system in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15]2 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing the drug delivery system in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15A] 2 is a front cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing a pad with the drug delivery system in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15B] 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a pad with the drug delivery system in a pre-use state. [Figure 15C] 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a pad with the drug delivery system in a pre-use state. [Figure 16] FIG. 2 is a partial cross-sectional view of the drug delivery system of FIG. 1 showing a valve assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 18] 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 17, showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 19] 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 showing the drive assembly in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 20] 18 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in a post-use state. [Figure 21] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a plunger actuation member of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 22] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a first plunger member of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 23] 18 is a perspective view of a plunger actuating member and a first plunger member of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the plunger actuating member engaging the first plunger member. FIG. [Figure 24]18 is a perspective view of a plunger actuation member and a first plunger member of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 showing the plunger actuation member disengaged from the first plunger member in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 25] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the plunger actuating member and first plunger member of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the plunger actuating member disengaged from and axially displaced relative to the first plunger member. [Figure 26] 18 is a front view of the first plunger member and the second plunger member of the drive assembly of FIG. 17 according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is a top view of a drive assembly for a drug delivery system according to a further aspect of the present invention. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 27 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 29] 28 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 27 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state. [Diagram 30] 28 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 27 showing the drive assembly received by the bottom of the housing according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Diagram 31] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the housing of FIG. 30 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 32] 28 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 27 showing engagement of a portion of the needle actuator with the drive assembly in an initial actuated state of the drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 33] 28 is an enlarged perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 27 showing engagement of a portion of the needle actuator with the drive assembly in an initial actuated state of the drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 34] FIG. 1 is a front view of a needle actuator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 35] FIG. 35 is a left perspective view of the needle shuttle of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 36] FIG. 35 is a right side perspective view of the needle shuttle of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37A] FIG. 35 is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 showing the needle actuator assembly in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37B] FIG. 35 is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in use. [Figure 37C] FIG. 35 is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 showing the needle actuator assembly in an initial, post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 37D] FIG. 35 is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 showing the needle actuator assembly in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 38A] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in use. [Figure 38B] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 showing the needle actuator assembly in an initial, post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 39] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the actuator button and needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in an initial, post-use state. [Figure 40A] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the actuator button and needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in an initial, post-use state. [Figure 40B] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of the actuator button and needle actuator assembly of FIG. 34 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in a post-use state. [Diagram 41] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a drug delivery system according to a further aspect of the present invention. [Diagram 42]FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the top of the housing removed according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 43] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 44] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 45] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 46] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 47] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 48] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in an initial actuated state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 49] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in an initial actuated state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 50] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in an initial actuated state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 51] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 52] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 53] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 54] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 55] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 56] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 57] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in use according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 58] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in an initial post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 59] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in an initial post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 60] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 61] FIG. 42 is a top view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 62] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 63] FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 41 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 64] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to a further aspect of the present invention. [Figure 65A] FIG. 2 is a front view of a needle actuator assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in use; [Figure 65B] FIG. 65B is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in use. [Figure 65C] FIG. 65B is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the needle actuator assembly in an initial, post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 65D]FIG. 65B is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the needle actuator assembly in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 65E] FIG. 65B is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the needle actuator assembly in a pre-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Fig.65F] FIG. 65B is a cross-sectional view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the needle actuator assembly in a pre-use state. [Figure 65G] FIG. 65B is a front view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the needle actuator assembly in a pre-use state with the button actuator axially displaced according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 65H] FIG. 65B is a cross-sectional view of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the needle actuator assembly in a pre-use state with the button actuator axially displaced according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 66] FIG. 65B is a perspective view of a button spring of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 67] FIG. 65B is a perspective view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68] FIG. 65B is a cross-sectional view of the button spring and actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68A] FIG. 65B is a perspective view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68B] FIG. 65B is a bottom view of the actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68C] FIG. 65B is a front view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68D]FIG. 65B is a top view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the actuator button in a pre-use state according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68E] FIG. 65B is a front view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the actuator button in a pre-use state according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 68F] FIG. 65B is a top view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the actuator button in an engaged state according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 68G] FIG. 65B is a front view of an actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A showing the actuator button in an engaged state according to a further embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 69] FIG. 65B is a top view of the actuator button of the needle actuator assembly of FIG. 65A according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 70A] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state. [Figure 70B] FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly of FIG. 70A according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 70C] FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly of FIG. 70A according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Fig. 70D] FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly of FIG. 70A according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 70E] FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly of FIG. 70A according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Fig. 70F] FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly of FIG. 70A showing the drive assembly in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 70G] FIG. 70B is a schematic diagram of the drive assembly of FIG. 70A showing the drive assembly in a post-use state according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 71]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the spacer assembly in an assembled pre-use state. [Figure 72] 72 is a perspective view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 71 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the spacer assembly in use. [Figure 73] 72 is a perspective view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 71 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the spacer assembly in an initial post-use condition. [Figure 74] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a restricting member according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 75] FIG. 13 is a front view of a spacer assembly for a drug delivery system according to a further aspect of the present invention. [Figure 76] FIG. 2 is a top view of a spacer assembly for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 77] FIG. 77 is a perspective view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 76 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 78] FIG. 77 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 76 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 79] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly for a drug delivery system according to a further aspect of the present invention. [Figure 80] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly for a drug delivery system according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 81A] 81 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 80 showing the spacer assembly in a pre-assembly position according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Fig. 81B] 81 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 80 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the spacer assembly in an assembled position. [Figure 82] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 83] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 82 showing the top of the housing removed according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 84] FIG. 83 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 82 showing a pre-use state of the drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 85] FIG. 83 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 82 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state. [Figure 86] FIG. 83 is a top view of the biasing member of the drive assembly of FIG. 82 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 87] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 82 showing a limiting member engaging with the drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 88] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 89] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 88 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in a pre-use state. [Figure 90] FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 88 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 91] FIG. 89 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of FIG. 88 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a post-use state of the drive assembly. [Figure 92] FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of FIG. 88 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing a pre-use state of the drive assembly. [Figure 93] FIG. 89 is a front view of the drive assembly of FIG. 88 according to one embodiment of the present invention, showing the drive assembly in use. [Figure 94] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a spacer assembly for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 95] FIG. 95 is a front view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 94 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 96] FIG. 95 is a cross-sectional view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 94 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 97] 95 is a perspective view of the spacer assembly of FIG. 94 showing a shim removed according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 98]FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a fixed spacer of the spacer assembly of FIG. 94 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 99] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of an adjustable spacer of the spacer assembly of FIG. 94 according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 100] FIG. 95 is a perspective view of a shim of the spacer assembly of FIG. 94 according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The illustrations presented herein illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, and such illustrations are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure in any manner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] The following description is provided to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the described embodiments contemplated for practicing the invention. However, various modifications, equivalents, variations, and alternatives will remain readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Any and all such modifications, variations, equivalents, and alternatives are intended to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0020] For purposes of the description below, the terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "lateral", "longitudinal", and derivatives thereof, as they are oriented in the drawings, are intended to relate to the present invention. However, it will be understood that the invention may assume various alternative modifications unless expressly specified to the contrary. It will also be understood that the specific devices illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the invention. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting.

[0021] 1-16, a drug delivery system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention includes a drive assembly 12, a container 14, a valve assembly 16, and a needle actuator assembly 18. The drive assembly 12, the container 14, the valve assembly 16, and the needle actuator assembly 18 are at least partially positioned within a housing 20. The housing 20 includes a top portion 22 and a bottom portion 24, although other suitable arrangements for the housing 20 may be utilized. In one embodiment, the drug delivery system 10 is an injector device configured to be worn or secured to a user and to deliver a predetermined dose of a drug provided within the container 14 to the user via injection. The system 10 may be utilized to deliver a "bolus injection" in which the drug is delivered within a set time period. The drug may be delivered over a period of up to 45 minutes, although other suitable injection amounts and durations may be utilized. The bolus administration or delivery may be performed with or without any particular rate control. System 10 may deliver medication to a user at a fixed pressure and at variable rates. The general operation of system 10 is described below with reference to Figures 1-16, together with specifications of drive assembly 12, needle actuator assembly 18, and other features of system 10 discussed below in connection with Figures 17-93.

[0022] 1-16, the system 10 is configured to operate through engagement of an actuator button 26 by a user, which results in the needle 28 of the needle assembly 18 penetrating the user's skin, actuation of the drive assembly 12 placing the needle 28 in fluid communication with the container 14 and expelling the fluid or medicament from the container 14, and withdrawal of the needle 28 after injection of the medicament is completed. The general operation of the drug delivery system is shown and described in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,993,333 and 5,993,353, which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The housing 20 of the system 10 includes an indicator window 30 for viewing an indicator arrangement 32 configured to provide an indication to the user regarding the status of the system 10, and a container window 31 for viewing the container 14. The indicator window 30 may be a magnifying lens for providing a clear view of the indicator arrangement 32. The indicator arrangement 32 moves along the needle actuator assembly 18 during use of the system 10 to display pre-use, use, and post-use status of the system 10. The indicator arrangement 32 provides a visual indication of the status, although other suitable indications, for example audible or tactile, may be provided as alternative or additional indications.

[0023] 4-6, while the system 10 is in a pre-use state, the container 14 is spaced from the drive assembly 12 and the valve assembly 16, and the needle 28 is in a retracted state. As shown in FIGS. 7-9, during initial actuation of the system 10, the drive assembly 12 engages the container 14 and moves the container 14 toward the valve assembly 16, which is configured to place a medicament within the container 14 that penetrates a closure 36 of the container 14 and in fluid communication with the needle 28 via a tube (not shown) or other suitable arrangement. The drive assembly 12 is configured to engage a stopper 34 of the container 14, which initially moves the entire container 14 into engagement with the valve assembly 16 due to the incompressibility of the fluid or medicament within the container 14. Initial actuation of the system 10 is caused by engagement of an actuation button 26 by a user, which releases the needle actuator assembly 18 and the drive assembly 12, as discussed in more detail below. During initial actuation, needle 28 is still in the retracted state and is about to move to the extended state to provide an injection to a user of system 10 .

[0024] While the system 10 is in a use state, as shown in Figures 10-12, the needle 28 is in an extended state at least partially outside the housing 20, and the drive assembly 12 moves the stopper 34 inside the container 14 to deliver the medicament from the container 14 through the needle 28 and to the user. In the use state, the valve assembly 16 has already penetrated the closure 36 of the container 14 to place the container 14 in fluid communication with the needle 28, which also allows the drive assembly 12 to move the stopper 34 relative to the container 14 so that fluid can be dispensed from the container 14. In a post-use state of the system 10 shown in Figures 13-15, the needle 28 is in a retracted state and is engaged with the pad 38 to seal the needle 28 and prevent any residual flow of fluid or medicament from the container 14. The container 14 and valve assembly 16 may be the container 14 and valve assembly 16 shown and described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0139994, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] 15A-15C, the pad 38 is biased into the needle actuator body 96 as the needle actuator body 96 moves from the use state to the post-use state. Specifically, the pad 38 is received by a pad arm 122 having a cam surface 124 that cooperates with a cam track 126 on the bottom 24 of the housing 20. The pad arm 122 is connected to the needle actuator body 96 via a torsion bar 128. The cam surface 124 is configured to engage the cam track 126 to bias the pad arm 122 downward, thereby allowing the pad 38 to pass under the needle 28 before being biased upward into the needle 28. The torsion bar 128 allows the pad arm 122 to twist about a pivot point of the needle actuator body 96. The pad 38 may be press-fit into the opening in the pad arm 122, although other suitable arrangements for securing the pad 38 may be utilized.

[0026] 1-33, a drive assembly 12 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. As discussed above, the drive assembly 12 is configured to move the container 14 to penetrate the closure 36 of the container 14 and also to move the stopper 34 within the container 14 to dispense a fluid or medicament from the container 14. The drive assembly 12 shown in FIGS. 17-33 is configured to engage and cooperate with a spacer assembly 40 that is received by the stopper 34 of the container 14. The spacer assembly 40 includes a spacer 42 and a spacer holder 44. The spacer holder 44 is received by the stopper 34, and the spacer 42 is received by the spacer holder 44. The spacer holder 44 includes a first threaded portion 46 that engages with a corresponding threaded portion of the stopper 34, although other suitable arrangements may be utilized. The spacer 42 also includes a threaded portion 48 that engages a corresponding second threaded portion 50 of the spacer holder 44 to secure the spacer 42 to the spacer holder 44, although other suitable arrangements may be utilized. The drive assembly 12 is configured to dispense various predetermined fill volumes of the container 14 while maintaining the functional features of the system 10 described above, including, but not limited to, retracting the needle 28 after administration is completed and providing an indication of the status of the system 10 while also minimizing abrupt engagement of the stopper 34 by the drive assembly 12. The drive assembly 12 is configured to dispense a plurality of distinct fill volume ranges by utilizing a plurality of sizes of spacers 42. In one embodiment, twelve fill volume ranges and twelve spacer 42 sizes are provided. In one embodiment, the length of the spacer 42 is varied to accommodate the different fill volumes in the container 14. Alternatively, a single size spacer 42 may be utilized with a range of fill volumes in the container 14 accommodated by utilizing a plurality of shims received by the spacer 42.

[0027] 17 to 26, the drive assembly 12 includes a first plunger member 52, a second plunger member 54 received by the first plunger member 52, a first biasing member 56, a second biasing member 58, a plunger actuation member 60, and an indexing member 62. The first plunger member 52 is movable from a pre-use state (shown in FIG. 18), to a use state (shown in FIG. 19), to a post-use state (shown in FIG. 20), and the first plunger member 52 is configured to engage the spacer assembly 40 and move the stopper 34 inside the container 14 to dispense the medicament from the container 14. The first plunger member 52 is configured to move axially. The second plunger member 54 and the first plunger member 52 form a telescoping arrangement, and the second plunger member 54 is configured to move axially after the first plunger member 52 moves a predetermined axial distance. Movement of the first and second plunger members 52, 54 is provided by first and second biasing members 56, 58, which are compression springs, although other suitable arrangements for the biasing members 56, 58 may be utilized.

[0028] The first biasing member 56 is received by the second plunger member 54 and is captured between the plunger actuation member 60 (and index member 62) and a first spring seat 64 of the second plunger member 54. The second biasing member 58 is positioned radially inward from the first biasing member 56 and received by the second plunger member 54. The second biasing member 58 is captured between a second spring seat 66 of the second plunger member 54 and the first plunger member 52. The second biasing member 58 is configured to bias the first plunger member 52 from a pre-use state to a use state and to a post-use state toward the container 14. The first biasing member 56 is configured to bias the second plunger member 54 toward the container 14, which in turn biases the first plunger member 52 from a pre-use state to a use state and to a post-use state toward the container 14. More specifically, the second biasing member 58 is configured to drive the first plunger member 52 against the spacer assembly 40 or the stopper 34 to move the container 14 into engagement within the valve assembly 16, thereby penetrating the closure 36 of the container 14 and placing the container 14 in fluid communication with the needle 28. The first biasing member 56 is configured to move the stopper 34 within the container 14 to dispense the medicament within the container 14. The second biasing member 58 has a different spring constant than the first biasing member 56. Specifically, the second biasing member 58 is stiffer than the first biasing member 56 to provide a higher force to penetrate the closure 36 of the container 14, while the first biasing member 56 provides a lower force to dispense as appropriate for the viscosity of the fluid or medicament within the container 14.

[0029] 17-26, the plunger actuation member 60 has an annular portion 68 and a spindle portion 70. The plunger actuation member 60 is rotationally movable relative to the first plunger member 52 between a first rotational state and a second rotational state spaced from the first rotational state. The first rotational state may be 15 degrees from the second rotational state, although other suitable states may be utilized. The annular portion 68 includes a drive surface 72 including a plurality of gears 74, although other suitable arrangements for the drive surface 72 may be utilized. The spindle portion 70 includes an actuator locking surface 76 configured for engagement with and release from a plunger locking surface 78 of the first plunger member 52. The plunger locking surface 78 includes a plurality of protrusions 80 configured to be received by a plurality of slots or cutouts 81 defined by said actuator locking surface 76.

[0030] 18 and 23, in a first rotational state of the plunger actuation member 60, the plurality of projections 80 and the plurality of slots or cutouts 81 are out of alignment such that the plunger actuation member 60 engages the first plunger member 52, preventing movement of the first and second plunger members 52, 54 with the first and second biasing members 56, 58 biasing the first and second plunger members 52, 54 away from the plunger actuation member 60. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 24, in a second rotational state of the plunger actuation member 60, the plurality of projections 80 and the plurality of slots or cutouts 81 are aligned with one another such that the plunger actuation member 60 disengages from the first plunger member 52, allowing movement of the first and second plunger members 52, 54, thereby initiating the dispensing process from the container 14.

[0031] 7 and 33, the drive surface 72 of the plunger actuation member 60 is configured to be engaged by a portion of the needle actuator assembly 18. After engagement of the actuator button 26 and release of the needle actuator assembly 18, which will be discussed in more detail below, the needle actuator assembly 18 moves within the housing 20 from a pre-use state to a use state and a post-use state. During the initial movement of the needle actuator assembly 18, the portion of the needle actuator assembly 18 engages the drive surface 72 of the plunger actuation member 60 to move the plunger actuation member 60 from a first rotational state to a second rotational state. As shown in FIG. 33, an angled blade portion 82 of the needle actuator assembly 18 engages the drive surface 72 of the plunger actuation member 60 to cause rotation of the plunger actuation member 60.

[0032] 11, 13, and 26, the second plunger member 52 includes a plurality of coded protrusions 84, a preselected one of the plurality of coded protrusions 84 configured to engage a limiting member 86 of the system 10. As discussed in more detail below, the limiting member 86 cooperates with the needle actuation assembly 18 and limits movement of the needle actuator assembly 18 from the use state to the post-use state until a predetermined end-of-dose position of the stopper 34 is reached. In one embodiment, the limiting member 86 is configured to limit axial movement of the needle actuation assembly 18 from the use state through engagement between the limiting member 86 and a portion of the needle actuation assembly 18. Such engagement between the limiting member 86 and the needle actuation assembly 18 is released by rotation of the limiting member 86 when the stopper 34 reaches the end-of-dose state. While the needle actuator assembly 18 is in the use state, the restricting member 86 is biased in a rotational direction with rotation of the restricting member 86 prevented through engagement between the restricting member 86 and one of the plurality of coded protrusions 84 of the second plunger member 54. The plurality of coded protrusions 84 may be axial ribs of various lengths, although other suitable arrangements may be utilized. Each coded protrusion 84 defines a state in which the restricting member 86 may rotate and thereby release the needle actuator assembly 18. The smooth portion of the second plunger member 52 may also provide an additional "code" for determining when the system 10 transitions to the end-of-dose state.

[0033] As discussed above, the indicator arrangement 32 moves, with different portions of the indicator arrangement 32 visible through the indicator window 30, as the system 10 moves from a pre-use state, a use state, and a post-use or end-of-dose state. More specifically, the indicator arrangement 32 engages a portion of the restricting member 86 and moves together with the restricting member 86 through various stages of the system 10 to provide an indication to a user as to the status of the system 10.

[0034] During assembly of the system 10, the dosage of the container 14 is matched with a particular spacer 42 having a set length, and one of the corresponding coded projections 84 is aligned with the restricting member 86. Thus, as discussed above, the container 14 may be provided with a plurality of dosage volumes, each volume corresponding to a particular spacer 42 and coded projection 84. Thus, even with respect to different dosage volumes, the system 10 is configured to inject the needle 28 into the user to deliver a dose of medication from the container 14, retract the needle 28 after administration is complete, and provide an indication of the status of the system 10 while minimizing sudden engagement of the stopper 34 by the drive assembly 12. Specifically, the size of the stopper 34 may be selected to minimize the distance between the first plunger member 52 and the spacer assembly 40, and does not require the use of damping.

[0035] 27-33, a drive assembly 12A according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The drive assembly 12A shown in FIGS. 27-33 is similar to and operates in a similar manner as the drive assembly 12 shown in FIGS. 17-26 and described above. However, in the drive assembly of FIGS. 27-33, the first plunger member 52 is received by and extends from the second plunger member 54 during axial movement from the pre-use state to the use state. Additionally, the first plunger member 52 includes an extension portion 88 configured to engage with the second plunger member 54 after the first plunger member 52 has moved a predetermined axial distance such that the first and second plunger members 52, 54 move together. The first and second biasing members 56, 58 engage and act on the first and second plunger members 52, 54 in a similar manner as the drive assembly 12 of FIGS. 17-26.

[0036] 27-32, the indexing member 62 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 90 positioned about the first and second plunger members 52, 54 and configured to engage a flexible tab 92 positioned on the bottom 24 of the housing 20. When the drive assembly 12, 12A is mounted within the bottom 24 of the housing 20, the engagement of the ratchet teeth 90 of the indexing member 62 with the flexible tab 92 of the housing 20 provides unidirectional rotation of the indexing member 62. The indexing member 62 is configured to rotate to align one of the coded projections 84 of the second plunger member 52 with the limiting member 86 based on the dosage volume and spacer 42 size, as discussed above. The indexing member 62 may provide the drive assembly 12, 12A with 24 rotational states, 12 of which may have unique dosage values ​​associated therewith.

[0037] 1-16 and 34-40B, a needle actuator assembly 18 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The needle actuator assembly 18 includes a needle actuator body 96 having a guide surface 98, a needle shuttle 102 having a cam surface 104, and a needle 28 configured to be received by the needle shuttle 102 and in fluid communication with the container 14, as discussed above. The needle actuator body 96 is generally rectangular with a guide surface 98 that projects radially inward. The needle shuttle 102 is received within the needle actuator body 96. As discussed above, the needle actuator body 96 is movable within the housing 20 from a pre-use state (as shown in FIGS. 4-6), an initial actuated state (FIGS. 7-9), a use state (FIGS. 10-12), and a post-use state (FIGS. 13-15). The needle actuator body 96 is biased from the pre-use state to the post-use state via a tension spring 106, although other suitable biasing arrangements may be utilized. The needle actuator body 96 is released and free to move from a pre-use state to a use state upon engagement of the actuator button 26, which is discussed in more detail below. The needle actuator body 96 moves from the use state to the use state following rotation of the restricting member 86, as discussed above in connection with Figures 17-33.

[0038] 34-40B, the needle shuttle 102 is movable along a vertical axis between a stored state, in which the needle 28 is positioned within the housing 20, and an extended state, in which at least a portion of the needle 28 extends outside the housing 20. The needle shuttle 102 is configured to move between the stored state and the extended state through engagement between a guide surface 98 of the needle actuator 96 and a cam surface 104 of the needle shuttle 102. The cam surface 104 is provided by first and second cam members 108, 110, the first cam member 108 being spaced from the second cam member 110. The housing 20 includes a guide post 112 having a recess configured to receive a T-shaped projection 114 on the needle shuttle 102, although other shapes and configurations may be utilized for the guide post 112 and the T-shaped projection 114. The needle shuttle 102 moves along the guide post 112 between the stored state and the extended state. The guide posts 112 are linear and extend generally perpendicularly from the housing 20, although other suitable arrangements may be utilized. The guide surfaces 98 of the needle actuator body 86 are nonlinear and each include a first side 116 and a second side 118 positioned opposite the first side 116.

[0039] As discussed below, the guide surface 98 of the needle actuator body 96 cooperates with the cam members 108, 110 of the needle shuttle 102 to move the needle shuttle 102 vertically between the retracted and extended states as the needle actuator body 96 moves axially from the pre-use state to the post-use state. The needle shuttle 102 also includes a shuttle biasing member 120 configured to engage the housing 20 or the actuator button 26. Specifically, the shuttle biasing member 120 engages the housing 20 or the actuator button 26 and provides a biasing force as the needle actuator body 96 moves from the use state to the post-use state. When the needle actuator body 96 is fully moved to the post-use state, the cam members 108, 110 of the needle shuttle 102 disengage from the guide surface 98 of the needle actuator body 96 and the shuttle biasing member 120 biases the needle shuttle 102 downwardly such that the needle 28 engages the pad 38, as discussed above. 1-16, the pad 38 may also be biased into the needle 28 rather than biasing the needle shuttle 102 downward via the shuttle biasing member 120 as discussed above. The needle actuator body 96 may interact with the actuator button 26 to prevent the actuator button 26 from popping up until a post-use state is reached, which is discussed in more detail below.

[0040] 37A-40B, in the pre-use state (FIG. 37A), the needle shuttle 102 is in the retracted state and the cam members 108, 110 are spaced from the guide surface 98 of the needle actuator body 96. As the needle actuator body 96 moves to the use state (FIGS. 37B and 38A), the second cam member 110 of the needle shuttle 102 engages the second side 118 of the guide surface 98 to move the needle shuttle 102 from the retracted state to the extended state. During the transition of the needle actuator body 96 from the use state to the post-use state (FIG. 37C), the first cam member 108 of the needle shuttle 102 engages the first side 116 of the guide surface 98 to move the needle shuttle 102 from the second state to the first state. After the needle actuator body 96 is fully transitioned to the post-use state (FIGS. 37D and 38B), the shuttle biasing member 120 biases the needle shuttle 102 downward with the needle 28 engaging the pad 38 as the cam members 108, 110 disengage from the guide surface 98 of the needle actuator body 96. The corresponding state transitions of the needle actuator body 96 and the needle shuttle 102 are also shown in FIGS. 39 to 40B. The interaction between the actuator button 26 and the needle actuator body 96 is discussed in detail in connection with FIGS. 65A to 67. With reference to FIGS. 41 to 64, a drug delivery system 200 according to a further embodiment is shown. The system 200 includes a housing 202 having an upper housing 204 and a lower housing 206. The housing has a proximal end 205 and a distal end 207. The upper housing 204 has a status viewport 208 to allow a user to view the operating status of the system 200. The system 200 also includes a valve assembly 212, a tube 214 that fluidly connects the valve assembly 214 with a patient needle 215 disposed at the proximal end of a needle arm 216. A spring 218 biases a needle actuator 220 distally.

[0041] 42-46, the system 200 additionally includes a container or medicament container 222 with a stopper 224 movably disposed therein, although the stopper 224 has been omitted from the various views to aid in clarity. Preferably, the distal end of the medicament container 222 has a septum assembly 228 that is spaced from the valve assembly 212 prior to actuation of the device 222, as best shown in FIG.

[0042] For manufacturing purposes, it is often desirable to use one size for a drug container, even if multiple fill volumes or dosages are envisioned for use with the container. In such cases, having different fill volumes results in different positions of the stopper when the drug container is filled. To accommodate such different stopper conditions as well as accommodating stopper manufacturing differences, embodiments of the present invention include a custom spacer 226 positioned proximal to the stopper 224 within the proximal end of the container 222. In other words, the custom spacer 226 provides an option to allow dispensing of various predefined fill volumes set by the manufacturer by selecting different spacers 226, and reduces or eliminates the need for assembly configuration operations. The size of the spacer 226 can be adapted to configure the under-filled volume of the container 222 and provide a consistent bearing surface at the proximal end of the container.

[0043] Spacer 226 is selected from a number of different sized spacers 226 to occupy the space from the proximal end of stopper 224 to the proximal end of container 222. According to one embodiment, as shown in Figures 45-47, spacer 226 is selected to be substantially flush with the proximal end of container 222. Additionally, according to one embodiment, spacer 226 has a "top hat" shape including a central post 230 and a distal flange 232, as best shown in Figure 45.

[0044] 44-47, the system 200 also includes a drive assembly 234 for distally displacing the container 222 to establish a fluid connection between the container 222 and the patient needle 215, thereby dispensing the medicament from the container 222. More specifically, the drive assembly 234 includes an inner spring 236 disposed within a central plunger 238, an outer plunger 240, an outer spring 242 disposed between the central plunger 238 and the outer plunger 240, a telescoping member 244, and a release gate 246.

[0045] Preferably, the inner spring 236 has a greater spring constant than the outer spring 242, and is therefore stronger or stiffer than the outer spring 242. The inner spring 236 is disposed inside the central plunger 238 and presses between a spring flange 248 (best shown in FIG. 46 ) in the lower housing and the central plunger 238, which directly compresses the proximal end of the spacer 226 following device activation. The outer spring 242 is disposed inside the outer plunger 240 and presses between a proximal outer flange 250 of the central plunger 238 and a distal inner flange 252 of the outer plunger 240. Thus, the inner and outer springs 236 and 242 are nested and can provide a more compact drive assembly (and therefore a more compact system 200) than employing a single spring.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the inner spring 236 acts only to displace the container 222 to establish a fluid connection with the patient needle 215, and the outer spring 242 acts only to subsequently dispense the medicament from the container 222. According to another embodiment, the inner spring 236 acts to displace the container 222 to establish a fluid connection with the patient needle 215 and also acts to begin dispensing the medicament from the container 222, and the outer spring 242 acts to complete the dispensing of the medicament. In a further embodiment, the inner spring 236 provides the initial penetration of the container 222, and the outer spring 242 completes the penetration and dispenses the medicament from the container 222.

[0047] As shown in Figures 44-47, and as described in more detail subsequently, the outer plunger 240 includes a pair of proximal flanges or feet 254, each having a ramp that interacts with a corresponding ramp surface or surfaces on the release gate to retain and subsequently release the power module after actuation of the device 200.

[0048] As best shown in FIGS. 46 and 47, when initially assembled, the container 222 is positioned within clearance from the drive assembly 234 and the valve assembly 212. A lateral flange 256 on the needle actuator 220 axially retains the drug container 222, and the needle actuator 220 prevents the release gate 246 from displacing laterally. According to one embodiment, a spring (not shown) biases the needle actuator 220 distally, while the activation button 210 (and / or its associated assembly) prevents distal displacement of the needle actuator 220 prior to actuation of the device 200. A status bar 258 is disposed on the needle actuator 220 and has a top surface that is viewable through the status viewport 208. According to one embodiment, the top surface of the status bar has a plurality of colors or patterns, and a first color or pattern, such as yellow, is viewable through the status viewport 208 when the device is in a pre-actuated state.

[0049] 48 to 52 are top views of the system 200 and operations during and events following the activation of the system 200. In FIG. 47, the user slides the activation button 210 proximally and then displaces the button 210 vertically into the housing 202, thereby freeing the needle actuator 220 to displace distally under the influence of a spring (omitted for clarity). As shown in FIG. 49, as the needle actuator displaces distally, a track 260 on the needle actuator 220 interacts with a lateral boss 262 on the needle arm 216 to insert the patient needle 215. Preferably, at this stage, the proximal end of the needle actuator 220 has not yet passed the release gate 246, and thus the drive assembly 234 has not yet been released. However, the lateral flange 256 has displaced distally, and thus the container 222 is unrestricted.

[0050] 50 and 51, continued distal displacement causes the proximal end of the needle actuator 220 to pass through the release gate 246 (thereby releasing the drive assembly 234). The needle actuator 220 comes to rest momentarily against a feature on the rotatable release flipper 264, driving the release flipper 264 against the outrigger 266 of the telescoping member 244 (best shown in FIGS. 44 and 59). The needle actuator 220 remains in this state until the medication is dispensed. In this state, a second color or pattern of the status bar 258, such as green, is preferably visible through the status viewport 208.

[0051] At this stage, the force of springs 236 and 242 and the interaction of the angled surface of proximal flange or foot 254 with the corresponding angled surface(s) on release gate 246 displaces release gate 246 laterally, thereby freeing outer plunger 240 from its restraining interaction with release gate 246. To this point, outer plunger 240 is restraining central plunger 238.

[0052] 52 and 53 (inner spring 236 is omitted from FIG. 52 for clarity), the stiff inner spring 236 drives the central plunger 238 distally into contact with the spacer 226. Because the drug container 222 is filled with a substantially incompressible fluid, continued distal displacement of the central plunger 238 displaces the spacer 226, stopper 224, and container 222 distally relative to the housing 202. This distal displacement causes the septum assembly 228 to be pierced by the valve assembly 212, establishing fluid communication between the container 222 and the patient needle 215. The central plunger 238 moves distally until its proximal external flange 250 (best seen in FIG. 59) contacts a flange on the lower housing 206, thereby limiting the "piercing travel." Preferably, another flange on the lower housing 206 and / or a lateral flange 256 of the needle actuator 220 limits distal travel of the container 222 .

[0053] 54 and 55, since the inner spring 236 can no longer displace the central plunger 238 distally, the lighter outer spring 242 displaces the outer plunger 240 distally relative to the central plunger 238 into contact with the distal flange 232 of the spacer 226. As will be described in more detail subsequently, preferably the contact between the outer plunger 240 and the spacer 226 is damped to minimize impact forces. Further expansion of the outer spring 242 displaces the outer plunger 240 distally to dispense the medicament.

[0054] 56 and 57, as the outer spring 242 continues to expand and displace the outer plunger 240 distally, upon a given distal displacement of the outer plunger 240 relative to the telescoping member 244, an outer feature of the flange 268 of the outer plunger 240 interacts with an inner distal feature or flange 270 of the telescoping member 244 to "pick up" the telescoping member 244. This ensures that further distal displacement of the outer plunger 240 results in a corresponding distal displacement of the telescoping member 244. This paired distal displacement continues until the end of drug dispensing.

[0055] As previously mentioned, the outrigger 266 is positioned on the telescoping member 244. The axial length of the outrigger and the distal movement of the telescoping member 144 govern the timing of disengagement of the outrigger 266 and the release flipper 264. As shown in Figs. 58 and 59, at the end of drug dispensing, the proximal end of the outrigger 266 bypasses the release flipper 264. This allows the release flipper 264 to rotate out of engagement with the needle actuator 220 (Fig. 60) and allows the needle actuator 220 to continue its distal displacement and retract the patient needle 215 (Fig. 61). At this stage, through the status viewport 208, a different color or pattern of the status bar 258, such as red, can be seen, indicating that the device 200 has completed the operation.

[0056] As previously mentioned, the contact between the outer plunger 240 and the spacer 226 as shown in Figures 62 and 63 is preferably damped to minimize impact forces. The highest level of energy dissipation is desirable for underfilled syringes containing viscous fluids, as the outer spring 242 will be stiffer to provide the desired dispense rate. The lowest level of energy dissipation is desirable for fully filled syringes containing low viscosity fluids, as the outer spring may be less stiff to provide the desired dispense rate. Various methods may be employed to adjust the damping level, such as air damping or closed-cell foam damping.

[0057] As another method of damping impact forces, FIG. 64 shows an embodiment of a spacer 226 in which one or more axial interface ribs 272 are arranged circumferentially around the central post 230 of the spacer 226. In this embodiment, the outer plunger 240 must pass the interference rib 272, which provides frictional resistance to distal displacement of the outer plunger 240 relative to the spacer 226. The frictional force created by the interference between the interference rib 272 and the outer plunger 240 is independent of plunger speed. Preferably, the frictional force does not exceed a minimum dispense spring load to avoid stalling a weaker spring. The interference can be adjusted to give a desired level of frictional resistance. There can be different sizing (axial and / or radial) of the interference rib 272 for different fluid viscosities. This can mean bespoke or custom spacers for each viscosity and fill level combination, or by the number of springs needed for a viscosity range, and there can be a number of tined positions so that the spacer can be set to a specific state for a particular modular spring (that state has the interference / damping tuned for that particular spring load / viscosity scenario).

[0058] 65A-69, an actuator button arrangement 280 for actuating the system 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The actuator button arrangement 280 includes an actuator button 26, a button spring 284, and a needle actuator body 286. The needle actuator body 286 may be similar to the needle actuator bodies 96, 220 discussed above and configured to move within the housing 20 to transition the needle shuttle 102 or needle 28 between a retracted and extended position. As shown in FIG. 69, the actuator button 26 includes a user interface portion 288 for interacting with a user. Preferably, the user interface portion 288 is about 22 mm long and about 10 mm wide, although other suitable dimensions may be utilized. The actuator button 26 includes two pairs of lockout arms 290, 292 that interact with button contact surfaces 294, 296 on the needle actuator body 286 prior to device actuation to prevent the needle actuator body 286 from swinging upward. As shown in Fig. 65H, the overlap between the needle actuator body 286 and the housing 20 prevents premature actuation. With reference to Fig. 66, the button spring 284 includes a first compression surface 298 and a second compression surface 300 spaced from the first compression surface 298, as well as a cantilevered central spring arm 302 surrounded by a pair of outer arms 304 bounded by the first compression surface 298.

[0059] The actuation button arrangement 280 is configured to provide one or more of the following functions, which are discussed in more detail below: unidirectional axial displacement or sliding of the actuator button 26; transverse movement of the actuator button 26, in which the actuator button 26 remains depressed while the needle actuator body 286 is in a use state (raised and depressed states); and lockout of the actuator button 26 in a post-use state of the needle actuator body 286, in which the button 26 is in a raised state and cannot be depressed by the user.

[0060] To activate the system 10 using the actuator button 26, the user first slides the user interface portion 288 in a first axial direction, shown as being to the right in FIGS. 65G and 65H. The user may be required to slide the user interface portion 288 approximately 10 mm or approximately 8 mm, although other suitable distances may be utilized. Moving the actuator button 26 axially moves the lockout arms 290, 292 past button contact surfaces 294, 296 on the needle actuator body 286 to permit movement of the actuator button 26 from a raised state to a depressed state.

[0061] As the user slides the user interface portion 288 distally, the central spring arm 302 of the button spring 284 rides over a spring arm compression surface 306 on the housing 20 while the first and second compression surfaces 298, 300 engage first and second compression ramps 308, 310 on the housing 20. The force on the button spring 284 is balanced through engagement with the spring arm compression surface 306 and the first and second compression ramps 308, 310 to provide smooth axial displacement or sliding of the actuator button 26.

[0062] As the actuator button 26 and button spring 284 reach the end of their axial sliding travel, the central spring arm 302 and first compression surface 298 pass the ends of respective stops 312, 314, preventing the actuator button 26 from sliding back to its original state, as shown in FIG. 65H. Furthermore, as the actuator button 26 and button spring 284 reach the end of their axial sliding travel, the user engages the user interface portion 288 to move the actuator button 26 downward to its depressed state. The actuator button 26 may be depressed approximately 2 mm, and the minimum force required to depress the actuator button 26 is approximately 3 N, most preferably approximately 2.8 N, although other suitable distances and minimum forces may be utilized.

[0063] When a user depresses the user interface portion 288 shown in Figures 65A and 65B, the actuator button 26 rotates the needle actuator body 286 to release the needle actuator body 286, thereby allowing the needle actuator body 286 to move from the pre-use state to the use state. As the needle actuator body 286 moves to the use state, as shown in Figure 65B, the lockout arms 290, 292 run along the underside of the button contact surfaces 294, 296 to prevent the actuator button 26 from bouncing upwards. After the medication is delivered and as the needle actuator body 286 transitions from the use state to the post-use state shown in Figure 65C, the lockout arms 290, 292 disengage from the button contact surfaces 294, 296 to allow the actuator button 26 to bounce back under the influence of the button spring 284. Once the needle actuator body 286 has fully transitioned to the post-use state shown in Figure 65D, the actuator button 26 finishes moving from the depressed state to the raised state due to the biasing force of the button spring 284. When the needle actuator body 286 is in the post-use state, the spring arm 316 on the needle actuator body 286 engages the actuator button 26 preventing it from moving to the depressed state while axial movement remains limited by the engagement of the spring arm 302 with the stops 312, 314. Thus, the actuator button 26 is locked after delivery of the medication is completed providing a clear indication between a used and an unused system.

[0064] Additionally, if the user holds down the actuator button 26 while dispensing medication, proper dosing and needle retraction will still be completed, but the actuator button 26 will not spring back to its raised state until the button 26 is released.

[0065] In one embodiment, the button spring 284 is made from plastic, although a pressed metal spring may alternatively be used for the button spring 284, although any other suitable material may be utilized.

[0066] 68A-68G, rather than providing a separate actuator button 26 and button spring 284, the spring may be integral with the button 26. More specifically, an actuator button 320 according to a further embodiment of the present invention includes an integral spring arm 322. The actuator button 320 also includes a lockout arm 324, a retention arm 326, and a rear pivot 328. As shown in FIGS. 68D and 68E, the spring arm 322 engages a prong 330 at the top 22 of the housing 20. During transition of the system 10 from a pre-use state to a use state, the spring arm 322 slides past a detent of the prong 330 to provide an axial spring force. An end of the spring arm 322 engages a portion of the top 22 of the housing 20 to provide a vertical spring force as the spring arm 322 is deflected. The actuator button 320 is configured for fluid movement between the sliding and depressed movements of the button 320, even though two separate movements occur, similar to the operation of the button 26 discussed above. During the transition between the pre-use state and the use state, the button 320 pivots about a rear pivot 328 with a retaining arm 326 that engages a portion of the needle actuator body 286, thereby maintaining the button 320 in a depressed state until the end-of-dose state is reached, in a manner similar to the actuator button 26. The lockout arm 324 deflects inwardly and engages a portion of the needle actuator body 286 as the needle actuator body 286 moves to the end-of-dose state, thereby preventing further movement of the actuator button 320, in a manner similar to the actuator button 26 discussed above.

[0067] Aspects of the present invention provide improvements over previous button designs. For example, the activation button arrangement 280 provides multiple surfaces to hold the needle actuator body 286 in place against the needle actuator spring 106 prior to activation, thereby reducing the likelihood of premature activation during a drop impact. The activation button arrangement 280 physically prevents the needle actuator body 286 from moving prior to activation by holding it in an angled (locked) state in such a way that there is no room for the surfaces to separate and pre-activate.

[0068] Additionally, the button sliding force of the actuation button arrangement 280 is more precisely controlled by utilizing a bent arm rather than using a simple bump detent. This allows for a longer sliding stroke of the button 26 along with better force control resulting in a more ergonomically effective design. Furthermore, the actuation button arrangement 280 causes the button 26 to pop back at the end of an injection, giving the user an additional visual, audible, and tactile indication that drug delivery is complete.

[0069] According to one embodiment, the fluid delivery volume of the system 10 is determined by the end position of the plunger relative to a point inside the housing, regardless of the actual fill volume, container inner diameter, and stopper start position and length. Because the tolerances of the above factors can be quite large, variability in dosing accuracy can be significant. An embodiment of the present invention allows for the elimination of some or all of these tolerances from the dosing equation, resulting in a more accurate and more consistent injection volume of medication.

[0070] 70A-70G, a spacer assembly 400 for use in conjunction with a drive assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0071] The elements in the tolerance chain for the stopper spacer assembly 400 include the thickness (A) of the flange 402 of the inner plunger 404, the internal length (B) of the outer plunger 406 between the internal proximal end 408 and the internal shoulder 410, and the initial offset distance (C1) between the inner plunger flange 402 and the internal proximal end 408 of the outer plunger. This initial offset distance (C1) is preferably greater than the gap distance (C2) between the outer plunger 406 and the proximal end of the drug barrel 412. The tolerance chain for the stopper spacer assembly 400 also includes the internal barrel diameter (D). When assembled, the stopper spacer 414 and the outer plunger 406 are unique for a given drug volume.

[0072] 70B through 70G show the operation of the stopper spacer assembly 400. As shown in FIG. 70B, when the system is actuated, both the inner and outer plungers 404 and 406 are released. The outer spring 416 pushes the outer plunger 406 into the barrel 412, compressing the damping material 418 and the inner spring 420. The stopper 422 has not yet moved relative to the barrel 412 due to the fluid column of the drug.

[0073] 70C, the outer spring 416 then displaces the outer plunger 406 and barrel 412 distally to open a valve (not shown) at the distal end of the barrel 412 establishing fluid communication with the needle (not shown). Due to the incompressibility of the liquid drug, the stopper 422 cannot be displaced relative to the barrel 412 until the valve is opened and a fluid path to the patient needle is established.

[0074] Subsequently, as shown in Figures 70D and 70E, the inner spring 420 displaces the inner plunger 404, the stopper spacer 414, and the stopper 422 to dispense fluid.

[0075] FIG. 70F shows the end of drug delivery when the proximal flange 402 of the inner plunger 404 contacts the internal shoulder 410 of the outer plunger 406, thereby ending the displacement of the inner plunger 404 (and stopper spacer 14 and stopper 422) relative to the drug barrel 412 and stopping the flow of drug.

[0076] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 70G, cessation of displacement of the inner plunger 404 relative to the drug barrel 412 activates an end-of-dose indicator of the system.

[0077] 71 and 72, the collapsible spacer assembly 430 includes a front spacer portion 432 secured to a stopper 434, an inner plunger 436, a rear spacer portion 438, and a rotatable shuttle 440. The inner plunger 436 can translate relative to the front spacer portion 432, but does not rotate relative thereto. Similarly, the rear spacer portion 438 can also move axially relative to the front spacer portion 432, but does not rotate relative thereto. As will be described in more detail subsequently, the rotatable shuttle 440 first rotates and then translates.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the forward spacer portion 432 is fixedly secured to the stopper 434. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many methods may be employed to secure the forward spacer portion 432 to the stopper 434, such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable arrangement. Preferably, the forward spacer portion 432 includes threads that engage with a mating thread in the stopper 434.

[0079] When the stopper spacer assembly 430 is threaded onto the stopper 434, an axial load is applied through an access opening 442 in the rear spacer portion 438. This force can be used to push the stopper 434 forward, applying pressure to the fluid drug. This pressure deflects and pushes the front (distal) face of the stopper 434 proximally, pushing back at the rear spacer portion 438 and rotating the rotatable shuttle to its "as assembled" state. In other words, when the drug barrel is filled with drug and the plunger of the system applies an axial force to the drug through the spacer assembly 430, the distal face of the stopper 434 is deformed by the pressure of the drug. During drug delivery, pressure is applied by the drive assembly (through the plunger) to the rear spacer portion 438, which in turn applies a rotational torque to the rotatable shuttle 440 through the helical faces 444 of the rear spacer portion 438. However, drug-induced stopper deformation provides a rearward or proximal force on inner plunger 436 which prevents rotation of rotatable shuttle 440.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the axial reaction load on the inner plunger 436 can be increased by increasing the length of the inner plunger 436 .

[0081] Once drug delivery is complete, as shown in FIG. 73, the pressure on the stopper 434 is reduced, thereby allowing the distal end of the inner plunger 436 to be displaced distally. This distal displacement allows the rotatable shuttle 440 to rotate. The continuing axial force applied by the drive assembly rotates and displaces the rotatable shuttle 440 distally due to the interaction of the helical surface 444 in the rear spacer portion 438 with corresponding cam-faced arms 446 of the rotatable shuttle 440. According to one embodiment, this final movement of the rotatable shuttle 440 causes the drive assembly to initiate needle retraction.

[0082] 74 and 75, a limiting member 452 according to one embodiment of the present invention is disposed with the drive assembly. The limiting member 452 governs the timing of the final displacement of the needle actuator body 96, 220 following completion of the drug dose. Instead of rotating about a fixed post, the limiting member 452 is free to float. When the plunger is displaced distally enough for the gap to align with the limiting member 452 (as shown in Figs. 74 and 75), the limiting member 452 is displaced laterally into the gap due to the spring force on the needle actuator body 96, 220 and the rear angled face 454 of the arm of the limiting member 174 that engages the needle actuator body (best shown in Fig. 75). Once the limiting member no longer holds the needle actuator body 96, 220, the needle actuator body 96, 220 is free to complete its axial movement to the post-use state. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 75, the restrictor member 452 is biased onto the rear of the barrel portion of the container 14, which minimizes tolerance chains of the various components and improves dosage accuracy.

[0083] 76-78, a spacer assembly 460 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spacer assembly 460 shown in Figures 76-78 allows for elimination of the effects of built-up manufacturing tolerances through adjustment of the spacer assembly, thereby allowing each system to inject the same amount of medication.

[0084] 77, the spacer assembly 460 includes a stopper 462 and a stopper spacer 464. The stopper spacer 464 includes a fixed spacer piece or spacer 466 that is fixedly secured to the stopper 462, and an adjustable spacer piece or spacer 468 that is rotationally displaceable in one direction relative to the fixed spacer 466.

[0085] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many methods may be employed to secure the fixed spacer 466 to the stopper 462, such as adhesives, mechanical fasteners, or any other suitable arrangement. Preferably, the fixed spacer 466 includes one or more external threads that engage with one or more mating threads in the stopper 462. According to one embodiment, the adjustable spacer 468 has a distal shank with external threads 470. The distal shank threads 470 engage with internal threads 472 in the fixed spacer 466 (best shown in FIG. 78 ) to rotationally control the axial displacement of the adjustable spacer 468 relative to the fixed spacer 466.

[0086] 76 and 77, the fixed spacer 466 includes radially spaced detents 474, and the adjustable spacer 468 includes a spring detent arm 476, the free end of which engages a selected one of the detents 474 to prevent rotation and axial displacement of the adjustable spacer 468 toward the fixed spacer 466. The free end of the spring detent arm 476 is shaped to pass through the detent 474 in one direction, thereby allowing rotation and proximal axial displacement of the adjustable spacer 468 away from the fixed spacer 466.

[0087] The adjustable spacer 468 can be adjusted relative to the fixed spacer 466 to provide a consistent axial length of the stopper assembly 460 regardless of variations in stopper and container dimensions.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 78, once the container is filled, an axial load, such as that which would be encountered when installed in the system 10, 200, can be applied to the adjustable spacer 468 (and thus the fixed spacer 466 and stopper 462). When an axial load is applied, the adjustable spacer 468 can be backed out proximally to ensure a consistent gap 478 between the proximal end of the drug barrel 480 and the proximal face of the adjustable spacer 468, thereby accounting for variations in compressibility of the drug barrel glass and any trapped air. In other words, the spacer assembly 460 allows the adjustable spacer 468 to have a predetermined set state relative to the container 14, independent of the variables in the length of the container 14 and the stopper. Thus, the start state of the spacer assembly 460 is a predetermined distance from the container 14, and the end state of the spacer assembly 460 is also a predetermined distance from the container 14, as the travel of the stopper 462 is defined by the effective length of the plungers 52, 54 of the drive assembly 12.

[0089] 79 and 80, a base post 482 and a cap 484 of a self-adjusting spacer 486 are shown according to one aspect of the present invention. The base post 482 includes a base portion 488 and an axially extending post 490. According to one embodiment, the base post 482 includes a plurality of post-like projections 491 each having a plurality of ratchet teeth 492 disposed on a proximal portion thereof. A locking barb 493 is disposed at a proximal end of each of the plurality of ratchet teeth 492. The cap 484 is hollow, and a distal end of the cap 484 includes one or more axial springs 494. According to one aspect, the axial springs 494 are bent cantilever arms formed during molding of the cap 484. According to another aspect, a separate biasing member, such as a compression spring, can be employed within the self-adjusting spacer 486. When assembled with base post 482, spring 494 engages base portion 488 and maintains the initial spacing between base post 482 and cap 484. According to one embodiment, spring 494 is omitted. Cap 484 also includes a plurality of flexible cantilevered arms or tabs 496, each having a free proximal portion with a plurality of internal ratchet teeth 497. The proximal end of each flexible tab 496 includes a foot 498.

[0090] 81B shows the cap of the self-adjusting spacer disposed within a proximal recess of a stopper 494 at the proximal portion of a drug barrel. A base post 482 is assembled within the hollow cap 484, a base portion 488 engages the stopper 494, and a foot portion 498 is disposed outside the proximal end of the barrel.

[0091] In operation, as shown in Figures 81A and 81B, the cap 484 is displaced distally relative to the base post 482 (as well as the stopper 494 and barrel) until the proximal end of the cap 484 is flush with the end of the drug barrel. This action causes the foot 498 to engage the interior surface of the barrel and displace radially inward, thereby forcing the ratchet teeth 492 into locking engagement with the ratchet teeth 497. The engagement of the locking barb 493, the ratchet teeth 492 and 497, and the engagement of the foot 498 with the interior surface of the barrel prevent displacement of the cap 484 relative to the base post 482. Thus, the self-adjusting spacer 486 can adjust for differences in stopper, barrel diameter, and drug fill volume to automatically provide a compression surface that is flush with the proximal end of the drug barrel.

[0092] One embodiment of the invention is a spacer assembly 486 that sits in contact with the stopper within the container inside the system. The spacer design is such that its effective length can be adjusted to allow for precise dispensing of the drug. The length adjustment is intended to compensate for manufacturing tolerances in the container, the fill volume, and especially the length of the stopper, which can add up to 1 / 3 of the variability in the delivered dose with a non-adjustable spacer. The length of the spacer can be adjusted through several techniques depending on the specific embodiment. The length of the spacer is self-adjusting based on its position to the rear of the container, it can be adjusted by an assembly tool during final assembly to the primary container assembly, as well as it can be made an integral part of the stopper and adjusted as a subassembly prior to filling. The adjustable spacer 486 allows a more precise volume of fluid to be injected compared to a non-adjustable stopper.

[0093] 82-87, a drive assembly 500 for a drug delivery system according to one embodiment of the present invention is shown. The drive assembly 500 includes an activation button 506, a reservoir 508, a needle actuator assembly 510, an activation release or flipper 512, a lead screw 514, and a plunger 516. The lead screw includes a drum portion 518 with external radially protruding wings 520, and a screw thread portion 522, as best shown in FIGS. 84 and 85 and described in more detail subsequently. Prior to activation, one end 513 of the activation release 512 engages one of the wings 520 to prevent rotation of the lead screw 514, as best shown in FIGS. 83 and 86.

[0094] According to one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 84-86, a threaded portion 522 of the lead screw 514 engages with an internal thread of a nut 524 that is connected to the plunger 516, and according to another embodiment, the nut and its internal thread are integrally formed as a unitary structure with the plunger. Additionally, a constant force spring 526 is received within the drum portion 518 and biases the lead screw 514 in a rotational direction. According to one embodiment, the spring 526 is secured to the base cover 504. According to another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 84-86, a drive assembly housing 528 is disposed within the system, and the spring 526 is secured to a power pack housing 528.

[0095] Unlike helical springs, such as compression springs, which have a force profile proportional to their displacement, constant force springs 526 and the like maintain a relatively constant or uniform force profile over long working lengths. The uniform force profile advantageously provides an injection force proportional to the spring force. This provides a constant or uniform injection force, and thus a substantially constant injection rate for the medicament. Although spring 526 is shown in FIG. 86 as having only two turns of material, one skilled in the art will appreciate that a fewer or greater number of turns may be employed. Preferably, an assembler winds spring 526 when drive assembly 500 is assembled, and spring 526 is stored in the wound state until actuation.

[0096] Upon actuation of the system, the needle actuator assembly 510 is released and displaces axially (to the right in Figs. 82-85) under the influence of the biasing member 530 from a pre-use state to a post-use state (best shown in Fig. 83). During this displacement, the needle actuator assembly 510 bears against the second end 532 of the actuation release 512 and rotates the release 512 counterclockwise. As shown in Fig. 87, this counterclockwise rotation of the actuation release 512 frees its first end 513 from engagement with the wings 520. Following disengagement of the first end 513 from the wings 520, the spring 526 unwinds and drives rotation of the lead screw 514 which, in combination with the nut 524, advances the plunger 514 to dispense the medicament.

[0097] As the lead screw 514 rotates, the rotation of the drum portion 518 and wings 520 can be viewed through a window 534 in the housing. This window 534 displays the progress of the screw in a manner that is more apparent than viewing the linear movement of the stopper 536 within the container 508. In fact, this rotational motion is many times more precise than linear motion. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exact amount of advantage or gain will depend on the pitch of the threaded portion 522 of the lead screw 514, the diameter of the drum portion 518, and the number of wings 520 on the drum portion 518.

[0098] 88 to 93, a drive assembly 600 for a drug delivery system according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The drive assembly 600 serves to store mechanical energy of a spring and initiate it when activated. The drive assembly 600 includes a drug barrel 601, a stopper 602 slidably disposed within the barrel 601, a first valve plunger 603, a second valve plunger 604, a first revolve nut 605, and a second revolve nut 606. The drive assembly 600 also includes a rotary indicator 607, a locking element 608, a constant force spring 609 disposed within the rotary indicator 607, and an actuation release or flipper 610. The drive assembly 600 is at least partially disposed within a housing 611 that can be assembled into the drug delivery system.

[0099] A constant force spring 609 is contained within a drum portion 616 of the rotary display 607 between the housing 611 and the rotary display 607. The inactive state of the drive assembly is such that energy is applied by uncoilling the spring 609 and utilizing this energy geometrically through the housing 611, the rotary display 607, and the actuation release 610. When the drive assembly 600 is deactivated, the spring recoils and converts the mechanical energy into rotational motion of the rotary display.

[0100] The nested multi-part plunger is oriented along the force axis between the drug barrel 601 and the rotary indicator 607. The rotary indicator 607 features a threaded shaft 618. According to one embodiment, the threads are dual lead and essentially square or rectangular. The multi-part nested plunger includes a two-part threaded nut (first rotating nut 605 and second rotating nut 606) and a two-part plunger (first valve plunger 603 and second valve plunger 604). The second rotating nut 606 is a threaded shaft that mates with the rotary indicator 607 and the first rotating nut 605, and features matching threads on its inner and outer surfaces (internal and external threads, respectively) for mating therewith. The second rotating nut 606 also has a circular collar 620 (best shown in FIG. 92) on its proximal end that bottoms down on the second valve plunger 604. The second rotating nut 606 is free to spin along the force axis. The first rotating nut 605 is also a threaded shaft featuring threads on its inner diameter that correspond to the external threads of the second rotating nut 606 for mating with the second rotating nut 606.

[0101] According to one embodiment, on one end, the first rotating nut 605 has a hex collar that presses onto the first valve plunger 603 to fixedly connect the first valve plunger 603 with the first rotating nut 605. In the drive assembly 600, the first rotating nut does not rotate freely and will simply change position when the power module assembly is actuated.

[0102] The second valve plunger 604 is a hollow cylindrical component with a small collar 622 on its distal end, a large collar 624 on its proximal end, and a long L-shaped arm 626 (best shown in FIG. 93) that projects from the large proximal collar 624. According to one embodiment, the small collar 622 is interrupted and features a four leaf cantilevered arm or leaf spring 623 that allows the collar to flex and mate with the first valve plunger 603. The inner surface of the second valve plunger 604 has an undercut through its length that terminates at its proximal end in a radially inwardly projecting shelf 628 of the large collar 624. The shelf 628 engages the second rotating nut 606 inside the nested assembly.

[0103] The first valve plunger 603 is a hollow cylindrical component that attaches to the stopper 602 and also mates with the second valve plunger 604. More specifically, the first valve plunger 603 features a cylindrical protrusion 630 on its distal end for mating with the stopper 602. According to one embodiment, as best shown in FIG. 89, four through slots 632 are disposed on the proximal quadrant of the first valve plunger 603 for mating with the leaf spring or arm 623 and small collar portion 622 of the second valve plunger 604. Both the first and second valve plungers 603 and 604 are free to slide.

[0104] Nesting is achieved when the constant force spring 609 backs off and the rotary indicator 607 starts to spin. The threaded attachment between the rotary indicator 607 and the second rotary nut 606 causes the second rotary nut 606 to rotate. However, because the second rotary nut 606 is threaded to the first rotary nut 605, it cannot rotate and encounters resistance to distal translation due to pressure caused by the drug in the barrel 601, causing the second rotary nut 606 to displace proximally and bottom out on the radially inwardly projecting ledge 628 of the second valve plunger. The second valve plunger 604 is prevented from displacing proximally by the housing 611. Subsequently, and with continued rotation of the rotary indicator 607, the second rotating nut 606 is threadedly engaged with the first rotating nut 605 (which cannot rotate), causing the first rotating nut 605 to reposition distally and push the first valve plunger 603 (and stopper 602) to dispense the drug from the barrel 601.

[0105] The first valve plunger 603 is displaced distally relative to the second valve plunger 604 until small collar portions 622 (located on the distal ends of leaf springs or arms 623 of the second valve plunger 604, respectively) engage corresponding proximal ends of slots 632 of the first valve plunger 603. This locks the relative positions of the first and second valve plungers 603 and 604, and with continued rotation of the rotary indicator 607, both valve plungers reposition distally and simultaneously push the second rotating nut together (due to its proximal engagement with the ledge 628).

[0106] The initial and final states of the telescopic plunger, and therefore the drug dosage, are controlled by the rectangular thread form of the threaded shaft 618 of the rotary indicator 607, the threaded shaft on the drum portion 616 of the rotary indicator 607, and a shoulder pin acting as a locking element 608. According to one embodiment, the threaded shaft on the drum portion 616 of the rotary indicator 607 is single lead, and the rest of the components in the telescopic chain have dual lead threads, so that the axial movement of the other threaded components is twice the axial movement of the lock 608 relative to the rotary indicator.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the lock 608 is cylindrical and features a domed tip on one end and a cylindrical collar on the other end. The threads on the exterior of the rotary indicator drum portion 616, along with the slots and undercuts 636 in the bottom of the housing 611, trap the lock 608 in place and allow it to slide parallel to the force axis. Thus, when the spring 609 is released and the rotary indicator 607 rotates, the lock 608 repositions as well and creates a positive stop when the distal end of the threads on the exterior of the rotary indicator drum portion 616 is reached.

[0108] One benefit of embodiments of the drive assembly 600 includes the use of a constant force spring 609, whose mechanical energy is converted into a substantially constant linear force on the drug within the barrel 601. This in turn produces a uniform drug delivery rate. Another benefit is that by employing a telescoping plunger driven by a thread form, the drive assembly can produce up to 0.75 inches of in-line space savings compared to other plunger designs. Additionally, the drive assembly provides a controlled drug dose through initial and final mechanical constraints within the same component.

[0109] As previously mentioned, other drug delivery systems utilize a compression coil spring, which exerts a maximum force upon actuation that eventually decreases as the spring unfolds. The decreasing force on the plunger can translate to variable drug delivery times and drug exit pressures. By using a constant force spring, the force exerted on the plunger is constant throughout dosing. Additionally, the distance the coil spring must travel in addition to the length of the static plunger that must be repositioned inside the drug container can create a long assembly. In contrast, in an embodiment of the present invention, the constant force spring is radially contained and does not require any additional space before or after actuation. Additionally, the nested plunger aspect allows the length of the plunger to be significantly reduced compared to the length of a static plunger.

[0110] Previous drug delivery systems have variable dose accuracy performance because mechanical components allow drug delivery to be made geometry dependent by bottoming down on the container, and cannot be made to tight tolerances. Some embodiments of the present invention create control over the start and end times of changing plunger position through the use of thread forms and constant force springs in the rotary indicator.

[0111] The drive assembly creates a space-saving geometry, along with well-controlled time, volume and pressure, for the drug delivery device, which translates into a more attractively compact and precise drug delivery device.

[0112] Some embodiments of the drive assembly implement three rotating threaded shafts, creating a linear space savings of approximately 0.75 inches. In other embodiments, the same concept may be employed with two rotating threaded shafts and result in a space savings of approximately 0.5 inches. Some embodiments of the present invention convert the rotational energy of a constant force spring into translational force motion of a plunger.

[0113] 94-100, a spacer assembly 660 according to a further embodiment of the present invention is shown. The spacer assembly 660 is similar to the spacer assembly 460 described above and shown in FIGS. 76-78, and operates in a similar manner to achieve similar advantages. The spacer assembly 660 includes a fixed spacer 666 and an adjustable spacer 668. The fixed spacer 666 is configured to be received by the stopper 462 such that a lug 670 engages the stopper 462 to secure the fixed spacer 666 within the stopper 462, although other suitable fastening arrangements, such as threads, may be utilized. The fixed spacer 666 includes an internal thread 672 that receives an external thread 678 of the adjustable spacer 668. The fixed spacer 666 includes a plurality of detents 674 positioned on a helical portion of the fixed spacer 666. The adjustable spacer 668 includes a spring detent arm 676 that engages one of the detents 674 to prevent rotation and axial displacement of the adjustable spacer 668 relative to the fixed spacer 666. The spring detent arm 676 is shaped and configured to pass over the detents 674 in one direction to allow rotation and axial displacement of the adjustable spacer 668 away from the fixed spacer 666. The adjustable spacer 668 may initially be secured to the fixed spacer 666 via the threads 672, 678 by applying a force to the top of the spring detent arm 676, which urges the spring detent arm 676 away from the detents 674 to allow the spacers 666, 668 to be secured to one another. Thus, in a similar manner as discussed above in connection with the spacer assembly 460, the adjustable spacer is free to rotate in one axial direction to adjust the length of the spacer assembly 660.

[0114] 94-100, the spacer assembly 660 further includes a shim 680 configured to be received and secured to the adjustable spacer 668. Rather than providing multiple sizes of adjustable spacers 468, 668, multiple shim 680 sizes can be provided to accommodate multiple different fill volumes within the container 14. The shim 680 may be secured to the adjustable spacer 668 via a connector 682 extending from the shim 680 that is received by the adjustable spacer 668 using a snap fit, although other suitable securing arrangements may be utilized. A central portion 684 of the fixed spacer 666 is configured to be engaged while the adjustable spacer 668 is rotated relative to the fixed spacer 666 to prevent rotation of the fixed spacer 666 along the adjustable spacer 268. The central portion 684 of the fixed spacer 666 is accessible through an opening in the shim 680.

[0115] Elements of one disclosed embodiment can be combined with elements of one or more other disclosed embodiments to form different combinations, all of which are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

[0116] While the present disclosure has been described as having an exemplary design, the disclosure can be further modified within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the disclosure using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which the disclosure pertains and that fall within the limits of the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A drive assembly for a drug delivery system, the drive assembly comprising: a plunger member configured to engage and move the stopper within the container, the plunger member having a first condition and a second condition axially spaced from the first condition; a biasing member configured to move the plunger member from the first condition to the second condition; and a plunger actuation member disposed within said plunger member and coaxially rotatable relative to said plunger member, said plunger actuation member having a first rotational state in which said plunger member is axially fixed relative to said plunger actuation member and a second rotational state in which said plunger member is axially movable relative to said plunger actuation member; 13. A drive assembly comprising:

2. 2. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the plunger actuating member includes a body including a drive surface and an actuator locking surface, and the plunger member includes a plunger locking surface, the actuator locking surface engaging the plunger locking surface when the plunger actuating member is in the first rotational state.

3. 3. The drive assembly of claim 2, wherein the plunger locking surface includes a plurality of protrusions and the actuator locking surface of the plunger member defines a plurality of recesses, the plurality of protrusions of the plunger locking surface being received within the plurality of recesses of the plunger member when the plunger actuation member is in a second rotational state.

4. 4. The drive assembly of claim 3, wherein the body of the plunger actuation member includes an annular portion and a spindle portion, the drive surface being positioned on the annular portion and the actuator locking surface being positioned on the spindle portion.

5. The drive assembly of claim 2 , wherein the drive surface includes a plurality of gears configured to be engaged by a portion of the needle actuator.

6. 2. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the plunger member includes first and second plunger members, the second plunger member received within the first plunger member, the second plunger member being axially movable relative to the first plunger member.

7. 7. The drive assembly of claim 6, wherein the biasing member engages the second plunger member configured to engage and move the first plunger member when the second plunger is axially moved a predetermined axial distance.

8. 2. The drive assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing member includes an inner spring and an outer spring, the inner spring having a different spring constant than the outer spring.

9. 1. A drug delivery system for injecting a medicament, the system comprising: a container configured to receive a medicament, the container including a stopper configured to move within the container and a closure; A drive assembly comprising: a plunger member configured to move the stopper within the container, the plunger member having a first state and a second state axially spaced from the first state; a biasing member configured to move the plunger member from the first condition to the second condition; and a plunger actuation member rotatable relative to the plunger member, the plunger actuation member having a first rotational state in which the plunger member is axially fixed relative to the plunger actuation member and a second rotational state in which the plunger member is axially rotatable relative to the plunger actuation member; a drive assembly including: a needle actuator assembly including a needle configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the container, the needle being movable from a first state and a second state spaced from the first state; Including, A portion of the needle actuator assembly is configured to engage the plunger actuation member to move the plunger actuation member from the first rotational state to the second rotational state.

10. 1. A drug delivery system for injecting a medicament, the system comprising: a container configured to receive a medicament, the container including a stopper configured to move within the container and a closure; A drive assembly comprising: a plunger member configured to move the stopper within the container, the plunger member having a first state and a second state axially spaced from the first state, the plunger member defining a plurality of coded protrusions; a biasing member configured to move the plunger member from the first condition to the second condition; and a drive assembly including a plunger actuating member movable relative to the plunger member, the plunger actuating member having a first state in which the plunger member is axially fixed relative to the plunger actuating member and a second state in which the plunger member is axially rotatable relative to the plunger actuating member; a needle actuator assembly including a needle configured to be disposed in fluid communication with the container, the needle being movable from a first state and a second state spaced from the first state, a portion of the needle actuator assembly configured to engage the plunger actuation member to move the plunger actuation member from the first state to the second state; a limiting member configured to align with and engage one of the plurality of coded protrusions to limit movement of the needle actuator assembly; and a spacer assembly configured to engage the stopper of the container and to engage the plunger member; A drug delivery system comprising:

11. 11. The drug delivery system of claim 10, wherein a portion of a needle actuator assembly is configured to engage and move the restricting member, and axial movement of the needle actuator assembly is limited by engagement of the restricting member with one of the plurality of coded protrusions.

12. 12. The drug delivery system of claim 11, wherein the restricting member is disengaged from one of the plurality of coded protrusions and the needle actuator assembly is axially movable relative to the restricting member when the plunger member is in the second state.

13. The drug delivery system of claim 10, wherein the spacer assembly includes a spacer and a spacer holder, the spacer holder being received by the stopper of the container, and the spacer being received by the spacer holder.

14. 14. The drug delivery system of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of spacers each having a different length, each of the plurality of spacers configured to correspond with one of the plurality of coded protrusions of the plunger member.

15. 11. The drug delivery system of claim 10, further comprising a housing for receiving the container, the drive assembly, and the needle actuator assembly, the drive assembly further comprising a coding member rotatable relative to the housing, and wherein rotation of the coding member causes rotation of the plurality of coded protrusions of the plunger member.

16. The drug delivery system of claim 10, wherein the restricting member is configured to engage a rear portion of the container.

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