Medicine loading system

Abstract

To suppress inflow of air to a delivery device to a minimum, to prevent backflow of medicine from occurring in the delivery device during a loading step and after the loading step, and to improve safety, handleability, and stability.SOLUTION: A medicine loading system for providing medicine to a delivery device is equipped with an alignment platform having a needle configured so as to communicate with a delivery device, which includes an air pump for removing air from the delivery device, a bulkhead configured to engage with the air pump, and a needle cover for surrounding the needle when it is not in use.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 908,343, filed September 30, 2019, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Various exemplary embodiments of the present invention relate to loading a delivery device with a drug via a drug loading system, such as a syringe assembly. [Background technology]

[0003] Systems such as delivery devices and syringe assemblies are typically used to inject medications such as insulin into patients. However, inefficiencies and inconveniences can arise. These challenges include minimizing air ingress into the delivery device, preventing backflow of medication in the delivery device during and after the filling step, and improving safety, handling, and stability. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One aspect of the present invention is to provide a drug loading system that aids in improved alignment and engagement with a delivery device. Upon engagement, the drug loading system removes undesirable air from the delivery device prior to filling the delivery device with drug. After the delivery device is filled with drug, the drug loading system is configured to prevent backflow of drug from the delivery device into the drug loading system. Such a system provides for efficient and improved accuracy of drug transferred to the delivery device.

[0005] Another aspect of the invention provides a syringe assembly for filling a delivery device with a medicament, the syringe assembly being locked after filling is complete to prevent backflow of the medicament into the syringe assembly.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, the syringe assembly includes an adapter having ergonomic features for improved safety, handling and stability. In yet another aspect of the invention, the adapter has a needle that engages a reusable needleless syringe to fill the delivery device.

[0007] The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention may be accomplished by providing a drug filling system for providing a drug to a delivery device, the drug filling system comprising a body housing having an air pump, a vial adapter in communication with the air pump and configured to engage a vial containing a drug, a barrel in selective communication with the vial adapter and the delivery device, and a valve for locking and unlocking movement of a plunger within the barrel.

[0008] The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention may be further accomplished by providing a method of loading a drug into a delivery device using a drug loading system, the method comprising: attaching the drug loading system to a delivery device; establishing fluid communication between the delivery device and the drug loading system; connecting a vial to the drug loading system to establish fluid communication; setting a dosage on a plunger of a barrel in the drug loading system; releasing the plunger of the barrel; pulling the plunger to remove air from the delivery device; transferring the drug from the vial to the barrel; and loading the delivery device with the drug.

[0009] The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention may also be accomplished by providing a drug filling system for providing a drug to a delivery device, the drug filling system comprising an alignment platform having a needle configured to communicate with the delivery device, the alignment platform including an air pump for removing air from the delivery device, a septum configured to engage with the air pump, and a needle cover for enclosing the needle when not in use.

[0010] The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention may be further accomplished by providing a syringe assembly for providing a medicament to a delivery device, the syringe assembly comprising a syringe with a dial dose for setting a dose, the dial dose being disposed on a plunger head, the plunger including a plunger head disposed on a proximal end of the plunger, the syringe barrel connected to a needle and a plunger lock assembly, and the plunger lock assembly preventing backflow of the medicament into the syringe after the syringe delivers the medicament to the delivery device.

[0011] The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention may be further accomplished by providing a syringe assembly for filling a syringe and delivery device with a medicament, the syringe assembly comprising a syringe having a needle for transferring the medicament and an adapter configured to engage with a vial carrying the medicament, the adapter including one of an ergonomic feature or a needle depth control feature.

[0012] The foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention can also be accomplished by providing a syringe assembly for filling a syringe and delivery device with a medicament, the syringe assembly comprising a needleless syringe having a syringe connector, an adapter including a needle configured to engage a vial carrying the medicament, and an adapter connector configured to engage with the syringe connector, a distal end of the adapter engaging the vial to receive the medicament and engaging the delivery device to transfer the medicament.

[0013] Finally, the foregoing and / or other aspects of the present invention may be further accomplished by providing a syringe assembly for filling a syringe and a delivery device with a medicament, the syringe assembly comprising: a syringe having a needle for transferring the medicament; an adapter attached to the syringe and configured to engage a vial carrying the medicament and including a housing surrounding the syringe; and a base configured to mount on the delivery device, wherein when the adapter engages the vial, the medicament is transferred from the vial to the syringe, and when the adapter engages the delivery device, the medicament is transferred from the syringe to the delivery device.

[0014] Additional and / or other aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description that follows, or will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] The above aspects and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a first exemplary embodiment of a schematic diagram of a drug filling system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the drug filling system of FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the drug loading system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the drug loading system taken along line AA in FIG. 2, shown as air is removed from the delivery device. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the drug loading system taken along line AA in FIG. 2, shown as drug is delivered to the delivery system. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a second exemplary embodiment of a schematic diagram of a drug loading system. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of the drug loading system of FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of a syringe assembly for use with the drug loading system of FIG. [Figure 9] 9 is a perspective view of a plunger lock assembly used with the syringe assembly of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 10 is a cross-sectional view of the plunger lock assembly taken along line BB of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a third exemplary embodiment of a syringe assembly attached to a vial via an adapter. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a first embodiment of an adapter for use with the syringe assembly of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a second embodiment of an adapter for use with the syringe assembly of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a third embodiment of an adapter for use with the syringe assembly of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates the adapter used with the syringe assembly of FIG. 11 when detached from the vial. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a side perspective view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of a syringe assembly having an integral adapter attached to a vial. [Figure 17] 17 is a top perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 16. FIG. [Figure 18] 18 is a bottom perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 16 attached to a delivery device. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of a syringe assembly without an adapter. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 19 engaged with a vial for filling with a medicament. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 19 engaged with a delivery device for delivering a medicament. [Figure 22]FIG. 22 is an exploded view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of a needleless syringe assembly having an adapter with a needle and a vial. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 22 shown connecting to a vial. [Figure 24] 24 is a perspective view of the syringe assembly of FIG. 22 shown engaged with a delivery device. [Diagram 25] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe assembly taken along line CC of FIG. 24, shown engaged with a delivery device. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a seventh exemplary embodiment of a syringe assembly having an alignment adapter engaged to a delivery device. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the syringe assembly and vial of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 illustrates a delivery device configured to engage with the syringe assembly of FIG. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a flow chart of a method for using an adapter and transferring a medication to a syringe assembly prior to expelling the medication into a delivery device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Figures 1-5 illustrate a drug filling system 30 according to one embodiment. The drug filling system 30 is configured to engage with a vial 10 for receiving a drug and with an insulin delivery device (IDD) 20 for transferring and filling the drug. Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of the overall operation of the drug filling system 30. Figures 2-5 show a cavity on the bottom of the drug filling system 30 that is configured to advantageously provide alignment and engage with the insulin delivery device 20.

[0018] 2 and 3 show that drug filling system 30 includes a body housing 40 that includes an air pump 42, a vial adapter 44, a fluid passage 45, a barrel 46 having a viewing window 48, an exit port 50 in communication with a needle 54, and a spring element 52 cooperating with a spring 53. Air pump 42 is preferably manually operated, but can also be automatically operated. Air pump 42 is in fluid communication with vial adapter 44.

[0019] When a user desires to transfer medication from vial 10 to barrel 46 of body housing 10, vial 10 is attached to vial adapter 44. Vial adapter 44 includes a dual lumen vial spike that pierces a septum in vial 10. The user then pumps air pump 42 to supply air to vial 10. This increased pressure within vial 10 forces the medication out of vial 10 and into barrel 46 via flow passage 45.

[0020] The barrel 46 carries the medication and includes a visual window 48 to provide a visual indication of the amount of medication in the barrel 46. Specifically, the visual window 48 is clear and may include a dose marker that is visible when a user looks through the visual window 48 to see the amount of medication in the barrel 46. The barrel 46 may also include a buoyant colored member that floats above the medication to indicate the amount of medication in the barrel 46 when viewed through the visual window 48. Further details of the syringe barrel components 70 are described below.

[0021] 4 and 5, the body housing 40 also includes an outlet port 50 disposed on a spring element 52 that selectively communicates with a needle 54 and the insulin delivery device 20 based on movement of a manual switch valve 60. The needle 54 is disposed in a cavity in the bottom surface of the drug filling system 30. The needle 54 is configured to pierce a septum in the insulin delivery device 20. The manual switch valve 60 advantageously controls a three-way valve and cooperates with a plunger locking feature. Further details of the manual switch valve 60 are described below.

[0022] FIG. 1 shows that the manual switch valve 60 is disposed between the vial adapter 44, the insulin delivery device 20 and the barrel 46 to provide selective fluid communication. FIG. 4 shows the manual switch valve 60 depressed to move the spring element 52. In this configuration, the body housing 40 is in communication with the insulin delivery device 20 to remove air through the outlet port 50 and the needle 54. Air removal occurs when the user pulls the vent plunger 72 upward. The flow path 45 between the vial adapter 44 and the barrel 46 is not aligned and disengaged in this position.

[0023] 5 shows the manual switch valve 60 in a released (natural position) position, allowing the spring element 52 and outlet port 50 to align out of alignment with the needle 54. Thus, the body housing 40 is not in fluid communication with the insulin delivery device 20. Instead, the flow path 45 is aligned to provide fluid communication between the vial adapter 44 and the barrel 46. As a result, medication is transferred from the vial 10 to the barrel 46.

[0024] To transfer medication into the insulin delivery device 20, the manual switch valve 60 is depressed to align the barrel 46, exit port 50, and needle 54, as shown in Figure 4. The user then depresses the vent plunger 72 to transfer the medication. This position is therefore used to remove air from the insulin delivery device 20 and transfer medication into the insulin delivery device 20.

[0025] The spring element 52 is a rigid member disposed near the bottom surface of the body housing 40. As described above, the spring element 52 cooperates with the manual switch valve 60 to control the flow of the medication. Specifically, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the spring element 52 engages with a spring 53 that bottoms out a portion of the body housing 40 to ensure compression of the spring 53. This configuration allows the spring element 52 to slide to various flow path positions based on user manipulation of the manual switch valve 60.

[0026] 2, 4 and 5, the manual switch valve 60 includes an arm 62, a pivot shaft 64, a stop element 66, and a button 68. As mentioned above, the manual switch valve 60 incorporates the button 68 to control the operation of the drug loading system 30. Specifically, the button 68 is disposed at a distal end of the arm 62 adjacent the spring element 52, while the stop element 66 is disposed at a proximal end of the arm 62 near the top of the barrel 46.

[0027] As described below, the stop element 66 is configured to engage and disengage one of a plurality of dial dose stops 76 to aid in dose setting. The stop element 66 can also be located at the top of the barrel 46, as shown in FIG. 2, to advantageously prevent backflow after the medication has been transferred to the insulin delivery device 20. In this way, the user advantageously does not need to hold the vent plunger 72 after medication delivery to ensure that the medication does not leave the insulin delivery device 20.

[0028] The arm 62 rotates about a pivot shaft 64 disposed between a button 68 and a stop element 66. The pivot shaft 64 allows the arm 62 to rotate between an engaged position and a disengaged position upon actuation of the button 68 by a user.

[0029] Syringe barrel elements 70 include a vent plunger 72, a dial dose 74, and a number of dial dose stops 76. The vent plunger 72 advantageously includes a fluid stopping membrane that prohibits medication from escaping the barrel 46, and a one-way valve that allows air to be vented from the barrel 46 while retaining medication within. Specifically, the vent plunger 72 allows air to exit the medication filling system 30 as air is removed from the insulin delivery device 20. Additionally, air previously disposed in the barrel 46 is released through the vent plunger 72 as the barrel 46 is filled with medication.

[0030] A dial dose 74 is disposed at the proximal end of the vent plunger 72. A user rotates the dial dose 74 to set a desired dose. As the dial dose 74 rotates, the plunger 72 also rotates along with a plurality of dial dose stops 76 disposed on the plunger 72. FIG. 3 illustrates a plurality of rotationally disposed dial dose stops 76, each corresponding to a different dose. Preferably, the dial dose stops 76 are molded into and along the axial length of the plunger 72. Based on the set dose from the dial dose 74, one of the plurality of dial dose stops 76 aligns with the stop element 66 to limit the amount of medication entering the barrel 46.

[0031] Some insulin delivery devices 20 may incorporate a flexible reservoir chamber, such as, for example, a flexible bag. These insulin delivery devices 20 may provide back pressure during drug loading and may also provide excess air to be removed to provide high accuracy during drug loading. The drug loading system 30 disclosed herein advantageously prevents drug backflow, removes air to improve loading accuracy, and controls the amount of drug delivered while minimizing needle exposure.

[0032] 6-10 show a drug filling system 130 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 6 shows a schematic diagram of the drug filling system 130 establishing cooperation with the vial 110 and the insulin delivery device 120, as described above. The drug filling system 130 further includes a needle-free vial adapter 140, an alignment platform 150, a needle-free syringe 170, and a plunger lock assembly 180. The alignment platform 150 is advantageously the only component in the drug filling system 130 that uses a needle.

[0033] 6 and 8 show that the proximal end of vial adapter 140 includes a luer lock 142. The proximal end of vial adapter 140 is configured to engage with a syringe 170 to establish fluid communication. The distal end of vial adapter 140 is configured to pierce a septum in vial 110 via a needle (not shown) to establish fluid communication.

[0034] 6 and 7 show alignment platform 150. The underside of alignment platform 150 is advantageously configured to provide alignment for mounting purposes and to engage insulin delivery device 120. Alignment platform 150 includes a dividing septum 152, a retainer cavity 154, an air pump 156, a needle cover 158, and a needle 160. Dividing septum 152 provides selective fluid communication with air pump 156 and syringe 170. Retainer cavity 154 provides space for mounting alignment platform 150 and using a retainer to provide stability.

[0035] The air pump 156 is different from that used in the above-mentioned embodiment. Specifically, the air pump 156 is preferably automatically operated, but can also be manually operated. The air pump 156 includes two one-way valves and a collapsible chamber, such as a valve, a bellows, or a piston barrel. The air pump 156 is configured to engage with the dividing septum 152 and remove air from the insulin delivery device 120 before filling with medication. As shown in FIG. 6, the needle 160 is disposed on the underside of the alignment platform 150 and aligned with the dividing septum 152. The needle 160 is configured to penetrate the septum of the insulin delivery device 120 to establish fluid communication with the alignment platform 150.

[0036] The needle cover 158 is used to cover the needle 160 and engage the alignment platform 150. As shown in FIG. 7 , the needle cover 158 is uniquely shaped to engage both the upper and lower surfaces of the alignment platform 150 while surrounding the dividing septum 152 and the Luer connection, ultimately covering and enclosing the needle 160.

[0037] Figure 8 further illustrates a syringe 170 having a plunger 172, a plunger head 174, a dial dose 176, and a syringe barrel (not shown) as conventionally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a plunger lock assembly 180 that cooperates with the syringe 170. The plunger lock assembly 180 advantageously locks the plunger 172 when all of the medication has been dispensed from the syringe barrel, preventing medication from backflowing into the syringe barrel.

[0038] The plunger lock assembly 180 includes a lock button 182, a lock flange 184 having first and second protrusions 186, 188, a lock base 190, a circular extrusion 191, a base locking flange 192, and a compression spring 198. The lock button 182 is advantageously and conveniently located on the plunger head 174 of the plunger 172. The lock button 182 is button shaped and includes a plurality of legs or lock flanges 184 that extend through a cavity in the plunger head 174.

[0039] 9 and 10, the syringe 170 further includes an accident-proof push ring 178. The accident-proof push ring 178 includes a raised surface surrounding the lock button 182 to advantageously prevent inadvertent depression of the lock button 182. In one embodiment, the accident-proof push ring 178 includes a continuous wall surrounding the lock button 182. In another embodiment, the accident-proof push ring 178 includes a wall having spaced gaps around the lock button 182.

[0040] If a user drops the syringe 170, for example, the lock button 182 will not be depressed beyond the top surface of the accident-proof push ring 178 to safely prevent accidental triggering. The accident-proof push ring 178 is designed to require deliberate depression of the lock button 182, which extends into the accident-proof push ring 178. Such a configuration can advantageously avoid accidental triggering of the lock button 182 of the plunger lock assembly 180, while still allowing the user's fingers to operate the syringe 170.

[0041] Each of the plurality of locking flanges 184 includes a first protrusion 186 and a second protrusion 188. The first protrusion 186 secures the plunger lock assembly 180 to the plunger head 174 of the syringe 170. The second protrusion 188 secures the lock button 182 to a lock base 190 when in the locked position.

[0042] As illustrated in FIG. 9, the locking base 190 is preferably secured to the syringe barrel by a snap locking arrangement, although other securing means are contemplated herein. The locking base 190 includes a circular extrusion 191 that extends upwardly toward the plunger head 174. A plurality of base locking flanges 192 are disposed on the inner diameter and proximal end of the circular extrusion 191. The plurality of base locking flanges 192 engage with the second protrusion 188 of the locking button 182 to lock the plunger 172 after the medication has been dispensed. The plunger head 174 can also be rotated from the locked position to disengage the plunger 172 from the locking button 182 and into an unlocked position.

[0043] A compression spring 198 is disposed between the lock button 182 and the plunger head 174 to maintain the lock button 182 in the unlocked position prior to the user compressing the lock button 182 to the locked position. Thus, in the unlocked position, the compression spring 198 is compressed to allow the plunger 172 to operate. However, in the locked position after the drug has been dispensed, the compression spring 198 is further compressed, causing the plurality of base locking flanges 192 to engage with the second protrusions 188 of the lock button 182.

[0044] 11-15 illustrate a syringe assembly 230 that fills a syringe 240 with a medication and dispenses the medication into an insulin delivery device 220 according to a third embodiment. The syringe assembly 230 includes a syringe 240 with well-known components, such as a flange 242 that allows a user to grip the syringe 240, a barrel 243 that carries the medication, a dose indicator 244 that provides a visual indication of the amount of medication in the syringe 240, a plunger 245 that moves the medication in and out of the barrel 243, a plunger head 246 that provides space for finger depression / actuation, and a needle 248 through which the medication flows.

[0045] The syringe assembly 230 further includes an adapter 250 that provides alignment between the syringe 240 and the vial 210, as well as between the syringe 240 and the insulin delivery device 220. The adapter 250 also allows the user to hold the vial 210 and the syringe 240 together upon engagement. FIG. 11 illustrates the syringe 230 in the process of engaging with the adapter 250, and FIG. 15 illustrates the syringe 230 disengaged from the adapter 250. The adapter 250 includes an alignment tube 252 that helps align the syringe 240 with the vial 210 or insulin delivery device 220.

[0046] The alignment tube 252 is a larger target compared to the syringe 240. As a result, the alignment tube 252 advantageously allows a user to more efficiently aim the syringe 240 and adapter 250 to engage with the vial 210 or to engage with the insulin delivery device 220. The increased aiming efficiency also advantageously reduces accidental bending of the needle. A locking mechanism 254, preferably a snap lock or threaded, is disposed at the distal end of the adapter 250 to engage with the vial 210 and the insulin delivery device 220.

[0047] 12-14 illustrate several embodiments of an adapter 250 that provide various advantageous features related to ergonomics and control of needle depth. FIG. 12 illustrates two arms 256 of the alignment tube 252 of the adapter 250 that protrude outwardly from the centerline of the alignment tube 252 and advantageously aid in ergonomic handling and control of the syringe assembly 230.

[0048] 13 illustrates a plurality of curved recesses 257, each having a centrally located protrusion 258. The curved recesses 257 are advantageously configured to ergonomically engage a user's fingers, and the protrusions 258 advantageously provide friction to help the user maintain a grip on the adapter 250.

[0049] 14 illustrates a needle depth control mechanism 259. The alignment tube 252 is replaced by, or preferably cooperates with, the needle depth control mechanism 259. The needle depth control mechanism 259 includes a sleeve assembly having two or more sleeves that are aligned and rotate relative to one another. The sleeve assembly functions as a telescoping device that reduces the inner diameter when rotated, similar to a telescoping pole.

[0050] The needle depth control mechanism 259 advantageously controls needle penetration into the vial 210 and insulin delivery device 220, reducing needle sticks. This configuration is particularly advantageous for maximizing extraction of medication from the vial 210, as a shorter needle can recover more medication. Additionally, the sleeve assembly of the needle depth control mechanism 259 is collapsible for storing the adapter 250 in a compact and safe space.

[0051] 16-18 illustrate a syringe assembly 230 according to a fourth embodiment, similar to that described above, but including an alternative adapter 251. The adapter 251 in this embodiment is incorporated into a plunger lock assembly 270. The plunger lock assembly 270 includes a housing 272, a flange slot 278, a plunger lock 280, and a mounting flange 282.

[0052] The housing 272 of the plunger lock assembly 270 carries or encloses the syringe assembly 230. The flange slot 278 is a cavity that engages with the flange 242 of the syringe 240. FIG. 17 shows that a plunger lock 280 is disposed over the plunger head 246 to prevent backflow of the drug from re-entering the syringe 240 after it has been dispensed. FIGS. 16 and 18 illustrate a mounting flange 282 disposed on the distal end of the plunger lock assembly 270 to provide engagement to the vial 210 and also to provide a mounting surface for alignment when engaging with the insulin delivery device 220.

[0053] 19-21 illustrate a syringe assembly 230 according to a fifth embodiment, without an adapter, and with a second embodiment of a plunger lock assembly 271. The plunger lock assembly 271 includes some of the features described above, and further includes a dose window 274 and a gripping surface 276. Specifically, the housing 272 of the plunger lock assembly 271 includes the gripping surface 276 for a user to securely grip the plunger lock assembly 271.

[0054] Figure 20 illustrates a syringe 240 in a plunger lock assembly 271 engaged with a vial 210. A dosing window 274 in a housing 272 of the plunger lock assembly 271 is advantageously enlarged to allow a user to conveniently view the dose within the barrel 243 of the syringe 240 and the gradual movement of the plunger 245 during filling and dispensing. Figure 21 illustrates a syringe 240 in a plunger lock assembly 271 engaged with an insulin delivery device 220 to transfer the medication.

[0055] 22-25 illustrate a syringe assembly 330 according to a sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, the vial 310 and insulin delivery device 320 are similarly described above. FIG. 24 illustrates the insulin delivery device 320 including a septum 324 and a film cover 322 for enclosing the insulin delivery device 320 and the septum 324 prior to use. The septum 324 provides selective fluid communication to the insulin delivery device 320.

[0056] Syringe assembly 330 includes a needleless syringe 340 and a syringe connector 342. To reduce needle sticks and improve safety, it is advantageous to use a needleless syringe 340. Syringe connector 342 is preferably a Luer connector, although other forms of engagement are contemplated.

[0057] Syringe assembly 330 further includes an adapter 350 configured to engage with vial 310 and insulin delivery device 320. Adapter 350 includes an adapter connector 352 configured to engage with syringe connector 342. Needle 354 is disposed at a distal end of adapter 350 to engage with the septum of vial 310 and insulin delivery device 320. Prior to use, needle 354 is surrounded by a rubber sleeve 356 to protect needle 354 from inadvertent use.

[0058] Figure 23 illustrates the syringe 330 connected to the adapter 350 and engaged to the vial 310 to fill the syringe 330 with medication. After filling, Figure 25 illustrates the syringe 330 connected to the adapter 350 and engaged to the insulin delivery device 320. Specifically, the needle 354 of the adapter 350 pierces the septum 324 of the insulin delivery device 320 to establish fluid communication.

[0059] 26-28 illustrate a syringe assembly 430 according to a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the vial 410 and the insulin delivery device 420 are similarly described above. However, FIG. 28 shows that the insulin delivery device 420 further includes an alignment footprint 422 and a needle port 424. The alignment footprint 422 comprises a profile printed on the label of the insulin delivery device 420 to guide the engagement of the syringe assembly 430. The needle port 424 is a hole alignment feature to provide mechanical alignment between the insulin delivery device 420 and the syringe assembly 430.

[0060] Syringe assembly 430 includes a syringe 440 having a needle 442, a flange 444, and a needle cover 446, as conventionally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Figure 26 shows syringe 440 disposed within an adapter 450. Figure 27 illustrates an exploded view of syringe assembly 430, where adapter 450 includes housing 452, slot 454, base 456, and bore 458.

[0061] The housing 452 is configured to carry the syringe 440. The slot 454 is configured to engage with the flange 444 of the syringe 440 to secure the engagement. The base 456 is used to mount onto the insulin delivery device 420 and is also configured to engage with the vial 410. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 , the base 456 is positioned in the alignment footprint 422 of the insulin delivery device 420 so that proper alignment and engagement can occur. A hole 458 in the base 456 is used to provide mechanical alignment with the needle port 424 of the insulin delivery device 420.

[0062] FIG. 29 illustrates a flow chart of a user using the adapter to transfer medication from a vial to a syringe assembly in the multiple related embodiments described above. This transfer occurs before expelling the medication into a delivery device. Step 500 attaches the vial adapter to the vial. Step 505 attaches the needle to the syringe. Step 510 retracts the plunger to the desired dose. Step 515 moves the needle cover. Step 520 inserts the syringe into the vial adapter until the needle enters the vial. Step 525 presses the plunger down to provide air pressure to the vial. Step 530 rotates the syringe and vial so that the vial is over the syringe. The user then retracts the plunger to draw in the desired dose of medication. Step 535 removes the syringe from the vial and vial adapter. At step 540, the syringe is ready to fill an insulin delivery device.

[0063] The above detailed description of certain exemplary embodiments is provided in the description of the principles of the invention and its practical application, thereby enabling those skilled in the art to understand the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as appropriate for a particular use in mind. The description herein is not necessarily intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the detailed embodiments described. In addition, any of the embodiments, features and / or elements disclosed herein may be combined with each other to form various additional combinations not specifically disclosed, so long as the combined embodiments, features and / or elements are not mutually inconsistent. Thus, additional embodiments are possible and are intended to be included within the scope of the specification and the invention. The specification describes specific examples for achieving more general goals that may be achieved in other ways.

[0064] As used in this application, the terms "front", "back", "top", "bottom", "upward", "downward" and other directional descriptors are intended to facilitate the description of exemplary embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the structures of exemplary embodiments of the invention to a particular location or orientation. Terms of degree such as "substantially" or "approximately" will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to refer to a reasonable range around a given value, e.g., the typical tolerance associated with the manufacture, assembly, and use of the described embodiments.

Claims

1. 1. A drug loading system for providing a drug to a delivery device, comprising: an alignment platform having a needle configured to communicate with the delivery device, an air pump for removing air from the delivery device; a bulkhead configured to engage the air pump; a needle cover for enclosing said needle when not in use; Including alignment platform A drug filling system equipped with

2. 1. A syringe assembly for providing a medicament to a delivery device, comprising: A syringe, A dial dose that sets the dosage and is placed on the plunger head; the plunger including the plunger head disposed at a proximal end of the plunger; a syringe barrel connected to a needle; A syringe comprising: A plunger lock assembly; 1. A syringe assembly comprising: After the syringe delivers the medication to the delivery device, the plunger lock assembly prevents the medication from flowing back into the syringe. Syringe assembly.

3. The plunger lock assembly includes: a lock button disposed on the plunger head; a lock base attached to the syringe barrel; Further equipped with the lock button is engaged with the lock base in a locked position to prevent backflow from entering the syringe barrel.

3. The syringe assembly of claim 2.

4. the lock button and the lock base each include a lock flange that engages in the lock position; the syringe includes a ring surrounding the lock button to prevent the lock button from being accidentally pressed; 4. The syringe assembly of claim 3.

5. a vial adapter adapted to engage a vial and the syringe; Further equipped with The syringe is filled with the medicament prior to engaging with the delivery device.

3. The syringe assembly of claim 2.

6. 1. A syringe assembly for loading a medicament into a syringe and a delivery device, comprising: a syringe having a needle for delivering the drug; an adapter configured to engage a vial carrying the medication; Equipped with the adapter includes one of an ergonomic feature or a needle depth control feature; Syringe assembly.

7. The syringe assembly of claim 6 , wherein a distal end of the adapter is configured to engage a delivery device to fill with the medicament.

8. The adapter: an alignment tube incorporating either said ergonomic feature or said needle depth control feature; a locking mechanism configured to engage the vial; Including, 7. The syringe assembly of claim 6.

9. The syringe assembly of claim 8 , wherein a proximal end of the alignment tube includes the ergonomic feature having two or more arms projecting outwardly from a centerline of the alignment tube.

10. The syringe assembly of claim 8 , wherein the alignment tube includes the ergonomic feature having two or more curved recesses, each of the recesses including a protrusion.

11. 9. The syringe assembly of claim 8, wherein the needle depth control feature includes two concentric collars rotatably fixed to one another for varying the length of the alignment tube.

12. a plunger lock assembly carrying the syringe and the adapter; Further equipped with the plunger lock assembly is configured to lock the plunger of the syringe in a locked position; 7. The syringe assembly of claim 6.

13. A housing, a dose window that expands dosage indications; a gripping surface to aid in handling of the plunger lock assembly; A housing including: The syringe assembly of claim 12 , wherein the plunger lock assembly comprises:

14. The syringe comprises: a flange disposed at a proximal end of the barrel; a plunger having a plunger head cooperating with the barrel; Including, The plunger lock assembly a slot for engaging the flange of the syringe; a plunger lock disposed on the plunger head to prevent backflow into the syringe after the medication has been delivered; Including, 13. A syringe assembly according to claim 12.

15. 1. A syringe assembly for loading a medicament into a syringe and a delivery device, comprising: The syringe assembly comprises: a needleless syringe having a syringe connector; An adapter, a needle configured to engage a vial carrying the medicament; an adapter connector configured to engage the syringe connector; an adapter including: Equipped with A syringe assembly, wherein a distal end of the adapter engages the vial to receive the medication and engages the delivery device to transfer the medication.

16. The syringe assembly of claim 15 , wherein the adapter includes a sleeve that covers the needle.

17. 1. A syringe assembly for loading a medicament into a syringe and a delivery device, comprising: The syringe assembly comprises: a syringe having a needle for delivering the drug; an adapter attached to the syringe and configured to engage a vial carrying the medication, a housing surrounding the syringe; a base configured to mount onto the delivery device; and an adapter including: Equipped with When the adapter engages the vial, the medication is transferred from the vial to the syringe; A syringe assembly, wherein when the adapter is engaged with the delivery device, the medication is transferred from the syringe to the delivery device.

18. The syringe assembly of claim 17 , wherein the base of the adapter includes a hole that aligns with a needle port of the delivery device.

19. The syringe assembly of claim 17, wherein the adapter includes a slot that engages a flange of the syringe to secure the syringe.

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