Devices and methods for accurate dose delivery

Abstract

To provide a delivery device for delivering an accurate dose.SOLUTION: Provided is a drug delivery device that includes: a barrel 9; a plunger rod 1 including a protrusion; and a flange 7 coupled to a proximal end of the barrel 9 and comprising a first surface and a second surface distal to the first surface, wherein a distal portion of the protrusion is positioned externally from a body of the flange 7 prior to an initial stroke of the plunger rod 1 and abuts first surface after an initial stroke to limit distal movement of the plunger rod 1; when the plunger rod 1 is rotated around the central longitudinal axis, it allows distal movement of the distal portion of said projection to allow the plunger rod 1 to move until said distal portion contacts said second surface; and when the distal portion of the protrusion is positioned against the closed end of the channel, it inhibits distal movement and rotation of the plunger rod 1 with respect to the barrel 9.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 62 / 598,212, filed December 13, 2017; U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 62 / 676,047, filed May 24, 2018; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 62 / 722,252, filed August 24, 2018, all of which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Field of the Disclosure Aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices and methods for priming or otherwise configuring a dose delivery device, such as a syringe, to facilitate delivery of an accurate dose. More specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices and methods for loading, storing, transporting, and / or delivering an accurate dose of a pharmaceutical, placebo, or other product, including a fluid. [Background technology]

[0002] preface Liquid medicines may be deliverable to patients in a variety of ways, including injection. In many cases, the accuracy of the volume of the liquid medicine is important. For example, a medical professional may be interested in ensuring that an approved or prescribed volume of the medicine is consistently delivered to each patient who needs the drug. Furthermore, overdosing or underdosing a patient with a medicine, even if slight, may have undesirable (or even negative) clinical effects on the patient. Furthermore, some medicines are prescribed in small volumes (e.g., less than 100 μL). In small volumes, human error in preparing and delivering the exact dose of medicine for injection may affect the efficacy of the drug in the patient and its subsequent clinical effects on the patient.

[0003] Additional aspects of liquid medication delivery may complicate the goal of delivering an accurate dose via injection. For example, to dispense the correct dose of medication from a device (e.g., a syringe), a corresponding accurate volume of medication must be loaded into the device. Furthermore, handling, storage, packaging, and / or transportation of the loaded device must not cause the inadvertent release of medication from the device. Additionally, prior to administering medication from the device, the device may need to be primed to remove air bubbles from within the needle and barrel of the device. Incorrect priming of the device may result in the device expelling too much or too little medication, which may similarly result in a reduced dose delivered to the patient or the introduction of air bubbles into the patient from the device. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Disclosed herein is a fluid delivery device. In an aspect of the disclosure, the device can include a barrel having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end region, and a distal end region. The proximal end region can include an opening, and the barrel can be configured to receive a drug therein. A plunger rod (to which the piston is coupled) can be disposed at least partially inside the barrel and protrude from the opening. The plunger rod can include a rack having a plurality of teeth. The device can include a pinion having a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the plurality of teeth of the rack, and rotation of the pinion relative to the rack can move at least a portion of the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

[0005] Various aspects of the device may include one or more of the following features. The device may also include a shaft secured to the pinion, where rotation of the shaft causes the pinion to rotate relative to the rack. In one embodiment, a knob may be secured to the shaft. In another embodiment, a visualization device (e.g., a magnifying glass) may be disposed at the distal end region of the barrel. In a further embodiment, the device may include a stopper inside the barrel, where the stopper may be secured to the distal end of the plunger rod. In an exemplary embodiment, the device may further include a circular ratchet disposed coaxially with the pinion, where the diameter of the circular ratchet is smaller than the diameter of the pinion, a spring-loaded pawl disposed on the inner circumference of the pinion, the pawl configured to engage with the ratchet, and a shaft secured to the ratchet, where rotation of the shaft in one direction causes rotation of the pinion and rotation of the shaft in a second direction does not cause rotation of the pinion. In some embodiments, the ratchet may be disposed inside the pinion. In some embodiments, the pinion may include a plurality of teeth having a first height and a stopper tooth having a second height greater than the first height. In further embodiments, the second height of the stopper tooth may prevent the pinion from engaging the plurality of teeth of the rack. In yet another embodiment, the second height of the stopper tooth may be configured to contact one of the plunger rod and the rack to stop rotation of the pinion. In yet other embodiments, the plunger rod may include an inner column and an outer lumen, and the rack may be disposed in the inner column. In some embodiments, rotation of the pinion relative to the rack may move the inner column of the plunger rod independently of the outer lumen. In some embodiments, the device also includes a shaft removably secured to the pinion, the shaft preventing movement of the outer lumen of the plunger rod relative to the barrel, and removal of the shaft allowing movement of the outer lumen of the plunger rod relative to the barrel.

[0006] In some embodiments, the plunger rod may further include a body and a flange, the flange extending partially along the longitudinal length of the body and having a width greater than the width of the body, and the barrel may further include a plunger lock, the plunger lock including a through hole configured to allow the flange to pass through a second plunger lock in a particular orientation.

[0007] In another aspect of the disclosure, the drug delivery device can include a barrel including a longitudinal axis, a proximal end region, a distal end region, and an interior, the proximal end region including an opening and the interior including a threaded region. The device can further include a plunger rod disposed at least partially inside the barrel and protruding from the opening, the plunger rod having a threaded region configured to engage a threaded region on the interior of the barrel. Rotation of the plunger rod about the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device can move the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis.

[0008] Various aspects of the device may include one or more of the following features: The plunger rod may further include a tab protruding from the plunger rod in a first direction and located proximally from the threaded region of the plunger rod, and the threaded region inside the barrel may further include a slot sized and configured to allow the tab to pass through the threaded region inside the barrel. In some embodiments, the slot may include a first segment parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device and a second segment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device. In some embodiments, the slot includes a third segment parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device, the second segment being between the first and third segments. In other embodiments, the tab is a first tab, the plunger rod may further include a second tab protruding from the plunger rod in a second direction opposite the first direction, and the threaded region inside the barrel may further include a second slot sized and configured to allow the second tab to pass through the threaded region inside the barrel.

[0009] In another aspect of the present disclosure, the drug delivery device may include a barrel having a proximal end region, a distal end region, an opening in the proximal end region, an interior, and an interior threaded region. The device may further include a sleeve disposed partially within the interior of the barrel and protruding from the opening in the proximal end region of the barrel, the sleeve including a threaded region that engages with the threaded region in the interior of the barrel. The device may also include a plunger rod disposed at least partially within the sleeve, and a stopper disposed within the barrel and distally from the sleeve, the stopper connected to a distal end of the plunger rod. Rotation of the sleeve in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device may move the sleeve toward the distal end region of the barrel.

[0010] Various aspects of the device may include one or more of the following features: Rotation of the sleeve in a first direction may move the stopper toward the distal end region of the barrel. In some embodiments, the sleeve may include an internal passageway and the stopper may have a diameter greater than a diameter of the internal passageway. In some embodiments, the sleeve may include a tab disposed on an exterior of the sleeve, the tab may be disposed proximally from a threaded region inside the barrel, and the tab may stop movement of the sleeve toward the distal end region of the barrel. In further embodiments, the tab may be configured to stop movement of the sleeve toward the distal end region of the barrel after the drug delivery device is primed. In further embodiments, the tab may be a first tab and the sleeve may further include a second tab disposed on an exterior of the sleeve, the second tab may be disposed distally from a threaded region inside the barrel, and the second tab may stop movement of the sleeve toward the proximal end region of the barrel.

[0011] In a further aspect of the disclosure, the drug delivery device may include a barrel including a proximal end region and a distal end region, the proximal end region may include an opening. The device may also include a plunger rod including a body and a flange, the flange extending partially along a longitudinal length of the body and having a width greater than a width of the body, disposed at least partially inside the barrel and projecting from the opening. The device may also include a first plunger lock disposed on the barrel, the first plunger lock configured to prevent the flange from entering the barrel, and a second plunger lock disposed on the barrel, the second plunger lock including a through hole configured to allow the flange to pass through the second plunger lock in a particular orientation.

[0012] Various aspects of the device may include one or more of the following features: In some embodiments, the first plunger lock may be removable. In some embodiments, the plunger lock may be frangible. In yet other embodiments, the distance between the first plunger lock and the second plunger lock may be equal to the distance the stopper must travel to prime the drug delivery device. In other embodiments, the plunger rod may be rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device.

[0013] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, a method of dispensing a substance from a drug delivery device having a plunger rod and a barrel can include advancing the plunger rod a predetermined distance into the barrel until advancement of the plunger rod is blocked by a stop, disabling the stop, and actuating the plunger rod to deliver the substance.

[0014] Various aspects of the device may include one or more of the following features. In some embodiments, advancing the plunger rod may include rotating the pinion relative to a rack disposed on the plunger rod. In some embodiments, the stop may include a shaft removably secured to the pinion, and disabling the stop may include removing the shaft from the pinion. In still other embodiments, disabling the stop may include rotating the plunger rod. In some embodiments, the plunger rod may include a flange, and the stop may include a lock that prevents the flange from entering the barrel. In other embodiments, disabling the stop may include removing the lock. In some embodiments, disabling the stop may include breaking the lock.

[0015] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosed embodiments. The drawings show different aspects of the disclosure and, where appropriate, reference numerals designating like structures, components, materials, and / or elements in different figures are numbered similarly. It is understood that various combinations of structures, components, and / or elements in various embodiments other than those specifically shown are contemplated and are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0016] There are many embodiments described and illustrated herein. The described devices and methods are not limited to any single aspect or embodiment thereof, nor to any combinations and / or permutations of such aspects and / or embodiments. Furthermore, each of the aspects of the described invention and / or embodiments thereof may be used alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects of the described invention and / or embodiments thereof. For the sake of brevity, certain permutations and combinations are not individually described and / or illustrated herein. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 depicts an exemplary delivery device (eg, a syringe) according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] 1 depicts an exemplary pawl and ratchet mechanism for a delivery device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3-1] 1A and 1B depict an exemplary locking mechanism for a delivery device, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3-2] 14C and 14D depict an exemplary telescoping mechanism for a delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4-1] 1A and 1B depict an exemplary rotation lock mechanism for a delivery device, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4-2] 5C-5E depict an exemplary delivery device with an exemplary rotation locking mechanism in various positions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] 1 depicts an exemplary delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6-1] 1 depicts an exemplary delivery device and locking mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6-2] 1 depicts an exemplary delivery device and locking mechanism, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 1 depicts an exemplary delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7B depicts a threaded portion of the delivery device of FIG. 7A. [Figure 8] 7C shows an alternative embodiment of the threaded portion of FIG. 7B. [Figure 9-1] 1A depicts an exemplary delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 9-2] BD depict the locking components of the delivery device of A. [Figure 10A] 1 depicts a further exemplary delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10B]1 depicts a further exemplary delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 10C] 1 depicts a further exemplary delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11A] 1 depicts yet a further exemplary delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 11B] 1 depicts yet a further exemplary delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 12] 1 depicts an exemplary delivery device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] 11A-11C depict exemplary priming and delivery mechanisms for a delivery device according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 14] 11A-11C depict another exemplary priming and delivery mechanism for a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15-1] 11A-11C depict another rotational locking mechanism for a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 15-2] 6D-E depict another rotational locking mechanism for a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16-1] 11A-11C depict another exemplary delivery device and locking mechanism according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 16-2] 6D-E depict another exemplary delivery device and locking mechanism according to an additional embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 17] 1A-C depict further exemplary delivery devices and mechanisms according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 18-1] 11A-11C depict a locking and priming mechanism for a delivery device according to a further embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 18-2] DF depict locking and priming mechanisms for a delivery device according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 19]5A-5E depict alternative locking and priming mechanisms for a delivery device according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 20] 11A-11C depict alternative locking and priming mechanisms for a delivery device according to further embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover an inclusion that is not exclusive, and a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent in such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal." In particular, an embodiment or implementation described herein as "example" or "exemplary" should not be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or implementations, for example. Rather, it is intended to reflect or indicate that the embodiment(s) is an "example" rather than an "ideal." Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and the like, used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element, structure, step, or process from another. Furthermore, the terms "a" and "an" used herein denote the presence of one or more of the referenced item, rather than a limitation of quantity.

[0019] Embodiments of the present disclosure may be used in addition to and / or in combination with aspects of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 598,212, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0020] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with any type of fluid-containing product, such as liquid pharmaceuticals, liquid placebos, or other liquids that may be dispensed in a dosage form. In some embodiments, pharmaceuticals may include one or more active ingredients, including small or large molecules or biological agents, such as painkillers, steroids, or biologics. As used herein, the term "biologic" may refer to large molecules (e.g., having a size of more than 15 kDa, more than 30 kDa, more than 50 kDa, more than 75 kDa, or more than 100 kDa) that are produced in a biological system, such as a cell. Biologics may include proteins (such as antibodies), nucleic acids, large sugars, and the like. Unlike small molecules that may have a well-defined chemical structure, biologics may have very complex structures that cannot be easily quantified by laboratory methods. As used herein, the term "pharmaceutical product" may refer to a formulated volume of drug substance that is dispensed into a primary packaging component for packaging, transportation, delivery, and / or administration to a patient.

[0021] The term "primary packaging component" refers to a pharmaceutical packaging component, such as a drug container, that is designed and manufactured to be in direct physical contact with the prescribed drug substance. (See, e.g., Guidance for Industry on Container Closure Systems for Packaging Human Drugs and Biologics, US Department of Health and Human Services, Food and Drug Administration, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (May 1999), which is incorporated herein by reference.) Examples of primary packaging components include prefillable syringes, Luer syringes, cartridges, and vials made of glass, plastic, and / or other materials.

[0022] The embodiments of the present disclosure may be used with products that are typically small doses, such as ophthalmic pharmaceuticals. In some embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure may be used with pharmaceuticals that contain antigen-binding molecules. In some aspects, the antigen-binding molecules may be antibodies or antigen-binding fragments. In some embodiments, the devices of the present disclosure may be suitable for use with pharmaceutical agents that include components such as aflibercept, alirocumab, abicipar pegol, bevacizumab, brolucizumab, conbercept, dupilumab, evolocumab, tocilizumab, certolizumab, abatacept, rituximab, infliximab, ranibizumab, sarilumab, adalimumab, anakinra, trastuzumab, pegfilgrastim, interferon beta-1a, insulin glargine [rDNA derived], epoetin alfa, darbepoetin, filigrastim, golimumab, etanercept, an antigen-binding fragment of any of the above, or a combination of such binding domains, e.g., a bispecific antibody against VEGF or angiopoietin-2, among others.

[0023] For some products, particularly ophthalmic or other pharmaceuticals, for example, dosage accuracy may be particularly important, but it is also contemplated that embodiments of the present disclosure may be applicable to any other liquid product, or any other situation in which an accurate method for setting and administering a reliably accurate dose or delivery volume is beneficial.

[0024] In some embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may be manufactured, packaged, filled, and / or otherwise prepared according to a process appropriate for the product (e.g., pharmaceutical product) with which they may be used. For example, in some embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may be sterilized either before or after being filled and / or packaged. For example, in some embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may be filled and packaged, for example, in a blister pack, and / or may be terminally sterilized using any suitable method in the art. For example, devices according to the present disclosure may be terminally sterilized using chemical sterilization methods, such as methods involving ethylene oxide or hydrogen peroxide (e.g., vaporized hydrogen peroxide). In some embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may be terminally sterilized using, for example, methods described in International Application No. PCT / US2018 / 021013, filed March 6, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0025] Commercially available dose delivery devices, such as pre-filled syringes or syringes for use with vials, do not necessarily aid in accurately loading the desired amount of product, priming the device, expelling excess medication from the device, and / or removing air bubbles from the device. Also, in dose delivery devices containing small amounts of pharmaceutical agent (e.g., about 500 μL or less, about 300 μL or less, about 250 μL or less, about 200 μL or less, about 150 μL or less, about 100 μL or less, about 50 μL or less, or about 25 μL or less, e.g., about 25 μL to about 50 μL, about 50 μL to about 100 μL, about 25 μL to about 100 μL, about 50 μL to about 150 μL, about 100 μL to about 250 μL, about 100 μL to about 150 μL, about 150 μL to about 250 μL, about 200 μL to about 250 μL, about 200 μL to about 500 μL, or about 250 μL to about 500 μL), it may be difficult to confirm with the naked eye that the correct dose of pharmaceutical agent is present in the device. Currently, there is a need in the market for dose delivery devices, particularly syringes, for a mechanism by which a user can accurately set up for delivery of a small amount of product in a syringe (e.g., a prefilled or fillable / refillable syringe), prime the syringe, remove air bubbles from the syringe, and / or verify or ensure that the dose in the syringe is correct. Embodiments of the present disclosure can assist manufacturers, pharmaceutical providers, medical professionals, and / or patients to accurately fill or otherwise prepare a dose administration device, prime the device, remove air bubbles from the device, verify a dose, and / or administer a dose from the device to a patient. Additionally, embodiments of the present disclosure can assist in preventing or mitigating errors or variations in the manufacture or use of the device, such as errors or variations in placement of the dose line of the device, variations in the geometry of the device (e.g., variations in the geometry of the syringe neck), and / or variations or errors in setting the dose line prior to delivery of the product.

[0026] In some instances, embodiments of the present disclosure may be particularly useful for individuals who may have difficulty setting a dose accurately For example, embodiments of the present disclosure may assist the elderly, young children, or individuals with physical or mental disabilities in setting an accurate dose.

[0027] Described herein are various embodiments of dose delivery devices, particularly syringes. In some examples, the embodiments disclosed herein can be used in combination with existing syringe body parts to modify off-the-shelf products, which can reduce the time of development and manufacturing of dose delivery devices. In other examples, the embodiments disclosed herein can be included in devices during their manufacture. The syringes described herein can be pre-filled or refillable / refillable.

[0028] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include syringes having rotating parts, threaded parts, springs, gears, etc. that allow a user to precisely control the movement of dose setting and delivery elements, such as, for example, the plunger and / or stopper. In some embodiments, for example, a screw and gear mechanism may be used to transfer rotational motion (e.g., in a knob or dial) to linear motion of a plunger, thereby setting the plunger rod of the syringe in place with reduced human effort and / or relatively high accuracy. It is contemplated that embodiments of the present disclosure may also reduce human error by reducing human effort and / or increasing accuracy.

[0029] In some embodiments, a visualization device, such as a magnifier, may be provided, attached, or otherwise disposed on the delivery device to help enhance visibility of the dose measurement markers on the device. It is contemplated that aspects of one embodiment (such as magnifiers, sleeves, guide pins, channels, screw and gear mechanisms, rotating parts, threaded parts, grips, springs, etc.) may be combined with aspects of one or more other embodiments to create various combinations and permutations of functionality in a single device.

[0030] In some embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may be shown as including one type of plunger rod and plunger, or as including a general schematic diagram of a plunger rod and plunger. For example, some devices according to the present disclosure may be depicted or described as including, for example, a plunger rod with a threaded end that engages with threads inside the plunger, such that the plunger rod and plunger can be screwed together. It is contemplated that multiple and / or different configurations of plunger rods and plungers may be suitable for each of the embodiments disclosed herein. For example, in some cases, the threaded plunger rods and plungers described above may be used in the embodiments disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the plunger rod may not be fixed to the plunger, but instead may be located near, next to, or at the same height as the plunger, such that pressure from the plunger rod toward the plunger may push the plunger, but pulling, twisting, or other movement of the plunger rod may not similarly pull, twist, or otherwise move the plunger. As another example, in some embodiments, the plunger rod may be secured to the plunger by an adhesive or may be a single piece with the plunger (e.g., manufactured in a single mold with the plunger).

[0031] In some embodiments, devices according to the present disclosure may include various appearance features appropriate to the intended user of the device. For example, devices according to the present disclosure may be manufactured and sold for use by pediatric patients. In such cases, devices according to the present disclosure may include child-friendly coloring, cartoon images, or other appearance features to appeal to children. In some cases, devices according to the present disclosure may include text, labels, or other features designed to be easily recognized by the intended user. For example, text design on a pediatric device or a device used by the physically disabled or elderly may be a large, accessible label that can be more easily recognized and read by the user(s) of the device.

[0032] 1 shows a syringe 10 containing a volume of pharmaceutical agent 12 and having a dose release control mechanism. The dose release control mechanism may include a rack 2 and a pinion 3. The rack 2 may be formed on or otherwise attached to the inner surface of the plunger rod 1 of the syringe 10. In some embodiments, the rack 2 may be, for example, carved, machined, or molded onto the plunger rod 1. The rack 2 may include a plurality of teeth extending along its length.

[0033] The pinion 3 may also include a plurality of teeth configured to engage with the teeth of the rack 2. The pinion 3 may be operatively connected to an actuator (e.g., a dial or knob) disposed on the exterior of the plunger rod 1 via a pinion rod 4. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, rotation of the dial 5 may cause rotation of the pinion rod 4 and thus rotation of the pinion 3. Thus, the pinion rod 4 may extend from an interior region of the syringe 10 (where it connects to the pinion 3) to an exterior region of the syringe 10 (where it connects to the dial 5). In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pinion rod 4 may extend partially or completely into the finger flange 7 (e.g., on, integral with, or fixed to the syringe 10). In other embodiments, the pinion rod 4 may extend through a wall of the body of the plunger rod 1 and / or through the syringe barrel 9 of the syringe 10. The pinion rod 4 may be supported by a gasket or seal, such as an O-ring 6, where the pinion rod 4 exits the finger flange 7 (or syringe barrel 9, if appropriate). The O-ring 6 may provide physical support to the pinion rod 4 and / or pinion 3 while the pinion 3 is moving and / or stationary. Although the O-ring 6 has been described as providing structural support to the pinion rod 4 and / or pinion 3, it is contemplated that the O-ring 6 may simply seal the interior region of the plunger rod 1 from the exterior region, or both. Additionally, other seals or gaskets, or combinations thereof, may be used in place of or in addition to the O-ring 6, which may or may not provide structural support and / or sealing. For example, such a seal or gasket may simply provide a barrier that protects the interior region of the syringe from the exterior region, may provide structural support, and may also function as a barrier.

[0034] The teeth of the pinion 3 may engage the teeth of the rack 2 such that rotation of the pinion 3 via the dial 5 may cause the rotational movement of the pinion 3 to cause translational movement of the plunger rod 1. Thus, rotation of the pinion 3 may cause the plunger rod 1 to move distally and / or proximally in the syringe barrel 9, which may also move a piston 8 (e.g., a stopper) within the syringe barrel 9. Rotation of the dial 5 may cause the piston 8 (which may also function as a stopper) within the syringe barrel 9 to move gradually towards the end of the needle of the syringe 10, thereby forcing air and excess medication out through the needle 13 and priming the needle 13 for injection of the appropriate dose of the pharmaceutical agent 12.

[0035] The pinion 3 and rack 2 can be sized and configured such that a rotation of the pinion 3 in a given direction or a given amount (e.g., one clockwise rotation) causes the rack 2 and pinion 3 to move out of alignment with each other, thereby preventing the dial 5 from advancing to the piston 8. In some embodiments, the rack 2 and / or pinion 3 can stop moving once the dial 5 has rotated a predetermined amount in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. For example, the pinion 3 can be prevented from moving further as a result of reaching a proximal end of the rack 2, being disengaged from the rack 2, being disengaged from the pinion rod 4, abutting a stopper, or because the dial 5 can only rotate a certain amount. Thus, rotating the dial 5 and pinion 3 a given amount in a given direction can help complete priming of the injection needle.

[0036] In some embodiments, once the plunger rod 1 has moved a desired amount (at which point the rotation of the dial 5 and / or pinion 3 may or may not stop), the user may pull the dial 5 outwardly away from the plunger rod 1. Moving the dial 5 outwardly may disengage the dial 5 from the pinion rod 4 and / or disengage the pinion rod 4 from the pinion 3. In some embodiments, the pinion rod 4 may extend through an opening in the sidewall of the plunger rod 1, and pulling the dial 5 outward may retract the pinion rod 4 from the opening so that the pinion rod 4 does not interfere with the movement of the plunger rod 1. In some embodiments, pulling the dial 5 outward may lock it in place, thereby preventing further movement of the plunger rod 1 through use of the dial 5. In some embodiments, pulling the dial 5 outward may unlock the outer plunger rod, allowing the outer plunger rod to move freely, regardless of whether the movement of the dial 5 is locked. In some embodiments, pulling the dial 5 and / or pinion rod 4 outward can disengage the pinion 3 from the rack 2. In some embodiments, the user may not be able to push the plunger rod 1 in until the pinion 3 reaches its end position and / or the dial 5 is pulled outward.

[0037] Dial 5 may be the only mechanism that can move plunger rod 1 until syringe 10 is primed. For example, complementary teeth on rack 2 and pinion 3 may prevent a user from depressing plunger rod 1 (and / or pulling plunger rod 1 proximally) until pinion 3 disengages from rack 2. This may prohibit medication 12 from being dispensed until syringe 10 is primed, inhibiting under- or over-priming of syringe 10 and promoting accurate dispensing of medication 12.

[0038] As shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the syringe 10 may optionally include a magnifier 11 attached to or embedded in the syringe barrel 9. The magnifier 11 may aid in reading a measurement indicator on the syringe barrel 9, may aid in observing the presence or absence of air bubbles in the syringe barrel 9, and / or may aid in determining whether a complete dose of the pharmaceutical agent 12 has been dispensed from the syringe 10. The magnifier 11 may be included in a distal region of the syringe 10 and may be of any suitable shape or size. For example, the magnifier 11 may have a circular or rectangular shape, or may wrap all or part of the circumference of the syringe barrel 9. In other embodiments, the magnifier 11 may not be included.

[0039] The embodiment depicted in FIG. 1 can be operated in the following manner: The dial 5 can be rotated in a given direction by a given amount until the pinion 3 stops rotating. The user can detect if the pinion 3 has stopped when the dial 5 cannot rotate any further and / or when the movement of the plunger rod 1 has stopped. As mentioned above, the pinion 3 can stop moving, for example, as a result of reaching an end region of the rack 2, as a result of disengagement with the rack 2, as a result of disengagement with the pinion rod 4, as a result of abutment with a stopper, or because the dial 5 can only rotate a certain amount. Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the dial 5 can be pulled outward by the user to prevent further movement of the plunger rod 1 via the dial 5.

[0040] Once movement of plunger rod 1 via dial 5 is complete, the user can optionally check the dose level of medication in the syringe barrel 9 and / or optionally check whether any air is trapped within the syringe barrel 9. The proximal end of plunger rod 1 can then be pressed to inject a dose of medication.

[0041] 2 depicts an exemplary variation of the pinion 3 depicted in FIG. 1. The pinion 20 of FIG. 2 may include an internal ratchet and pawl mechanism to allow rotation of the pinion 20 in a first direction and prevent rotation of the pinion 20 in a second direction opposite the first direction. For example, only clockwise rotation may be allowed and counterclockwise rotation may be inhibited, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the pinion 20 may be prevented from rotating in a direction that would move the plunger rod 1 proximally away from the needle end of the syringe 10, while being allowed to rotate in a direction that would move the plunger rod 1 distally toward the needle end of the syringe 10.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the ratchet 23 may be coaxial with the pinion 20, and the dial 5 (FIG. 1) may be connected to the ratchet 23, for example, via a pinion rod (such as the pinion rod 4 shown in FIG. 1) to the center 25 of the ratchet 23. The ratchet 23 may include angled teeth 24. The interior region of the pinion 20 may include a spring-loaded pawl 22 operably coupled to the interior region. The pawl 22 may be disposed at an angle complementary to the angle of the ratchet teeth 24 and may be sufficiently close that the free end of the pawl 22 engages with the ratchet teeth 24. Each ratchet tooth 24 may include a rounded surface over which the free end of each pawl 22 may slide and may include a protruding surface against which the free end of each pawl 22 may engage and rest. 1 in one direction (e.g., the direction in which plunger rod 1 moves away from the needle end of syringe 10) can cause rotation of ratchet 23 such that ratchet teeth 24 do not engage pawl 22 and ratchet 23 can rotate independently of pinion 20. However, rotating dial 5 in the opposite direction can cause ratchet 23 to engage pawl 22 and rotate pinion 20 such that plunger rod 1 and piston 8 move distally toward the needle side of the device, allowing priming of needle 13 and purging of air.

[0043] 3A and 3B show another variation of the pinion 3 shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the plunger rod 30 may include a rack 32 extending along at least a portion of its length. The rack 32 may include a number of teeth 34 configured to engage with teeth 36 of the pinion 33. In addition to the teeth 36, the pinion 33 may include a stopper tooth in the form of a protrusion 35. The protrusion 35 may extend radially further outward from the pinion 33 than the teeth 36 and may have a height greater than that of the teeth 36. The pinion 33 may rotate along the rack 32 (FIG. 3A) until the protrusion 35 of the pinion 33 contacts the rack 32 or the plunger rod 30 (FIG. 3B) and stops the rotation of the pinion 33. In this way, the protrusion 35 may prevent the pinion 33 from rotating more than once. Stopping the rotation of the pinion 33 may result in stopping the advancement of the plunger rod 30 and the piston 38 beyond a predetermined point. The predetermined point may, for example, correspond to a point at which excess air and a dose of medicinal product may be expelled from the syringe 10 (see FIG. 1), resulting in accurate priming of the syringe 10. In some embodiments, when the protrusion 35 contacts the plunger rod 30 and the pinion 33 assumes the position shown in FIG. 3B, the protrusion 35 may be free from the rack 32 and the plunger rod 30 may slide freely relative thereto. Thus, in the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B, instead of the length of the rack being assigned to control the amount of movement of the plunger rod 30 to prime the syringe, the circumference of the pinion 33 may control this movement.

[0044] The physical stop of further pinion movement caused by the protrusion 35 of the pinion 33 may also provide tactile feedback to the user indicating that the proper dose has been set and the syringe 10 is primed. The inclusion of the protrusion 35 on the pinion 33 may further prevent over-rotation or under-rotation of the pinion 33 in an undesired direction (e.g., one that would allow movement of the plunger rod in a proximal direction). The protrusion 35 may be useful to prevent overfilling or entrapment of air into the syringe 10 during handling, packaging, storage, and / or shipping. In further embodiments, the protrusion 35 may be located on the rack 32 instead of or in addition to the pinion 33 to control the movement of the pinion 33.

[0045] 3C and 3D depict another variation of the plunger rod 1 depicted in FIG. 1. The plunger rod 40 of FIG. 3C and 3D may include a locking mechanism configured to prevent accidental depression of the piston 48, for example, when the syringe is packaged, stored, handled, and / or filled. In some embodiments, the plunger rod 40 may include a telescoping inner portion 49 (e.g., an inner tubular portion or column) having a rack 42. The inner portion 49 of the plunger rod 40 may include a piston 48 connected to its distal end. The inner portion 49 may move relative to a stationary outer portion 41 (e.g., an outer lumen). Rotation of the dial 45 may extend the inner portion 49 outwardly distally from the outer portion 41 such that the inner portion 49 moves independently of the outer portion 41.

[0046] The dial 45 may be operatively connected to the telescoping inner portion 49 by a pinion rod 44 (e.g., shaft) and pinion 43. Rotation of the dial 45 may in turn rotate the piston rod 44 and pinion 43. Teeth of the pinion 43 may engage teeth of the rack 42 of the inner portion 49, moving the inner portion 49 distally outward from the outer portion 41. FIG. 3C shows the inner portion 49 of the telescoping plunger rod 40 retracted within the outer portion 41, and FIG. 3D shows the inner portion 49 of the telescoping plunger rod 40 extending outward from the outer portion 41. Rotation of the dial 45 may thus move the piston 48 distally toward the needle end of the syringe to prime the needle and remove air bubbles.

[0047] The inner portion 49 of the plunger rod 40 can extend from the outer portion 41 during priming of the needle, but the outer portion 41 cannot move during dose preparation. In such an exemplary embodiment, the dial 45 and / or the pinion rod 44 can be optionally interfered with the outer portion 41 of the plunger rod 40, so that the plunger rod 40 cannot move relative to the syringe barrel and cannot be depressed by pressing the thumb pad 47 of the plunger rod 40 during dose preparation. For example, to connect the pinion 43 to the dial 45, the pinion rod 44 can extend through an opening in the telescopic outer portion 41 of the plunger rod 40. Thus, when the pinion rod 44 is connected to the pinion 43, the extension of the pinion rod 44 through the sidewall of the outer portion 41 can prevent the movement of the outer portion 41. Because the outer portion 41 cannot move, it is not possible to depress the plunger rod. When dial 45 is withdrawn, pinion rod 44 disengages from pinion 43 so that pinion rod 44 no longer extends through outer portion 41. As a result, when dial 45 is withdrawn, pinion rod 44 can be disengaged from the telescoping portion and can no longer extend through the telescoping portion, allowing plunger rod 40 to move freely within the syringe barrel. Distal movement of plunger rod 40 by pressing thumb pad 47 can allow for administration of a dose.

[0048] In the embodiment of Figures 3C and 3D, when the thumb pad 47 is depressed, the telescoping inner portion 49 of the plunger rod 40 can be locked in place relative to the outer portion 41, and depressing the thumb pad 47 to move the plunger rod 40 does not result in the telescoping inner portion 49 collapsing back into the outer portion 41. The outer portion 41 and the inner portion 49 of the plunger rod 40 can be coupled together with a positive locking tooth (e.g., tooth 46 of the outer portion 41), which can, for example, allow the inner portion 49 to extend distally from the outer portion 41, but inhibit movement of the inner portion 49 back into the outer portion 41. This can prevent the two telescoping portions from collapsing onto each other when the thumb pad 47 is depressed and the plunger rod 40 moves distally to expel a dose. This can also prevent proximal movement of the inner portion 49 during priming.

[0049] In use, the dial 45 can be rotated to prime the syringe as depicted in Figures 3C and 3D and can allow for finer and / or more controlled movement of the plunger rod 40 for such priming. As discussed above, the inclusion of the dial 45 can prevent the expulsion of any volume of product intended for administration until priming is complete and the dial 45 is, for example, pulled outward to unlock the movement of the plunger rod 40. Although one type of locking mechanism associated with the dial 45 is described, it is contemplated that any suitable type of locking mechanism can be incorporated and that such locking mechanisms can be activated and / or deactivated by pulling, pushing, sliding, or otherwise manipulating the dial 45.

[0050] For example, other variations of the locking mechanism are depicted in cross-section in Figures 4A and 4B. The locking mechanism of Figures 4A and 4B may be used in place of or in addition to the dial 45 of Figures 3C and 3D. In the embodiment of Figure 4A, the entire plunger rod 50 or a proximal region of the plunger rod 50 (e.g., the telescoping outer portion of the plunger rod) may include a physical stop (e.g., an interfering bump or protrusion) that may prevent depression of the plunger rod 50 during dose preparation and priming, or may only allow depression sufficient to prepare and prime a dose. In the embodiment of Figure 4A, the interfering protrusion 51 (shown in cross-section from above) may prevent the plunger rod 50 from moving distally until the plunger rod 50 and / or the portion of the plunger rod 50 having the protrusion 51 rotates relative to other parts of the syringe, such as a finger flange (not shown), a stopper 53 disposed at the mouth of the syringe barrel 58, and / or the syringe barrel 58. 4B, plunger rod 50 may have a cross-sectional shape that is not generally radially symmetric, such that the shape of plunger rod 50 may prevent it from moving distally until plunger rod 50 is rotated relative to other portions of the syringe, such as the finger flange, stopper 53, and / or syringe barrel 58. To depress plunger rod 50, plunger rod 50, stopper 53, and / or barrel 58 may be rotated relative to other portions of the syringe to depress plunger rod 50 sufficiently to fully dispense the medication.

[0051] In some embodiments, the plunger rod 50 may not be able to pass, for example, a finger flange or stopper 53 of a syringe barrel until the plunger rod 50 is rotated a certain angle (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the finger flange or stopper. In some embodiments, the finger flange or stopper 53 may be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees) relative to the plunger rod 50. For example, the plunger rod 50 may have a particular cross-sectional shape (e.g., a generally rectangular shape and / or protrusion 51), and the syringe barrel 58 and / or stopper 53 may include blocking components and / or be sized and shaped to prevent the protrusion 51 of the plunger rod 50 from fitting until the associated parts are rotated sufficiently to align complementary shapes to allow the plunger rod 50 to pass.

[0052] In some embodiments, the opening 52 in the stopper 53 and / or syringe barrel 58 (and / or finger flanges, not shown) and the cross section of the plunger rod 50 may have complementary shapes, but may be offset from one another unless one is rotated until the shapes are aligned. In FIGS. 4A and 4B, the general shape of the projections 51 or plunger rod 50 does not align with the opening 52 until the finger flanges or plunger rod 50 are rotated sufficiently. Although the shapes of the two projections 51 and corresponding openings 52 from the plunger rod 50 are shown in FIG. 4A and a given cross-sectional shape of the plunger rod 50 is shown in FIG. 4B, it is contemplated that any suitable number, size, and shape of openings and projections, and / or cross-sectional shapes may be used. Additionally, while the exemplary embodiment shows the required rotation to be 90 degrees, it is contemplated that any suitable amount of rotation (less than 90 degrees or more) may be required.

[0053] 4C-4E show side views of a syringe 54 having a plunger rod 50 with a protrusion 51 in three different positions. The syringe 54 may include a stopper 53, which may not fit until the protrusion 51 and the stopper 53 are rotated relative to one another such that the shape of the protrusion 51 fits into a complementary opening in the stopper 53 (see, e.g., dotted lines in FIG. 4A). The plunger rod 50 may be coupled to a plunger 56, which may be configured to fit snugly within a barrel 58 of the syringe 54. The syringe 54 may contain a volume of a pharmaceutical agent 12 suitable for dispensing from the syringe 54. In FIG. 4C, the syringe 54 is shown in a first, unactuated position. The protrusion 51 is disposed about the plunger rod 50 in a first orientation. In FIG. 4D, the syringe 54 is shown in a second, partially actuated position. The protrusion 51 in the first orientation is blocked from passing through the stopper 53, and therefore also blocks further depression of the plunger rod 50. In FIG. 4E, the syringe 54 is shown in a fully actuated position. As the plunger rod 50 rotates (e.g., as shown by the curved arrow, or alternately in the opposite direction), the protrusion 51 may be moved to a second orientation about the plunger rod 50. In the second orientation, the protrusion 51 may pass through the stopper 53, allowing further depression of the plunger rod 50 and plunger 56.

[0054] In some embodiments, the protrusions 51 may be positioned on the plunger rod 50 such that they do not protrude from the overall profile of the syringe 54. For example, the protrusions 51 may be positioned, for example, inside the barrel 58 (e.g., in FIG. 4C ) before the syringe 54 is actuated. In such embodiments, the protrusions 51 may be positioned, for example, inside a portion of the stopper 53 before the syringe 54 is actuated. In some such embodiments, the stopper 53 may have a greater thickness to accommodate the protrusions 51 and may have a proximal cavity sized and configured to accommodate the protrusions 51 in a first orientation and a more distal cavity configured to accommodate the protrusions 51 in a second direction, such that rotation of the plunger rod 50 and / or the protrusions 51 may allow movement of the plunger rod 50 in a distal direction.

[0055] In some embodiments, a second set of protrusions may be incorporated into the plunger rod 50 either proximal or distal from the protrusions 51. The second set of protrusions may have a similar geometry to the protrusions 51, but may be radially offset from the protrusions 51 such that an additional rotation of the plunger rod 50 is required for the second set of protrusions to pass, for example, through an opening (e.g., opening 52) in the stopper 53. Alternatively, the second set of protrusions may have a geometry that does not allow the plunger rod 50 to pass through an opening such that the plunger rod 50 is inhibited from moving in a given direction by their geometry. Such a second set of protrusions may be useful, for example, to limit the movement of the plunger rod 50 either before or after the protrusions 51 pass through an opening. In some embodiments, limiting movement in this way may be used in controlling the amount of movement of the plunger rod 50 that allows the syringe 10 to be primed before further rotation of the plunger rod 50 to allow dispensing of a dose from the syringe 10. In further embodiments, limiting movement in this way may be used to control the amount of dose that may be dispensed from the syringe 50. See, for example, Figures 15A-15E, discussed further below. As with all embodiments shown and described herein, this embodiment can be combined with aspects of the other embodiments described herein.

[0056] In some embodiments, the syringe may be configured to provide feedback to the user indicating when rotation of the plunger rod 50 and protrusions 51 and / or finger flanges is complete and the plunger rod 50 is aligned with the opening 52 (see FIGS. 4A-4B). For example, a "click" sound or other audio or tactile feedback mechanism may be incorporated into the syringe.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5, another exemplary syringe 60 having a dose release control mechanism is depicted. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the dose release control mechanism includes two sets of angled helical threads. A first set of helical threads 62 is included on the outer surface of the plunger rod 61. The threads 62 can extend around the entire circumference of the plunger rod 61 or around a portion of the circumference. A second set of helical threads 63, complementary to the outer helical threads 62 of the plunger rod 61, is included on the inner circumference of the syringe barrel 69 and / or finger flange 64 through which the plunger rod 61 passes. The threads 62 can extend around the entire circumference of the syringe barrel 69 and / or finger flange 64. The threads 62, 63 can be engraved, molded, machined, attached, or otherwise included in the surfaces of the plunger rod 61 and the syringe barrel 69 or finger flange 64, respectively.

[0058] By rotating the plunger rod 61 and moving the thread 62 of the plunger rod 61 via the thread 63, the twisting motion of the plunger rod 61 can be converted into a translational (or linear) motion of the plunger rod 61 (and thus the piston 68) within the syringe barrel 69. The linear motion of the piston 68 can force air bubbles and excess medication out of the injection needle 66. Thus, the needle 66 can be primed and prepared for injection by twisting the plunger rod 61. Both threads 62, 63 can be dimensioned and configured such that when the thread 62 moves fully through the thread 63, air is removed from within the syringe barrel 69 and a predetermined volume of medication is expelled from the injection needle 66 to prime the needle 66.

[0059] Screws 62, 63 may also prevent plunger rod 61 from being depressed before needle 66 has been primed. For example, in order to press plunger rod 61 down to dispense medication, plunger rod 61 must first be twisted - i.e., needle 66 must first be primed. Once screw 62 has rotated through screw 63 and priming is complete, the user may be able to press plunger rod 61 down to deliver the dose.

[0060] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1, the embodiment of FIG. 5 may also optionally include a magnifying glass 65. The magnifying glass 65 may aid in reading a measurement of the magnified volume of medication in the syringe barrel 69, may aid in observing the presence or absence of air bubbles within the syringe barrel 69, and / or may aid in determining whether a complete dose of medication has been dispensed from the syringe 60. The magnifying glass 65 may be included in a distal region of the syringe 60 and may be of any suitable shape or size. For example, the magnifying glass 65 may have a circular or rectangular shape, or may wrap all or part of the circumference of the syringe barrel 69. In other embodiments, the magnifying glass 65 may not be included.

[0061] To operate syringe 60, the user may first rotate plunger rod 61. Plunger rod 61 may need to be rotated a partial turn, a full turn, or more than a full turn to clear thread 62 from thread 63. At this point, the user can optionally check the dose level in syringe barrel 69. If magnifier 65 is included, the user can use magnifier 65 to perform this step. The user can then push plunger rod 61 to dispense a dose of medication.

[0062] In some embodiments, the syringe 60 can provide feedback to the user to indicate when rotation of the plunger rod 61 is complete and ready to inject a dose. For example, a "click" sound or other audio or tactile feedback mechanism can be incorporated into the syringe 60.

[0063] The embodiment of Figures 6A-6E may operate in a similar manner to the embodiment of Figure 5, but may further include a locking mechanism to prevent accidental depression of plunger rod 71 when priming of the needle is complete. For example, like Figure 5, the embodiment of Figures 6A-6E may include a thread 72 on plunger rod 71 that must be twisted through a corresponding thread 73 in syringe barrel 75. However, plunger rod 71 may also include a stop 74 located on the outer surface of plunger rod 71, proximate to thread 72.

[0064] The stop 74 may be sized and shaped to fit within a slot 76 that extends through the threads 73. For example, the stop 74 may enter a vertical portion of the slot 76 that passes through some of the internal threads 73 of the syringe barrel 75 (e.g., depicted in cross section AA in FIGS. 6B and 6C). The slot 76 may also include a horizontal section (e.g., along section BB shown in FIGS. 6B and 6D). Once the stop 74 has slid completely into the vertical section of the slot 76, the user must rotate the plunger rod 71 in a direction opposite to the direction of the threads 72 of the plunger rod 71 in order to slide the stop 74 into the horizontal portion of the slot 76 and advance the plunger rod 71 further distally. The need for an opposite rotational direction may reduce the risk of accidental advancement of the plunger rod 71. Finally, the plunger may be pushed downward to move the stop 74 through a second vertical section of the slot 76 (e.g., section CC shown in FIGS. 6B and 6E) to expel a volume of the medication.

[0065] The slot 76 may be shaped to require clockwise or counterclockwise rotation depending on the relative positions of the horizontal and vertical sections. Additionally, while the slot 76 is illustrated and described as including one horizontal portion that requires rotation of the rod 71, it is contemplated that the slot 76 may include multiple horizontal portions that require the rod 71 to be rotated an additional number of times in the same direction or in multiple directions. Additionally, while the stop 74 is depicted as including two protrusions on the plunger rod 71, it is contemplated that a single protrusion or more than two protrusions may be included as part of the stop 74, and the slot 76 may be shaped and sized to accommodate different configurations of the stop 74.

[0066] Although threads 73 are described as being on the interior surface of syringe barrel 75, it is contemplated that threads 73 and slots 76 may be located on the interior surface of the finger flange instead of, or in addition to, syringe barrel 75. Additionally, as with all embodiments shown and described herein, the above embodiments may be combined with aspects of other embodiments described herein. For example, rod 71 may include additional protrusions and / or geometries, such as those shown in Figures 4A-4E and 15A-15E, to provide a firm stop to the movement of rod 71.

[0067] 7A and 7B, another embodiment of the dose release control mechanism is shown. In FIG. 7A, a syringe 80 includes complementary helical threads 82 and 83. The outer threads 82 in this embodiment are located on a sleeve 87 that surrounds the plunger rod 81, rather than directly on the plunger rod 81. A close-up of the threaded portion of the syringe 80 is depicted in FIG. 7B. The sleeve 87 may allow free distal movement of the plunger rod 81 (towards the needle end of the syringe 80), but may prevent undesired proximal movement of the piston 88. Before pushing the plunger rod 81, rotation of the sleeve 87 (e.g., by twisting of a dial rod 85 located at the proximal end of the sleeve 87) may be translated into a controlled sliding movement of the sleeve 87 into the syringe barrel 89 via the threads 82 of the sleeve 87 and the finger flange 84 and / or the corresponding threads of the syringe barrel 89. Controlled sliding movement of sleeve 87 can gradually push plunger rod 81 and stopper 88 towards the distal needle end of the device. Movement of plunger rod 81 through the threaded region can allow for controlled evacuation of air and priming of needle 86.

[0068] As with the previous embodiment, the embodiment of FIG. 7A may also optionally include a magnifying glass 90. The magnifying glass 90 may magnify the measurement of the volume of medication in the syringe barrel 89, may aid in observing the presence or absence of air bubbles within the syringe barrel 89, and / or may aid in determining whether a complete dose of medication has been dispensed from the syringe 80. The magnifying glass 90 may be included in a distal region of the syringe 80 and may be of any suitable shape or size. For example, the magnifying glass 90 may have a circular or rectangular shape, or may wrap all or part of the circumference of the syringe barrel 89. In other embodiments, the magnifying glass 90 may not be included.

[0069] To operate the syringe 80, the dial rod 85 can be rotated a partial turn, a full turn, or more than a full turn to move the threads 82 of the sleeve 87 over the threads 83 and disengage the threads 82 from the threads 63. At this point, the user can optionally check the dose level in the syringe barrel 89. If a magnifier 90 is included, the user can use the magnifier 90 to perform this step. The user can then push the plunger rod 81 to dispense the dose of medication.

[0070] In some embodiments, the syringe 80 can provide feedback to the user to indicate when rotation of the plunger rod 81 is complete and ready to inject a dose. For example, a "click" sound or other audio or tactile feedback mechanism can be incorporated into the syringe 80. In some embodiments, the user can know that priming is complete because the dial rod 85 cannot rotate any further, the plunger rod 81 cannot twist any further, and / or the dial rod 85 may abut against the finger flange 84 and / or a portion of the syringe barrel 89, preventing further distal movement of the dial rod 85.

[0071] 6A-6B, a locking mechanism such as that described above with reference to Figures 6A-6B can be incorporated into plunger rod 81. By requiring plunger rod 81 to be rotated (e.g., 90 degrees, although rotating plunger rod 81 more or less than 90 degrees is also contemplated) prior to administration to allow plunger rod 81 to move freely, plunger rod 81 can be prevented from being pushed distally during priming of the needle.

[0072] In further embodiments, a locking or stopping mechanism may be incorporated into the sleeve 87 of FIGS. 7A and 7B. Such a mechanism is shown in FIG. 8. Excessive rotation of the sleeve in either direction (and thus over-priming or undesired removal of the sleeve 87) may also be prevented by incorporating stops 91 and / or 92 (e.g., tabs or protrusions) into the sleeve 87 (e.g., above and / or below threads 82 of the sleeve 87 and threads 83 of the syringe barrel). Stop 91 may be located proximal to threads 82 and configured to stop movement of the sleeve 87 toward the distal end region of the syringe barrel. Stop 92 may be located distal to threads 82 and configured to stop movement of the sleeve 87 toward the proximal end region of the syringe barrel.

[0073] 9A-9D, another syringe 100 with a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism is depicted. This embodiment can include, for example, a key 103 that functions as a removable stop at the junction between the syringe barrel 109 and the plunger rod 101. The key 103 can prevent movement of the plunger rod 101 when placed between the syringe barrel 109 and a proximal region of the plunger rod 101. The key 103 can be placed between the plunger rod 101 and the syringe barrel 109, for example, during packaging, filling, or preparation of the syringe 100. The key 103 can be snap-fit, friction-fit, twist-fit, or otherwise placed in place in any suitable manner. The user can then remove the key 103 immediately prior to using the syringe 101. To remove the key 103, the user may pull a tab included with the key 103, snap off the tab, break a frangible portion, twist the key 103, or remove the key 103 in any suitable manner. The syringe 100 is shown as having a magnifying glass 105 disposed at a distal end portion of the syringe barrel 109, which may be useful, for example, to visualize the height of the product in the barrel 109.

[0074] The above-described key and / or locking mechanism is contemplated to be useful in the context of filled and prefilled syringes that may undergo sterilization, packaging, storage, and / or shipping after filling. In a prefilled syringe, the key 103 prevents the plunger rod 101 from being accidentally depressed prior to intended use, thus maintaining sterility, safety, and dosage of the pharmaceutical product. The modification of the key 103 may include, for example, a frangible stop that can be broken by applying an amount of force to the plunger rod 101.

[0075] In addition to the key 103, the embodiment shown in FIG. 9A may include a locking mechanism similar to those discussed, for example, with respect to FIGS. 4A-4E above, or FIGS. 15A-15E further described herein. For example, as shown in FIG. 9D, a slot 107 may be included in the stopper 104 of the syringe 100. The stopper 104 may have an aperture 110 through which the plunger rod 101 may move without being rotated to a set position. The aperture 110 may allow the plunger to move a suitable distance to prime the needle 106. The slot 107 may be sized and shaped to fit the cross-sectional area of ​​the plunger rod 101 in a particular orientation. For example, the plunger rod 101 may include a flange 102 sized and shaped to pass through the slot 107 when aligned with the slot 107. The stopper 104 may be located in a proximal region of the syringe barrel 109 such that the plunger rod 101 must be rotated to a set position to align the flange 102 with the slot 107 before being pushed down at least partially through the stopper 104. Although the flange 102 and corresponding slot 107 are shown, the slot 107 and plunger rod 101 may have any suitable complementary cross-sectional shape. Additionally, the plunger rod 101 may have multiple cross-sectional shapes along its length to provide a firm stop to the distal movement of the plunger rod 101 or require additional rotation of the plunger rod 101 relative to the stopper 104 to move the plunger rod 101 further (see, e.g., FIGS. 15A-15E). As with all embodiments shown and described herein, this embodiment may be combined with aspects of other embodiments described herein.

[0076] Once the key 103 is removed, the plunger rod 101 may be allowed to move distally from its original position downward through the opening 110 in the stopper 104. This distal movement of the plunger rod 101 may move the piston 108 just enough to prime the needle 106 and remove any air bubbles. The stopper 104 may stop further distal movement of the plunger rod 101 when the flange 102 hits the inner portion of the stopper 104 where the slot 107 begins. At that time, it may be necessary to rotate the plunger rod 101 to align the flange 102 with the slot 107 in the stopper 104 so that the rod 101 can be pushed distally through the remainder of the stopper 104 in order to move the piston 108 to release the dose of drug.

[0077] In some embodiments, syringe 100 may be configured to provide feedback to the user indicating when plunger rod 101 and flange 102 are aligned with slot 107 and / or when priming of syringe 100 is complete. For example, a "click" sound or other audio or tactile feedback mechanism may be incorporated into syringe 100.

[0078] 10A-10C, cross-sectional images of a syringe 200 are shown along with various embodiments of additional dose release control mechanisms. The syringe 200 may include a barrel 240 and a plunger rod 220. The plunger rod 220 may be coupled to a first plunger 222, which may be configured to fit into an opening in a flange 210 located at an end of the plunger rod proximal to the barrel 240. The flange 210 may be configured to fit snugly within the barrel 240, for example, sealed against the interior of the barrel 240 with an O-ring 208. The interior of the barrel 240 may include a second plunger 260 configured to fit snugly within the interior of the barrel 240. A first fluid 244 may be disposed within the barrel 240 proximal to the plunger 260, and a second fluid, for example a pharmaceutical agent 212, may be disposed within the barrel 240 distal to the plunger 260. A needle, cannula, tube, or other attachment may be coupled to the distal end of barrel 240 through which a fluid, such as, for example, medication 212, may be ejected or withdrawn.

[0079] The opening of the flange 210 may have a cross-sectional width a into which the plunger 222 may be configured to fit snugly. In some embodiments, the plunger 222 may be configured to form a seal against the flange 210, for example, using an O-ring 224. The portion of the flange 210 having the width a may also have a depth c. As shown in FIG. 10A, in some embodiments, the depth c may correspond to a distance between a distal side of the plunger 222 and a distal side of the flange 210. Distal movement of the plunger 222, for example, at a distance corresponding to the depth c (e.g., caused by depressing the plunger rod 220 toward the flange 210), may displace the first volume of fluid 244 at the opening of the flange 210 distally a distance corresponding to the depth c. The displacement of the first volume of fluid 244 may then push the plunger 260, causing the second volume of pharmaceutical agent 212 to be expelled from the syringe 200. The barrel 240 may have a cross-sectional width b located distally from the flange 210, where the width b is greater than the width a. Due to the difference between width a and width b (and thus the difference in fluid capacity of the portions of syringe 200 having width a and width b), distal movement of plunger 222 a distance corresponding to depth c, for example, may cause plunger 260 to move distally a smaller distance d. In this way, for example, distal (or proximal) movement of plunger rod 220 can be translated into a proportionally smaller, and therefore more controllable, movement of plunger 260, thus allowing for a more controllable ejection (or withdrawal) of a volume of pharmaceutical agent 212.

[0080] The embodiment depicted in Figures 10B and 10C may differ somewhat from the embodiment of Figure 10A. Referring to Figure 10B, the cross-sectional widths a and b may both be the width of the opening of the flange 210. In such an embodiment, the second plunger rod 262 may be disposed within the barrel such that a portion of the plunger rod 262 is disposed within and extends within a portion of the flange 210 having width b. The plunger rod 262 may be coupled to the plunger 260 and extend proximally therefrom. Additionally, the plunger rod 262 may have a proximal side that extends across the area of ​​the opening of the flange 210 having width b such that distal movement of the fluid 244 may cause distal movement of the plunger rod 262, which in turn may push the plunger 260 distally. 10C, cross-sectional width b may refer to the width of a cross-section of the interior of barrel 240, similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10A, and second plunger rod 262 may be disposed within and extend across the interior of barrel 240. Similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 10B, plunger rod 262 may have a proximal side that extends across an interior region of barrel 240 having width b, such that distal movement of fluid 244 may cause distal movement of plunger rod 262, which in turn may push plunger 260 distally. Similar to the embodiment of syringe 200 depicted in FIG. 10A, for example, distal movement of plunger rod 220 may translate into a proportionally smaller, and therefore more controllable, movement of plunger 260, and thus a more controllable discharge of a volume of pharmaceutical agent 212.

[0081] 10B and 10C, the plunger rod 262 can form a seal with an adjacent portion of the syringe 200, such that the fluid 244 cannot move distally through / past the plunger rod 262. This may require less fluid 244 and may also allow for an area of ​​"empty" space between the fluid 244 and the pharmaceutical 212, which may help prevent leakage or mixing of the fluid 244 and the pharmaceutical 212. The "empty" space may include a vacuum, or may include dry or sterile air, or the like. In some embodiments, the "empty" space may include additional fluid 244 (or another fluid) to provide additional structural support to the syringe. In any of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 10A-10C, the fluid 244 may be any suitable liquid or gaseous fluid, such as, for example, water for injection, dry gas, sterile air, or the like.

[0082] 11A, a cross section of another syringe 300 is shown with a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism. The syringe 300 may include a barrel 340, a plunger 360, and a pharmaceutical agent 312. A plunger rod 320 may extend into the barrel 340 and may include several ratchet type teeth 321 that may engage with pinions 328, which in turn may engage with ratchet type teeth 326 on the inside of the barrel 340. Each of the pinions 328 may be connected to one of the rods 330 that may be connected to the plunger 360. A needle, cannula, tube, or other attachment (not shown) may be connected to the distal end of the barrel 340 through which a fluid (e.g., pharmaceutical agent 312) may be expelled or drawn.

[0083] Movement of the plunger rod 320 in the proximal or distal direction may be translated into a proportional smaller movement of the plunger 360 via the pinion 328 and teeth 326. In this manner, controlled movement of the plunger 360 in the distal direction may, for example, expel the medicament 312 distally at a controlled rate. The size and shape of the teeth, ratchet, and pinion of the syringe 300 may be selected to produce a desired controlled rate of movement of the plunger 360.

[0084] 11B depicts a further embodiment of a syringe 300 in cross section, in which the teeth 321 of the plunger 320 may engage pinions 328, which may each be coupled to a smaller pinion 329, which may rotate coaxially and tandemly, and which may in turn engage teeth 326 on the interior of the barrel 340. The pinion 328 may pass adjacent to the teeth 326, such that only the pinion 329 engages the teeth 326. Each of the pinions 328, 329 may be coupled to one of the rods 330, which may be coupled to the plunger 360.

[0085] Due to the relatively small diameter of pinion 329 compared to pinion 328, movement of plunger 320 in the proximal or distal direction may be translated, via pinion 328, pinion 329, and teeth 326, into a proportionally smaller movement of plunger 360. In this manner, controlled movement of plunger 360 in the distal direction may be translated, for example, into a relatively smaller movement of plunger 360 and a controlled ejection of medicament 312 distally. With reference to FIG. 11A , the size and shape of the teeth, ratchet, and pinion of syringe 300 may be selected to produce a desired controlled rate of movement of plunger 360.

[0086] 11A and 11B each show a symmetrical configuration including teeth 321 on two sides of plunger rod 321, two pinions 328, two pinions 329 (for the embodiment of FIG. 11B), and two rods 330, but a single configuration is also contemplated, e.g., a configuration in which teeth 321 engage one pinion 328, which may be coupled to one pinion 329 (for the embodiment of FIG. 11B), which may be coupled to one rod 330. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that more or fewer pinions and / or rods may be incorporated into the embodiments of the present disclosure to achieve controlled delivery of the contents of syringe 300.

[0087] 12, a side cross-sectional view of another syringe 400 is shown with a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism. The syringe 400 may include a barrel 402, an inner sleeve 404, and a plunger rod 406. The plunger rod 406 may extend into an opening 410 defined by the barrel 402 and the inner sleeve 404, where the opening 410 is narrower than the overall interior width of the barrel 402. The opening 410 may receive or contain a pharmaceutical agent 408.

[0088] In general, compared to syringes having a relatively wider channel or pathway for the pharmaceutical agent 408, the syringe 400 can be configured to provide a relatively narrow channel or pathway (e.g., within the opening 10) through which the pharmaceutical agent 408 can be pushed by the plunger rod 406, and distal movement by the plunger rod 406 can be translated into a relatively gradual and controllable ejection or delivery of the pharmaceutical agent 408 through the distal end of the syringe 400 (e.g., via a needle, cannula, tube, or other attachment coupled to the syringe 400).

[0089] As shown, a distal portion of the plunger rod 406 can be configured to fit within an opening 410 of the inner sleeve 404. The inner sleeve 404 can be unitary with the barrel 402 (e.g., adjacent to the barrel 402 or made in a single mold with the barrel 402) or can be a separate piece inserted within the barrel 402. The inner sleeve 404 can extend partially or completely through the interior of the barrel 402. In some embodiments, as shown, the inner sleeve 404 can be disposed at a distal portion of the interior of the barrel 402.

[0090] The plunger rod 406 can fit, be coupled to, or otherwise contact a plunger configured to enclose a volume of medicament 408 within the opening 410 and / or between the plunger rod 406 and the distal end of the syringe 400. The plunger rod 406 and / or a plunger coupled to the plunger rod 406 can be configured to fit snugly within the barrel 402 to contain the medicament 408 without leakage of the medicament 408 within the entire interior of the barrel 402 (e.g., proximally from the inner sleeve 404). The opening 410 and plunger rod 406 can be configured to have a relatively narrow width, thereby creating a relatively narrow channel through which the medicament 408 can be expelled from the syringe 400.

[0091] In some embodiments, the barrel 402 may be marked with a measurement indicator to visually indicate the volume of fluid remaining in and / or dispensed from the syringe 400. Additionally, as shown or described with respect to other embodiments, the syringe 400 may optionally include a magnifying glass attached to or embedded in the syringe barrel 402 that may aid in reading the measurement indicators of the syringe barrel 102, may aid in observing the presence or absence of air bubbles in the syringe barrel 102, and / or may aid in determining whether a complete dose of the pharmaceutical agent 408 has been dispensed from the syringe 400. Such a magnifying glass may be included in a distal region of the syringe 10 and may be of any suitable shape or size. In other embodiments, the magnifying glass 11 may not be included.

[0092] In further embodiments, the narrow channel of syringe 400 may be achieved in a manner that does not require inner sleeve 400. For example, a syringe barrel (e.g., barrel 402) may itself be manufactured with a relatively narrow interior configured to receive plunger rod 406, obviating the need to place a constricted insert inside the barrel. The narrow interior of the syringe barrel may be sized and configured to accommodate a volume of a medication (e.g., medication 408) such that a desired or appropriate amount of medication is dispensed from syringe 400 upon its use.

[0093] Aspects of the embodiment depicted in Figure 12 may be particularly suitable for combination with aspects of other embodiments discussed herein. For example, any embodiment of the present disclosure may also incorporate a relatively narrow (or narrow) interior to allow for a more gradual and controlled delivery of pharmaceutical agents.

[0094] 13A-13C, a side cross-sectional view of another syringe 420 is shown with respect to a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism. The syringe 420 may include a barrel 422, a plunger rod 424, and a plunger 426. An interior 428 of the barrel 422 may house or receive a pharmaceutical agent 430 and an insert 432.

[0095] The insert 432 may include a compressible portion such that the insert 432 may be compressed a predetermined distance or volume. In some embodiments, for example, the insert 432 may be a spring, such as a wave spring, a coil spring, or any other spring known in the art. In further embodiments, for example, the insert 432 may be made from a compressible material, such as rubber, silicone, or plastic. In some embodiments, the insert 432 may be fixed in a particular position / orientation of the barrel 422 or otherwise held in place therein.

[0096] An initial configuration of the filled syringe 420 is shown in FIG. 13A. In this configuration, a quantity of medication 430 is disposed between the plunger 426 and the insert 432, as well as any empty space (e.g., air bubbles) in the interior 428. As shown in FIG. 13B, when the plunger rod 424 is depressed distally, the quantity of medication 430 between the plunger 426 and the insert 432, along with any air bubbles, may be expelled distally from the syringe 420 (e.g., via a needle, cannula, tubing, or other attachment coupled to the distal end of the syringe 420). Upon contacting the plunger 426, the insert 432 may provide some resistance to further distal movement of 426. This may provide, for example, tactile, auditory, and / or visual feedback to a user of the syringe 420, indicating that the syringe 420 is primed and that the air bubbles have been removed.

[0097] The distance a that the insert 432 may be compressed may be proportional to the volume of the dose-appropriate medication 430 contained within the barrel 422. For example, in some embodiments, the volume defined by the insert 432 may correspond to the volume of the dose-appropriate medication 430 contained within the barrel 422. As such, as shown in FIG. 13C, when the plunger 426 is moved further distally to compress the insert 432 by the distance a, a dose-appropriate amount of medication 430 may be dispensed from the distal end of the syringe 420. For example, the plunger 426 may be moved distally, thereby dispensing a volume of medication 430 corresponding to the volume defined by the insert 432. The insert 432 may be configured to prevent its compression, or movement, beyond the distance a, thus ensuring that only the dose-appropriate amount of medication 430 is dispensed. A remaining amount of medication 430 may remain inside the barrel 422 after the dose is dispensed. In some cases, this can allow for increased dosage accuracy in some instances since the plunger 426 does not need to interact with any taper in the diameter of the barrel 422 that may occur near the distal end portion of the syringe 420.

[0098] 14A-14C, side cross-sectional views of another syringe 440 of a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism are depicted in three stages. The syringe 440 may include a barrel 442, a plunger having an outer plunger rod 444 and an inner plunger rod 446, both of which may be actuated by a knob or depressor 448. The inner plunger rod 446 may be disposed inwardly and may be coaxial with the outer plunger rod 444. The inner plunger rod may protrude proximally and / or distally from the outer plunger rod 444. A plunger 450 may be coupled to either or both of the inner plunger rod 446 and the outer plunger rod 444. In particular, the plunger 450 may be movably coupled to the inner plunger rod 446. A volume of pharmaceutical agent 454 may be received or housed within the barrel 442 between the plunger 450 and the distal end of the syringe 440. The insert 456 can be disposed distally from the plunger 450, for example, at the inner, distal end portion of the barrel 442. The insert 456 can include a channel 458 sized and configured to accommodate the inner plunger rod 446 (but not the plunger 450 or the outer plunger rod 444).

[0099] As shown in FIG. 14A, the inner plunger rod 446 may protrude both proximally and distally from the outer plunger rod 444. A seal (not shown) may be present between the inner plunger rod 446 and the outer plunger rod 444 to prevent any fluid leakage between the plunger rods. In some embodiments, the inner plunger rod 446 may protrude only distally or only proximally from the outer plunger rod 444. For example, the inner plunger rod 446 may be a telescoping plunger rod that may be configured to extend only distally from the outer plunger rod 444. In some embodiments, the inner plunger rod 446 may be optionally configured to telescope, slide, or otherwise move through the outer plunger rod 444 and the plunger 450. In some embodiments, for example, the inner plunger rod 446 may include a threaded portion on its exterior (not shown) that is configured to mate with complementary threads on the interior of the outer plunger rod 444 (not shown). When the inner plunger rod 446 and the outer plunger rod 444 are engaged via these threads or by any other mechanism, the inner plunger rod 446 and the outer plunger rod 444 may move proximally and distally in unison within the barrel 442. Upon rotation of the inner plunger rod 446 relative to the outer plunger rod 444 (e.g., by turning a knob or depressor 448), the inner plunger rod 446 may be configured or enabled to move proximally or distally independent of the outer plunger rod 444, and may specifically be enabled to move distally through the outer plunger rod 444 and plunger 450. In some embodiments, the plunger 450 may be fixed to the distal end of the outer plunger rod 444, such that the inner plunger rod 446 can move through both the outer plunger rod 444 and the plunger 450 without separation between the outer plunger rod 444 and the plunger 450. In further embodiments, the distal end of the outer plunger rod 444 may simply contact or push against the plunger 450.

[0100] An initial configuration of the syringe 440 is shown in FIG. 14A. As shown, the inner plunger rod 446, the outer plunger rod 444, and the plunger 450 are all positioned proximally from a volume of medication 454 contained within the barrel 442. As shown in FIG. 14B, pressing the depressor or knob 448 allows both the inner plunger rod 446 and the outer plunger rod 444 to move distally through the barrel 442, thereby pushing the plunger 450 through the barrel 442. This serves to prime the syringe and remove air and excess amounts of medication 454 from the barrel 442, for example, by expelling it through the distal end of the barrel 442 (e.g., via a needle, cannula, tube, or other attachment at the distal end of the barrel 442). Distal movement of the plunger rods 444, 446 and plunger 450 may eventually be stopped by contact between the plunger 450 and the insert 456. This may, for example, provide tactile, auditory, and / or visual feedback to the user indicating that priming is complete.

[0101] 14C, the inner plunger rod 446 can then be moved distally independent of the outer plunger rod 444, for example, by rotation of the inner plunger rod 446, such that the inner plunger rod 446 disengages from the outer plunger rod 444. Such rotation can, for example, cause the outer threads of the inner plunger rod 446 to disengage from the inner threads of the outer plunger rod 444. In some embodiments, such rotation allows the inner plunger rod 446 to extend (e.g., telescopically) in the distal direction. The inner plunger rod 446 can then be moved distally through the channel 458, which can contain a volume of the pharmaceutical agent 454 appropriate for the dose. In this manner, the inner plunger rod 446 can be configured to expel a desired dose of the pharmaceutical agent 454 through the distal end of the barrel 442. In some embodiments, the distal end of the inner plunger rod 446 may include, be attached to, or be secured to an inner plunger, which may be sized and configured to move distally through the channel 458 and push a volume of pharmaceutical agent 454 appropriate for administration toward and through the distal end of the barrel 442.

[0102] 15A-15E, there is shown a view of another syringe 500 for a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism. The syringe 500 may include a barrel 502 and a plunger rod 503 having a knob or depressor 504 and projections 506, 508 extending in offset directions. The plunger rod 503 also includes a stopper 510. The proximal end of the barrel 502 is covered by a keyhole shaped flange 512 (a top view of which is shown in FIG. 5E). A plunger 514 is disposed within the barrel 502 such that it can be contacted and pushed distally by the plunger rod 503. The interior of the barrel 502 may also contain a volume of a pharmaceutical agent 516 located distal to the plunger 514.

[0103] An initial configuration of the syringe 500 is depicted in FIG. 15A. As shown, the plunger rod and plunger 514 are positioned proximally from the volume of pharmaceutical agent 516. A protrusion 506, which extends to a portion of the distal end of the plunger rod 503, is positioned to fit through a keyhole shape in the flange 512, allowing the plunger rod 503 to move distally until the flange 512 contacts the protrusion 508 (FIG. 15B). The range of distal movement permitted in this configuration may be sufficient to prime the syringe 500 and remove air between the plunger 514 and pharmaceutical agent 516. As shown in FIG. 15B, the plunger rod 503 may be prevented from moving further by contact between the flange 512 and the protrusion 508, which may be of a similar shape and size as the protrusion 506, but may be of a different configuration (e.g., a rotationally offset configuration) than the protrusion 506.

[0104] FIG. 15C depicts the syringe 500 when the plunger rod 503 has been rotated 90 degrees. In this configuration, the protrusion 508 can now fit through the flange 512, as shown in FIG. 15D. The plunger rod 503 can then be moved distally until its movement is stopped by a stopper 510, which can have a shape and / or dimensions that are not configured to fit through the flange 512 in either direction. Movement of the plunger rod 503 as shown in FIG. 15C through FIG. 15D can dispense a volume of medication 516 equal to an appropriate or desired dose for a patient (e.g., by a needle, cannula, tube, or other attachment to the distal end of the syringe 500). Although the plunger rod 503 is shown as rotated 90 degrees between FIG. 15C and FIG. 15D, it will be understood that the protrusions 506 and 508 can be offset in the rotation by any appropriate amount.

[0105] 15D, upon dispensing a desired or appropriate volume of pharmaceutical agent 516, plunger 514 may not be flush with the interior distal end of barrel 502, and a volume of pharmaceutical agent 516 may remain in barrel 502. In some embodiments, this may allow for increased accuracy of the dose volume delivered from syringe 500, since differences in size or shape between stopper 514 and the distal end of barrel 502 do not prevent a desired or appropriate dose volume from being dispensed. Additionally, this (and other embodiments herein) may eliminate the need for dose lines on syringe 500, which may reduce or eliminate inaccuracies that may occur when placing dose lines on barrel 502 during manufacturing and / or visually measuring whether a volume of pharmaceutical agent 516 is aligned with a dose line on barrel 502.

[0106] It should be noted that while protrusions 506, 508 are depicted as having particular shapes and dimensions, it is contemplated that they and the corresponding openings in flange 512 may have any suitable shape and size that allows protrusions 506, 508 to pass through flange 512. Additionally, it should be noted that while openings are shown in flange 512, any suitable shaped openings may be incorporated in any portion of syringe 500 suitable for accommodating the movement of plunger rod 503 (e.g., in a finger flange, a stopper secured to a proximal end portion of barrel 502, the proximal side of barrel 502, or any other suitable portion of syringe 500).

[0107] 16A-16E, a view of another syringe 600 for a further embodiment of a dose release control mechanism is depicted. The syringe 600 may include a barrel 602 and a plunger rod 603 having a depressor 604 and a protrusion 606. A plunger 608 is disposed within the barrel 602. A removable key 610 is disposed at a proximal end of the barrel 602. The interior of the barrel 602 may also contain a volume of a pharmaceutical agent 612. The proximal end of the barrel 602 has an opening configured to allow passage of a thin portion of the plunger rod 603 and may be closed in any suitable manner.

[0108] In some aspects of this embodiment, the protrusion 606 can be sized and configured such that it cannot pass over the key 610. Thus, the plunger rod 603 can only be pushed distally until the protrusion 606 contacts the key 610. The protrusion 606 can secure the plunger rod 603 in any suitable manner or can be integral with (e.g., molded as part of) the plunger rod 603.

[0109] In some embodiments, the key 610 may be fabricated as a separate structure from other aspects of the syringe 600. In further embodiments, the key 610 may be integral with another component of the syringe 600, such as, for example, a removable finger flange (not shown).

[0110] An initial configuration of the syringe 600 is shown in FIG. 16A. As shown, the plunger rod 603 and plunger 608 are disposed proximally from a volume of pharmaceutical agent 612 disposed within the barrel 602. The protrusion 606 is disposed at a proximal distance from the key 610. As shown in FIG. 16B, the plunger rod 603 may be permitted to move distally (e.g., via depression of the depressor 604) until the protrusion 606 contacts the key 610. The range of distal movement permitted in this configuration may be sufficient to prime the syringe 600 and remove any air between the plunger 608 and pharmaceutical agent 612. As shown in FIG. 16B, the plunger rod 603 may be prevented from moving further due to contact between the protrusion 606 and the key 610.

[0111] 16C shows the syringe 600 with the key 610 removed. The height of the key 610 can be proportional to the desired or appropriate dose volume of the pharmaceutical agent 612, and with the key 610 removed, the plunger rod 603 and protrusion 606 are free to move further distally until the protrusion 606 contacts and is blocked by another component of the syringe 600 (e.g., a flange, cap, or stopper) located at the proximal end of the barrel 602 ( FIG. 16D ) or at a portion of the distal end of the barrel 602. This movement of the plunger rod 603 likewise allows the plunger 608 to expel the desired or appropriate dose volume of the pharmaceutical agent 612 (e.g., via a needle, cannula, tubing, or other mechanism connected to the distal end of the syringe 600).

[0112] 17A-17B, two schematic views of additional embodiments of a delivery device with a dose release control mechanism are depicted. FIG 17A depicts a syringe 700a having a body 702, a plunger rod 704 with multiple teeth, a plunger 706, and a volume of pharmaceutical agent 708. The teeth of the plunger rod 704 can be configured to engage complementary teeth of an intermediate gear 712, which in turn may be configured to engage teeth of a drive gear 714a. The drive gear 714a is depicted with two longer teeth, configured to engage tabs of an offset actuator 710a.

[0113] Priming of the syringe 700a and dispensing a dose therefrom can both be accomplished by depression of the offset actuator 710a (e.g., to a first depressed position and a second depressed position). The tabs of the offset actuator 710a can be sized and configured to interact with (e.g., press into) the long teeth of the drive gear 714a at a desired interval (lower tab and first long tooth of the drive gear 714a) corresponding to priming of the syringe 700a, and at a desired interval (upper tab of the actuator 710a and second long tooth of the drive gear 714a) corresponding to dispensing a desired dose of pharmaceutical agent 708. FIG. 17A, for example, shows the position of the drive gear 714a and actuator 710a after the syringe 700a has been primed (e.g., first depressed position). In some embodiments, the drive gear 714a, the intermediate gear 712, or the plunger rod 704 may be configured to provide audio, visual, or tactile feedback when the actuator 710a moves to the first or second depressed position (e.g., by making a clicking sound or resisting movement beyond the depressed position). In some embodiments, the interaction between the actuator 710a and the drive gear 714a may be similar to that of a Geneva mechanism. In some embodiments, rotation of the drive gear 714a may be stopped by contact between a long tooth of the drive gear 714a and the intermediate gear 712. Multiple configurations of the drive gear and actuator are possible to achieve the priming and / or drug dispensing steps by depressing the actuator. For example, FIG. 17B shows a second syringe 700b with a drive gear 714b having three long teeth instead of two and an actuator 710b having three tabs instead of two. In such an embodiment, it is contemplated that the actuator 710b can be depressed multiple times (e.g., to a first depth, a second depth, and a third depth) to achieve a desired result (e.g., priming of the syringe 700b). Each contact between the tabs of the actuator 710b and the long teeth of the drive gear 714b can be accompanied by tactile, audio, or visual feedback and can correspond to partial or complete priming of the syringe 700b, removal of air bubbles from the syringe 700b, or dispensing a desired dose volume from the syringe 700b. In some embodiments, the actuator may have only one tab configured to interact with one or more long teeth on the drive gear (see, for example, actuator 710c and drive gear 714c shown in FIG. 17C).

[0114] In some embodiments, the actuator may be spring loaded, such that after depressing the actuator to a predetermined extent (e.g., sufficient for a tab on the actuator to press, contact, rotate, and / or otherwise interact with a single long tooth on the drive gear), the actuator may return to its pre-depressed position, e.g., by a spring return or other return mechanism. Such an embodiment is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 17C, where depression of the actuator 710c may compress a spring 716, which may then, upon release, return the actuator 710c to its pre-depressed position. When the actuator 710c is again depressed to a predetermined extent, the tab on the actuator 710c may press, contact, rotate, and / or otherwise interact with another single long tooth on the drive gear. Each depression of the actuator may serve a separate function (e.g., priming and / or removing air from a syringe, or dispensing an appropriate dose volume from a syringe).

[0115] 17A-17C depict possible variations of embodiments including drive gears and actuators, many more permutations and combinations of drive gears with longer teeth and actuators with tabs are contemplated. Additional variations of these embodiments include that the actuators (e.g., actuator 710c) can be spring loaded or otherwise configured in a suitable manner to return to an initial position, for example after completing a priming or dispensing step.

[0116] 18A-18F, diagrams of another embodiment of a dose release control mechanism are shown. FIGS. 18A and 18B show front and angled perspective views, respectively, of a sleeve 800. The sleeve 800 may be configured to surround and / or attach to, for example, a syringe barrel and may include a body 801, a channel 802, a flange 804, and an offset location 806 of the channel 802. The sleeve 800 may be configured to be used in combination with a plunger rod 820, for example, as shown in FIG. 18. The plunger rod 820 may include a main body 822 extending from a cap 826. The main body 822 may be configured to extend into the body of the syringe barrel. A plunger rod pin arm 824, which may extend from the cap 826 separately from the main body 822, may be configured to extend adjacent to the syringe barrel into which the main body 822 may extend. The plunger rod end 828 may be configured to contact, secure, or otherwise attach to a plunger (not shown).

[0117] 18D shows a syringe assembly 830 including a sleeve 800 and a plunger rod 820 that surrounds a syringe 832. As shown, a plunger rod pin arm 824 may be dimensioned and configured to slide through a channel 802. When the plunger rod 820 is pushed distally down into the body of the syringe 832, the plunger rod pin arm 824 may move distally through the channel 802. When the plunger rod pin arm 824 reaches an offset portion 806 of the channel 802, the shape of the channel 802 may stop further distal advancement of the plunger rod 820. FIG. 18E shows that upon rotation of plunger rod 820 (e.g., rotation of cap 826) or separate movement or rotation of plunger rod pin arm 824, plunger rod pin arm 824 can move laterally into offset portion 806 of channel 802, which may then allow plunger rod pin arm 824, and therefore plunger rod 820, to move further in the distal direction.

[0118] The syringe 832 may contain a volume of pharmaceutical agent that may be equal to or greater than the patient's desired dose. An initial distal movement of the plunger rod 820 (e.g., before the plunger rod pin arm 824 approaches the offset portion 806 of the channel 802) may be used to prime the syringe 832. Contact of the plunger rod pin arm 824 with a change in the shape of the channel 802 near the offset portion 806 of the channel 802 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 18E) may indicate that the syringe is primed and air has been removed from the interior of the syringe 832. The length of the offset portion 806 of the channel 802 may be proportional to a desired dose volume of pharmaceutical agent in the syringe 832 after the syringe 832 is primed. Thus, rotation of the plunger rod 820 to align the plunger rod pin arm 824 with the offset portion 806 of the channel 802, and then depressing the plunger rod 802 so that the plunger rod pin arm 824 slides through the offset portion 806, can result in delivery of a desired dose of medicinal product through the distal end of the syringe 832 (e.g., shown in Figures 18E and 18F as being coupled to a needle).

[0119] 18F shows a detailed side cross-sectional view of assembly 830. Plunger rod pin arm 824 is shown contacting the portion of channel 802 where offset portion 806 begins. Thus, assembly 830 may be in a "priming" position. The interior 834 of syringe 832 shown in FIG. 18F may correspond to the volume of a desired dose of pharmaceutical agent to be delivered to a patient.

[0120] 19A-19E, a diagram of another embodiment of a dose release control mechanism is shown. The assembly 900 may include a syringe body 902, a plunger rod 904a, a plunger 906, a plunger rod pin arm 908, and a sleeve 910a that may be connected to a sleeve flange 912. The syringe body 902 may contain a volume of a pharmaceutical agent located distally from the plunger 906. The operation of this embodiment may be similar to that of the assembly 830 shown in FIGS. 18A-18F. Notably, the sleeve 910a need not extend along the entire length of the syringe body 902, but may allow for viewing of the syringe body 902, or within the syringe body 902 if the syringe body 902 is transparent. The length of the sleeve 910a (and / or other components of the assembly 900) may be selected to facilitate ease of handling of the assembly 900, for example.

[0121] As depicted in Figures 19A-19D, various configurations of sleeves and channels within the sleeves can be used in conjunction with assembly 900 to enable priming and dispensing of a desired dose of pharmaceutical agent from assembly 900. For example, sleeve 910a depicted in Figure 19A includes a channel 909a that does not extend entirely through sleeve 910a. In this embodiment, the upper portion of channel 909a can correspond to the distance that plunger rod pin arm 908, and thus plunger rod 904a, can travel to prime assembly 900, and the offset lower portion of channel 909a can be proportional to the volume of a desired dose of pharmaceutical agent 914 that can be dispensed from the distal end of assembly 900 by rotating and moving plunger rod 904a distally until plunger rod pin arm 908 is stopped from further distal movement by the end of channel 909a. The closed end of channel 909a ensures that more than the desired dose volume is not delivered and may mitigate variability in the desired dose volume, for example, by preventing plunger 906 from moving distally into the tapered distal end portion of syringe body 902. Such variability may be caused, for example, by variability in the geometry of plunger 906 and syringe body 902.

[0122] In alternative embodiments, the sleeve may have a different configuration as shown in Figures 19B-19D. Each of Figures 19B-19D depicts a cross section of a sleeve with a variation of channels through which the plunger rod pin arm 908 may move, thereby guiding the movement of the plunger rod 904a within the syringe body 902. For example, Figure 19B shows a front view of a half-sleeve 910b. The half-sleeve 910b may not encase the syringe body 902 to create a narrow channel through which the plunger rod pin arm 908 may move. Instead, the plunger rod pin arm 908 may be guided by the "open" walls of the half-sleeve 910b and may move within an area 909b adjacent to the open walls of the half-sleeve 910b. The sleeve 910c depicted in Figure 19C comprises a configuration similar to that of the sleeve 910a, except for the open end of the channel 909c rather than the closed end of the channel 909a. Such a configuration may, for example, allow for bottoming of plunger 906 in syringe body 902, which in embodiments may allow for dispensing of a desired dose of medication from assembly 900. Sleeve 910d depicted in Figure 19D has a bend in the opposite direction to the bends of sleeves 910a, 910b, and 910c.

[0123] 19A-19D show example configurations of channels through which the plunger rod pin arms can travel. However, it is contemplated that many more embodiments of the sleeve and / or channel are possible. Although channel 909a is shown disposed distally from sleeve flange 912, it is also contemplated that a channel (e.g., channels 909a, 909b, 909c, or 909d) may be incorporated into the sleeve on or near any portion of the syringe body (e.g., syringe body 902) and / or may be incorporated into the syringe body itself (e.g., by embossing, engraving, molding, or other methods).

[0124] FIG. 19E illustrates a sleeve 910C and an exemplary manner or mechanism by which the sleeve (e.g., sleeve 910c) may be connected to the flange portion 912 during assembly. As illustrated, the sleeve 910c may include one or more tabs 915 that mate with complementary slots, holes, or indents 913 in the flange 912. The interface between the tabs 915 and the slots, holes, or indents 913 in the flange 912 may be any suitable interface that allows the flange 912 and the sleeve 910c to be connected (e.g., a dovetail connection, a dowel connection, a mortise and tenon connection, or any other currently known or future developed type of connection). In an alternative embodiment, the flange 912 may be connected to the sleeve 910c without the use of tabs, slots, holes, or indents (e.g., using an adhesive, a heat connection, etc.).

[0125] Attaching the flange and sleeve in this manner allows one of the two components to be added to the syringe body 902 first, followed by the other. For example, the flange 912 can be configured to slide, surround, snap-on, or otherwise mate with the syringe body 902, and a sleeve (e.g., sleeve 910a, 910b, 910c, or 910d) can then be slid onto the syringe body 902 and connected to the flange 912. As a further example, the sleeve may be added to the syringe body 902 first, followed by the flange 912. In yet another example, the sleeve and flange 912 may be connected first, and then slid, surround, snap-on, or otherwise connected to the syringe body 902.

[0126] In further embodiments, the sleeve (e.g., sleeve 910a, 910b, 910c, or 910d) and flange (e.g., flange 912) may be a unitary body (e.g., manufactured or molded together) instead of comprising two attached parts. In some embodiments, the sleeve and / or flange may be made of or include a material that is rigid enough to allow the channel of the sleeve to limit and / or control the movement of the plunger rod pin arm, and flexible enough for the sleeve and / or flange to snap or otherwise mate to the syringe body 902. In some embodiments, for example, the sleeve and / or flange may include polypropylene. In some embodiments, for example, the sleeve and / or flange may include two different materials (e.g., polypropylene and a second material) that are combined by overmolding techniques.

[0127] 20A-20C, views of another embodiment of a dose release control mechanism are depicted. All three of these views will now be described in parallel. As shown primarily in the side cross-sectional view of FIG. 20A and in the cross-section indicated by "AA" depicted in FIG. 20B, an assembly 1000 may include a plunger rod 1002, a plunger 1003, a syringe body 1004, a volume of pharmaceutical agent 1005 disposed within the syringe body 1004, a plunger rod arm 1006 separated from the plunger rod 1002 and configured to extend from a parallel plunger rod cap, a sleeve 1008, a sleeve pin 1010, a spring loaded pin casing 1012, a sleeve cavity 1014, a plunger rod arm cavity 1016, a pin protrusion 1018, and a sleeve pin slot 1020 (depicted in the view of the sleeve 1008 shown in FIG. 20C).

[0128] As in the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 19A-19E, the sleeve 1008 may include a flange and may be configured to wrap around the syringe body 1004. The assembly 1000 differs from the assembly 900, for example, in that the plunger rod arm 1006 does not include a pin. Instead, the plunger rod arm 1006 may include a cavity 1016 into which the sleeve pin 1010 may extend. The sleeve pin 1010 may be slidably connected to the sleeve 1008 such that it extends through a pin slot 1020. In some embodiments, the pin casing 1012, which may be spring loaded, may exert a force on the sleeve pin 1010 in an outward direction from the sleeve 1008, while the pin protrusion 1018 (e.g., shown in FIG. 20B) may prevent the sleeve pin 1010 from being pulled out of the pin slot 1020. 20A, the sleeve pin 1010 may be pushed distally (e.g., toward the discharge end of the assembly 1000) along the length of the pin slot 1020, causing the plunger rod arm 1006 to move distally (i.e., causing the plunger rod 1002 to move distally as well) because the sleeve pin 1010 extends into the plunger rod arm cavity 1016 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 20B). This movement of the sleeve pin 1010, and the corresponding movement of the plunger rod 1002, may serve to prime the assembly 1000.

[0129] As the sleeve pin 1010 moves to the distal end of the pin slot 1020, the pin protrusion 1018 may align with the sleeve cavity 1014, which may be sized and configured to accommodate the pin protrusion 1018. Force applied to the sleeve pin 1010 by the pin casing 1012 may cause the pin protrusion 1018 to retract into the sleeve cavity 1014, thereby disengaging the sleeve pin 1010 from the plunger rod arm cavity 1016.

[0130] After the sleeve pin 1010 is disengaged from the plunger rod arm cavity 1016, the plunger rod 1002 may be pushed distally (eg, by a user) independently of the sleeve pin 1010 to dispense a desired dose of pharmaceutical agent 1005.

[0131] For any embodiment of the present disclosure that includes a sleeve and a pin that may move through a channel or slot in the sleeve, it is contemplated that the channel or slot need not necessarily be located inside the sleeve, e.g., in embodiments where the sleeve fully or partially encases the syringe or syringe body, the sleeve may be replaced by a channel or slot that is, for example, stamped, molded, or otherwise located directly on the syringe or syringe body.

[0132] The features enumerated above have been described in the context of specific embodiments, however, features and aspects of the embodiments may be combined, added to, or subtracted from other embodiments, for example, to aid in the controlled preparation and / or delivery of a drug.

[0133] Aspects of the above embodiments have been described with respect to priming a dose and removing excess air bubbles from within a syringe. However, aspects of these embodiments may also be employed for use with fillable syringes and multi-dose vials. For example, a syringe according to the present disclosure may provide a more accurate method for transferring pharmaceutical from a vial to the syringe. Accuracy during this syringe loading step may, for example, reduce or minimize overfilling of the syringe from a vial of pharmaceutical. Preventing overfilling may in turn reduce pharmaceutical waste and increase or maximize the number of doses that can be administered from one vial.

[0134] For example, to fill the syringe 10 depicted in FIG. 1, the dial 5 can be rotated in the reverse direction to pull the piston 8 into the syringe barrel 9 and away from the distal needle end, filling the syringe 10 through the needle 13.

[0135] As a further example, to fill the syringe 60 shown in FIG. 5 , the plunger rod 61 can be rotated in a direction opposite to that required to prime the needle 66, drawing the piston 68 into the syringe barrel 69 and away from the distal needle end to fill the syringe 60 through the needle 66.

[0136] Although several embodiments are presented herein, it is contemplated that multiple variations on such embodiments, and combinations of elements from one or more embodiments, are possible and within the scope of the present disclosure. Moreover, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the concepts underlying the present disclosure may readily be used as a basis for the designing of other devices, methods, and systems for carrying out some of the purposes of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a barrel including a longitudinal axis, a proximal end region, and a distal end region, the proximal end region including an opening, the barrel configured to receive a drug therein; a plunger rod disposed at least partially inside the barrel and protruding from the opening, the plunger rod including a rack having a plurality of teeth; and a pinion having a plurality of teeth configured to engage the plurality of teeth of the rack, wherein rotation of the pinion relative to the rack moves at least a portion of the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis of the barrel; Including, The drug delivery device.

2. a shaft fixed to the pinion, wherein rotation of the shaft causes the pinion to rotate relative to the rack; The drug delivery device of claim 1 .

3. further comprising a knob secured to the shaft. The drug delivery device of claim 2.

4. and further comprising a magnifying glass disposed at the distal end region of the barrel. The drug delivery device of claim 1 .

5. a stopper inside the barrel, the stopper being secured to a distal end of the plunger rod; The drug delivery device of claim 1 .

6. a circular ratchet arranged coaxially with the pinion, the diameter of the circular ratchet being smaller than the diameter of the pinion; a spring-loaded pawl disposed on an inner circumference of the pinion, the pawl configured to engage the ratchet; and and a shaft fixed to the ratchet, wherein rotation of the shaft in one direction causes rotation of the pinion and rotation of the shaft in a second direction does not cause rotation of the pinion. The drug delivery device of claim 1 .

7. The drug delivery device of claim 6 , wherein the ratchet is disposed inside the pinion.

8. 2. The drug delivery device of claim 1, wherein the pinion includes a plurality of teeth having a first height and a stopper tooth having a second height greater than the first height.

9. The drug delivery device of claim 8 , wherein the second height of the stop tooth prevents the pinion from engaging the plurality of teeth of the rack.

10. 9. The drug delivery device of claim 8, wherein the second height of the stopper tooth is configured to contact one of the plunger rod and the rack to stop rotation of the pinion.

11. The drug delivery device of claim 1 , wherein the plunger rod comprises an inner column and an outer lumen, and the rack is disposed in the inner column.

12. The drug delivery device of claim 11 , wherein rotation of the pinion relative to the rack moves the inner column of the plunger rod independently of the outer lumen.

13. 12. The drug delivery device of claim 11, further comprising a shaft removably secured to the pinion, the shaft preventing movement of the outer lumen of the plunger rod relative to the barrel, and removal of the shaft allowing movement of the outer lumen of the plunger rod relative to the barrel.

14. the plunger rod further comprising a body and a flange, the flange extending partially along a longitudinal length of the body and having a width greater than a width of the body; 2. The drug delivery device of claim 1, wherein the barrel further comprises a plunger lock, the plunger lock comprising a through hole configured to allow the flange to pass through the second plunger lock in a particular orientation.

15. 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a barrel including a longitudinal axis, a proximal end region, a distal end region, and an interior, the proximal end region including the opening and the interior including a threaded portion; a plunger rod disposed at least partially inside the barrel and protruding from the opening, the plunger rod including a threaded region configured to engage the threaded region inside the barrel. Including, Rotation of the plunger rod about the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device translates the plunger rod along the longitudinal axis. The drug delivery device.

16. 16. The drug delivery device of claim 15, wherein the plunger rod further includes a tab protruding from the plunger rod in a first direction and located proximally from the threaded region of the plunger rod, and the threaded region within the barrel further includes a slot sized and configured to allow the tab to pass through the threaded region within the barrel.

17. 17. The drug delivery device of claim 16, wherein the slot comprises a first segment parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device and a second segment perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device.

18. 18. The drug delivery device of claim 17, wherein the slot includes a third segment parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device, and the second segment is between the first segment and the third segment.

19. 17. The drug delivery device of claim 16, wherein the tab is a first tab, the plunger rod further includes a second tab protruding from the plunger rod in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the threaded region in the interior of the barrel further includes a second slot of a size and configuration that allows the second tab to pass through the threaded region in the interior of the barrel.

20. 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a barrel having a proximal end region, a distal end region, an opening in said proximal end region, an interior, and a threaded region in said interior; a sleeve disposed partially within the barrel and projecting from the opening at the proximal end region of the barrel, the sleeve including a threaded region that engages with the threaded region on the barrel interior; a plunger rod disposed at least partially within the sleeve; and a stopper disposed inside the barrel and distal from the sleeve, the stopper being connected to a distal end of the plunger rod; Including, rotation of the sleeve in a first direction about a longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device moves the sleeve toward the distal end region of the barrel. The drug delivery device.

21. The drug delivery device of claim 20 , wherein rotation of the sleeve in the first direction moves the stopper toward the distal end region of the barrel.

22. 21. The drug delivery device of claim 20, wherein the sleeve includes an internal passageway, and the stopper has a diameter greater than a diameter of the internal passageway.

23. 21. The drug delivery device of claim 20, wherein the sleeve includes a tab disposed on an exterior of the sleeve, the tab disposed proximally from the threaded region within the barrel, the tab stopping movement of the sleeve toward the distal end region of the barrel.

24. 24. The drug delivery device of claim 23, wherein the tab is configured to stop movement of the sleeve toward the distal end region of the barrel after the drug delivery device is primed.

25. 24. The drug delivery device of claim 23, wherein the tab is a first tab and the sleeve further includes a second tab disposed on an exterior of the sleeve, the second tab disposed distally from the threaded region within the barrel, the second tab stopping movement of the sleeve toward the proximal end region of the barrel.

26. 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a barrel including a proximal end region and a distal end region, the proximal end region including an opening; a plunger rod including a body and a flange, the flange extending partially along a longitudinal length of the body, having a width greater than a width of the body, the plunger rod being disposed at least partially inside the barrel and projecting through the opening; a first plunger lock disposed on the barrel, the first plunger lock configured to prevent the flange from entering the barrel; and a second plunger lock disposed on the barrel, the second plunger lock including a through hole configured to allow the flange to pass through the second plunger lock in a particular orientation; Drug delivery devices.

27. 27. The drug delivery device of claim 26, wherein the first plunger lock is removable.

28. 27. The drug delivery device of claim 26, wherein the first plunger lock is frangible.

29. 27. The drug delivery device of claim 26, wherein the distance between the first plunger lock and the second plunger lock is equal to the distance the stopper must travel to prime the drug delivery device.

30. 27. The drug delivery device of claim 26, wherein the plunger rod is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the drug delivery device.

31. 1. A method of dispensing a substance from a drug delivery device having a plunger rod and a barrel, comprising: advancing the plunger rod a predetermined distance into the barrel until advancement of the plunger rod is blocked by a stop; Overriding said stop; and actuating the plunger rod to deliver the substance. The method.

32. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein advancing the plunger rod includes rotating a pinion relative to a rack disposed on the plunger rod.

33. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the stop includes a shaft removably secured to the pinion, and disabling the stop includes removing the shaft from the pinion.

34. 32. The method of claim 31 , wherein overriding the stop includes rotating the plunger rod.

35. 32. The method of claim 31, wherein the plunger rod includes a flange and the stop includes a lock that prevents the flange from entering the barrel.

36. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein overriding the stop comprises removing the lock.

37. 36. The method of claim 35, wherein overriding the stop comprises breaking the lock.

38. 1. A drug delivery device comprising: a barrel including a longitudinal axis, a proximal end region, and a distal end region, the proximal end region including an opening and a rack disposed in the interior of the barrel, the rack having a plurality of teeth, the barrel configured to receive a medicament therein; a plunger rod disposed at least partially inside the barrel and protruding from the opening, the plunger rod including a rack having a plurality of teeth; a pinion having a plurality of teeth configured to engage the plurality of teeth of the plunger rod rack; and an inner plunger coupled to the pinion by a rod, wherein rotation of the pinion relative to the plunger rod rack moves the inner plunger along the longitudinal axis of the barrel; The drug delivery device.

39. 39. The drug delivery device of claim 38, wherein the teeth of the pinion are further configured to engage with the plurality of teeth of the rack disposed on the barrel.

40. the pinion is a first pinion, a second pinion disposed coaxially with the first pinion, the second pinion having a diameter smaller than a diameter of the first pinion and the plurality of teeth configured to engage with a plurality of teeth of the rack disposed on the barrel; Rotation of the first pinion causes rotation of the second pinion relative to the rack disposed on the barrel and movement of the inner plunger along the longitudinal axis of the barrel.

39. The drug delivery device of claim 38.

Images