Grips for injector testing systems

Abstract

To provide an injection needle positioner and an injection needle testing system.SOLUTION: An example injection needle positioner includes: a first grip comprising a first grip face on a first lateral side of the first grip; and a second grip, comprising: a second grip face on a first lateral side of the second grip, the second grip face facing the first grip face, the second grip face comprising: a first section that extends from a first end of the second grip and comprises a first profile configured to align an injector; and a second section located toward a second end of the first grip, relative to the first section, and having a second profile configured to securably grip the injector in cooperation with the first grip face.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3A-3B

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] [Related Applications] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 558,971, entitled "GRIPS FOR INJECTOR TESTING SYSTEMS," filed February 28, 2024. The entirety of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 558,971 is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates generally to testing of injection devices, and more particularly to grips for injection testing systems. [Background technology]

[0003] The injection testing system can test one or more aspects of an injection device, including an auto-injector, for aspects such as cap removal force, plunger actuation force, injection depth, injection time, needle retraction, and / or dosage. Summary of the Invention

[0004] A grip for an injection test system is disclosed, as more fully set forth in the claims, substantially as shown by and described in connection with at least one of the drawings.

[0005] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram of an exemplary injection test system for performing testing of an injection device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary injection test system including a needle positioner and grip, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0008] [Figure 3A-3B] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary grip that can be used to implement one of the grips of FIG. 2.

[0009] [Figure 4A-4B] Figure 4A is a side view of the example grip of Figures 3A and 3B in a first orientation, and Figure 4B is a side view of the example grip of Figures 3A and 3B in a second orientation.

[0010] [Figure 5A-5B] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary needle positioner with an exemplary grip attached to a mounting block, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] [Figure 6] FIG. 5C is a side view of the exemplary needle positioner of FIGS. 5A and 5B in a closed position when coupled to a mounting bracket in a first orientation.

[0012] [Figure 7] FIG. 5C is a side view of the exemplary needle positioner of FIGS. 5A and 5B in a closed position when coupled to a mounting bracket in a second orientation.

[0013] [Figure 8A-8B] 3A and 3B illustrate another exemplary grip that can be used to implement the grip of FIG. 2.

[0014] [Figure 9] FIG. 10 illustrates another exemplary needle positioner that can be used to implement the needle positioner of FIG. 2, comprising two grips coupled to the needle positioner by two mounting brackets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Where appropriate, like or identical reference numbers are used to refer to like or identical components.

[0016] A needle testing device for measuring the amount of fluid delivered by a syringe, particularly an auto-injector, includes a needle positioner configured to securely align and position the syringe (e.g., auto-injector) in a position suitable for testing and measuring various syringe configurations. Conventional needle testing systems cannot easily interface with certain types of syringes due to the syringe geometry.

[0017] The disclosed exemplary needle testing devices and systems include one or more grips that provide excellent gripping characteristics. Some exemplary needle testing systems include a needle positioner that can align the syringe.

[0018] An exemplary needle positioner disclosed includes a first grip having a first grip surface on a first lateral side of the first grip; and a second grip having a second grip surface on a first lateral side of the second grip facing the first grip surface, the second grip surface including a first section extending from a first end of the second grip and having a first profile configured to align a syringe; and a second section located relative to the first section toward a second end of the first grip and having a second profile configured to cooperate with the first grip surface to fixably grip a syringe.

[0019] In some example needle positioners, the first gripping surface includes a third section extending from the first end of the first grip and having a third contour configured to align the syringe, and a fourth section facing the second end of the first grip relative to the third section and having a fourth contour configured to cooperate with the third section and the second gripping surface to fixably grip the syringe.

[0020] In some example needle positioners, the first profile of the second grip includes an angled alignment portion. In some example needle positioners, the angled alignment portion extends toward a second lateral side of the second grip opposite the first lateral side.

[0021] In some exemplary needle positioners, the second profile of the second grip comprises an angled gripping portion. In some exemplary needle positioners, the angled gripping portion extends at an angle away from a second lateral side of the second grip opposite the first lateral side. In some exemplary needle positioners, the angle is less than 90 degrees relative to the second lateral side of the second grip. In some exemplary needle positioners, the angled gripping portion extends away from and perpendicular to the second lateral side of the second grip.

[0022] In some exemplary needle positioners, the first geometry of the second grip is configured to align a syringe having an asymmetrical geometry. In some exemplary needle positioners, the first grip is configured to align a syringe having an asymmetrical geometry. In some exemplary needle positioners, the first geometry of the second grip is configured to align a syringe having a symmetrical geometry. In some exemplary needle positioners, the symmetrical geometry is a cylindrical, oval, or semi-square geometry. In some exemplary needle positioners, the first grip is configured to align a syringe having a symmetrical geometry. In some exemplary needle positioners, the symmetrical geometry is a cylindrical, oval, or semi-square geometry.

[0023] In some example needle positioners, at least a portion of at least one of the first gripping surface or the second gripping surface comprises a non-slip coating.

[0024] In some example needle positioners, each grip further comprises one or more accessory mounting holes, In some example needle positioners, the one or more accessory mounting holes are configured to mate with one or more customization plates.

[0025] In some example needle positioners, each grip further comprises a first mounting groove configured to align with the mounting bracket. In some example needle positioners, each grip further comprises one or more mounting holes configured to align with one or more mounting openings on the mounting bracket. In some example needle positioners, the first section of the second grip surface comprises a first alignment surface on a first side of the mounting groove and a second alignment surface on a second side of the mounting groove, the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface having the same contour.

[0026] An exemplary needle testing system is disclosed that includes a positioning plate having a first side configured to contact the syringe and a second side opposite the first side, and a needle locator configured to align the syringe with at least one of the second needle locator or the positioning plate, the needle locator including a first grip having a first grip surface on a first lateral side of the first grip, and a second grip having a second grip surface on a first lateral side of the second grip facing the first grip surface. a second grip having two gripping surfaces, the second gripping surface having a first section extending from a first end of the second grip and having a first contour configured to align the syringe, and a second section facing a second end of the first grip relative to the first section and having a second contour configured to cooperate with the first section and the first gripping surface to fixably grip the syringe; and a syringe actuator configured to actuate the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe through the needle of the syringe.

[0027] 1 illustrates an example injection test system 100 for performing tests on an injection device, such as an auto-injector 102. The example injection test system 100 may be configured to perform some or all of the tests to evaluate the requirements of the ISO 11608-5 standard, for example. The example injection test system 100 may be, for example, a general-purpose test system configured for injection testing.

[0028] The example injection test system 100 of FIG. 1 includes positioning device(s) (e.g., for positioning the auto-injector 102 in one or more positions and / or orientations for automated testing), actuator(s) (e.g., for actuating components of the auto-injector 102, actuating the positioning device(s), positioning and / or orienting a test device, etc.), and / or sensors for measuring aspects of the auto-injector 102 during testing (e.g., load sensors for measuring actuation force(s), audio sensors for detecting audible events, mass scales for measuring ejection volume, displacement and / or position sensors for triggering test steps and / or measuring displacement of components of the auto-injector 102, etc.). The example injection test system can include one or more cameras, for example, for recording injection events and / or for performing optical measurements of needle extension and / or injection duration. The example injection test system 100 further includes one or more user interface devices, such as a display 104 and an input device 106.

[0029] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example injection test system 200 that can be used to implement some or all of the components of the injection test system 100 of FIG.

[0030] The exemplary injection test system 200 includes a needle positioner 202, a syringe actuator 204, an injection collector 206, and control circuitry 208. The needle positioner 202 positions and / or orients a syringe 210 (e.g., an auto-injector) for one or more tests in the injection test system 200. For example, the needle positioner 202 can grip the syringe 210 and move and / or rotate the syringe 210 for testing. The needle positioner can grip the syringe 210 with two or more grips 202a, which can be arranged in one or more sets of grips 202a. The position of the needle positioner 202 and / or the syringe 210 can be measured by one or more displacement sensors 212, which provide displacement and / or position information to the control circuitry 208.

[0031] The syringe actuator 204 actuates one or more aspects of the syringe 210, such as the plunger or other injection mechanism of the syringe 210. The force applied by the syringe actuator 204 can be measured by a force sensor 214, which provides a force measurement to the control circuitry 208.

[0032] The syringe collector 206 includes a loading surface (e.g., a positioning plate 216), a discharge nozzle 218, and a collection container 220. The collection container 220 and syringe 210 are positioned such that actuation of the syringe 210 to expel fluid contained within the syringe 210 expels the fluid into the collection container 220. A collection sensor 222 measures the mass and / or volume collected in the collection container 220 and provides the mass or volume measurement to the control circuitry 208.

[0033] The positioning plate 216 allows the needle 224 of the syringe 210 to extend therethrough toward the collection container 220. The positioning plate 216 can block the body of the syringe 210 from extending through the positioning plate 216 using an opening appropriately sized for the needle 224 and the body of the syringe 210. To test for delivery of the contained fluid, the needle positioner 202 can position the syringe 210 so that it contacts or abuts the positioning plate 216, with the needle 224 extending through the opening in the positioning plate 216. Once the syringe 210 is positioned, the syringe 210 can be actuated (e.g., manually or automatically via the syringe actuator 204) to expel the contents of the syringe 210 into the collection container 220.

[0034] While the examples disclosed herein use the positioning plate 216 as a loading surface, other examples may use a different type of loading surface such that the syringe 210 can be actuated to expose the needle 224 to the loading surface and / or release the contents of the syringe 210 onto the loading surface. For example, a rod or other structural member may be used that contacts the body of the syringe 210 on the top side of the loading surface and is positioned so as not to obstruct the needle 224. In some such examples, the blow nozzle 218 may be coupled to or otherwise adjustably supported on another surface adjacent the underside of the loading surface and / or adjacent the location of the needle 224 within the syringe collector 206.

[0035] Upon completion of actuation of syringe 210, blow-out nozzle 218 is controlled to blow the last droplets of fluid from at or near the tip of the needle into collection container 220. Gas source 226 supplies a gas, such as nitrogen or air, to blow-out nozzle 218. Gas source 226 may be, for example, a compressed gas source, an air pressure pump, or a blower. Blowing nozzle 218 may be positioned and / or oriented to adjust the location at which the blow-out gas impinges on needle 224 and / or may be positioned and / or oriented to impinge the blow-out gas on needle 224 over the length of the needle.

[0036] The example control circuitry 208 can be a general-purpose computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and / or any other type of processing system configured to communicate with the sensors and actuators of the injection test system 200. For example, the control circuitry 208 includes a processor 228, a memory 230, and a storage device 232. The example processor 228 can be any general-purpose central processing unit (CPU) from any manufacturer. In some other examples, the processor 228 may include one or more special-purpose processing units, such as a RISC processor with an ARM core, a graphics processing unit, a digital signal processor, and / or a system-on-a-chip (SoC). The processor 228 executes machine-readable instructions 234, which can be stored locally in the processor (e.g., in an associated cache or within the SoC), in memory (e.g., random access memory or other volatile memory, read-only memory or other non-volatile memory such as flash memory), and / or in the storage device 232. The example storage device 232 can be a hard drive, a solid-state storage drive, a hybrid drive, a RAID array, and / or any other mass data storage device.

[0037] 3A and 3B are perspective views of an exemplary grip 202a. As described above, the needle positioner 202 can include one or more grips 202a. The needle positioner 202 can grip the syringe 210 with the one or more grips 202a. FIG. 4A is a side view of the exemplary grip of FIGS. 3A and 3B in a first orientation, and FIG. 4B is a side view of the exemplary grip of FIGS. 3A and 3B in a second orientation.

[0038] The exemplary grip 202a includes a grip surface 302 on a first lateral side of the grip 202a opposite the second lateral side of the grip 202a. The exemplary grip surface 302 includes two or more sections, such as a first section 304 and a second section 306. The first section 304 extends from or toward a first end 308 of the grip 202a, and the second section 306 extends from or toward a second end 310 of the grip 202a. Each section 304, 306 has an outer shape configured to engage with the syringe 210. The first section 304 and the second section 306 of the exemplary grip 202a have different outer shapes for engaging with the syringe 210. The exemplary first section 304 has a partial height g (e.g., g < h) that is lower than the height h of the grip surface 302, and the second section 306 has a height j (e.g., j = h) that extends across the full height h of the grip surface 302.

[0039] As described above, the contours of each section 304, 306 of the example grip 202a are configured to interface with the syringe 210. To that end, the example first section 304 includes a contour configured to align the syringe 210 when the grip 202a engages the syringe 210. For example, when the grip 202a approaches and physically engages the syringe 210 (e.g., with the first grip 202a and the second grip 202a facing each other), the first section 304 biases the syringe 210 to align in a desired position (e.g., align using a gripping portion of the grip 202a, such as the angled gripping portion 314) by applying a force to the surface of the syringe 210 and adjusting the orientation of the syringe 210 until the surface of the syringe 210 substantially evenly contacts the first section 304. In some examples, the alignment portion of the first section 304 is an angled alignment portion 312 for at least one of the opposing grips 202a. The angled alignment portion 312 in FIGS. 3A and 3B extends at an angle (e.g., from the first end 312a to the second end 312b of the angled alignment portion 312) toward a second lateral side of the grip 202a opposite the first lateral side. An exemplary angle for the angled alignment portion 312 is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6, and 7, although different angles may be used. In other examples, the alignment portion 312 may have other configurations, such as a curved alignment portion.

[0040] The second section 306 includes a second contour configured to fixably grip the syringe 210. To that end, the example second contour of the second section 306 is configured to cooperate with another gripping surface 302 to fixably grip the syringe 210 (e.g., the first grip 202a cooperates with the second grip 202a, and the first and second grips face each other). The example second contour includes an angled gripping portion 314. Thus, the example grip 202a can be configured to fixably grip the syringe 210 using the angled gripping portion 314 of the grip 202a, as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, and 7. In some examples, the angled grip 314 extends at an angle (e.g., from the first end 314a to the second end 314b of the angled grip 314) away from a second lateral side of the grip 202a opposite the first lateral side. An exemplary angle of the angled grip 314 is shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5B, 6, and 7, although different angles may be used. For example, the angled grip 314 can extend away from the second lateral side of the grip 202a at an angle less than 90 degrees (e.g., 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10 degrees) relative to the second lateral side of the grip 202a. In other examples, the angled grip 314 extends away from and perpendicular to the second lateral side of the grip 202a. Thus, the relative angles of the angled alignment portion 312 and the angled gripping portion 314 can be oriented to form a V-shaped surface configured to securely grip the syringe 210. In further examples, the gripping portion can have other geometries, such as a curved gripping portion.

[0041] As described above, the contour of each section 304, 306 of the example grip 202a is configured to mate with the syringe 210. To that end, the contour shape can vary depending on the shape of the syringe 210. For example, each section 304 and 306 can be configured to mate with a syringe 210 having an asymmetrical geometry. Thus, the example grip 202a is configured to align (e.g., using the angled alignment portion 312) and grip (e.g., using the angled alignment portion 312 and the angled gripping portion 314) a syringe 210 having an asymmetrical geometry. In a further example, each section 304 and 306 can be configured to mate with a syringe 210 having a symmetrical geometry. Thus, the example grip 202a is configured to align (e.g., using the angled alignment portion 312) and grip (e.g., using the angled gripping portion 314) a syringe 210 having a symmetrical geometry. Exemplary symmetrical geometries for syringe 210 include cylindrical, elliptical, and half-square geometries.

[0042] In some examples, the grips 202a are made of an uncoated material. In other examples, at least a portion of the grips 202a includes a non-slip coating. The non-slip coating of the illustrated grips 202a is configured to increase the stability of the syringe 210 when the two grips 202a are engaged. Various non-slip coatings can be included. In some examples, the non-slip coating is a surfalloy coating, rubber, a brake lining material, and / or any other suitable coating material. Additionally or alternatively, the grip surfaces 302 may be knurled or otherwise textured to increase friction between the grips 202a and the syringe 210 without a coating. The grips 202a, including the grip surfaces 302, may also be bead blasted, passivated, and / or otherwise treated to improve aesthetics and / or corrosion resistance.

[0043] Grip 202a can include one or more mounting grooves 318 that allow grip 202a to mate or couple with needle positioner 202. For example, grip 202a can include a single mounting groove 318. Mounting groove 318 is configured to mate or couple with a mounting bracket 504 of needle positioner 202, as described below. Mounting groove 318 can extend through a portion of the length of grip 202a or the entire length of grip 202a. The size and shape of mounting groove 318 is selected to match the shape and orientation of mounting bracket 504. For example, mounting groove 318 can be square, half-square, rectangular, circular, oval, or any other suitable shape.

[0044] The grip 202a can include one or more accessory mounting holes 402. The accessory mounting holes 402 can be threaded and configured to mate with threaded mounting screws. The accessory mounting holes 402 can be configured to mate with or couple to various accessories on either side of the example grip 202a. For example, the accessory mounting holes 402 can be configured to mate with one or more customization plates. In some examples, the one or more customization plates are configured to modify, customize, and / or replace the contours of the first section 304 and / or the second section 306 of the grip surface 302. For example, a custom plate can be attached to each of the grips 202a via the accessory mounting holes 402. The contours of the custom plate can be configured to engage the syringe 210 before the grip 202a engages the syringe 210, thereby providing gripping of the syringe 210. The custom plate can be coated to enhance gripping, as disclosed above. As discussed above, the contour shape can be configured to mate with syringes 210 having certain geometries, such as symmetrical or asymmetrical geometries. Grip 202a can include more or fewer accessory mounting holes 402 than shown in the illustrated example. For example, grip 202a can include one or more additional alignment holes into which a custom plate can be engaged and / or into which an alignment object (e.g., a pin) can be engaged to aid in proper alignment of the custom plate.

[0045] 5A and 5B are perspective views of an example needle positioner 202 including a grip 202a coupled to the needle positioner 202 by a mounting bracket 504. FIG. 6 is a side view of the example needle positioner of FIG. 5, with the grip 202a in a partially closed position when coupled to the mounting bracket in a first orientation. FIG. 7 is a side view of the example needle positioner of FIG. 5, with the grip 202a in a partially closed position when coupled to the mounting bracket in a second orientation. As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the example grip 202a includes one or more mounting holes 316 configured to mate or couple with the mounting bracket 504. The mounting holes can be oriented perpendicular to the mounting groove 318. In some examples, the mounting holes 316 are threaded and configured to mate with threaded mounting screws 502 for coupling to the mounting bracket 504. In a further example, one or more threaded mounting screws 502 can mate with one or more mounting openings located on the mounting bracket 504 to securely couple the grip 202a to the mounting bracket 504.

[0046] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the example needle positioner 202 includes two grips 202a, 202b coupled to the needle positioner 202 by two mounting brackets 504. The example two grips 202a, 202b have a mirror image arrangement. When in the open position, there is a space between the grips 202a, 202b such that the grips 202a, 202b are oriented to receive a syringe 210 (e.g., an auto-injector). The two grips 202a, 202b can move laterally toward one another to a closed position. When in the closed position, the example grips 202a, 202b are configured to securely grip the syringe 210. As shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 6, and 7, each grip 202a of the needle positioner 202 can include some or all of the components of the grip 202a described above and shown in FIGS. 1-4.

[0047] 6 shows a misaligned syringe 210 positioned between example grips 202a, 202b. As grips 202a, 202b close toward syringe 210 (as indicated by arrows 602), alignment features 312 of each grip 202a, 202b align syringe 210 (as indicated by rotational direction 604, or alternatively, by biasing an upper portion of syringe 210 in direction 606). When grips 202a, 202b are fully closed on syringe 210, syringe 210 is held in the desired position by alignment features 312 and gripping features 314 of grips 202a, 202b.

[0048] 8A and 8B show another example grip 800 that can be used to implement grips 202a and 202b of FIG. 2. Example grip 800 includes a grip surface 802 having a first section 804 and a second section 806. Grip surface 802, first section 804, and second section 806 provide the same alignment and gripping functions as grip surface 302, first section 304, and second section 306 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, respectively. Grip surface 802, first section 804, and second section 806 can include the same materials and / or coatings as disclosed above with respect to grip surface 302, first section 304, and second section 306. Specifically, the contours of each section 804, 806 of example grip 800 are configured to interface with syringe 210.

[0049] In contrast to the example grip 202a of FIGS. 3A and 3B, the example first section 804 includes an upper surface 808a and a lower surface 808b separated by a mounting groove 810. The mounting groove 810 receives a mounting bracket 504 for attaching the grip 800 to the needle position 202 via a fastener, such as a mounting screw 502, and a mounting hole 812. The upper surface 808a and the lower surface 808b are configured to align the syringe 210 when the grip 800 engages the syringe 210 in the same or similar manner as disclosed above with respect to the first section 304 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, such as by including an angled alignment portion 814 and an angled gripping portion 816. The angled alignment portion 814 has the same contour as the angled alignment portion 314 of FIGS. 3A and 3B, and the angled gripping portion 816 has the same contour as the angled gripping portion 316. However, the alignment portion 814 may have other shapes.

[0050] The example grip 800 is reversible in that the grip 800 can be used on either side of the syringe 210, thereby reducing the number of grip types required by an operator. Figure 9 shows another example needle positioner 900 that can be used to implement the needle positioner 202, comprising two grips 800 coupled to the needle positioner 900 by two mounting brackets 504.

[0051] Grip 800 can include one or more accessory mounting holes 818. Accessory mounting holes 818 can be threaded and configured to mate with threaded mounting screws. Accessory mounting holes 818 can be configured to mate or couple with various accessories and can be positioned on either or both sides of example grip 800. For example, accessory mounting holes 818 can be configured to mate with one or more customization plates. In some examples, one or more customization plates are configured to modify, customize, and / or replace the contours of first section 804 and / or second section 806 of grip surface 802. For example, custom plates can be attached to each of grips 800 via accessory mounting holes 818.

[0052] The methods and systems can be implemented in hardware, software, and / or a combination of hardware and software. The methods and / or systems can be implemented centrally in at least one computing system, or distributed, where different elements are distributed across several interconnected computing systems. Any kind of computing system or other apparatus adapted to perform the methods described herein is suitable. A typical combination of hardware and software can include a general-purpose computing system, along with a program or other code that, when loaded and executed, controls the computing system to perform the methods described herein. Another typical embodiment can include an application-specific integrated circuit or chip. Some embodiments can include a non-transitory machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) medium (e.g., a flash drive, an optical disk, a magnetic storage disk, etc.) that stores one or more lines of code executable by a machine, thereby causing the machine to perform a process as described herein. As used herein, the term "non-transitory machine-readable medium" is defined to include all types of machine-readable storage media and to exclude propagating signals.

[0053] As used herein, the terms "circuit" and "circuitry" refer to physical electronic components (i.e., hardware) and any software and / or firmware ("code") that can comprise, be executed by, and / or otherwise be associated with hardware. As used herein, for example, a particular processor and memory can include a first "circuit" when executing a first one or more lines of code, and a second "circuit" when executing a second one or more lines of code. As used herein, "and / or" means any one or more of the items in the list connected by "and / or." As an example, "x and / or y" means any element of the triplet {(x), (y), (x, y)}. In other words, "x and / or y" means "one or both of x and y." As another example, "x, y, and / or z" means any element of the seven-element set {(x), (y), (z), (x,y), (x,z), (y,z), (x,y,z)}. In other words, "x, y, and / or z" means "one or more of x, y, and z." As used herein, the term "exemplary" means serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration. As used herein, the term "for example" begins a list of one or more non-limiting examples, instances, or illustrations. As used herein, circuitry is "operable" to perform a function whenever it includes the necessary hardware and code (if either is necessary) to perform that function, regardless of whether implementation of that function is disabled or enabled (e.g., by a user-configurable setting, factory trim, etc.).

[0054] Although the present method and / or system has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that various modifications and equivalent substitutions may be made without departing from the scope of the present method and / or system. For example, blocks and / or components of the disclosed examples may be combined, divided, rearranged, and / or otherwise modified. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present method and / or system is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Instead, the present method and / or system includes all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims, both literally and under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims

1. 1. A needle positioner comprising: a first grip comprising a first grip surface on a first lateral side of the first grip; A second grip, a second grip surface on a first lateral side of the second grip, the second grip surface facing the first grip surface, the second grip surface comprising: a first section extending from a first end of the second grip, the first section including a first profile configured to align a syringe; a second section located relative to the first section toward a second end of the first grip, the second section having a second contour configured to cooperate with the first gripping surface to fixably grip the syringe; and Equipped with A second grip; 1. A needle positioner comprising:

2. 2. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the first gripping surface comprises: a third section extending from a first end of the first grip, the third section having a third profile configured to align the syringe; and a fourth section relative to the third section toward a second end of the first grip, the fourth section having a fourth profile configured to cooperate with the third section and the second gripping surface to fixably grip the syringe.

3. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the first contour of the second grip comprises an angled alignment portion.

4. 4. The needle positioner of claim 3, wherein the angled alignment portion extends toward a second lateral side of the second grip opposite the first lateral side.

5. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the second profile of the second grip comprises an angled gripping portion.

6. 6. The needle positioner of claim 5, wherein the angled gripping portion extends at an angle away from a second lateral side of the second grip opposite the first lateral side.

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

8. 7. The needle positioner of claim 6, wherein the angled gripping portion extends away from and perpendicular to the second lateral side of the second grip.

9. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the first contour of the second grip is configured to align the syringe having an asymmetric geometry.

10. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the first grip is configured to align the syringe having an asymmetric geometry.

11. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the first contour of the second grip is configured to align the syringe with a symmetrical geometry.

12. 12. The needle positioner of claim 11, wherein the symmetrical geometric shape is a cylindrical, elliptical, or half-square geometric shape.

13. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the first grip is configured to align the syringe having a symmetrical geometry.

14. 14. The needle positioner of claim 13, wherein the symmetrical geometric shape is a cylindrical, elliptical, or half-square geometric shape.

15. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein at least a portion of at least one of the first gripping surface or the second gripping surface comprises a non-slip coating.

16. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein each grip further comprises one or more accessory mounting holes configured to mate with one or more customization plates.

17. 10. The needle positioner of claim 1, wherein the second grip further comprises a mounting groove configured to align with a mounting bracket.

18. 18. The needle positioner of claim 17, wherein the second grip further comprises one or more mounting holes configured to align with one or more mounting openings on the mounting bracket.

19. 18. The needle positioner of claim 17, wherein the first section of the second gripping surface comprises a first alignment surface on a first side of the mounting groove and a second alignment surface on a second side of the mounting groove, the first alignment surface and the second alignment surface having the same contour.

20. 1. A needle testing system comprising: a positioning plate having a first side configured to contact the syringe and a second side opposite the first side; a needle positioner configured to align the syringe with at least one of a second needle positioner or the positioning plate, a first grip comprising a first grip surface on a first lateral side of the first grip; A second grip, a second grip surface on a first lateral side of the second grip, the second grip surface facing the first grip surface, the second grip surface comprising: a first section extending from a first end of the second grip, the first section having a first profile configured to align the syringe; a second section relative to the first section toward a second end of the first grip, the second section having a second profile configured to cooperate with the first section and the first grip surface to fixably grip the syringe; and Equipped with A second grip; a needle positioner comprising: a syringe actuator configured to actuate the syringe to expel the contents of the syringe through the needle of the syringe; 1. A syringe needle testing system comprising:

Images