Rotating Plunger Lock

Abstract

The rotary plunger lock includes a base having a first through hole and a socket, and a rotary lock having a third through hole smaller than the first through hole, the rotatable lock attached to the socket and secured by a cap, and configured to rotate within the socket between a first state in which the rotatable lock partially blocks the first through hole and a second state in which the rotatable lock opens the first through hole.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 400,955, filed August 25, 2022, entitled "Rotational Plunger Lock," which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. [Background technology]

[0002] Negative pressure syringes can be used to provide a vacuum (e.g., to aspirate bodily fluids or emboli), and the plunger is pulled upward and outward and held in place to create and maintain the vacuum for the duration of the procedure. Depending on the negative pressure to be applied, it may be difficult for some users to manually pull the plunger in a way that maintains that pressure throughout the course of the procedure. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to an improved rotating plunger lock for use with a syringe plunger system as part of a suction or aspiration device. The system includes a rotating lock that allows a user to lock the plunger in a known position within the syringe to more easily and accurately maintain a vacuum. As the plunger is pulled, ribs on the plunger thread around a locking tooth, which rotates to hold the plunger in place when the plunger reaches a critical position. Additionally, in some embodiments, the only movement made by the user is translation (e.g., pulling the plunger), and the mechanism described above automatically rotates to lock the plunger in place, further facilitating use of the syringe plunger system described above. The improvements described herein provide various advantages, including, but not limited to, easier use of associated devices, more precise adjustment of the suction generated by the manual aspiration system, and improved or simplified manufacturing techniques.

[0004] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus comprising: a syringe body; a shaft having a first end and a second end opposite the first end that form a seal with an interior surface of the syringe body; a plunger including a plurality of ribs included between the first end and the second end; a rotatable lock through which the shaft passes and including teeth selectively interlocking with the plunger via the plurality of ribs; and a base through which the shaft passes and permits rotation of the rotatable lock between a first state and a second state, wherein the first state positions the teeth to contact a given rib of the plurality of ribs to prevent translational movement of the plunger relative to the syringe body, and the second state positions the teeth to avoid contact with the plurality of ribs to permit translational movement of the plunger relative to the syringe body.

[0005] One embodiment of the present disclosure is an apparatus comprising: a base having a first through hole and a socket; and a rotatable lock having a third through hole smaller than the first through hole, wherein the rotatable lock is attached to the socket and configured to rotate within the socket between a first state in which the rotatable lock partially blocks the first through hole and a second state in which the rotatable lock does not block the first through hole.

[0006] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a syringe comprising: a syringe body; a plunger that tightly engages a lumen of the syringe body and slides along a longitudinal axis of the syringe body; and selective locking means that selectively engages the plunger in a first position that restricts sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis and selectively disengages the plunger in a second position that allows sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis.

[0007] One embodiment of the present disclosure is a syringe comprising: a syringe body having a lumen with a longitudinal axis; a plunger at least partially within the syringe body and tightly engaged with the lumen of the syringe body, the plunger having a plurality of ribs projecting outwardly from the plunger; and a selective locking mechanism having at least one tooth, wherein in a locked configuration, the at least one tooth is engaged with at least one of the plurality of ribs to prevent the plunger from sliding along the longitudinal axis, and in an unlocked configuration, the at least one tooth is disengaged from the plurality of ribs to allow the plunger to slide along the longitudinal axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] The accompanying drawings depict various components of one or more embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.

[0009] In the figures, some components may be shown not to scale relative to other components to more clearly illustrate details. Additionally, where possible, like reference numerals will be used throughout the several views to refer to like components.

[0010] It is anticipated that elements and features of one embodiment may be beneficially incorporated in other embodiments without being further described or illustrated. For example, because the figures may depict alternative views or periods, various elements illustrated in a first figure may be omitted from the illustration shown in a second figure without negating the inclusion of those elements in the embodiment illustrated or discussed in connection with the second figure.

[0011] [Figure 1A] 1A-1D provide exploded views of several configurations of aspiration systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] 1A-1D provide exploded views of several configurations of aspiration systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1C]1A-1D provide exploded views of several configurations of aspiration systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 1D] 1A-1D provide exploded views of several configurations of aspiration systems according to embodiments of the present disclosure. [Figure 2A] 1A-1D provide illustrations of a suction system in various pulling states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2B] 1A-1D provide illustrations of a suction system in various pulling states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2C] 1A-1D provide illustrations of a suction system in various pulling states according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a compression spring-based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a compression spring-based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a two compression spring based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a two compression spring based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5A] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a bending spring based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 5B] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a bending spring based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a magnet-based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a plunger lock using a magnet-based biasing mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7A] 10 illustrates the operation of a travel stop on a rotary lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B]10 illustrates the operation of a travel stop on a rotary lock according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8A] 10 illustrates the action of the rotary lock teeth on the plunger ribs, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8B] 10 illustrates the action of the rotary lock teeth on the plunger ribs, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8C] 10 illustrates the action of the rotary lock teeth on the plunger ribs, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present disclosure generally relates to an improved rotational plunger lock for use with a syringe plunger system as part of a suction or aspiration device. The improvements described herein provide various advantages, including, but not limited to, ease of use of the associated device, more precise adjustment of the suction generated by the manual aspiration system, and improved or simplified manufacturing techniques.

[0013] The system includes a rotary lock that secures the plunger in a known position within the syringe to more easily and accurately maintain a vacuum. Ribs on the plunger, when pulled outward, can pass around locking teeth on the rotary lock, preventing the resulting negative pressure from moving the plunger inward into the syringe until the user manually releases the lock.

[0014] 1A-1D provide exploded views of several configurations of aspiration systems 100 according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Each of the aspiration systems 100 in FIGS. 1A-1D includes a syringe body 110, a plunger 160, a rotatable lock 140 with a corresponding base 130, and a handle 170.

[0015] When assembled, the aspiration system 100 allows a user to generate negative pressure (e.g., suction) at a fluid target (e.g., a blood vessel) to withdraw liquid and any propagated or occlusive solids (e.g., thrombus) from the fluid target. The negative pressure is generated by creating a partial vacuum or low-pressure region in the syringe body 110 by pulling the inserted plunger 160 outward while maintaining a seal between the plunger 160 and the inner wall of the syringe body 110. As used herein, "outward movement" and similar terms refer to the direction of movement of the inserted plunger 160 away from the end 112 of the syringe body 110, while "inward movement" and similar terms refer to the direction of movement of the inserted plunger 160 toward the end 112 of the syringe body 110.

[0016] Depending on the volume of the syringe body 110 and the amount of outward movement of the plunger 160 by the user, different levels of negative pressure may be applied to the fluid target. For example, the aspiration system 100 may apply a pressure of ±20 or ±30 pounds per square inch (psi). This pressure is transmitted to the fluid target through a port 114 defined in the end 112 of the syringe body 110, but may also be transmitted to the fluid target through various intermediate tubing, catheters, flow control devices (e.g., stopcocks), ports, etc. To assist the user in applying the desired amount of pressure to the fluid target, the syringe body 110 may include various graduations on an otherwise transparent or translucent lumen so that the location of the plunger 160 (and the amount of retraction of the plunger 160) can be observed. Additionally, to assist the user in maintaining negative pressure once applied, base 130, rotatable lock 140, and one or more biasing mechanisms 150a-e (collectively, or collectively, biasing mechanism 150) may cooperate with plunger 160 to hold plunger 160 in the proper position during a procedure. These components (base 130, rotatable lock 140, and biasing mechanism 150), sometimes referred to as plunger lock 180, provide a selective locking means for the assembled syringe.

[0017] In various embodiments, the plunger lock 180 is secured to the syringe body 110 by the cap 120. The cap 120 couples to the base 130 around a portion of the syringe body 110 (e.g., a finger guard) with various fasteners, adhesives, or integrated connectors. In some embodiments, the plunger lock 180 is secured directly to the syringe body 110 without the cap 120 with various fasteners, adhesives, or integrated snap connectors (on the syringe body 110 and / or base 130). The cap 120 includes a substantially circular cross-sectional through-hole having a diameter configured to accommodate the syringe body 110 inserted therethrough, and the base 130 and rotary lock 140 include through-holes sized and shaped to allow the plunger 160 to move therethrough (at least in the unlocked configuration).

[0018] 1A-1D each include various biasing mechanisms 150a-d that cooperate with the base 130 and the rotatable lock 140 to bias the rotatable lock 140 to a first state that prevents or inhibits the plunger 160 from being further retracted, withdrawn, or both retracted and withdrawn into the syringe body 110, or to a second state in which the plunger 160 can be freely retracted and withdrawn into the syringe body 110. The plunger 160 can slide inward or outward relative to the syringe body 110 when the plunger lock 180 is in an unlocked configuration, and the plunger lock 180 prevents the plunger 160 from sliding inward when in a locked configuration. The various biasing mechanisms 150, in conjunction with components of the base 130 and the rotary lock 140, provide a biasing means for moving the plunger lock 180 to a desired or bias-compliant position when an external force causes the plunger lock 180 to move to an undesired or bias-opposing position.

[0019] Figure 1A illustrates first biasing mechanism 150a, which is a compression spring, while Figure 1B illustrates first biasing mechanism 150a and second biasing mechanism 150b, which are both compression springs. The compression spring can bias rotatable lock 140 such that when a user manually rotates rotatable lock 140 to one state, the spring compresses, and when the user releases pressure from rotatable lock 140, the spring expands, pushing the rotatable lock back to the biased state. Compression springs are described in more detail in connection with Figures 3A, 3B, 4A, and 4B.

[0020] 1C illustrates a third bending spring biasing mechanism 150c that may operate in one of three modes: In a first mode, the bending spring rests against a protrusion on the rotatable lock 140, biasing the rotatable lock 140 toward a first of the locked or unlocked configurations and preventing rotation toward the neutral or intermediate configurations until the rotatable lock 140 is rotated past the neutral or intermediate configurations, after which the bending spring presses against a protrusion on the rotatable lock 140 in a second direction, biasing the rotatable lock 140 toward a second of the locked or unlocked configurations (away from the neutral or intermediate configurations). In a second aspect, the bending spring prevents the rotatable lock 140 from transitioning from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state, and when sufficient force is applied to cause the rotatable lock 140 to transition from the initial state to the next state, the bending spring bends, allowing the rotary lock 140 to turn to the other side of the bending spring and prevent it from returning to the neutral position and the first state until sufficient force is again applied. In a third aspect, the bending spring does not allow the rotary lock 140 to pass through the other side of the bending spring, preventing the transition from the initial biased state to the unbiased state and allowing the rotary lock 140 to return to the biased state after reaching the unbiased state. In various embodiments, the bending spring may include a coil spring, a leaf spring, or a metal plate.

[0021] 1D illustrates a fourth biasing mechanism 150d and a fifth biasing mechanism 150e, each of which is a pair of magnets. A first magnet and a second magnet are respectively mounted in the rotary lock 140 and the base 130 with the same poles facing each other. Thus, the magnets push against each other to rotate the rotary lock 140 to either the first or second state, without any intermediate state.

[0022] 1D also illustrates that the rotary lock 140 and the base 130 may be constructed of multiple parts. For example, the rotary lock 140 may comprise a first component 140a and a second component 140b joined by various fasteners, adhesives, or integrated snap connectors. Similarly, the base 130 may comprise a first component 130a and a second component 130b joined by various fasteners, adhesives, or integrated snap connectors (such as, for example, dowels 190a-b as illustrated in FIG. 1D).

[0023] The plunger 160 comprises a shaft having a first end that forms a seal with the interior surface of the syringe body 110 and a second end opposite the first end to which a handle 170 can be attached. In various embodiments, the handle 170 may employ different form factors and may be attached to the second end of the plunger 160 by various fasteners, adhesives, or an integrated snap connector.

[0024] The plunger 160 is slidable along the lumen of the syringe body 110 both inwardly (moving more of the plunger 160 into the syringe body 110) and outwardly (moving more of the plunger 160 out of the syringe body 110) when the plunger lock 180 is in the unlocked configuration, and is restricted in movement when the plunger lock 180 is in the locked configuration. The rotary lock 140 rotates between a first state and a second state to position a portion of the rotary lock 140 to block or unblock the through-hole in the base 130 through which the plunger 160 slides, thereby placing the plunger lock 180 in the locked or unlocked configuration.

[0025] As shown, the plunger 160 is divided into multiple sections and includes multiple ribs 162 that project outward from the plunger 160 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the plunger 160. These ribs 162 cooperate with the rotary lock 140 when the plunger lock 180 is in the locked configuration. The ribs 162 are parallel to one another and are provided in a first section that is aligned with a portion of the through-hole in the base 130 that is closed by the rotary lock 140 in the locked configuration. The leading rib 162 closest to the end of the plunger 160 that forms a seal with the syringe body 110 may optionally extend into an adjacent second section that is aligned with the portion of the plunger lock 180 that is always closed, thereby retaining the plunger 160 within the syringe body 110 (e.g., mitigating over-operation from breaking the seal). Additionally, as in the embodiment described in more detail in connection with Figures 7A and 7B, the leading rib 162 cooperates with a mechanism in the rotary lock 140 to convert translational movement of the plunger 160 into rotational movement in the rotary lock 140 to transition the plunger lock 180 from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the plunger 160 reaches the end of its range of travel.

[0026] 2A-2C provide views of an aspiration system 100 at various pull lengths, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 2A illustrates the aspiration system 100 in a zero-pull state where the plunger 160 is fully inserted into the syringe body 110, while Fig. 2B illustrates the aspiration system 100 in a full-pull state where the plunger 160 is fully withdrawn or exposed from the syringe body 110. A plunger lock 180 is secured to the syringe body 110 around the plunger 160 so that the plunger 160 cannot be withdrawn past the full-pull state.

[0027] In various embodiments, depending on the length of the plunger 160 relative to the syringe body 110, the plunger lock 180 may prevent the plunger 160 from reaching the end 112 of the syringe body 110 when in the zero-pull state, leaving a gap 210a (collectively, the gap 210). Additionally or alternatively, a user may leave a predetermined amount of the gap 210 before connecting the aspiration system 100 to the fluid target to affect the pressure level the user can apply to the fluid target when in the full-pull state. By reducing the possible change in the gap 210 from the initial state to the final state, a user can reduce the absolute change in applied pressure between the initial and final states. In various other embodiments, the gap 210 / 210a has a predetermined size at or near zero, effectively eliminating the gap 210 / 210a.

[0028] In addition to or instead of setting the size of the initial air gap 210, the user may pull the plunger outward less than the fully pulled state to affect the applied pressure through the difference between the initial air gap 210 and the final air gap 210. For example, as shown in FIG. 2C, the user may pull the plunger 160 outward to an intermediate pulled state between the zero pulled state and the plunger 160 where the plunger 160 can be pushed further inward or pulled further outward.

[0029] When using the manual aspiration system, negative pressure applied to the fluid target attracts plunger 160, tending to relieve the negative pressure by pulling plunger 160 inward. Therefore, plunger lock 180 is provided to hold plunger 160 in the desired position once plunger 160 has been pulled the desired amount.

[0030] 3A-3B, 4A-4B, 5A-5B, and 6A-6B, various biasing mechanisms 150 may be used to automatically move the rotary lock 140 and plunger lock 180 to the locked configuration without requiring a user to manually set the configuration. Additionally, or alternatively, selected biasing mechanisms 150 may be used to automatically move the rotary lock 140 and plunger lock 180 to the unlocked configuration without requiring a user to manually set the configuration.

[0031] 7A-7B and 8A-8C, various configuration shifting mechanisms can be used to automatically move the rotary lock 140 to transition the plunger lock 180 from the locked configuration to the unlocked configuration as the user pulls the plunger 160 outward. When combined with the biasing mechanism 150 that returns the plunger lock 180 to the locked configuration, these mechanisms allow the user of the aspiration system 100 to focus on pulling the plunger 160 the desired pull distance without having to manually set the aspiration system 100 to the locked configuration, thereby improving ergonomics, simplifying operation, and allowing the user to exert more force when pulling the plunger 160 outward compared to designs that require the user to manually set the locked configuration.

[0032] 3A and 3B illustrate a plunger lock 180 using a compression spring-based biasing mechanism 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3A illustrates the plunger lock 180 in an unlocked configuration, while FIG. 3B illustrates the plunger lock 180 in a locked configuration. The base 130 has a cavity 132 into which the rotary lock 140 can be inserted and into which the rotary lock 140 can be rotated between the locked and unlocked configurations. In some embodiments, a handle 142 of the rotary lock 140 extends outside the cavity 132, allowing a user to manually control whether the plunger lock 180 is in the locked or unlocked configuration by rotating the rotary lock 140.

[0033] 3A and 3B, the base 130 has a cavity 134 in which a biasing mechanism 150 is provided and through which the biasing arm 144 of the rotary lock 140 protrudes. When a compression spring biasing mechanism 150 is used, the biasing mechanism 150 is located on one side of the biasing arm 144 to counter-rotate the rotary lock 140 in the opposite direction. For example, in FIG. 3A, the compression spring is shown in a compressed state when the plunger lock 180 is in the unlocked configuration, and the compression spring pushes the biasing arm 144 to rotate the rotary lock 140 clockwise, returning the plunger lock 180 to the locked configuration. In other examples, the compression spring is located on the opposite side of the biasing arm 144 from that shown in FIG. 3A, and when in the locked configuration, the compression spring pushes the biasing arm 144 to rotate the rotary lock 140 counterclockwise, returning the plunger lock 180 to the unlocked configuration.

[0034] Although illustrated as including a compression spring as the biasing mechanism 150, the rotary lock 140 and base 130 design shown in Figures 3A and 3B may also use magnets (with opposing same or opposite poles) on the biasing arm 144 and the end face of the cavity 134 to push or pull the rotary lock 140 towards the locked or unlocked configuration by electromagnetic force. Additionally or alternatively, the rotary lock 140 and base 130 design shown in Figures 3A and 3B may also use tension springs, instead of compression springs, coupled to the biasing arm 144 and the end face of the cavity 134 to pull, rather than push, the rotary lock 140 towards the locked or unlocked configuration.

[0035] 3A and 3B illustrate plunger 160 as including a first rib 162a (collectively, or collectively, ribs 162) in the lower right section and a second rib 162b in the upper left section (not adjacent to the lower right section), in other embodiments, plunger 160 may have ribs 162 in more or fewer sections. For example, at least one leading rib 162 may occupy two adjacent sections to stop plunger 160 from being withdrawn past base 130. In other examples, plunger 160 may be divided into more or fewer sections, with ribs 162 provided in one or more sections that correspond to openings in base 130.

[0036] The rotary lock 140 includes one or more teeth 146a-b (collectively, a single tooth 146 or multiple teeth 146) that rotate in and out of the path of a rib 162 when the plunger 160 is pulled outward or pushed inward relative to the syringe body 110. In the locked configuration, shown in FIG. 3B, the first tooth 146a contacts the first rib 162a and the second tooth 146b contacts the second rib 162b, preventing the plunger 160 from being pulled inward relative to the syringe body 110 when negative pressure is applied. In contrast, in the unlocked configuration, shown in FIG. 3A, the teeth 146 do not contact the respective ribs 162, allowing the plunger 160 to move freely inward relative to the syringe body 110.

[0037] 4A and 4B illustrate a plunger lock 180 using two compression spring-based biasing mechanisms 150a-b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4A illustrates the plunger lock 180 in an unlocked configuration, and FIG. 4B illustrates the plunger lock 180 in a locked configuration. The base 130 has a cavity 132 into which the rotary lock 140 can be inserted and which allows the rotary lock 140 to be rotated between the locked and unlocked configurations. In some embodiments, a handle 142 of the rotary lock 140 extends outside the cavity 132, allowing a user to manually control whether the plunger lock 180 is in the locked or unlocked configuration by rotating the rotary lock 140.

[0038] When two or more compression spring biasing mechanisms 150 are used, a first biasing mechanism 150a is disposed on one side of the first biasing arm 144a, and a second biasing mechanism 150b is disposed on the same side of the second biasing arm 144b to counter-rotate the rotary lock 140 in the opposite direction. For example, in FIG. 4A , the compression springs are shown in a compressed state when the plunger lock 180 is in the unlocked configuration, and the compression springs push against each biasing arm 144a-b to rotate the rotary lock 140 clockwise and return the plunger lock 180 to the locked configuration. In other examples, the compression springs are located on the opposite side of the biasing arms 144a-b from those shown in FIG. 4A , so that when in the locked configuration, the compression springs push against the biasing arms 144a-b to rotate the rotary lock 140 counterclockwise and return the plunger lock 180 to the unlocked configuration. In various embodiments, two or more biasing mechanisms 150 may be incorporated into the plunger lock 180 at different locations to increase the biasing force while using fewer similarly designed biasing mechanisms 150. Although illustrated as including two compression springs, different embodiments of the plunger lock 180 may include multiple bending springs, multiple extension springs, multiple magnets, or multiple combinations of compression springs, extension springs, bending springs, and magnets.

[0039] 3A and 3B, while the plunger 160 in FIGS. 4A and 4B is illustrated as including a first rib 162a in the lower right compartment and a second rib 162b in the upper left compartment (not adjacent to the lower right compartment), in other embodiments, the plunger 160 may have ribs 162 in more or fewer compartments. For example, at least one leading rib 162 may occupy two adjacent compartments to stop the plunger 160 from being withdrawn past the base 130. In other examples, the plunger 160 may be divided into more or fewer compartments, with ribs 162 provided in one or more compartments corresponding to openings in the base 130.

[0040] The rotary lock 140 includes one or more teeth 146a-b that rotate in and out of the path of the rib 162 when the plunger 160 is pulled outward or pushed inward relative to the syringe body 110. In the locked configuration, shown in FIG. 4B, the first tooth 146a contacts the first rib 162a and the second tooth 146b contacts the second rib 162b, preventing the plunger 160 from being pulled inward relative to the syringe body 110 when negative pressure is applied. In contrast, in the unlocked configuration, shown in FIG. 4A, the teeth 146 are not in contact with the respective ribs 162, allowing the plunger 160 to move freely inward relative to the syringe body 110.

[0041] 5A and 5B illustrate a plunger lock 180 using a bending spring-based biasing mechanism 150 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 5A illustrates the plunger lock 180 in an unlocked configuration, and FIG. 5B illustrates the plunger lock 180 in a locked configuration. The base 130 has a cavity 132 into which the rotary lock 140 can be inserted and which allows the rotary lock 140 to be rotated between the locked and unlocked configurations. In some embodiments, a handle 142 of the rotary lock 140 extends outside the cavity 132, allowing a user to manually control whether the plunger lock 180 is in the locked or unlocked configuration by rotating the rotary lock 140.

[0042] 5A and 5B, the base 130 has a cavity 134 into which a biasing mechanism 150 is mounted and from which a biasing arm 144 of the rotary lock 140 protrudes. When a bending spring biasing mechanism 150 is used, the biasing mechanism 150 is centrally mounted within the cavity 134, with the biasing arm 144 positioned in contact with the bending spring to bias the rotary lock 140 toward that side of the cavity 134. For example, the geometrical arrangement shown in FIG. 5A shows the biasing arm 144 positioned clockwise relative to the biasing mechanism 150, which biases the plunger lock 180 toward the unlocked configuration by preventing clockwise rotation. In contrast, the geometrical arrangement shown in FIG. 5B shows the biasing arm 144 positioned counterclockwise relative to the biasing mechanism 150, which biases the plunger lock 180 toward the locked configuration by preventing counterclockwise rotation.

[0043] In various embodiments, the bending spring operates in a constant biasing manner, where the biasing arm 144 remains on one side of the bending spring even after alignment. In other embodiments, the bending spring operates in a variable biasing manner, where the bending spring opposes rotation of the biasing arm 144 for a threshold amount of rotation (e.g., +x degrees), but once the user rotates the biasing arm 144 beyond the threshold amount of rotation, the biasing arm 144 is allowed to move to the other side of the bending spring or the bending spring changes direction of the force applied to the biasing arm 144. For example, when the rotary lock 140 is rotated, the biasing arm 144 bends the bending spring, which, once sufficient bending is applied, causes the biasing arm 144 to move to the other side of the bending spring, at which point the bending spring returns to its neutral position. In another example, rotating the rotary lock 140 causes the biasing arm 144 to compress the bending spring, which, once sufficient bending is applied, causes the biasing arm 144 to move against the bending spring, thereby changing its orientation to prevent the bending spring from returning to its neutral position and initial biased state. After moving against the other side, the bending spring resists rotation of the biasing arm 144 for a threshold amount of rotation in the opposite direction (e.g., −x degrees), but once the user rotates the biasing arm beyond the threshold amount of rotation, the biasing arm 144 falls back against the bending spring, thereby resetting the direction of bias.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bending spring is a compression spring that is placed laterally on the base 130 and contacts the rotary lock 140 to urge the rotary lock 140 toward the fully locked or fully unlocked configuration; once the user rotates the rotary lock 140 beyond a center or neutral orientation between the fully locked or fully unlocked configuration, the bending spring can change orientation relative to the rotary lock 140 and urge the rotary lock 140 toward the other of the fully locked or fully unlocked configuration. In various embodiments, the bending spring is a compression spring that is oriented radially with respect to the rotation axis of the rotary lock 140 and urges the base 130 and the rotary lock 140 to maintain their positions. In some embodiments, the bending spring is a bent leaf spring or metal piece that recoils when the biasing arm 144 is pressed toward the bending spring.

[0045] 3A and 3B, while the plunger 160 in FIGS. 5A and 5B is illustrated as including a first rib 162a in the lower right compartment and a second rib 162b in the upper left compartment (not adjacent to the lower right compartment), in other embodiments, the plunger 160 may have ribs 162 in more or fewer compartments. For example, at least one leading rib 162 may occupy two adjacent compartments to stop the plunger 160 from being withdrawn past the base 130. In other examples, the plunger 160 may be divided into more or fewer compartments, with ribs 162 provided in one or more compartments corresponding to openings in the base 130.

[0046] The rotary lock 140 includes one or more teeth 146a-b that rotate in and out of the path of the rib 162 when the plunger 160 is pulled outward or pushed inward relative to the syringe body 110. In the locked configuration, shown in FIG. 5B, the first tooth 146a contacts the first rib 162a and the second tooth 146b contacts the second rib 162b, preventing the plunger 160 from being pulled inward relative to the syringe body 110 when negative pressure is applied. In contrast, in the unlocked configuration, shown in FIG. 5A, the teeth 146 are not in contact with the respective ribs 162, allowing the plunger 160 to move freely inward relative to the syringe body 110.

[0047] 5A and 5B further illustrate that the rotary lock 140 may include one or more travel stops 148a-b (collectively, travel stops 148), which are described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 7A-7B. The travel stops 148 cooperate with a leading rib 162 extending across two or more sections of the plunger 160 and are arranged to utilize translation of the plunger 160 outwardly from the syringe body 110 to rotate the rotary lock 140 into the locked configuration.

[0048] 6A and 6B illustrate a plunger lock 180 using a magnet-based biasing mechanism 150a-b according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 6A illustrates the plunger lock 180 in an unlocked configuration, and FIG. 6B illustrates the plunger lock 180 in a locked configuration. The base 130 has a cavity 132 into which the rotary lock 140 can be inserted and which allows the rotary lock 140 to be rotated between the locked and unlocked configurations. In some embodiments, a handle 142 of the rotary lock 140 extends outside the cavity 132, allowing a user to manually control whether the plunger lock 180 is in the locked or unlocked configuration by rotating the rotary lock 140.

[0049] When using paired magnet biasing mechanisms 150a-b (e.g., biasing mechanisms 150d and 150e shown in FIG. 1D), a first magnet (150a) is disposed in a cavity or otherwise integrated into the rotary lock 140, and a second magnet (150b) is disposed in a cavity or otherwise integrated into the base 130 and cooperates with the first magnet (150a) to bias the plunger lock 180.

[0050] 6A and 6B, the second magnet (150b) is located in the middle of the rotational path of the rotary lock 140 between the locked and unlocked configurations, and the first and second magnets may be oriented with like poles facing each other (e.g., north to north or south to south). Thus, the first magnet (150a) is pushed by the second magnet (150b) into one of the locked or unlocked configurations, preventing it from transitioning to the other configuration if initially set by a user without a sufficient external force (e.g., via the handle 142).

[0051] In addition to or instead of having a central magnet with the same polarity facing the magnet (150a) in the rotary lock 140, the base 130 may have magnets at either end of the rotary path with opposite polarity to the magnet (150a) in the rotary lock 140 to pull the rotary lock 140 into one of the fully locked or fully unlocked positions rather than pushing it out of the intermediate position.

[0052] 3A and 3B, while the plunger 160 in FIGS. 6A and 6B is illustrated as including a first rib 162a in the lower right compartment and a second rib 162b in the upper left compartment (not adjacent to the lower right compartment), in other embodiments, the plunger 160 may have ribs 162 in more or fewer compartments. For example, at least one leading rib 162 may occupy two adjacent compartments to stop the plunger 160 from being withdrawn past the base 130. In other examples, the plunger 160 may be divided into more or fewer compartments, with ribs 162 provided in one or more compartments corresponding to openings in the base 130.

[0053] The rotary lock 140 includes one or more teeth 146a-b that rotate in and out of the path of the rib 162 when the plunger 160 is pulled outward or pushed inward relative to the syringe body 110. In the locked configuration, shown in FIG. 6B, the first tooth 146a contacts the first rib 162a and the second tooth 146b contacts the second rib 162b, preventing the plunger 160 from being pulled inward relative to the syringe body 110 when negative pressure is applied. In contrast, in the unlocked configuration, shown in FIG. 6A, the teeth 146 are not in contact with the respective ribs 162, allowing the plunger 160 to move freely inward relative to the syringe body 110.

[0054] 6A and 6B further illustrate that the rotary lock 140 may include one or more travel stops 148a-b, which are described in more detail in connection with Figures 7A-7B. The travel stops 148 cooperate with a leading rib 162 extending across two or more sections of the plunger 160 and are arranged to utilize translation of the plunger 160 outwardly from the syringe body 110 to rotate the rotary lock 140 into the locked configuration.

[0055] 7A and 7B illustrate the operation of a travel stop 148 on a rotary lock 140, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a plunger 160 is illustrated as having a first section 164a that includes a series of ribs 162, including a leading rib 162a, that is included in both the first section 164a and a second section 164b adjacent to the first section 164a.

[0056] The travel stop 148 is part of or is connected to the rotary lock 140 and projects towards an end forming a sealed end of the plunger 160 aligned with the second section 164b. The travel stop 148 extends a first distance from the base of the rotary lock 140 and includes a seat 710 that cooperates with the leading rib 162a to prevent the plunger 160 from moving beyond a certain pull distance (e.g., fully pulled). The travel stop 148 also includes a ramp 720 that extends a second distance (greater than the first distance) from the base of the rotary lock 140 and cooperates with the leading rib 162a to rotate the rotary lock 140 as the plunger 160 is pulled outward. When the ramp 720 contacts the leading rib 162a and the user continues to pull the plunger 160, the leading rib 162a pushes against the ramp 720, rotating the rotary lock 140 from the unlocked position (which allows the plunger 160 to be pulled outward as shown in FIG. 7A) to the locked position, where it contacts the base 710 as shown in FIG. 7B.

[0057] 8A-8C illustrate the interaction of teeth 146 of rotary lock 140 with ribs 162 of plunger 160, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated in Figures 8A and 8B, plunger 160 is shown from a first perspective as including a series of ribs 162a-c that cooperate with teeth 146 of rib 162 as plunger 160 is pulled outward. Figure 8C shows an underside of teeth 146 relative to the first perspective shown in Figures 8A and 8B to provide additional detail regarding the interaction of teeth 146 with ribs 162.

[0058] The teeth 146 are part of or connected to the rotary lock 140 and project inwardly into a through hole. The plunger 160 is sized and shaped to pass through this through hole. The ribs 162 are part of or connected to the plunger 160 and project radially from the longitudinal axis of the plunger 160. When the teeth 146 cooperate with the ribs 162, they reduce or prevent inward movement of the plunger 160. However, the teeth 146 have a slope 810 on one side (e.g., the inward-facing side) such that when the plunger 160 is in the locked position (e.g., as in FIG. 8A ) and the ribs 162 press against the teeth 146, the outward movement imparts a rotational movement to the rotary lock 140, moving the plunger lock 180 to the unlocked position. This rotation causes the ribs 162 to push the teeth 146 out of the passageway, allowing the plunger 160 to move further outward from the syringe body 110. Although the ramp 810 is shown in Figures 8A and 8B as being substantially planar, in various embodiments, the ramp 810 may have portions that are curved or radiused.

[0059] In various embodiments, if plunger lock 180 is biased against the unlocked configuration, rotation of rotary lock 140 causes biasing mechanism 150 to act to return to the locked configuration once rib 162 passes tooth 146. For example, in FIG. 8B , rotation of rotary lock 140 compresses compression spring biasing mechanism 150, and once rib 162 passes tooth 146, biasing mechanism 150 releases, thereby returning plunger lock 180 to the locked configuration. While FIG. 5B illustrates biasing mechanism 150 as including a compression spring, other biasing mechanisms 150 and multiple biasing mechanisms 150 may be used in other embodiments.

[0060] To prevent the plunger 160 from returning inward relative to the syringe body 110 (e.g., by applying negative pressure to the liquid target) while the plunger lock 180 is in the locked configuration, the tooth 146 includes a ratchet pawl 820 on one side (e.g., the outward-facing side), as shown in FIG. 8C . Unlike the opposite (e.g., inward-facing) side, the side with the ratchet pawl 820 does not include a ramp 810 so that when the rib 162 contacts the ratchet pawl 820 of the tooth 146, an inward force is not converted into a rotational force on the rotary lock 140. Although the pawl 820 is illustrated as substantially flat (in a plane perpendicular to the axis along which the plunger 160 moves) and described as not including a ramp, it will be understood that the edges of the tooth 146 surrounding the ratchet pawl 820 may include a ramp or chamfer and are not considered part of the ratchet pawl 820.

[0061] Thus, the rotary lock 140 may have a ramp 810 on one side of the teeth 146 and a ratchet pawl 820 on the other side, which allows the user to temporarily move the plunger lock 180 into or out of the locked and unlocked positions while pulling the plunger 160 outward without manually setting the position with the handle 142, thereby gradually moving the plunger 160 in a pulled state and restricting unintentional inward movement of the plunger 160 until the user wishes to release the negative pressure.

[0062] This disclosure may also be understood with reference to the following numbered items:

[0063] Item 1: A syringe body; a plunger including a shaft having a first end forming a seal with an inner surface of the syringe body and a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of ribs included between the first end and the second end; a rotatable lock having teeth through which the shaft passes and selectively interlocking with the plunger by the plurality of ribs; a base through which the shaft passes and which allows rotation of the rotatable lock between a first state and a second state; wherein the first state positions the tooth to contact a given one of the plurality of ribs to prevent translation of the plunger relative to the syringe body, and the second state positions the tooth out of contact with the plurality of ribs to allow translation of the plunger relative to the syringe body.

[0064] Item 2: 10. The device of any of items 1 and 3-9, wherein the rotatable lock comprises a handle for rotating the rotatable lock between the first state and the second state.

[0065] Item 3: 10. The device of any one of items 1, 2, and 3-9, further comprising a biasing mechanism that biases the rotatable lock to return to one of the first state and the second state when disengaged from the first state or the second state by an external force.

[0066] Item 4: The biasing mechanism a return spring that contacts the rotatable lock and the base, that compresses when the rotatable lock is in one of the first state and the second state, and that returns the rotatable lock to the other of the first state and the second state when the external force is removed; a flexure spring contacting the base and contacting the rotatable lock via a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the rotatable lock, biasing the rotatable lock to return to one of the first and second states when the external force is removed; or a first magnet included in the rotatable lock and positioned to have a first pole facing outward from a central axis; and a second magnet included in the base and positioned to have the first pole facing inward toward the central axis. Item 3, wherein the first magnet is located at a first location when the rotatable lock is in the first state and at a second location when the rotatable lock is in the second state, and the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of travel between the first and second locations and biases the rotatable lock to the first and second states when rotated.

[0067] Item 5: a first aspect, wherein the bending spring couches against the base and pushes against a first side or a second side of the protrusion to bias the rotatable lock back to the first state or the second state, respectively, until an external force rotates the rotatable lock past a neutral configuration; a second mode in which the bending spring bends to prevent transition of the rotatable lock from the first state to the second state and from the second state to the first state and to allow the rotatable lock to turn to the other side of the bending spring when a force sufficient to rotate the rotatable lock past the neutral position is applied; and a third embodiment in which a protrusion is located on one side of the bending spring and the bending spring does not allow the protrusion to pass through to the other side of the bending spring; Item 5. The device of item 4, wherein the bending spring operates according to one of the following:

[0068] Item 6: The device according to any one of items 1-5 and 7-9, wherein the shaft of the plunger is divided into four sections, each rib of the plurality of ribs occupies a first portion of a first section in a corresponding plane perpendicular to a direction in which the plunger moves relative to the syringe body when the plunger is translated, and the teeth are sized to be equal to or smaller than the remainder of the first section not occupied by each rib in the corresponding plane.

[0069] Item 7: 7. The device of claim 6, wherein a leading rib of the plurality of ribs located closest to the end of the plunger that forms a seal with the syringe body occupies a second portion of a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment, and the rotatable lock includes a travel stop selectively interlocked with the leading rib within the second compartment to rotate the rotatable lock from the second state to the first state as the shaft is translated outward relative to the syringe body.

[0070] Item 8: 10. The device of any of items 1-7 and 9, wherein the tooth has a sloped surface on one side that causes the plurality of ribs to rotate the rotatable lock from the first state to the second state when the plunger is translated outward relative to the syringe body.

[0071] Item 9 9. The device of any of items 1-8, wherein the base is secured to a finger guard of the syringe to secure the rotatable lock between the base and the finger guard.

[0072] Item 10: 1. An apparatus comprising: a base having a first through hole and a socket; and a rotatable lock having a third through hole smaller than the first through hole, the rotatable lock mounted to the socket and configured to rotate within the socket between a first state in which the rotatable lock partially blocks the first through hole and a second state in which the rotatable lock opens the first through hole.

[0073] Item 11: 17. The device of items 10 and 12-16, wherein the rotatable lock comprises a handle for rotating the rotatable lock between the first state and the second state, the handle protruding from the base.

[0074] Item 12: 17. The device of any one of items 10, 11 and 13-16, further comprising a cap having a second through hole on an axis aligned with the first through hole, the cap being coupled to one side of the base perpendicular to the axis, and the rotatable lock being secured within the socket by the cap.

[0075] Item 13: Item 13. The device of item 12, wherein the second through hole is substantially circular in cross section and configured to fit a diameter of a syringe, the first through hole and the third through hole are configured to fit a cross section of a shaft of a plunger associated with the syringe, and the plunger is in the first state and includes a plurality of ribs on the shaft that interact with the rotatable lock when the plunger is translated on the axis.

[0076] Item 14: 17. The device of any of items 10-13, 15 and 16, further comprising a return spring that contacts the rotatable lock and the base and compresses when the rotatable lock is in the second state to bias the rotatable lock back to the first state.

[0077] Item 15: 17. The device of any one of items 10-14 and 16, further comprising a biasing spring that contacts the base and contacts the rotatable lock on one side of a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the rotatable lock, and that biases the rotatable lock to return to the other of the first state and the second state when transitioned to one of the first state and the second state by an external force.

[0078] Item 16: 16. The device of any of items 10-15, wherein the rotatable lock comprises a first magnet positioned to face a first pole outward from a central axis, the first magnet being located at a first location when the rotatable lock is in the first state and at a second location when the rotatable lock is in the second state; the base comprises a second magnet positioned to face the first pole inward toward the central axis, the second magnet being located at a midpoint of a path of movement between the first and second locations so as to bias the rotatable lock between the first and second states when rotated.

[0079] Item 17 A syringe comprising: a syringe body; a plunger that tightly engages a lumen of the syringe body and slides along a longitudinal axis of the syringe body; and selective locking means that selectively engages the plunger in a first position that restricts sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis and selectively releases the plunger in a second position that allows sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis.

[0080] Item 18: 22. The syringe according to any one of items 17 and 19-21, further comprising biasing means for biasing the selective locking means to return to one of the first position and the second position when moved from the first position or the second position by an external force.

[0081] Item 19: The biasing means a compression spring in contact with the selective locking means, compressed when the selective locking means is in the second position, and returning the selective locking means to the first position when the external force is removed; a bending spring that contacts the selective locking means via a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the selective locking means and biases the selective locking means to return to one of the first position and the second position when the external force is removed; or a first magnet included in the selective locking means and positioned to have a first pole facing outward from a central axis; and a second magnet included in the base of the selective locking means and positioned to have the first pole facing inward toward the central axis. Item 19. The syringe according to item 18, wherein the first magnet is located at a first location when the selective locking means is in the first position and at a second location when the selective locking means is in the second position, and the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of movement between the first and second locations and biases the selective locking means to the first and second positions when rotated.

[0082] Item 20: 22. The syringe according to any one of items 17-19 and 21, wherein the plunger shaft is divided into four sections and includes ribs that occupy first portions of first sections in corresponding planes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the selective locking means includes teeth that engage with the ribs when the selective locking means is in the first position and that disengage from the ribs when the selective locking means is in the second position.

[0083] Item 21: 21. The syringe according to item 20, further comprising a second rib located closer to where the plunger tightly engages with the lumen of the syringe body than the rib, the second rib occupying a second portion of the second compartment adjacent to the first compartment, and the selective locking means comprising a biasing arm in the second compartment that interacts with the second rib to rotate the selective locking means from the second position to the first position as the plunger slides outward relative to the syringe body.

[0084] Item 22: A syringe comprising: a syringe body having a lumen with a longitudinal axis; a plunger at least partially within the syringe body and tightly engaged with the lumen of the syringe body, the plunger having a plurality of ribs projecting outwardly from the plunger; and a selective locking mechanism comprising at least one tooth, wherein in a locked configuration, the at least one tooth is engaged with at least one of the plurality of ribs to prevent the plunger from sliding along the longitudinal axis, and in an unlocked configuration, the at least one tooth is disengaged from the plurality of ribs to allow the plunger to slide along the longitudinal axis.

[0085] Item 23: 23. The syringe of claim 22, wherein the selective locking mechanism transitions from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the plunger reaches a first selectively pulled state within the syringe body.

[0086] The description and illustration of one or more embodiments provided in this disclosure are intended to provide those skilled in the relevant art with a detailed and complete disclosure of the entire scope of the subject matter and are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the claimed subject matter in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are believed to be sufficient to convey knowledge and enable those skilled in the relevant art to practice the best mode of the claimed subject matter. Descriptions of structures, resources, operations, and acts that are considered well-known to those skilled in the relevant art may be abbreviated or omitted to avoid obscuring lesser-known or unique aspects of the disclosed subject matter. The claimed subject matter should not be construed as limited to any embodiment, aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure, unless explicitly stated herein. Various features (both structural and methodological), whether shown or described together or separately, are intended to be selectively included or omitted to produce embodiments with a particular set of features. Furthermore, some or all of the functions and acts shown or described may be performed in any order, or simultaneously.

[0087] Given the description and illustrations of this disclosure, those skilled in the relevant art will envision variations, modifications, and alternative embodiments of the general inventive concepts provided in this disclosure that are within the spirit of its broader aspects without departing from the broader scope of the disclosure.

[0088] As used in this disclosure, a phrase referring to "at least one" of a list of items refers to any set of those items, including sets of single elements, and each possible combination thereof. For example, when referring to "at least one of A, B, and C" or "at least one of A, B, or C," the phrase is intended to cover the sets A, B, C, AB, BC, and ABC, where the set may include one or more instances of a given element (e.g., AA, AAA, AAB, AABBCCC, etc.) and any ordering thereof.

[0089] As used in this disclosure, the term "determine" encompasses various operations, which may include calculating, computing, processing, extracting, examining, performing a lookup (e.g., in a table, database, or other data structure), resolving, receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g., accessing data in memory), retrieving, reducing, choosing, selecting, establishing, and the like.

[0090] As used in this disclosure, the terms "substantially," "approximately," "about," and other relative terms encompass values within ±5% of the stated amount, percentage, or range, unless a different approximation is explicitly stated for the stated amount, percentage, or range, or if the context of the value indicates that a different approximation would be more appropriate. For example, a value specified as approximately X% may be understood to include values between 0.95 × X% and 1.05 × X%, or between X - 0.05X and X + 0.05 percent, but may remain at 0 or 100% in various contexts. In other examples, a feature described as substantially parallel or perpendicular to another feature shall be understood to be within ±9 degrees of parallelism or perpendicularity. Any value stated in relative terms shall be understood to include any range or subrange between the stated value and the specified or implied endpoint.

[0091] As used in this disclosure, all numbers given in examples (whether designated as approximate or not) inherently include values within the precision and rounding error of that number. For example, the number 4.5 shall be understood to include values from 4.45 to 4.54, and the number 4.50 shall be understood to include values from 4.495 to 4.504. Additionally, any number or range that explicitly or by context refers to an integer quantity (e.g., about X users, between about Y and Z number of states) shall be understood to be rounded down or up to the nearest integer value (e.g., X±1 users, Y−1 and Z+1 states).

[0092] The following claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments illustrated herein, but are to be accorded the full scope consistent with the language of the claims. In the claims, reference to an element in the singular is not intended to mean "one and only" unless specifically stated so, but rather "one or more" or "at least one." The term "some" refers to one or more unless specifically stated otherwise. No claim element is to be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) unless the element is expressly recited using a "means for" or "step for" clause. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described in this disclosure that are known or later become known to those skilled in the relevant art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be encompassed by the claims. Furthermore, nothing disclosed in this disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such disclosure is expressly claimed.

[0093] (Addendum) (Appendix 1) A syringe body; a plunger including a shaft having a first end forming a seal with an inner surface of the syringe body and a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of ribs included between the first end and the second end; a rotatable lock having teeth through which the shaft extends and selectively interlocks with the plunger by the plurality of ribs; a base through which the shaft passes and which allows rotation of the rotatable lock between a first state and a second state; Equipped with the first state positions the tooth so as to contact a given rib of the plurality of ribs and prevent translation of the plunger relative to the syringe body, and the second state positions the tooth so as not to contact the plurality of ribs and allow translation of the plunger relative to the syringe body. Device.

[0094] (Appendix 2) the rotatable lock including a handle for rotating the rotatable lock between the first condition and the second condition. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0095] (Appendix 3) a biasing mechanism that biases the rotatable lock to return to one of the first state and the second state when disengaged from the first state or the second state by an external force. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0096] (Appendix 4) The biasing mechanism a return spring that contacts the rotatable lock and the base, that compresses when the rotatable lock is in one of the first state and the second state, and that returns the rotatable lock to the other of the first state and the second state when the external force is removed; a flexure spring contacting the base and contacting the rotatable lock via a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the rotatable lock, biasing the rotatable lock to return to one of the first and second states when the external force is removed; or a first magnet included in the rotatable lock and aligned to have a first pole facing outward from a central axis; and a second magnet included in the base and aligned to have the first pole facing inward toward the central axis; It is one of the the first magnet is located at a first location when the rotatable lock is in the first state and at a second location when the rotatable lock is in the second state, the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of travel between the first and second locations and biases the rotatable lock to the first and second states when rotated; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 3.

[0097] (Appendix 5) The shaft of the plunger is divided into four sections; each rib of the plurality of ribs occupies a first portion of a first section in a corresponding plane perpendicular to a direction in which the plunger moves relative to the syringe body when translated; the teeth are sized to be equal to or smaller than the remainder of the first section not occupied by each rib in the corresponding plane; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0098] (Appendix 6) a leading rib of the plurality of ribs located closest to an end of the plunger that forms a seal with the syringe body occupies a second portion of a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment; the rotatable lock includes a travel stop in the second section selectively interlocked with the leading rib to rotate the rotatable lock from the second condition to the first condition as the shaft is translated outward relative to the syringe body. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 5.

[0099] (Appendix 7) the tooth has a ramp on one side that causes the plurality of ribs to rotate the rotatable lock from the first state to the second state upon translation of the plunger outward relative to the syringe body. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0100] (Appendix 8) the base is secured to a finger guard of a syringe to secure the rotatable lock between the base and the finger guard; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 1.

[0101] (Appendix 9) a base having a first through hole and a socket; a rotary lock having a third through hole smaller than the first through hole; Equipped with the rotatable lock is mounted to the socket and configured to rotate within the socket between a first state in which the rotatable lock partially blocks the first through hole and a second state in which the rotatable lock does not block the first through hole. Device.

[0102] (Appendix 10) the rotatable lock includes a handle for rotating the rotatable lock between the first condition and the second condition, the handle protruding from the base. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 9.

[0103] (Appendix 11) a cap having a second through hole aligned with the first through hole on an axis; the cap is coupled to one side of the base perpendicular to the axis; the rotatable lock being secured within the socket by the cap; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 9.

[0104] (Appendix 12) the second through-hole is substantially circular in cross section and configured to fit the diameter of a syringe; the first through hole and the third through hole are configured to match a cross section of a shaft of a plunger in relation to the syringe; the plunger includes a plurality of ribs on the shaft that interface with the rotatable lock when the plunger is in the first condition and the plunger is translated on the shaft; 12. The apparatus of claim 11.

[0105] (Appendix 13) a return spring contacting the rotatable lock and the base and compressing when the rotatable lock is in the second state to bias the rotatable lock back to the first state. 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 9.

[0106] (Appendix 14) a bending spring contacting the base and contacting the rotatable lock on one side of a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the rotatable lock, to bias the rotatable lock to return to the other of the first state and the second state when transitioned to one of the first state and the second state by an external force; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 9.

[0107] (Appendix 15) the rotatable lock includes a first magnet aligned with a first pole facing outward from a central axis; the first magnet is located at a first location when the rotatable lock is in the first state and at a second location when the rotatable lock is in the second state; the base includes a second magnet aligned with the first pole facing inward toward the central axis; the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of movement between the first location and the second location so as to bias the rotatable lock between the first state and the second state when rotated; 10. The apparatus described in Appendix 9.

[0108] (Appendix 16) A syringe body; a plunger that tightly engages a lumen of the syringe body and slides along a longitudinal axis of the syringe body; selective locking means for selectively engaging the plunger in a first position that restricts sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis and for selectively disengaging the plunger in a second position that allows sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis; Equipped with Syringe.

[0109] (Appendix 17) further comprising biasing means for biasing the selective locking means so as to return to one of the first position and the second position when moved from the first position or the second position by an external force. 17. The syringe of claim 16.

[0110] (Appendix 18) The biasing means a compression spring in contact with the selective locking means, compressed when the selective locking means is in the second position, and returning the selective locking means to the first position when the external force is removed; a bending spring that contacts the selective locking means via a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the selective locking means and biases the selective locking means to return to one of the first position and the second position when the external force is removed; or a first magnet included in the selective locking means and aligned to have a first pole facing outward from a central axis; and a second magnet included in a base of the selective locking means and aligned to have the first pole facing inward toward the central axis; It is one of the the first magnet is located at a first location when the selective locking means is in the first position and at a second location when the selective locking means is in the second position, and the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of movement between the first and second locations and biases the selective locking means to the first and second positions when rotated; 18. The syringe of claim 17.

[0111] (Appendix 19) the plunger shaft is divided into four sections and includes a rib occupying a first portion of a first section in a corresponding plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; the selective locking means comprising teeth that engage the rib when the selective locking means is in the first position and disengage from the rib when the selective locking means is in the second position. 17. The syringe of claim 16.

[0112] (Appendix 20) a second rib located closer to where the plunger tightly engages with the lumen of the syringe body than the rib; the second rib occupies a second portion of a second section adjacent to the first section; the selective locking means includes a biasing arm that cooperates with the second rib in the second section to rotate the selective locking means from the second position to the first position as the plunger slides outward relative to the syringe body. 19. The syringe of claim 19.

[0113] (Appendix 21) a syringe body having a lumen with a longitudinal axis; a plunger at least partially within the syringe body and in close engagement with the lumen of the syringe body, the plunger having a plurality of ribs projecting outwardly from the plunger; a selective locking mechanism having at least one tooth; Equipped with In a locked configuration, the at least one tooth is engaged with at least one of the plurality of ribs to prevent the plunger from sliding along the longitudinal axis, and in an unlocked configuration, the at least one tooth is disengaged from the plurality of ribs to allow the plunger to slide along the longitudinal axis. Syringe.

[0114] (Appendix 22) the selective locking mechanism transitions from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the plunger reaches a first selectively pulled state within the syringe body; 22. The syringe of claim 21.

Claims

1. A syringe body; a plunger including a shaft having a first end forming a seal with an inner surface of the syringe body and a second end opposite the first end, and a plurality of ribs included between the first end and the second end; a rotatable lock having teeth through which the shaft extends and selectively interlocks with the plunger by the plurality of ribs; a base through which the shaft passes and which allows rotation of the rotatable lock between a first state and a second state; Equipped with The first state positions the tooth so as to contact a given rib of the plurality of ribs and prevent translation of the plunger relative to the syringe body, and the second state positions the tooth so as to not contact the plurality of ribs and allow translation of the plunger relative to the syringe body. Device.

2. the rotatable lock including a handle for rotating the rotatable lock between the first and second positions.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. a biasing mechanism that biases the rotatable lock to return to one of the first state and the second state when disengaged from the first state or the second state by an external force.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

4. The biasing mechanism a return spring in contact with the rotatable lock and the base, which compresses when the rotatable lock is in one of the first state and the second state, and which returns the rotatable lock to the other of the first state and the second state when the external force is removed; a flexure spring contacting the base and contacting the rotatable lock via a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the rotatable lock, biasing the rotatable lock to return to one of the first and second states when the external force is removed; or a first magnet included in the rotatable lock and aligned with a first pole facing outward from a central axis; and a second magnet included in the base and aligned with the first pole facing inward toward the central axis; It is one of the the first magnet is located at a first location when the rotatable lock is in the first state and at a second location when the rotatable lock is in the second state, the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of travel between the first and second locations and biases the rotatable lock to the first and second states when rotated; 4. The apparatus of claim 3.

5. The shaft of the plunger is divided into four sections; each rib of the plurality of ribs occupies a first portion of a first section in a corresponding plane perpendicular to a direction in which the plunger moves relative to the syringe body when translated; the teeth are sized to be equal to or smaller than the remainder of the first section not occupied by each rib in the corresponding plane; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

6. a leading rib of the plurality of ribs located closest to an end of the plunger that forms a seal with the syringe body occupies a second portion of a second compartment adjacent to the first compartment; the rotatable lock includes a travel stop in the second section selectively interlocked with the leading rib to rotate the rotatable lock from the second condition to the first condition as the shaft is translated outwardly relative to the syringe body.

6. The apparatus of claim 5.

7. the tooth has a ramp on one side that causes the plurality of ribs to rotate the rotatable lock from the first state to the second state upon translation of the plunger outward relative to the syringe body.

10. The apparatus of claim 1.

8. the base is secured to a finger guard of a syringe to secure the rotatable lock between the base and the finger guard; 10. The apparatus of claim 1.

9. a base having a first through hole and a socket; a rotary lock having a third through hole smaller than the first through hole; Equipped with the rotatable lock is mounted to the socket and configured to rotate within the socket between a first state in which the rotatable lock partially blocks the first through hole and a second state in which the rotatable lock does not block the first through hole. Device.

10. the rotatable lock includes a handle for rotating the rotatable lock between the first and second positions, the handle protruding from the base.

10. The apparatus of claim 9.

11. a cap having a second through hole aligned with the first through hole on an axis; the cap is coupled to one side of the base perpendicular to the axis; the rotatable lock being secured within the socket by the cap; 10. The apparatus of claim 9.

12. the second through-hole is substantially circular in cross section and configured to fit the diameter of a syringe; the first through hole and the third through hole are configured to match a cross section of a shaft of a plunger in relation to the syringe; the plunger includes a plurality of ribs on the shaft that interface with the rotatable lock when the plunger is in the first condition and the plunger is translated on the axis; 12. The apparatus of claim 11.

13. a return spring contacting the rotatable lock and the base and compressing when the rotatable lock is in the second state to bias the rotatable lock back to the first state; 10. The apparatus of claim 9.

14. a bending spring contacting the base and contacting the rotatable lock on one side of a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the rotatable lock, to bias the rotatable lock to return to the other of the first state and the second state when transitioned to one of the first state and the second state by an external force; 10. The apparatus of claim 9.

15. the rotatable lock includes a first magnet aligned with a first pole facing outward from a central axis; the first magnet is located at a first location when the rotatable lock is in the first state and at a second location when the rotatable lock is in the second state; the base includes a second magnet aligned with the first pole facing inward toward the central axis; the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of travel between the first location and the second location so as to bias the rotatable lock between the first state and the second state when rotated; 10. The apparatus of claim 9.

16. A syringe body; a plunger that tightly engages a lumen of the syringe body and slides along a longitudinal axis of the syringe body; selective locking means for selectively engaging the plunger in a first position that restricts sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis and for selectively disengaging the plunger in a second position that allows sliding movement of the plunger along the longitudinal axis; Equipped with Syringe.

17. further comprising biasing means for biasing the selective locking means so as to return to one of the first position and the second position when moved from the first position or the second position by an external force.

17. The syringe of claim 16.

18. The biasing means a compression spring in contact with the selective locking means, compressed when the selective locking means is in the second position, and returning the selective locking means to the first position when the external force is removed; a bending spring contacting the selective locking means via a protrusion extending from an outer diameter of the selective locking means and biasing the selective locking means to return to one of the first position and the second position when the external force is removed; or a first magnet included in the selective locking means and aligned to have a first pole facing outward from a central axis; and a second magnet included in a base of the selective locking means and aligned to have the first pole facing inward toward the central axis; It is one of the the first magnet is located at a first location when the selective locking means is in the first position and at a second location when the selective locking means is in the second position, and the second magnet is located at a midpoint of a path of movement between the first and second locations and biases the selective locking means to the first and second positions when rotated; 18. The syringe of claim 17.

19. the plunger shaft is divided into four sections and includes a rib occupying a first portion of a first section in a corresponding plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; the selective locking means comprising teeth that engage the rib when the selective locking means is in the first position and disengage from the rib when the selective locking means is in the second position.

17. The syringe of claim 16.

20. a second rib located closer to where the plunger tightly engages with the lumen of the syringe body than the rib; the second rib occupies a second portion of a second section adjacent to the first section; the selective locking means includes a biasing arm that cooperates with the second rib at the second section to rotate the selective locking means from the second position to the first position as the plunger slides outward relative to the syringe body.

20. The syringe of claim 19.

21. a syringe body having a lumen with a longitudinal axis; a plunger at least partially within the syringe body and in close engagement with the lumen of the syringe body, the plunger having a plurality of ribs projecting outwardly from the plunger; a selective locking mechanism having at least one tooth; Equipped with In a locked configuration, the at least one tooth is engaged with at least one of the plurality of ribs to prevent the plunger from sliding along the longitudinal axis, and in an unlocked configuration, the at least one tooth is disengaged from the plurality of ribs to allow the plunger to slide along the longitudinal axis. Syringe.

22. the selective locking mechanism transitions from the unlocked configuration to the locked configuration when the plunger reaches a first selectively pulled state within the syringe body; 22. The syringe of claim 21.

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