Reusable Actuator

Abstract

a reusable actuator (1) for use with a drug container (60) having a stopper (64), the actuator comprising: a container (10) having a closed end (12), an open end (14), and a sidewall (16) extending therebetween in a longitudinal direction (L); an electrode (70) disposed within the container (10) and used to generate gas; an actuating element (20) disposed at the open end (14) of the container (10) to close the open end (14), the actuating element (20) and the container (10) defining an actuator interior (18), the actuating element (20) being movable relative to the container (10) in the longitudinal direction (L) by gas pressure of gas in the actuator interior (18) so that the actuating element (20) applies a force to a stopper (62) to cause drug delivery from the drug container (60); and a retraction mechanism (40) for removing gas and assisting in retraction of the actuating element (20) for reuse.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (cross reference) This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 425,910, filed November 16, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a reusable actuator, and more particularly, to a reusable actuator suitable for use with a medication container to effect medication delivery from the medication container. [Background technology]

[0003] There is a need for miniature actuators in compact or handheld drug delivery systems or devices that can automatically or semi-automatically deliver medication. However, conventional miniature actuators are essentially non-reusable, in the sense that after the actuator has completed the delivery of a dose and is in an "extended state," it must be manually reset or "pushed" back to a "compressed state" for another dose. Therefore, there is a need for reusable actuators for use in such drug delivery. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one aspect, the present invention provides a reusable actuator for use with a drug container including a stopper. The reusable actuator includes a container, an electrode, an actuating element, and a retracting mechanism. The container has a closed end, an open end, and a sidewall extending longitudinally between the closed and open ends. An electrode is disposed within the container to generate gas. The actuating element is disposed at the open end of the container and closes the open end. The actuating element and the container define an interior of the actuator. Furthermore, the actuating element is longitudinally movable relative to the container by gas pressure of the gas within the actuator, and the actuating element applies a force to the stopper to cause drug delivery from the drug container. The retracting mechanism is used to remove gas to assist in retracting the actuating element for reuse.

[0005] The present invention also contemplates using a reusable actuator to draw fluid (eg, blood) from a subject into a reservoir.

[0006] In some embodiments, the actuation element is a balloon or has a bellows structure.

[0007] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the actuation element is sleeved within a housing of the reusable actuator.

[0008] In some embodiments, the actuation element has a telescopic structure that includes multiple segments configured to be telescopic relative to one another.

[0009] In some embodiments, the reusable actuator's container is a cylindrical container and the actuation element is a rod or has a tubular structure, at least a portion of which is sleeved within the container.

[0010] In some embodiments, the reusable actuator further comprises an O-ring sealably disposed between an outermost segment of the plurality of segments and a container of the reusable actuator.

[0011] In some embodiments, the reusable actuator further includes an O-ring sealably disposed between the rod or tubular structure and the reusable actuator container.

[0012] In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism includes a valve for releasing gas inside the actuator.

[0013] In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism includes a gas transformation member disposed within the actuator.

[0014] In some embodiments, the gas conversion component includes a gas conversion catalyst. In some embodiments, the gas conversion catalyst is coated on the container, the working element, or both.

[0015] In some embodiments, the gas transformation member is a platinum foam.

[0016] In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism includes a resilient member to assist in retracting the multiple segments for reuse.

[0017] In some embodiments, the retraction mechanism includes a resilient member to assist in retracting the rod or a tubular structure for reuse.

[0018] According to the present invention, the resilient member may be located inside the actuator interior or outside the actuator interior, hi some embodiments, the resilient member is a spring.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides a medication delivery device comprising a reusable actuator as described above and a medication container, the medication container further comprising a housing, the stopper being disposed within the housing, the container of the reusable actuator being connected to the housing with an actuating element of the reusable actuator abuttingly connected to the stopper of the medication container.

[0020] In some embodiments, the reusable actuator reservoir is connected to the housing such that there is substantially no relative movement between the reusable actuator reservoir and the housing when the actuation element applies force to the stopper to cause drug delivery from the drug reservoir.

[0021] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred. It being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a reusable actuator and a drug container according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a retraction mechanism of a reusable actuator according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a retraction mechanism for a reusable actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a retraction mechanism for a reusable actuator according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following description is merely for the purpose of illustrating various embodiments of the present invention. As such, the specific embodiments or modifications described herein should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications or equivalents can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0024] To ensure a clear and readily understandable understanding of the present invention, certain terms are first defined. Additional definitions are provided throughout the detailed description. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0025] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a component" includes a plurality of such components and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art.

[0026] As used herein, the terms "comprise" or "comprising" are generally used in the sense of "include / including," meaning to permit the presence of one or more features, components, or ingredients. The terms "comprise" or "comprising" encompass the terms "consists" or "consisting of."

[0027] As shown in Figure 1, a reusable actuator 10 is provided for use with a medication container 60 including a stopper 64. The reusable actuator 10 comprises a container 10, an electrode 70, an actuation element 20, and a retraction mechanism 40.

[0028] Container 10 has a closed end 12, an open end 14, and a sidewall 16. Sidewall 16 extends in a longitudinal direction L between closed end 12 and open end 14.

[0029] An electrode 70 is disposed within the container 10 to generate gas. The electrode 70 is preferably disposed at the closed end 12 of the container 10. The electrode 70 is a component of an electrochemical pump. For example, a superhydrophilic material 75 (see FIGS. 2-4) can be added to the container 10 so as to be in contact with the electrode 70, and together they can function as an electrochemical pump. The reusable actuator 1 may include multiple electrodes or a planar electrode for generating gas. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the planar electrode is a porous electrode.

[0030] The actuating element 20 is disposed in the open end 14 and closes the open end 14 of the container 10. The actuating element 20 and the container 10 define an actuator interior 18. The actuating element 20 is movable relative to the container 10 in the longitudinal direction L by gas pressure of the gas in the actuator interior 18, and the actuating element 20 applies a force to the stopper 64, causing drug delivery 80 from the drug container 60 via the needle 66.

[0031] Actuating element 20 may be a balloon or may have a bellows structure. In such embodiments, gas pressure inflates the balloon or expands the bellows structure, exerting a force on stopper 64 and causing drug delivery 80. In some embodiments, actuating element 20 is formed of a sturdy material (e.g., stainless steel) and has a tubular structure including an open end and a closed end. A bellows structure is formed at the open end of the tubular structure and connected to open end 14 to close open end 14 of container 10.

[0032] In some embodiments, at least a portion of actuation element 20 is sleeved within container 10. For example, actuation element 20 is formed of a sturdy material (e.g., stainless steel) and has a tubular structure including an open end and a closed end. Actuation element 20 is partially sleeved within container 10 at the open end of actuation element 20.

[0033] According to certain preferred embodiments, the actuation element 20 may have a telescoping structure that includes a plurality of segments that are configured to telescopically extend and retract relative to one another.

[0034] According to certain preferred embodiments, the container 10 is a cylindrical container, and the actuation element 20 is a rod or has a tubular structure, at least a portion of which is sleeved within the container 10 .

[0035] A retraction mechanism 40 is used to remove gas to assist in retracting the actuation element 20 for reuse.

[0036] 2 and 3, the retraction mechanism 40 may include a resilient member 40d. For example, the resilient member 40d may be a spring having one end fixed to the container 10 and the other end fixed to the actuation element 20. The resilient member may be disposed within the actuator interior 18 (see FIG. 1) or may be disposed outside the actuator interior (see FIGS. 2 and 3).

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 2, the retraction mechanism 40 may further include a valve 40a for releasing gas.

[0038] Alternatively, the retraction mechanism 40 may also include a gas transformation member 40b disposed within the actuator interior 18. For example, the gas transformation member 40b may be a gas transformation catalyst. In such an embodiment, the gas transformation member 40b may be coated on the interior side of the container 10, the actuation element 20, or both (see FIG. 3). Referring to FIG. 4, in some other embodiments, the gas transformation member 40b is a platinum foam 40c.

[0039] 1 and 4 together, in embodiments in which the container 10 is a cylindrical container and the actuating element 20 is a rod or has a tubular structure, the reusable actuator 1 may include an O-ring 50 sealably disposed between the rod or tubular structure and the container 10. Additionally, in embodiments in which the actuating element has a telescoping structure, an O-ring may be sealably disposed between the outermost segment of the telescoping structure and the container 10.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 1 , preferably the container 10 of the reusable actuator 1 is connected to the housing 62 of the drug container 60 so that when the actuating element 20 applies force to the stopper 64 to cause drug delivery 80 from the drug container 60, there is substantially no relative movement between the container 10 of the reusable actuator 1 and the housing 62 of the drug container 60.

[0041] For example, the container 10 and the housing 62 of the drug container 60 may be assembled to, secured to, or clamped by the case of the drug delivery device such that there is substantially no relative movement between the container 10 and the housing 62 when the actuation element 20 applies force to the stopper 64 to cause drug delivery 80 from the drug container 60. The drug delivery device may also include a power source for the electrochemical pump of the reusable actuator 1.

[0042] Alternatively, the container 10 may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the open end of the housing 62, and the actuating element 20 may have a diameter smaller than the diameter of the open end. In this way, the reusable actuator 1 can be disposed at the open end of the housing 62, while preventing the container 10 from entering the drug container 60 and allowing the actuating element 20 to protrude into the drug container 60 and apply force to the stopper 64. Furthermore, a flange structure may be formed at the open end of the housing 62, and the reusable actuator 1 may be disposed on the flange structure of the housing 62, so that both the reusable actuator 1 and the drug container 60 can be attached to the case of the drug delivery device.

[0043] According to certain embodiments of the present invention, drug container 60 is a syringe or a cartridge. In some instances, stopper 64 is a rubber stopper.

[0044] While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only and may be combined and practiced. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. The following claims define the scope of the invention, and it is intended that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

1. 1. A reusable actuator for use with a medication container including a stopper, comprising: a container having a closed end, an open end and a sidewall extending longitudinally therebetween; an electrode disposed within the vessel for use in generating gas; an actuation element disposed at the open end of the container to close the open end, the actuation element and the container defining an actuator interior, the actuation element being movable relative to the container in the longitudinal direction by gas pressure of gas within the actuator such that the actuation element applies a force to the stopper to cause medicament delivery from the medicament container; a retraction mechanism used to remove the gas and assist in retracting the actuation element for reuse; Equipped with Reusable actuator.

2. The actuating element is a balloon, or the actuating element has a bellows structure. The reusable actuator according to claim 1 .

3. At least a portion of the actuation element is sleeved within the container. The reusable actuator according to claim 1 .

4. the actuation element has a telescoping structure including a plurality of segments configured to telescopically extend and retract relative to one another; The reusable actuator according to claim 3 .

5. the container is a cylindrical container, the actuating element is a rod or has a tubular structure; At least a portion of the rod or tubular structure is sleeved inside the container. The reusable actuator according to claim 3 .

6. further comprising an O-ring sealably disposed between an outermost segment of the plurality of segments and the container.

5. The reusable actuator according to claim 4.

7. further comprising an O-ring sealably disposed between the rod or the tubular structure and the container. The reusable actuator according to claim 5 .

8. the retraction mechanism includes a valve for releasing gas; The reusable actuator according to claim 1 .

9. the retraction mechanism includes a gas transformation member disposed within the actuator. The reusable actuator according to claim 1 .

10. The gas conversion member includes a gas conversion catalyst.

10. The reusable actuator according to claim 9.

11. the gas conversion catalyst is coated on the container, the working element, or both the container and the working element; 11. The reusable actuator of claim 10.

12. The gas transformation member is platinum foam.

10. The reusable actuator according to claim 9.

13. the retraction mechanism includes a resilient member that assists in retracting the plurality of segments for reuse. The reusable actuator according to claim 6.

14. the retraction mechanism includes a resilient member that assists in retracting the rod or tubular structure for reuse; 8. The reusable actuator according to claim 7.

15. The elastic member is disposed inside or outside the actuator.

14. The reusable actuator of claim 13.

16. The elastic member is a spring.

14. The reusable actuator of claim 13.

17. The elastic member is disposed inside or outside the actuator.

15. The reusable actuator of claim 14.

18. The elastic member is a spring.

15. The reusable actuator of claim 14.

19. The reusable actuator according to claim 1; A drug container; Equipped with the medication container further includes a housing and a stopper disposed within the housing; the reusable actuator container is connected to the housing; the actuating element of the reusable actuator is connected in abutting contact with the stopper of the medication container; Drug delivery devices.

20. the reservoir of the reusable actuator is connected to the housing such that there is substantially no relative movement between the reservoir of the reusable actuator and the housing when the actuation element applies force to the stopper to cause medicament delivery from the medicament container.

20. The drug delivery device of claim 19.

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