SEQUENTIAL ASSEMBLY OF SYRINGES

Abstract

This document describes syringe assemblies. A syringe assembly includes an assembly housing, a first syringe, a second syringe, and a connecting gear. The first syringe is arranged within the assembly housing. Each plunger is movable within the cavity of its respective syringe and defines a respective chamber within that cavity. This chamber is in fluid communication with the respective syringe port. The respective plunger comprises a respective gear rack extending longitudinally along the plunger. The connecting gear is rotatably coupled to the assembly housing. The connecting gear is configured to mesh with at least one of the first and second gear racks of the syringes.

Description

SEQUENTIAL ASSEMBLY OF SYRINGES Field of Invention This description refers in general to drug delivery systems and, in particular, to syringe assemblies. Background of the Invention Medical treatments often involve infusing a medical fluid (such as saline solution or liquid medication) into patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter. This catheter is connected via a network of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an IV set, to a fluid source, such as a bag or syringe. Some IV sets may have very long tubing, for example, over 1.8 meters (6 feet). Additionally, the tubing may be primed with saline solution before the infusion of a liquid medication. In some applications, during the use of intravenous catheters, the saline solution for the priming process may be administered to the patient before the liquid medication is administered to the patient. Brief Description of the Invention The subject matter described relates to syringe assemblies. In certain modalities, a pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi is described. Ref. 332578 syringe assembly comprising a mounting housing or casing; a first syringe disposed within the mounting housing, the first syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity and a first syringe port, wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity; and a first movable plunger within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first rack extending longitudinally along the first plunger;a second syringe disposed within the mounting housing, the second syringe comprising: a second syringe body defining a second syringe cavity and a second syringe port, wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity; and a second movable plunger within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second rack extending longitudinally along the second plunger; and a connecting gear rotatably coupled to the mounting housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to be in meshing with at least one of the first gear rack and the second gear rack. In certain embodiments, a method for delivering medication is described, comprising advancing a medication plunger to propel the medication through a supply flow path of a pipe; and rotating a connecting gear by advancing the medication plunger, wherein the medication plunger includes a medication gear rack, meshed with the connecting gear. In certain embodiments, a medication delivery system is described comprising a syringe assembly, comprising: a mounting housing; a first syringe disposed within the mounting housing, the first syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity and a first syringe port, wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity; and a first movable plunger within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first rack extending longitudinally along the first plunger;a second syringe disposed within the mounting housing, the second syringe comprising: a second syringe body pl Lenn / zznz / E / YiAi defining a second syringe cavity and a second syringe port, wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity; and a second movable plunger within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second rack extending longitudinally along the second plunger; and a connecting gear rotatably coupled to the mounting housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to mesh with at least one of the racks of the first gear and the second gear;and a tube defining a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the first flow path is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, and the second flow path is in fluid communication with the second syringe port. It is understood that several configurations of the technology in question will be readily apparent to experts in the field from the description, which illustrates and describes various configurations. As will be understood, the technology under study is capable of other, different configurations, and its various details are subject to modification in several other aspects, all without departing from the scope of the technology under study. Therefore, the summary, figures, and detailed description should be considered illustrative and not restrictive. Brief Description of the Figures The accompanying figures, which are included to provide further understanding and are incorporated into and form part of this specification, illustrate the described modalities and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the described modalities. In the figures: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a drug delivery system, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 2 is an elevation view of the medication delivery system of Figure 1, with the pusher assembly depressed, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 3 is an elevation view of the medication delivery system of Figure 1, with the pusher assembly further depressed, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 4 is an elevation view of the medication delivery system of Figure 1, with the pusher assembly further depressed, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 5 is an elevation view of a syringe assembly, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of the syringe assembly of Figure 5, according to various aspects of the present description. Figure 7 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly of Figure 5 in a priming or preparation configuration, according to various aspects of the present description. Figure 8 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly of Figure 5 in a delivery configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the present description. Figure 9 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly of Figure 5 in the delivery configuration, according to various aspects of the present description. Figure 10 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly of Figure 5 in a push configuration, according to various aspects of the present description. Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the syringe assembly of Figure 5, in accordance with various aspects of the present description. Figure 12 is an elevation view of a syringe assembly, in accordance with several aspects of the present pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi description. Figure 13 is an elevation view of the syringe assembly of Figure 12 in an open configuration, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. Detailed Description of the Invention The described syringe assembly incorporates multiple syringes with a connecting gear for actuating them. The assembly can control the extension and retraction of the syringes to regulate fluid flow to and from each syringe. By controlling the fluid flow to and from each syringe, priming and administering medications and other medical fluids can be simplified. The detailed description below is intended to outline several configurations of the technology in question and is not meant to represent the only configurations in which the technology can be practiced. The detailed description includes specific details to provide a comprehensive understanding of the technology. However, it will be evident to those skilled in the field that the technology can be practiced without these specific details. In some cases, well-known structures and components are shown in block diagram form to avoid obscuring the underlying concepts. Similar components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding.Reference numbers may have letter suffixes to indicate separate instances of a common item, while being referenced generically by the same number without a suffix letter. Although the following description pertains to the administration of medical fluids using the described syringe assembly, it should be understood that this description is only an example of use and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the described syringe assembly may be used in any application where the administration of medicinal fluids is desirable. The described syringe assembly overcomes several challenges encountered with certain conventional syringes. One challenge with some conventional syringes is that they can deliver an excess of medical fluid, such as saline solution, to patients. Furthermore, conventional syringes may require manual advancement and retraction. Because excess medical fluid can delay fluid administration, may not be tolerated by fluid-restricted patients, such as premature infants, and because manual operation of conventional syringes can be prone to error, their use is undesirable. Therefore, according to the present description, it is advantageous to provide a syringe assembly as described herein, which eliminates or substantially reduces the administration of excess medical fluid to a patient and simplifies syringe operation. The described syringe assembly provides a gearing mechanism that allows for simplified operation while simultaneously reducing the amount of excess medical fluid administered to the patient. An example of a syringe assembly that prevents the administration of an excess of medical fluid is now described. Figure 1 is an elevation view of a medication delivery system 100, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. In the illustrated example, the medication delivery system 100 delivers medication from a syringe assembly 130 to the patient through a catheter 112 without supplying an excess of fluid, such as saline solution, used to prime or prepare the medication delivery system 100. In some embodiments, a supply flow path 122 of a double-lumen or lumen tubing 120 may be primed with saline solution to remove any trapped air or gases from the supply flow path 122 of the double-lumen tubing 120. The saline solution may advance from the syringe assembly 130, through the supply flow path 122 and into the valve 110. In a priming configuration, valve 110 can prevent the supply flow path 122 from entering the patient catheter 112 and can instead direct the saline solution into the return flow path 126 to allow the primed saline solution to return to the syringe assembly 130. Figure 2 is an elevation view of the medication delivery system 100 of Figure 1, with the pusher assembly 160 depressed, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. In the illustrated example, the syringe assembly 130 advances the medication within the delivery flow path 122 to prime it. Advantageously, by priming the delivery flow path 122 with medication, the medication can be administered to the patient through the catheter 112 proximal to the patient, with less delay and without distributing the saline solution used to prime the delivery flow path 122. To introduce medication into the delivery flow path 122, the pusher assembly 160 can be advanced or otherwise displaced to introduce a volume of medication into the delivery flow path 122 of the double lumen tubing 120. In some embodiments, the advance of the pusher assembly 160 can actuate a medication syringe 150 disposed within the syringe assembly 130. Optionally, the medication syringe 150 can be configured to advance or move a desired amount to dispense a volume of medication into the delivery flow path 122 that is equivalent to the volume of the delivery flow path 122. In other words, the medication syringe 150 can advance to fill the volume of the delivery flow path 122 up to the valve 110 to prepare the medication for administration through the catheter 112. In some embodiments, priming the medication in the delivery flow path 122 can be signaled, controlled, or otherwise simplified. For example, the syringe assembly 130 may include an internal mechanism that limits the stroke or provides a tactile signal to a clinician when the delivery flow path 122 is primed. In some embodiments, the limit or signal is calibrated based on the volume of the delivery flow path 122. By providing a stroke limit or signal during priming, a desired volume of medication can be introduced into the delivery flow path 122—for example, a volume of medication sufficient to fill the delivery flow path 122. As illustrated, as the medication is introduced into the supply flow path 122, the saline solution previously primed through the supply flow path 122 is displaced. The displaced saline solution is directed by valve 110 into the return flow path 126. The medical fluid from the return flow path 126 can be returned to the syringe assembly 130. The returned medical fluid, such as saline solution, can be introduced into a return or saline syringe 140 of the syringe assembly 130. In some embodiments, the return flow path 126 includes a check valve 125 to prevent backflow of the medical fluid from the saline syringe 140 into the double-lumen tubing 120. Figure 3 is an elevation view of the medication delivery system 100 of Figure 1, with the pusher assembly 160 further depressed, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. In the illustrated example, the syringe assembly 130 is actuated to dispense medication to the patient through catheter 112. As illustrated, the pusher assembly 160 can advance further to actuate the medication syringe 150 within the syringe assembly 130. By actuating the pusher assembly 160, the medication syringe 150 can advance to distribute medication from the syringe assembly 130 to the delivery flow path 122. In some embodiments, the syringe assembly 130 can be actuated by a syringe pump to control the flow of medication to the patient. As can be seen, the syringe pump can be configured to include a priming sequence with an increased pump rate or speed to quickly prime the delivery flow path 122. During operation, valve 110 is actuated to allow medication to flow from delivery flow path 122 to the patient through catheter 112. In some modalities, the fluid pressure within delivery flow path 122 may exceed the burst pressure of valve 110 to allow flow into catheter 112. Valve 110 can be positioned proximal to the patient to minimize the length of catheter 112, thereby reducing the amount of saline administered to the patient and shortening the medication administration time. Figure 4 is an elevation view of the medication delivery system 100 of Figure 1, with the pusher assembly 160 lowered, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. In the illustrated example, the syringe assembly 130 advances the saline solution through the delivery flow path 122 to advance the remaining medication to the patient through the catheter 112. pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi As illustrated, after the medication is expelled from the medication syringe 150, the medication may remain in the volume of the delivery flow path 122. To ensure that the medication is fully delivered to the patient, the pusher assembly 160 may advance further to deliver a push of saline solution from the saline syringe 140 to continue advancing the medication through the delivery flow path 122 after the medication within the medication syringe 150 is exhausted. The saline solution may be delivered through the delivery flow path 122 until the medication is fully delivered to the patient. As illustrated, the saline solution from the saline syringe 140 may enter the delivery flow path 122 through the saline supply line 124.The saline supply line 124 may include a check valve 123 to prevent backflow of medication or other medical fluids into the syringe assembly 130. Figure 5 is an elevation view of a syringe assembly 130, according to several aspects of the present description. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe assembly 130 controls the flow of medication from the medication syringe 150 and the flow of saline solution from the saline syringe 140. As illustrated, the medication syringe 150 can receive, store, and / or dispense medication into a medication cavity 152. In the illustrated embodiment, a medication plunger 156 is movable within the medication cavity 152 to define a medication chamber therein. The volume of the medication chamber is preferably defined by the position of the medication plunger 156 relative to the medication cavity 152. In some embodiments, the medication chamber volume is in fluid communication with the medication port 154. The medication syringe 150 embodiments may be commercially available, prefabricated, prefilled, or otherwise adapted for use with the syringe assembly 130. In some modalities, the medication plunger 156 can be withdrawn distally to expand the medication chamber and draw more medication or medical fluid through the medication port 154. During the operation, the medication plunger 156 can be advanced proximally to contract the medication chamber and expel medication or medical fluids from the medication chamber through the medication port 154. Similarly, the saline syringe 140 can receive, store, and / or dispense saline solution into a saline cavity 142. The saline syringe 140 can store any other medical fluid, including medications, to allow the syringe assembly 130 to dispense multiple medications sequentially or simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, a saline plunger 146 is movable within the saline cavity 142 to define a saline chamber therein. The volume of the saline chamber is preferably defined by the position of the saline plunger 146 relative to the saline cavity 142. In some embodiments, the volume of the saline chamber is in fluid communication with the saline port 144.The 140 saline syringe configurations may be commercially available, pre-made, pre-filled, or otherwise adapted for use with the 130 syringe assembly. During the operation, the saline plunger 146 can be pulled distally to expand the saline chamber and aspirate more saline or medical fluid through the saline port 144. In some modalities, the saline plunger 146 can be advanced proximally to contract the saline chamber and expel saline or medical fluids from the saline chamber through the saline port 144. As illustrated, the saline syringe 140 and the medication syringe 150 can be housed within a mounting housing 132. The mounting housing 132 can include alignment and retention features to position the saline syringe 140 and the medication syringe 150. The mounting housing 132 can include a cover 134 to retain and cover the components of the syringe assembly 130. The cover 134 can pivot on hinges 135 to close and cover the syringe assembly 130. Tabs 131 and 133 formed on the mounting housing 132 and on the cover 134 can facilitate, respectively, the opening and closing of the cover 134 to access the saline syringe 140 and the medication syringe 150.The cover 134 may include a saline window 138 and a medication window 136, to allow a clinician to monitor the fluid level of the saline syringe 140 and the medication syringe 150, respectively. In the example shown, the syringe assembly 130 controls the actuation of the medication plunger 156 and the saline plunger 146 to facilitate priming and medication delivery to a patient. In the example shown, the syringe assembly 130 includes a pusher assembly 160 to advance the medication plunger 156 and / or the saline plunger 146. For example, by advancing the pusher assembly 160, the medication plunger 156 and the saline plunger 146 can be actuated sequentially to prime the medication delivery device, deliver the medication, and provide a saline push to deliver any remaining medication in the delivery flow path. Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of the syringe assembly 130 of Figure 5, in accordance with several aspects of the present description. With reference to Figures 5 and 6, in the illustrated embodiment, the pusher assembly 160 includes a main pusher shaft 162 and an intermediate pusher shaft 164 configured to cooperatively advance the medication plunger 156 in response to the advancement of the pusher assembly 160. As illustrated, the intermediate pusher shaft 164 can extend at least partially from the main pusher shaft 162. The intermediate pusher shaft 164 is preferably freely coupled to the main pusher shaft 162 via a plurality of lugs 166. In some embodiments, the lugs 166 expand radially and engage against the end of the main pusher shaft 163 to prevent or limit the intermediate pusher shaft 164 from retracting into the main pusher shaft 162. During operation, as described herein, the lugs 166 of the intermediate pusher shaft 164 can be radially retracted to allow the intermediate pusher shaft 164 to retract into the main pusher shaft 162, preventing or limiting the advancement of the pusher assembly 160 to further actuate the medication plunger 156. In some embodiments, the lugs 166 can be retracted by engaging with an actuation tunnel 137 formed around the medication plunger. 156. Referring again to Figure 5, the pusher assembly 160 includes a secondary pusher (not shown in Figure 5) that extends laterally from the main pusher shaft 162 via a secondary pusher extension 161. The secondary pusher is configured to advance the saline plunger 146 in response to the advancement of the pusher assembly 160. The secondary pusher can be offset longitudinally from the shaft of the intermediate pusher 164, such that the shaft of the intermediate pusher 164 engages with the medication plunger 156 before the secondary pusher engages with the saline plunger 146 when the pusher assembly 160 is advanced.In some embodiments, the secondary pusher engages and advances the saline plunger 146 after the intermediate pusher shaft 164 has been disengaged from the main pusher shaft 162, allowing the pusher assembly 160 to be advanced to drive the saline plunger 146 through the displaced secondary pusher, without further actuating the medication plunger 156. Advantageously, during medication administration to patients, the 160 pusher assembly allows the medication to be dispensed from the medication syringe pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi 150 by actuating the main pusher shaft 162 and the intermediate pusher shaft 164 and then allows the saline solution to be dispensed from the saline syringe 140 by actuating the secondary pusher. In some embodiments, the syringe assembly 130 includes a priming mechanism to automate, control, or otherwise simplify the advancement of the medication plunger 156 and the retraction of the saline plunger 146, to facilitate priming the medication into the IV tubing. The priming mechanism is preferably configured to introduce a sufficient volume of medication from the medication syringe 150 into the IV tubing to completely fill or prime the IV line while removing any displaced fluid prior to administration of the medication to the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, the priming mechanism includes a connecting gear 172 that retracts the saline plunger 146 as the medication plunger 156 advances during a priming operation. In the example shown, the medication plunger 156 includes a medication gear rack 158 that extends longitudinally along the medication plunger 156. The medication gear rack 158 includes a plurality of teeth that can be engaged with the connecting gear 172. Similarly, the saline plunger 146 includes a saline gear rack 148 that extends longitudinally along the saline plunger 146. The saline gear rack 148 includes a plurality of teeth that can also be engaged with the connecting gear 172. Therefore, during a priming operation, as the medication plunger 156 is advanced by the pusher assembly 160 to deliver the medication, the medication rack 158 rotates the connecting gear 172 about the connecting gear shaft 170 in a clockwise direction. In response, the clockwise rotation of the connecting gear 172 retracts the saline plunger 146 in the opposite direction to draw or receive saline from the IV tubing. As can be seen, the medication gear rack 158 and / or the saline gear rack 148 can be engaged with the connecting gear 172 before or during a priming operation and can be disengaged from the connecting gear 172 during other operations.In addition, the length of the medication rack 158 and / or the saline rack 148 and the relative position of the medication plunger 156 and the saline plunger 146 can be configured to provide the desired operation. As can be seen, the features of the Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi syringe assembly 130, such as the pusher assembly 160 and the priming mechanism including the connecting gear 172, medication rack 158 and saline rack 148, can be used cooperatively in the operation of the syringe assembly 130 to sequentially allow priming of an intravenous line, administration of medication to a patient, and providing saline push of any remaining medication by advancing the pusher assembly 160. Figure 7 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly 130 of Figure 5 in a priming configuration, according to several aspects of the present description. As described herein, by advancing the pusher assembly 160 from an initial position, an IV line can be primed with medication. By advancing the pusher assembly 160, the main pusher shaft 162 and the intermediate pusher shaft 164 coupled to it engage and advance the medication plunger 156. By advancing the medication plunger 156, the medication from the medication syringe 150 can advance through the IV tubing and prime the IV tubing. As described here, the medication plunger 156 can be advanced by a desired or predetermined amount corresponding to the volume of the IV tubing during the priming process. As medication advances through the intravenous tubing (PL Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi) during priming, any fluid, such as saline, remaining in the IV tubing may be displaced. Therefore, the syringe assembly 130 can retract the saline plunger 146 as the medication plunger 156 is advanced to receive or remove the displaced fluid from the IV tubing. As described above, during a priming operation, the medication rack 158 and the saline rack 148 can be engaged with the connecting gear 172. Therefore, during the operation, as the medication plunger 156 advances or is pushed down, the medication rack 158 rotates the connecting gear 172 clockwise. Rotation of the connecting gear 172 retracts the rack of the saline gear 148 and thus the saline plunger 146.By retracting the saline plunger 146, the displaced saline or other medical fluids can be removed from the IV tubing. Figure 8 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly 130 of Figure 5 in a dispensing configuration, according to several aspects of the present description. At the end of the priming sequence, the saline gear rack 148 of the saline plunger 146 disengages from the connecting gear 172, allowing the saline plunger 146 and the medication plunger 156 to move independently after priming. Figure 9 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly 130 from Figure 5 in the delivery configuration, according to several aspects of this description. After priming, the pusher assembly 160 can be advanced further to deliver the medication to the patient. In the illustrated embodiment, by advancing the pusher assembly 160 further, the main pusher shaft 162 and the intermediate pusher shaft 164 cooperatively advance the medication plunger 156 to administer the medication to the patient. Figure 10 is a detailed view of the syringe assembly 130 from Figure 5 in a pusher configuration, according to several aspects of this description. During operation, the pusher assembly 160 can be advanced further to deliver any remaining medication in the IV tubing to the patient. By advancing the pusher assembly 160, the secondary pusher 165 engages and advances the saline plunger 146. As the saline plunger 146 advances, saline solution can be administered from the saline syringe 140 into the IV tubing to push or distribute any remaining medication in the IV tubing to the patient. As described herein, the secondary pusher 165 can be offset longitudinally from the axis of the intermediate pusher 164 to allow the secondary pusher 165 to actuate the saline plunger 146 after the medication plunger 156 has been actuated. After the medication plunger 156 reaches the end of its desired stroke, the intermediate pusher shaft 164 is preferably disengaged from the main pusher shaft 162 to allow the pusher assembly 160 to be advanced without obstruction or further advance the medication plunger 156. Advantageously, by disengaging the intermediate pusher shaft 164, the pusher assembly 160 can advance the offset secondary pusher 165 and the saline plunger 146 after advancing the medication plunger 156. Figure 11 is a partial cross-sectional view of the syringe assembly 130 of Figure 5, according to several aspects of the present description. With reference to Figures 10 and 11, in some embodiments, the intermediate pusher shaft 164 enters the activation tunnel 137 to release the intermediate pusher shaft 164 from the main pusher shaft 162 when the medication plunger 156 reaches the end of its stroke. As illustrated, when the intermediate pusher shaft 164 enters the activation tunnel 137, the lugs 166 of the intermediate pusher shaft 164 can be retracted or compressed radially by the walls of the activation tunnel 137. After the lugs 166 of the intermediate pusher shaft 164 are retracted, the intermediate pusher shaft 164 is disengaged from the main pusher shaft 162, allowing the main pusher shaft 162 to continue advancing without further actuating the medication plunger 156.As illustrated, the intermediate pusher shaft 164 can be retracted or slid into the inner diameter of the main pusher shaft 162. Figure 12 is an elevation view of a 230 syringe assembly, according to several aspects of this description. Figure 13 is an elevation view of the 230 syringe assembly of Figure 12 in an open configuration, according to several aspects of this description. In some embodiments, the 230 syringe assembly may include features that are similar to the 130 syringe assembly. Unless otherwise indicated, similar features may be referenced by similar part numbers. With reference to Figures 12 and 13, the syringe assembly 230 includes an upper portion 232a and a lower portion 232b that separate to allow a saline syringe 240 and a medication syringe 250 to be inserted into or removed from the syringe assembly 230. The upper portion 232a and the lower portion 232b can be assembled to facilitate operation. pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi Advantageously, a multi-portion 230 syringe assembly allows clinicians to easily insert and remove syringes from the assembly. Furthermore, the multi-portion 230 syringe assembly may allow the use of pre-made or commercially available syringes. In some configurations, the 230 syringe assembly allows the use of pre-filled syringes. This description is provided to enable anyone skilled in the subject to practice the various aspects described herein. The description provides several examples of the technology in question, and the technology is not limited to these examples. Various modifications of these aspects will be readily apparent to those skilled in the subject, and the generic principles defined herein can be applied to other aspects. A reference to a singular item is not intended to mean one and only one, unless specifically stated, but one or more. Unless specifically stated otherwise, the term "some" refers to one or more. Masculine pronouns (e.g., his) include feminine and neuter genders (e.g., his and hers) and vice versa. Titles and subtitles, if any, are used for convenience only and do not limit invention. The word "exemplary" is used here to mean something that serves as an example or illustration. Any aspect or design described here as exemplary should not necessarily be interpreted as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs. In one respect, several alternative configurations and operations described herein may be considered at least equivalent. A phrase such as "aspect" does not imply that the aspect is essential to the technology in question or that it applies to all configurations of that technology. A description of an aspect may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. An aspect may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "an aspect" may refer to one or more aspects and vice versa. A phrase such as "modality" does not imply that the modality is essential to the technology in question or that it applies to all configurations of that technology. A description of a modality may apply to all modalities, or to one or more modalities. A modality may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "a modality" may refer to one or more modalities and vice versa.A phrase such as "a configuration" does not imply that such a configuration is essential to the technology in question or that such a configuration applies to all configurations of the technology in question. A description relating to a configuration may apply to all configurations, or to one or more configurations. A configuration may provide one or more examples. A phrase such as "configuration" may refer to one or more configurations and vice versa. In one respect, unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, classifications, positions, magnitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification, including in the following claims, are approximate, not exact. In one respect, they are intended to have a reasonable range consistent with the functions to which they relate and with what is customary in the art to which they belong. In one sense, the term coupled or similar can refer to being directly coupled. In another sense, the term coupled or similar can refer to being indirectly coupled. Terms such as upper, lower, front, rear, and the like, if used in this description, should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a lower surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upward, downward, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference. Various elements may be arranged differently (e.g., in a different order or divided differently), all within the scope of the technology in question. All structural and functional equivalents of the elements of the various aspects described herein that are known or may become known to those of ordinary knowledge in the art are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended to be included in the claims. Furthermore, nothing described herein is intended to be dedicated to the public, regardless of whether such description is explicitly cited in the claims. No element of the claim shall be construed under the provisions of 35 U.S.C.§112, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly indicated by using the phrase "means to" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is indicated by using the phrase "step to." Furthermore, to the extent that the term "include," "have," or similar is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "understand," as understood when used as a transitional word in a claim. The Title, Background, Abstract, Brief Description of Figures, and Summary of the Description are hereby incorporated into the description and are provided as illustrative examples thereof, not as restrictive descriptions. They are presented with the understanding that they shall not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, in the Detailed Description, it can be observed that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped into several modes for the purpose of streamlining the description. This method of description should not be construed as implying that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all the features of a single described configuration or operation.The following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, each being a subject matter claimed separately. The claims are not intended to be limited to the matters described herein, but should be given their full scope consistent with the language of the claims and to encompass all legal equivalents. However, none of the claims purports to cover, nor should they be construed as covering, subject matter that does not satisfy the requirement of 35 U.S.C. §101, 102, or 103. pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi It is hereby stated that, as of this date, the best method known to the applicant for putting the aforementioned invention into practice is the one that is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims

1. A syringe assembly, characterized in that it comprises: a mounting housing; a first syringe disposed within the mounting housing, the first syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity and a first syringe port, wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity;and a first movable plunger within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first rack extending longitudinally along the first plunger; a second syringe disposed within the assembly housing, the second syringe comprising a second syringe body defining a second syringe cavity and a second syringe port, wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity;and a second movable plunger within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second rack extending longitudinally along the second plunger; and a connecting gear rotatably coupled to the mounting housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to mesh with at least one of the first and second rack gears.

2. The syringe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting gear is configured to be meshed with the first gear rack and the second gear rack in a priming configuration.

3. The syringe assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that the second plunger is movable in a direction opposite to the first plunger in the priming configuration.

4. The syringe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting gear is configured to mesh with the first gear rack in a delivery configuration. pl LPnn / zznz / E / YiAi 5. The syringe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting gear is configured to mesh with the second gear rack and the second gear rack in a push configuration.

6. The syringe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a movable pusher assembly within the assembly housing, the pusher assembly comprising: a main pusher shaft; and an intermediate pusher shaft releasably coupled to the main pusher shaft, wherein the intermediate pusher shaft is configured to engage and advance the first plunger.

7. The syringe assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the intermediate pusher shaft extends from one end of the main pusher shaft.

8. The syringe assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the intermediate pusher shaft comprises a plurality of lugs extending radially from the intermediate pusher shaft, wherein the plurality of lugs engages the end of the main pusher shaft to securely couple the intermediate pusher shaft to the main pusher shaft. pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi 9. The syringe assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the assembly housing comprises an activation tunnel arranged around the first plunger, wherein the activation tunnel is configured to radially compress the plurality of lugs to disengage the plurality of lugs from the end of the main pusher shaft, to allow the intermediate pusher shaft to move relative to the main pusher shaft.

10. The syringe assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that the pusher assembly further comprises: a second pusher configured to engage and advance the second plunger; and a second pusher extension that engages the second pusher to the main pusher shaft.

11. The syringe assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the mounting housing comprises a hinged cover, wherein the hinged cover can securely enclose the first syringe, the second syringe, and the connecting gear in a closed configuration.

12. The syringe assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the hinged cover comprises a first window, wherein the first window is at least partially aligned with the first syringe body pl Lrnn / zznz / E / YiAi in the closed configuration.

13. A method for delivering medication, characterized in that it comprises: advancing a medication plunger to propel the medication through an administration flow path of a pipe; and rotating a connecting gear by advancing the medication plunger, wherein the medication plunger includes a medication gear rack, meshed with the connecting gear.

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: retracting a saline solution plunger to extract the medical fluid through a return path of the tubing, wherein the saline solution plunger includes a saline solution gear rack meshed with the connecting gear, and the saline solution plunger is retracted by rotating the connecting gear.

15. The method according to claim 14, characterized in that it further comprises: uncoupling the medication rack from the connecting gear; and advancing the saline solution plunger to propel the saline solution through the administration flow path pl LPnn / zznz / E / YiAi of the pipe.

16. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that it further comprises: advancing a pusher assembly to engage and advance the medication plunger.

17. The method according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises: decoupling an intermediate shaft from the pusher assembly; and advancing the pusher assembly relative to the medication plunger.

18. The method according to claim 17, characterized in that it further comprises: advancing the pusher assembly to couple and advance a saline solution plunger.

19. A drug delivery system, characterized in that it comprises: a syringe assembly, comprising: a mounting housing; a first syringe disposed within the mounting housing, the first syringe comprising a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity and a first syringe port, wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity;and a first movable plunger within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first gear rack extending longitudinally along the first plunger; a second syringe disposed within the assembly housing, the second syringe comprising a second syringe body defining a second syringe cavity and a second syringe port, wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity;and a second movable plunger within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second rack extending longitudinally along the second plunger; and a connecting gear rotatably coupled to the mounting housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to mesh with at least one of the first gear rack and the second gear rack; and a tube defining a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the first flow path is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, and the second flow path is in fluid communication with the second syringe port.

20. The medication delivery system of 5 according to claim 19, characterized in that it further comprises a flow delivery line in fluid communication between the second syringe port and the first flow path.

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