Syringe to sequentially deliver boluses of medications and flushes

Abstract

A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe including a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end, a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, an outlet defined at the second end of the body, a plunger slidably coupled to the body, and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid. The piercing device has a piercing member extending into the chamber. The pods are positioned within the chamber. The pods including a pod body defining an upper concave surface and a bottom convex surface and a pod ring coupled to the upper concave surface.

Description

Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 SYRINGE TO SEQUENTIALLY DELIVER BOLUSES OF MEDICATIONS AND FLUSHES CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 674,397, filed on July 23, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a syringe for dispensing fluids, including medication, saline, etc. More particularly, this disclosure is directed to a syringe that includes a plurality of pods or boluses of medication and flushes. Each pod contains a fluid and the fluid in each pod can be sequentially dispensed though the syringe. BACKGROUND

[0003] Intravenous (IV) medication administration is a cornerstone of modern healthcare, providing a reliable and efficient route for delivering fluids, electrolytes, and medications. However, this procedure harbors potential complications impacting patient safety and outcomes. A major concern of IV therapy is central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). CLASBSIs can occur when pathogens enter the bloodstream through the catheter insertion site or during IV-line manipulation. CLABSIs are associated with significant morbidity, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. CLABSI affect an average of 0.5 to 5 catheters for every 1,000 catheter used, which translates to thousands of infections annually. Factors contributing to CLABSI include improper insertion technique, inadequate skin antisepsis, contamination during dressing changes, and unnecessary manipulations of the catheter. In addition to CLASBIS, the complex nature of IV medication delivery creates a vulnerability to medication errors. These errors can include dose miscalculations, incompatibility issues between drugs or fluids, and / or administration through the incorrect route. Medication errors during IV delivery can cause life-threatening complications.

[0004] Medical devices such as syringes may be used to deliver pre-measured medications. Many syringes contain a single type of pre-measured medication. This can lead to port contamination, excess air introduced between medications, and an increase in infection risk when many different medications are being administered. The development of aAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 closed IV systems with multiple pre-measured medications and / or saline can help minimize waste and streamline the administration process.

[0005] The discussion above is merely provided for general background information and is not intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, the disclosure is directed to a syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe includes a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end, a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, an outlet defined at the first end of the body, a plunger slidably coupled to the body, and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid. The piercing device has a piercing member extending into the chamber. The pods are positioned within the chamber. The pods including a pod body defining an upper concave surface and a bottom convex surface and a pod ring coupled to the upper concave surface.

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe includes a body having a first barrel defining a first chamber and a second barrel defining a second chamber, a first piercing device provided in the first chamber, a second piercing device provided in the second chamber, an outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber, and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid, the plurality of pods including a first pod provided in the first chamber and a second pod provided in the second chamber.

[0008] In yet another aspect, the disclosure is directed to a syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe including a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end, a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, an outlet defined at the first end of the body, and a pod configured to hold a fluid. The pod is positioned within the chamber. The piercing device has a piercing member extending into the chamber. The pod includes a pod body composed of a first material, and a pod ring coupled to the body and composed of a second material having a higher tensile strength than the first material. The piercing device is configured to pierce the first material to release the fluid from the pod.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01

[0009] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG.1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a syringe defining a chamber that receives a plurality of pods with a premeasured amount of fluid according to the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG.2 is an exploded perspective view of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0012] FIG.3 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a piercing device of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0013] FIG.4 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a body of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0014] FIG.5 is a perspective view of a plunger of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0015] FIG.6 is a top perspective view of a plunger gasket of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0016] FIG.7 is a bottom perspective view of the plunger gasket of FIG.6.

[0017] FIG.8 is a perspective view of a pod ring of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0018] FIG.9 is a side view of the pod ring of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0019] FIG.10 is a top view of the pod ring of the syringe of FIG.1.

[0020] FIG.11 is a perspective view of a pod having the pod ring of FIG.7.

[0021] FIG.12 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe and the plurality of pods of FIG.1.

[0022] FIG.13A is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG.1 with a first pod and a second pod received therein, the first pod engaging the piercing device of the syringe.

[0023] FIG.13B is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG.13A with the second pod engaging the piercing device of the syringe after the first pod has ruptured.

[0024] FIG.13C is a cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG.13A after the first pod and the second pod have ruptured.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01

[0025] FIG.14 is another example of an embodiment of a syringe according to the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG.15 is an exploded perspective view of the syringe of FIG.14.

[0027] FIG.16 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the syringe of FIG.14.

[0028] FIG.17 is another example of an embodiment of a piercing device according to the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG.18 is another embodiment of a body of a syringe according to the present disclosure.

[0030] FIG.19 is a cross-sectional view of the body of the syringe of FIG.18.

[0031] FIG.20 is another embodiment of a syringe according to the present disclosure, the syringe including the body of FIG.18, the syringe defining a chamber that receives a plurality of pods with a premeasured amount of fluid. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Before any embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

[0033] The concepts disclosed in this discussion are described and illustrated by referring to exemplary embodiments. These concepts, however, are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components in the illustrative embodiments and are capable of being practiced or being carried out in various other ways. The terminology in this document is used for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. Words such as “including,” “comprising,” and “having” and variations thereof as used herein are meant to encompass the items listed thereafter, equivalents thereof, as well as additional items.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01

[0034] FIGS.1 and 2 illustrate a syringe 110 for dispensing a fluid (e.g., a medication, a saline solution, or the like). The syringe 110 includes a body 114 (or barrel 114) that includes a first end 118, a second end 122 opposite the first end 118, and a chamber 126 defined between the first and second ends 118, 122. A plunger 128 is slidably received by the second end 122 of the body 114. The syringe 110 further includes a plunger clip 132 that selectively secures the plunger 128 to the body 114 (e.g., for transportation of the syringe 110 prior to use).

[0035] Now with reference to FIGS.2 and 3, the syringe 110 further includes a piercing device 130 coupled to the first end 118 of the body 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing device 130 (or piercing assembly 130) includes a housing 134 that is coupled to the body 114. It should be appreciated that in the illustrated embodiment, the piercing device 130 is a separate component from the body 114. In other examples of embodiments, the piercing device 130 can be fastened or otherwise unitarily formed with the body 114. A sealing member 136, illustrated as an O-ring, is positioned between the piercing device 130 and the body 114. The sealing member 136 is configured to seal the first end 118 of the body 114.

[0036] With specific reference to FIG.3, the housing 134 includes an internal surface 146, an outlet 138 defined in the internal surface 146, and a piercing member 142 (FIG.4). In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 138 is defined at the first end 118 of the body 114 (FIG.1). More specifically, the outlet 138 is defined in the piercing device 130. In the illustrated embodiment, the internal surface 146 is concave to force fluid from the chamber 126 (FIG.2) towards the outlet 138. The piercing member 142 is coupled to the internal surface 146. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing member 142 has an arrowhead geometry with a plurality of fins 144. A recess is defined in the base of each fin of the piercing member 142 to form an arcuate cut-out 150 fluidly connect the chamber 126 of the body 114 (FIG.4) to the outlet 138. In other words, the piercing member 142 includes a hollow base to allow fluid from the chamber 126 to enter the outlet 138. In other embodiments, the piercing device 130 may be uniform or integral with the body 114 of the syringe 110.

[0037] With continued reference to FIGS.3 and 4, the piercing device 130 includes a plurality of grooves 154 having at least one first protrusion 158 (FIG.3) positioned in each groove 154. The body 114 includes a plurality of second protrusions 162 circumferentially positioned around an outer surface of the body 114. Each second protrusion 162 is configuredAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 to be received in an associated groove 154 of the piercing device 130 to interlock the piercing device 130 to the body 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing device 130 includes four grooves 154 circumferentially spaced with protrusions 158 in each groove while the body includes four corresponding protrusions 162. In other embodiments, the piercing device 130 may include more (e.g., five, six, etc.) or less (e.g., three, two, one) grooves 154 and protrusions 158 and the body 114 includes the same number of protrusions 162 as the piercing device 130.

[0038] Now with reference back to FIG.2, the syringe 110 further includes a first end cap 166 that is selectively coupled to the first end 118 of the body 114 and a second end cap 170 that is selectively coupled to the second end 122 of the body 114. The first end cap 166 surrounds the piercing device 130 to enclose or seal the outlet 138. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end cap 166 includes a first set of threads 176 (e.g., external threads). The first set of threads 176 are configured to engage with a second set of threads 180 (e.g., internal threads) to fasten the first end cap 166 to the body 114. In other embodiments, the first end cap 166 may be alternatively coupled to the body 114 (e.g., snap fit, press fit, or the like). The second end cap 170 is press fit onto the second end 122 of the body 114. In other embodiments, the second end cap 170 may be alternatively coupled to the body 114 (e.g., threaded, snap fit, or the like). The first and second end caps 166, 170 may be coupled to the body 114 for the transportation of the syringe 110. During operation of the syringe 110, the end caps 166, 170 are removed and the plunger 128 is inserted within the second end 122 of the body 114.

[0039] With reference back to FIG.4, the body 114 includes a plurality of guide grooves 174. The guide grooves 174 are circumferentially spaced along an internal surface of the body 114. Each groove 174 extends from the first end 118 to the second end 122 of the body 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 114 includes four grooves 174. In other examples of embodiments, the body 114 can include more grooves 174 (e.g., five, six, etc.) or fewer grooves 174 (e.g., three, two, or one). Each groove 174 includes a plurality of indexing projections 178 positioned therein. The indexing projections 178, which are described in more detail below, guide the plunger 128 through the chamber 126.

[0040] Now with references to FIGS.2, 5, and 6, the plunger 128 includes a first end 182 defining a pressing surface, a second end 186 opposite the first end 182 and plunger body 190 extending therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the plunger body 190 has a pluralityAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 of fins that are receiving within the guide grooves 174 of the body 114. The second end 186 of the plunger body 190 includes a first threaded connection 194 that a plunger gasket 198 (FIG.6) is coupled to. In other embodiments, the plunger gasket 198 may be coupled to the plunger body 190 in an alternative fashion (e.g., press fit, snap fit, or the like). In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 182 of the plunger 128 includes a groove 188. In a transportation or unloaded position, the plunger 128 (FIG.1), the groove 188 (FIG.5) is sized to receive a protrusion 192 (FIG.4) formed on an external surface the body 114 of the syringe 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 192 is received within the groove 188 with an interference fit. Further, the fins of the plunger body 190 includes a cut-out 196 (FIGS.1 and 5) sized to receive the plunger clip 132 (FIG.1). The combination of the groove 188, the protrusion 192, the cut-out 196 and the plunger clip secures the plunger 128 to the body 114 in the transportation or unloaded position.

[0041] With reference now to FIGS.6 and 7, the plunger gasket 198 includes a first portion 202 and a second portion 206 coupled to the first portion 202. The first portion 202 includes a second threaded connection 210 that engages the first threaded connection 194 of the plunger 128. In the illustrated embodiment, the first threaded connection 194 is an external thread and the second threaded connection 210 is an internal thread. In other embodiments, the first portion 202 may be alternatively coupled to the plunger 128. Further, it should be appreciated that the plunger gasket 198 may be formed as a single, uniform structure.

[0042] The first portion 202 further includes a first connection portion 214 formed on an opposite side of the first portion 202 than the second threaded connection 210. The second portion 206 of the plunger gasket 198 includes a second connection portion 218 that engages with the first connection portion 214 to secure the first and second portions 202, 206 of the plunger gasket 198 together. In the illustrated embodiment, the first connection portion 214 includes a plurality of leg members 226 and a plate 230 having a receiving aperture 234 defined therein. Further, the second connection portion 218 includes an aperture 238 and a conical plunger 242 positioned therein. During assembly, the conical plunger 242 is inserted within the receiving aperture 234, while the plate 230 and leg members 226 engage side walls of the aperture 238 to secure the second portion 206 to the first portion 202 of the plunger gasket 198.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01

[0043] The first and second portions 202 of the plunger gasket 198 further include a plurality of plunger guide protrusions 246, 250 that are sized to engage with the grooves 174 of the body 114 (FIG.4). The guide protrusions 246, 250 are received within the grooves 174 to guide the plunger 128 along the body 114. The second portion 206 further defines an engagement surface 256. In the illustrated embodiments, the engagement surface 256 (FIG. 7) has a convex surface.

[0044] Now with reference to FIGS.1 and 2, the chamber 126 of the body 114 is sized to receive a plurality of pods 258. Each of the plurality of pods 258 is configured to hold a fluid (e.g., medications, a saline flush, or the like) that is dispensed through the syringe 110. In some embodiment, the pods 258 are a bolus of medication or flushes. In the illustrated embodiment, the chamber 126 is sized to receive three (3) pods 258. In other embodiments, the chamber 126 may be sized to receive more pods (e.g., four, five, six, seven, eight, etc.) or less pods (e.g., two). While only one pod 258 is described in detail, it should be appreciated that each pod 258 may have the same construction. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe 110 may be prefilled with the pods 258 prior to transportation of the syringe 110. Since the body 114 and the piercing device 130 can be formed of separate components, both ends 118, 122 of the body 114 are open (or exposed). Therefore, a machine may be used to automate the placement of the plurality of pods 258 into the chamber 126 from either end 118, 122 of the body 114. Once the plurality of pods 258 are positioned within the chamber 126 of the body 114, the O-ring 136 is placed within a groove formed in the first end 118 of the body 114. Piercing device 130 can then be coupled (or fastened) to the body 114, for example by a snap-fit configuration, to form a barrel of the syringe 110.

[0045] As illustrated in more detail in FIGS.8-11, each pod 258 includes a pod ring 262 coupled thereto. The pod ring 262 includes a plurality of pod guiding protrusions 266 that are received within the grooves 174 to guide the pods within the body 114. The pod ring 262 defines a first, upper surface 270 and a second, bottom surface 274 opposite the first, upper surface 270. The pod ring 262 has a tapered outer surface such that a first diameter D1 of the upper surface 270 is greater than a second diameter D2 of the bottom surface 274. The construction of the pod ring 262 allows sequential pod rings 262 to nest on top of each other. In other words, the bottom surface 274 of a second pod ring is received through the upper surface 270 of a first pod ring.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01

[0046] Now with reference to FIG.11, the pod 258 includes a body defining an upper concave surface 278 and a bottom convex surface 282. The pod ring 262 is coupled to the upper surface 278 of the pod 258. In the illustrated embodiment, the pod ring 262 is thermally bonded to the upper surface 278. In other embodiments, the pod ring 262 may be alternatively coupled to the pod 258. The upper, concave surface 278 corresponds with the convex surface of the engagement surface 256 (FIG.7) of the plunger gasket 198. The bottom convex surface 282 corresponds to with the upper concave surface 278. The construction of the pod 258 allows the pods 258 to stack tightly in the syringe (FIG.1), which reduces air gaps between the pods 258.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the pods 258 are formed of a plurality of materials, and more specifically at least two materials. For example, the bottom convex surface 282 of the pod 258 is formed of a first material while the upper concave surface 278 is formed of a second material. The second material has a stronger tensile strength than the first material. In other words, the first material punctures easier than the second material. In some embodiments, the first material is a film defining the bottom convex surface 282. The thickness of the film may be in a range from 0.025 millimeters (mm) to 0.1 mm. In some embodiments, the thickness may be 0.076 mm. In some embodiments, the film of the bottom surface 282 is formed of polypropylene thermoformed. In some embodiments, the film is formed of a polyethylene Terephthalate and Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate composite. In some embodiments, the film may be heat-sealed to increase the strength of the film. The film may be heat-sealed at a temperature range between 90 and 110 °C. In some embodiments, the film is heat-sealed at 98 °C.

[0048] The syringe 110 may be assembled in a factory or assembled on site. During assembly of the syringe, the sealing member 136 is coupled to the first end 118 of the body 114 and the piercing device 130 is coupled to the first end 118. The pods 258 are inserted within the chamber 126 such that the pod guide protrusions 266 are inserted within the guide grooves 174 of the body 114. In some embodiments, the first and second portions 202, 206 of the plunger gasket 198 are coupled together and inserted within the chamber 126 such that the plunger guide protrusions 246, 250 are inserted within the guide grooves 174 of the body 114. During transportation of the syringe 110, the first end cap 166 and the second end cap 170 are coupled to the body 114 to secure the pods 258 and the plunger gasket 198 within in the syringe 110. Further, the plunger 128 is coupled to the body 114 via the plunger clip 132.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01

[0049] With reference now to FIG.12, the syringe 110 is illustrated with three pods 258 stacked in the body 114, and the plunger 128 engaging the plunger gasket 198 to facilitate movement of the pods 258 towards the piercing device 130. The end cap 166 is illustrated as coupled to the piercing device 130. However, it should be appreciated that the end cap 166 can be removed from the piercing device 130 prior to operation.

[0050] FIGS.13A-13C illustrate an example sequence of operating the syringe 110 including two pods 258. Beginning with FIG.13A, the engagement surface 256 (FIG.7) of the plunger gasket 198 engages the upper surface 278 of the uppermost pod 258 (e.g., the pod 258 closest to the second end 122 of the body 114). The pressure exerted to the upper surface 278 of the pod 258 sequentially pushes the other pod towards the first end 118 of the body 114 such that the pod 258 closest to the first end 118 is urged into engagement with the piercing device 130. The piercing device 130 engages and punctures the pod 258 closest to the first end 118 of the body 114, such that fluid from the pod 258 flows through the arcuate cut-out 150 in the piercing member 142. In particular, the piercing member 142 pierces the bottom convex surface 282 of the pod 258. Thus, the fluid is dispensed through the outlet 138. Once a majority of the fluid from the first pod 258 is dispensed from the outlet 138, the plunger 128 sequentially moves the pods. Simultaneously, the pod ring 262 of the first pod is collected at the first end 118 of the body 114.

[0051] With reference now to FIG.13B, the piercing member 142 pierces the upper convex surface 278 of the first pod 258 prior to piercing the bottom convex surface 282 of the second pod 258. Due to the geometry of the pods 258, the bottom convex surface 282 is able to extend through the pod ring 262 collected at the first end of the body 114. In the illustrated embodiment, the first pod may include a saline flush and the second pod may include a first type of medication. The saline flush clears the intravenous port in the patient and prepares it for the first medication from the chamber 126 and allows the first type of medicine to be administered without cross-contamination of the intravenous port.

[0052] With reference now to FIG.13C, once a majority of the fluid from the second pod 258 is dispensed from the outlet 138, the plunger 128 sequentially moves the pods. Simultaneously, the pod ring 262 of the second pod is collected at the first end 118 of the body 114 and is nested on top of the pod ring 262 of the first pod. As discussed above, the construction of the pod ring 262 allows sequential pod rings 262 to nest on top of each other such that the bottom surface 274 of the pod ring of the second pod is received through theAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 upper surface 270 (FIG.9) of a pod ring of the first pod. The piercing member 142 pierces the upper convex surface 278 of the second pod 258 prior to piercing the pierces the bottom convex surface 282 of the third pod 258. Due to the geometry of the pod rings 262 and pods 258, the syringe 110 can continue to dispense fluid from sequential pods. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe 110 dispenses fluid from two (2) separate pods. In other embodiments, such as the embodiment shown and described in FIGS.14-16, the syringe 110 may be sized to dispense more than two pods. As discussed above, the syringe may alternatively dispense a saline flush and a medication to allow medicine to be administered without cross-contamination, and to provide a starting and a final saline flush to the intravenous port.

[0053] Now with reference to FIGS.14-16, another example of a syringe 310 is illustrated. The syringe 310 is similar to the syringe 110 illustrated in FIGS.1-13C, but includes an alternative body 314 where an outlet 338 is uniformly formed with the body 314. The construction of the body 314 allows pods 458 to be manually loaded from a second end 322 of the body 114. Therefore, the syringe 310 is configured to be manually loaded for customized or compounded orders. Such a manual loading can be implemented by a machine, or a suitable individual (e.g., a pharmacist, nurse, physician, etc.). As such, like components are numbered with the same reference number plus “200”. It should also be appreciated that all of the components associated with the syringe 110 and shown in FIGS.1-13C may be used with the syringe 310 illustrated in FIGS.14-16.

[0054] The syringe 310 includes a body 314 or barrel having a first end 318, a second end 322 opposite the first end 318, and a chamber 326 defined between the first and second ends 318, 322. A plunger 328 is slidably received in the second end 322 of the body 314. The syringe 310 further includes a plunger clip 332 that selectively secures the plunger 328 to the body 314 (e.g., for transportation of the syringe 110).

[0055] Now with reference to FIG.16, the syringe 310 further includes a piercing device 330 formed proximate the first end 318 of the body 314. In the illustrated embodiment, the body 314 includes an outlet 338 defined at the first end 318 and the piercing device 330 includes a piercing member 142 (FIG.4) is coupled to the body 314 proximate the outlet 338. The body 314 includes an internal surface 346 that is concave to force fluid from the chamber 326 (FIG.2) towards the outlet 338. The piercing member 342 is coupled to the internal surface 346. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing member 342 has an arrowheadAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 geometry with a plurality of fins. A recess is defined in the base of each fin of the piercing member 342 to form an aperture 350 fluidly connect the chamber 326 of the body 314 (FIG. 4) to the outlet 338. In other words, the piercing member 342 includes a hollow base to allow fluid from the chamber 326 to enter the outlet 338.

[0056] Now with reference to FIG.17, another example of a piercing device 530 is illustrated. The piercing device 530 is similar to the piercing device 130, 330 illustrated in FIGS.3 and 16, but includes an alternative geometry to pierce the pods 258, 458 within syringe 110, 310. As such, and for efficiency of disclosure, like components are numbered with the same reference number plus “400”. It should also be appreciated that all of the components associated with the piercing device 530 may be used with the syringe 110 illustrated in FIGS.1-13C or the syringe 310 illustrated in FIGS.14-16.

[0057] With specific reference to FIG.17, the piercing device 530 is fastened to the body 314. The body also defines an outlet 338, that the piercing device 530 is positioned adjacent. The piercing device 330 includes a piercing member 542 (FIG.4) having an arrowhead geometry defined by a plurality of fins 544. An arcuate cut-out 550 is defined in the base of each fin of the piercing member 542. Accordingly, the piercing device 530 includes a plurality of arcuate cut-out 550 defined by the adjacent fins 544 to form a collective cut-out 550 that fluidly connects the chamber 326 of the body 314 (FIG.4) to the outlet 338.

[0058] The piercing member 542 further includes a tip portion 545 (or primary piercing tip 545) and a plurality of auxiliary tip portions 549 (or secondary piercing tips 549). The tip portion 545 defines a conical tip 547 (or conical portion 547) that extends from the fins 544. The plurality of auxiliary tip portions 549 are positioned around an outer circumference of the tip portion 545. The auxiliary tip portions 549 are offset from the conical tip 547. In the illustrated embodiment, the piercing device 530 includes four auxiliary tip portions 549 positioned around the outer circumference of the tip portion 545. In other examples of embodiments, the piercing device 530 can include any suitable number of auxiliary tip portions 549. In the illustrated embodiment, each auxiliary tip portion 549 defines an arrowhead shape. The auxiliary tip portions 549 are configured to increase the sharpness of the tip portion 545 while reducing the pressure and force required to pierce the pod. In operation, once the pod passes the conical tip 547, the arrowhead geometry of the auxiliary tips further punctures the pod and extends the hole in the pod. Further, the plurality of finsAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 544 of the piercing member moves the film away from the outlet 338 after the pod is punctured to reduce risk of clogging the outlet 338.

[0059] Now with reference to FIGS.18-20, another example of a syringe 610 is illustrated. The syringe 610 is similar to the syringe 110 illustrated in FIGS.1-13C, but includes an alternative body 614. The body 614 includes two barrels 616, each of which is configured to receive one or more pods 756. The body 614 can be referred to as a double- barrel body 614. Like components are numbered with the same reference number plus “500”. It should also be appreciated that all of the components associated with the syringe 110 and shown in FIGS.1-13C may be used with the syringe 610 illustrated in FIGS.18-20.

[0060] With reference to FIG.19, the barrels 616 are oriented to extend parallel to each other. In other examples of embodiments, the barrels 616 can be oriented oblique to each other. Each barrel 616 can include similar components as the body 114. For example, the syringe 610 can include a piercing member 642 at the bottom of each barrel 616. Each piercing member 642 is connected to an arcuate cut-out 650, through which liquid from the ruptured pods 756 is configured to flow. Each arcuate cutout 650 is connected to a single outlet 638 of the syringe 610. As such, the liquid from ruptured pods 756 in each barrel 616 is configured to flow out of the single outlet 638.

[0061] With reference to FIG.20, the syringe 610 includes a first end cap 666 and a second end cap 670. The first end cap 666 is configured to selectively couple to a first end 618 of the body 614. The second end cap 670 is configured to selectively coupled to a second end 622 of the body 614. The second end cap 670 covers openings to each of the barrels 616 of the body 614.

[0062] During operation of the syringe 610, a plunger gasket 698 is provided in each barrel 616. Each plunger gasket 698 is engaged by a respective plunger 628 to move the plunger gasket 698 through the respective barrel 616. It should be appreciated that the syringe 610 can be operated similar to the syringe 110. In some examples of embodiments, the syringe 610 can include pods 756 with a first type of liquid (e.g., a saline solution) in a first of the barrels 616 and pods 756 with a second type of liquid (e.g., a medication) in a second of the barrels 616. In this example, the user can rupture a pod 756 from the first barrel 616 to dispense a saline solution to clean the outlet 638. The user can then rupture a pod 756 from the second barrel 616 to dispense a certain medication. The user can then rupture a pod 756Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 from the first barrel 616 to dispense a saline solution to clean the medication out of the outlet 638. The user can then rupture a pod 756 from the second barrel 616 to dispense a certain medication (the same medication or a different medication). The illustrated syringe 610 includes six pods 756 in each barrel 616. In other embodiments, the syringe 610 can include fewer or more pods 756 in one or more of the barrels 616.

[0063] The examples of embodiments of a syringe may further be described by reference to the following clauses:

[0064] Clause 1: A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end; a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, the piercing device having a piercing member extending into the chamber; an outlet defined at the first end of the body; a plunger slidably coupled to the body; and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid, the pods positioned within the chamber, the pods including a pod body defining an upper concave surface and a bottom convex a pod ring coupled to the upper concave surface.

[0065] Clause 2: The syringe of clause 1, wherein the plunger includes a convex engagement surface that corresponds with the upper concave surface.

[0066] Clause 3: The syringe of clause 1 or 2, wherein the body includes a guide groove extending between the first end and the second end, and wherein the pod ring includes a pod guiding protrusion that is received within the guide groove of the body.

[0067] Clause 4: The syringe of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the pod ring defines an upper surface and a bottom surface opposite the upper surface, and wherein the pod ring has a tapered outer surface such that a first diameter of the upper surface is greater than a second diameter of the bottom surface.

[0068] Clause 5: The syringe of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the bottom convex surface of the pod is formed of a first material and the upper concave surface isAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 formed of a second material, and wherein the second material has a stronger tensile strength than the first material.

[0069] Clause 6: The syringe of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the plurality of pods includes a first pod and a second pod, and wherein the pod ring of the first pod is configured to stack with the pod ring of the second pod in response to the piercing device piercing the pod body of the first pod and the second pod.

[0070] Clause 7: The syringe of any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the piercing device includes an internal surface, a piercing member extending from the internal surface, and a cut-out defined in a base of the piercing member, and wherein the cut-out fluidly connects the chamber and the outlet.

[0071] Clause 8: The syringe of clause 7, wherein the piercing member includes an arrowhead geometry defined by a plurality of fins, the cut-out is a first of a plurality of cut-outs, and each cut-out is defined in the base of each fin.

[0072] Clause 9: A method of dispensing a fluid comprising: providing the syringe of any one of the preceding clauses, the plurality of pods including a first pod holding a first fluid and a second pod holding a second fluid, the first pod provided between the piercing device and the second pod; sliding the plunger through the chamber, the plunger engaged with the pod ring of the second pod; piercing the pod body of the first pod with the piercing device, the first fluid from the first pod configured to exit the syringe through the outlet; and piercing the pod body of the second pod with the piercing device, the second fluid from the second pod configured to exit the syringe through the outlet.

[0073] Clause 10: The method of clause 9, wherein the first fluid is a saline solution configured to clean the outlet, and wherein the second fluid is a medicine configured to be administered to a patient.

[0074] Clause 11: A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe comprisingAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 a body having a first barrel defining a first chamber and a second barrel defining a second chamber; a first piercing device provided in the first chamber; a second piercing device provided in the second chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber; and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid, the plurality of pods including a first pod provided in the first chamber and a second pod provided in the second chamber.

[0075] Clause 12: The syringe of clause 11, wherein the first barrel is oriented parallel with the second barrel.

[0076] Clause 13: The syringe of clause 11 or 12, wherein the first pod includes a first liquid and the second pod includes a second liquid different than the first liquid.

[0077] Clause 14: The syringe of any one of clauses 11 to 13, further comprising a first cut-out provided adjacent the first piercing device and a second cut-out provided adjacent the second piercing device, wherein the first cut-out fluidly connects the first chamber with the outlet, and wherein the second cut-out fluidly connects the second chamber with the outlet.

[0078] Clause 15: The syringe of any one of clauses 11 to 14, further comprising a first plunger slidably received in the first chamber and a second plunger slidably received in the second chamber, wherein the first plunger is slidable to direct the first pod towards the first piercing device, and wherein the second plunger is slidable to direct the second pod towards the second piercing device.

[0079] Clause 16: A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end; a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, the piercing device having a piercing member extending into the chamber; an outlet defined at the first end of the body; a pod configured to hold a fluid, the pod positioned within the chamber, the pod including a pod body composed of a first material, andAttorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 a pod ring coupled to the body and composed of a second material having a higher tensile strength than the first material, wherein the piercing device is configured to pierce the first material to release the fluid from the pod.

[0080] Clause 17: The syringe of clause 16, wherein the pod body defines an upper concave surface and a bottom convex surface.

[0081] Clause 18: The syringe of clause 16 or 17, wherein the pod is a first of a plurality of pods.

[0082] Clause 19: The syringe of any one of clauses 16 to 18, wherein in response to the piercing device piercing the first material, the pod ring is configured to surround the piercing device.

[0083] Clause 20: The syringe of clause 19, further comprising a cut-out provided adjacent the piercing device, the cut-out fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet.

[0084] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more independent aspects of the invention as described. Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end; a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, the piercing device having a piercing member extending into the chamber; an outlet defined at the first end of the body; a plunger slidably coupled to the body; and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid, the pods positioned within the chamber, the pods including a pod body defining an upper concave surface and a bottom convex surface, and a pod ring coupled to the upper concave surface. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the plunger includes a convex engagement surface that corresponds with the upper concave surface.

3. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the body includes a guide groove extending between the first end and the second end, and wherein the pod ring includes a pod guiding protrusion that is received within the guide groove of the body.

4. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the pod ring defines an upper surface and a bottom surface opposite the upper surface, and wherein the pod ring has a tapered outer surface such that a first diameter of the upper surface is greater than a second diameter of the bottom surface.

5. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the bottom convex surface of the pod is formed of a first material and the upper concave surface is formed of a second material, and wherein the second material has a stronger tensile strength than the first material.Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 6. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the plurality of pods includes a first pod and a second pod, and wherein the pod ring of the first pod is configured to stack with the pod ring of the second pod in response to the piercing device piercing the pod body of the first pod and the second pod.

7. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the piercing device includes an internal surface, a piercing member extending from the internal surface, and a cut-out defined in a base of the piercing member, and wherein the cut-out fluidly connects the chamber and the outlet.

8. The syringe of claim 7, wherein the piercing member includes an arrowhead geometry defined by a plurality of fins, the cut-out is a first of a plurality of cut-outs, and each cut-out is defined in the base of each fin.

9. A method of dispensing a fluid comprising: providing the syringe of claim 1, the plurality of pods including a first pod holding a first fluid and a second pod holding a second fluid, the first pod provided between the piercing device and the second pod; sliding the plunger through the chamber, the plunger engaged with the pod ring of the second pod; piercing the pod body of the first pod with the piercing device, the first fluid from the first pod configured to exit the syringe through the outlet; and piercing the pod body of the second pod with the piercing device, the second fluid from the second pod configured to exit the syringe through the outlet.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the first fluid is a saline solution configured to clean the outlet, and wherein the second fluid is a medicine configured to be administered to a patient.

11. A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe comprising a body having a first barrel defining a first chamber and a second barrel defining a second chamber; a first piercing device provided in the first chamber;Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 a second piercing device provided in the second chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the first chamber and the second chamber; and a plurality of pods configured to hold a fluid, the plurality of pods including a first pod provided in the first chamber and a second pod provided in the second chamber.

12. The syringe of claim 11, wherein the first barrel is oriented parallel with the second barrel.

13. The syringe of claim 11, wherein the first pod includes a first liquid and the second pod includes a second liquid different than the first liquid.

14. The syringe of claim 11, further comprising a first cut-out provided adjacent the first piercing device and a second cut-out provided adjacent the second piercing device, wherein the first cut-out fluidly connects the first chamber with the outlet, and wherein the second cut- out fluidly connects the second chamber with the outlet.

15. The syringe of claim 11, further comprising a first plunger slidably received in the first chamber and a second plunger slidably received in the second chamber, wherein the first plunger is slidable to direct the first pod towards the first piercing device, and wherein the second plunger is slidable to direct the second pod towards the second piercing device.

16. A syringe for dispensing a fluid, the syringe comprising: a body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a chamber defined between the first and second end; a piercing device coupled to the first end of the body, the piercing device having a piercing member extending into the chamber; an outlet defined at the first end of the body; a pod configured to hold a fluid, the pod positioned within the chamber, the pod including a pod body composed of a first material, and a pod ring coupled to the body and composed of a second material having a higher tensile strength than the first material,Attorney Docket No.020871-0016-WO01 wherein the piercing device is configured to pierce the first material to release the fluid from the pod.

17. The syringe of claim 16, wherein the pod body defines an upper concave surface and a bottom convex surface.

18. The syringe of claim 16, wherein the pod is a first of a plurality of pods.

19. The syringe of claim 16, wherein in response to the piercing device piercing the first material, the pod ring is configured to surround the piercing device.

20. The syringe of claim 19, further comprising a cut-out provided adjacent the piercing device, the cut-out fluidly connecting the chamber and the outlet.

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