US20040116861A1 - Front-loading injector system including a syringe and an injector having a drive piston adapted to connectively engage the syringe plunger - Google Patents
Front-loading injector system including a syringe and an injector having a drive piston adapted to connectively engage the syringe plunger Download PDFInfo
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- US20040116861A1 US20040116861A1 US10/669,144 US66914403A US2004116861A1 US 20040116861 A1 US20040116861 A1 US 20040116861A1 US 66914403 A US66914403 A US 66914403A US 2004116861 A1 US2004116861 A1 US 2004116861A1
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- syringe
- plunger
- piston
- injector
- interface
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
- A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
- A61M5/1452—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons
- A61M5/14546—Front-loading type injectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
- A61M5/142—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps
- A61M5/145—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons
- A61M5/1452—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons
- A61M5/14566—Pressure infusion, e.g. using pumps using pressurised reservoirs, e.g. pressurised by means of pistons pressurised by means of pistons with a replaceable reservoir for receiving a piston rod of the pump
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/28—Syringe ampoules or carpules, i.e. ampoules or carpules provided with a needle
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
- A61M5/31511—Piston or piston-rod constructions, e.g. connection of piston with piston-rod
- A61M5/31515—Connection of piston with piston rod
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
- A61M5/178—Syringes
- A61M5/31—Details
- A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
- A61M5/31565—Administration mechanisms, i.e. constructional features, modes of administering a dose
- A61M5/31576—Constructional features or modes of drive mechanisms for piston rods
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M39/00—Tubes, tube connectors, tube couplings, valves, access sites or the like, specially adapted for medical use
- A61M39/10—Tube connectors; Tube couplings
- A61M2039/1077—Adapters, e.g. couplings adapting a connector to one or several other connectors
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
- A61M2205/6063—Optical identification systems
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
- A61M2205/00—General characteristics of the apparatus
- A61M2205/60—General characteristics of the apparatus with identification means
- A61M2205/6063—Optical identification systems
- A61M2205/6072—Bar codes
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Heart & Thoracic Surgery (AREA)
- Hematology (AREA)
- Anesthesiology (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
- Vascular Medicine (AREA)
- Pulmonology (AREA)
- Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
Abstract
An injector system includes an injector and a syringe. The syringe preferably includes a body having a forward end and a rearward end, and a plunger movably disposed in the body. The injector preferably includes a housing and a piston movably disposed at least partially within the housing. The piston is adapted to drive the plunger of the syringe in a forward direction without a connective engagement therebetween to dispense fluid from the forward end of the body during an injection procedure, and to connectively engages the plunger to retract the plunger within the syringe.
Description
- This application is a division of application Ser. No. 09/777,020, filed on Feb. 5, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 09/718,230, filed on Nov. 21, 2000, now abandoned, and claims priority to Provisional Application Serial No. 60/180,647, filed on Feb. 7, 2000, and to Provisional Application Serial No. 60/229,550, filed on Sep. 5, 2000.
- This invention relates to medical injectors, and syringes, syringe interfaces, syringe adapters and syringe plungers for use therewith. More particularly, the present invention relates to front-loading medical injectors, and syringes, syringe interfaces, syringe plungers and adapters for use with new or existing medical injectors wherein a syringe of special construction is mountable upon and removable from the injectors by a releasable mechanism.
- Medical injectors and syringes for injecting contrast media into a patient for imaging biological structures are known in the art. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,980, issued to D. M. Reilly et al. on Jul. 7, 1987, and entitled “Angiographic Injector and Angiographic Syringe for Use Therewith,” which is assigned to the same Assignee as the subject application, discloses an angiographic injector apparatus. The apparatus is designed for injecting contrast media into the vascular system of an animal, in which syringes are rear-loaded into a pressure jacket of the injector. More specifically, the apparatus comprises a rotatable turret which carries a pair of the pressure jackets and which is rotatable so that when one of the pressure jackets, into which a syringe has been rear-loaded, is in an injection position, the other pressure jacket is in a position in which an associated syringe can be rear-loaded. Subsequently, when injection of contrast media from the first syringe is completed, the turret is rotated to move the first syringe to an unloading-loading position, with the second pressure jacket and the syringe concurrently being moved into the injection position.
- In the apparatus disclosed in the '980 patent, a drive member of the angiographic injector can be drivingly connected to, or disconnected from, a plunger of a syringe at any point along the path of travel of the syringe plunger by a releasable mechanism. However, for the releasable mechanism to correctly operate, the syringe plunger must be properly oriented to mate with the injector piston. Further, during loading of the syringe on the injector, the syringe must be correctly aligned within a respective pressure jacket to allow the syringe plunger and the injector piston to connect to and disconnect from each other.
- An improved apparatus over the '980 patent apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858, issued to D. M. Reilly et al. on Jan. 24, 1995, and entitled “Front-Loading Medical Injector and Syringe for Use Therewith,” which is also assigned to the same Assignee as the present application. In the apparatus described in the '858 patent, the syringe is front-loaded onto, in at least one embodiment, a pressure jacket-less injector, overcoming one of the drawbacks of the '980 patent injector apparatus.
- The injector described in the '858 patent has a first release mechanism for attaching and releasing the syringe from the injector. In addition, the apparatus includes a second release mechanism that engages and disengages the injector piston from the syringe plunger. Upon rotation of the syringe, the syringe is attached to or released from the injector and, simultaneously, the plunger is attached to or released from the piston. The structure disclosed requires that the syringe be installed on the injector in a specific orientation so that the syringe can releasably engage the injector and, simultaneously, the plunger can releasably engage the piston. In addition, as with the syringe disclosed in the '980 patent, during assembly the syringe plunger must be correctly oriented within the syringe.
- Another injector apparatus is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,300,031, issued to C. Neer et al. on Apr. 5, 1994, and entitled “Apparatus for Injecting Fluid into Animals and Disposable Front Loadable Syringe Therefor.” The '031 patent discloses various embodiments of a pressure-jacketed injector wherein a syringe is loaded into and removed from an injector pressure jacket through an opening provided in the front end of the pressure jacket. To retain the syringe within the pressure jacket, for example, during an injection operation, the front end of the syringe is locked to the front end of the pressure jacket. To correctly connect the syringe to the pressure jacket, the syringe may only be inserted into the pressure jacket in one orientation.
- In each example discussed above, the syringe must be connected to the injector in a specific orientation to assure proper syringe mounting. Proper alignment is required to assure that the syringe may be operated properly during a medical imaging procedure. The required orientation, however, hinders rapid attachment and replacement of the syringe. The required orientation may also increase the manufacturing assembly cost and complexity of the syringe.
- Accordingly, while the above injector and syringe apparatuses have proven effective, a need has arisen for a simpler front-loading medical injector. More specifically, to facilitate further the loading operation, a need has arisen for a syringe that can be easily connected to the injector without regard for the specific orientation of the syringe and/or syringe plunger. In addition, to simplify assembly of the syringe components, a need has arisen for a syringe with a plunger that does not need to be oriented in a specific relation to the barrel or base of the syringe. Furthermore, to minimize the time required to prepare an injector for an injection procedure, a need has arisen for injectors providing automated features.
- The present invention provides medical injectors, syringe interfaces, syringe adapters, syringe plungers and syringes for use therewith which address the needs that have arisen for a simpler injector and syringe system. Specifically, the present invention provides, in one aspect, a syringe interface and a mating syringe that cooperate to allow the syringe to be easily, readily and securely fastened to a medical injector. The syringe need not be oriented in any particular manner before being connected to the injector. In addition, the plunger need not be oriented in any particular manner with respect to the barrel of the syringe. The syringe and plunger both are provided with release mechanisms so that the syringe can be quickly installed on and unloaded from the injector and replaced with a new syringe.
- To accomplish these objectives, the present invention provides a syringe for engaging an injector. In a preferred embodiment, the syringe includes a syringe body having a syringe forward end adapted to dispense fluid and a syringe rearward end adapted to engage with the injector. A plunger or plunger cover is axially reciprocable within the syringe body. A flange member is disposed at the syringe rearward end. The flange is adapted to engage a flexible ring within a connector mechanism on the injector housing, or on a syringe interface or an adapter connected to the injector housing. The flange and flex ring combination provide for engagement of the syringe to and release of the syringe from the injector. Further, the syringe includes one or more members for engaging the flexible ring to permit disengagement of the syringe therefrom.
- In an alternate embodiment, the flange member may be disposed at the syringe forward end and the flexible ring may be disposed on a forward end of a pressure jacket connected to an injector.
- In another embodiment, the syringe includes a syringe body having a syringe forward end adapted to dispense fluid and a syringe rearward end adapted to engage with the injector. A plunger or plunger cover is axially reciprocable within the syringe body. At least one tab or flange member (which may be resilient) is disposed at the syringe rearward end. The at least one tab or flange is adapted to engage a wall portion on an injector, or a syringe interface or an adapter connected to the injector, when the syringe engages with the injector. The at least one tab or flange provides for engagement of the syringe to and release of the syringe from the injector.
- In still another embodiment, the syringe includes a syringe body having a syringe forward end adapted to dispense fluid and a syringe rearward end adapted to engage with the injector. A plunger is axially reciprocable within the syringe body. At least one resilient tab is disposed at the syringe rearward end. The at least one resilient tab is adapted to engage a wall portion on the injector, or a syringe interface or an adapter connected to the injector, when the syringe engages with the injector. The at least one tab provides for engagement of the syringe to and release of the syringe from the injector.
- In an alternate embodiment, the syringe includes at least two resilient tabs adapted to engage the wall portion of the injector when the syringe engages the injector. In still another embodiment, the syringe includes more than two tabs that are arranged around its base so that the syringe securely engages the injector.
- The present invention further provides an injector system combining a syringe and an injector. The syringes have the same general constructions as described above. The injector includes an interface adapted to receive the rearward end of the syringe. In a preferred embodiment, the interface of the injector includes a flexible ring for engaging a flange member disposed on the syringe. In an alternate embodiment, the flexible ring may be disposed on a forward end of a pressure jacket connected to the injector, and the flange member may be disposed on the forward end of the syringe to engage the flexible ring.
- In another embodiment, the injector includes a forward portion having a first diameter adapted to receive the syringe rearward end. The injector interface also includes a rearward portion having a second diameter, larger than the first diameter, and a ledge disposed between the forward portion and the rearward portion, joining the forward portion and the rearward portion together. The at least one tab on the syringe is adapted to resiliently engage the ledge when the syringe is engaged with the injector. The interface of the injector further includes a collar, reciprocable within the rearward portion adjacent a wall therein, adapted to urge the at least one tab inwardly to disengage the at least one tab from the ledge, thereby enabling removal of the syringe from the injector.
- The present invention further provides an injector piston, a syringe plunger assembly and a combined piston/plunger assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the syringe plunger assembly includes a plunger cover and an associated plunger cover support ring disposed within the syringe. In an alternate embodiment, the syringe plunger assembly includes only a plunger cover disposed within the syringe. The injector piston is preferably shaped to complement the shape of the plunger cover. In addition, the injector piston is preferably adapted to push the syringe plunger cover during forward axial movement, without an actual connection being made therebetween. During retraction of the plunger, however, the injector piston is adapter to connectively engage the plunger or plunger cover.
- In one embodiment, the piston/plunger assembly includes a piston associated with an injector, a piston sleeve surrounding the piston, a collar connected to one end of the piston sleeve, the collar defining an opening through which the piston extends, a plunger cap connected to the collar, the plunger cap defining an interior space, a gripper extender disposed on an end of the piston within the interior space of the plunger cap, a plurality of slots through a side of the plunger cap, a plurality of grippers disposed through the slots and being engageable with the gripper extender, and a biasing member in contact with the piston sleeve. Upon movement of the piston in a direction, the biasing member biases movement of the piston sleeve to restrict movement in the same direction to cause the gripper extender to push the plurality of grippers through the slots in the plunger cap for engagement with a plunger or rubber cover within a syringe.
- In other embodiments, the plunger and piston may be adapted to connect together electromechanically or electromagnetically.
- Further in accordance with the embodiments set forth above, the present invention also provides an adapter for receiving a syringe. The adapter engages with an injector and is disposed between the injector and the syringe. The adapter includes an adapter forward end adapted to engage the syringe. In one embodiment, the adapter rearward end has at least one resilient tab that is adapted to engage with the injector.
- The present invention further provides for an adapter assembly. The adapter assembly includes an adapter and a syringe for use therewith. In a preferred embodiment, the adapter includes an adapter rearward end comprising a flange member adapted to engage with a flexible ring of an injector. In this embodiment, the adapter would allow an injector designed according to the present invention to accept conventional syringes.
- In an alternate embodiment, the adapter may have a rearward end including a mechanism allowing it to mate with existing injectors (such as the injectors disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,677,980, 5,383,858 and 5,300,031, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference) and a forward end including a flexible ring or a ledge or shoulder member allowing it to mate with syringes designed according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the adapter would allow conventional or existing injectors to accept syringes designed according to the present invention.
- In addition, the present invention provides methods for engaging or installing the front-loading syringes and adapters of the present invention and/or existing syringes with the front-loading injectors of the present invention and/or existing injectors
- Furthermore, the present invention provides injectors and injector systems having certain automated features that facilitate the preparation thereof for injection procedures.
- The present invention offers many advantages over the prior art. For example, the present invention provides a syringe that does not have to be aligned and/or oriented with respect to an injector for installation thereon. Further, the present invention provides a syringe in which alignment, either radially or axially, between the plunger and syringe is not required.
- Moreover, the piston of the present invention may be designed so that it does not permanently engage the plunger. So designed, the plunger acts primarily as a pusher during the injection operation. Only when the plunger must be retracted, for example, to aspirate fluid into the syringe, may an engagement mechanism be activated so that the piston connects to the plunger. By virtue of this arrangement, the plunger may be left in any position when the syringe is removed from the injector system.
- The present invention, along with the attributes and attendant advantages thereof, will best be appreciated and understood in view of the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- The various embodiments of the present invention are described in connection with the figures appended hereto, in which:
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an injector apparatus in accordance with the present invention, showing an injector housing and a syringe in a disassembled relationship,
- FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the syringe illustrated in FIG. 1, shown connected to a front wall of the injector housing, illustrating how a flange disposed at a rearward end of the syringe may prevent leaking fluid from entering the injector housing;
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the syringe shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, illustrating the construction of a forward end of the syringe;
- FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a syringe and a pressure-jacketed injector in a disassembled relationship;
- FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, showing a piston displaced at a more forward position than that illustrated in FIG. 4;
- FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe and housing illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, showing the secure connection of the syringe to the front wall of the injector housing through tabs attached at the rearward end of the syringe;
- FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the structures enclosed by circle VII in FIG. 6, showing in greater detail the connection of the syringe to the front wall of the injector housing;
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the tabs illustrated in FIG. 7 that are connected to the rearward end of the syringe illustrated in FIG. 1;
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-section of an alternate embodiment of tabs attached at the rearward end of a syringe for engagement with a front wall of an injector, showing essentially the same structures illustrated in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of yet another embodiment of a syringe in accordance with the present invention, illustrating at least one tab at a base of the syringe for engagement with a ledge defined in an interface of an injector housing;
- FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the syringe illustrated in FIG. 10, showing the at least one tab from the rearward end (or base side) of the syringe;
- FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of another embodiment of a syringe in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, illustrating two tabs at the base of the syringe for engagement with the injector housing;
- FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of the syringe shown in FIG. 12, illustrating the two tabs at the rearward end of the syringe;
- FIG. 14 is an enlarged perspective view of still another embodiment of a syringe in accordance with the present invention, illustrating more than two tabs at a base of the syringe for engagement with an injector housing;
- FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the syringe illustrated in FIG. 14, showing the base end of the syringe with the plurality of tabs;
- FIG. 16 is a partial, enlarged perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the tab arrangement illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 8;
- FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the tab arrangement illustrated in FIG. 16, taken along line XVII-XVII;
- FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the syringe illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 with a portion of a front wall of an injector housing, showing a ledge that is securely engaged by tabs at the base of the syringe, and also showing a reciprocating collar that disengages the tabs from the ledge;
- FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional illustration of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 18, showing the tabs engaging the ledge so that the syringe securely engages the injector housing;
- FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional illustration of the embodiment shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, showing the engagement of the reciprocating collar with the tabs to disengage them from the ledge of the injector housing;
- FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional view of an adapter assembly connected to the syringe illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15;
- FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the adapter assembly illustrated in FIG. 21, where the adapter includes a tabbed opening for engagement with the injector housing;
- FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the adapter and syringe illustrated in FIG. 22;
- FIG. 24 is another perspective view of the adapter and syringe illustrated in FIG. 22;
- FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a plunger and piston according to the teachings of the present invention, showing an electromagnetic mechanism that causes the plunger and piston to be attracted to one another during operation of the apparatus;
- FIG. 26 is a partial cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a plunger and piston, showing an electromechanical mechanism that causes the plunger and piston to be releasably attached to one another during operation of the apparatus;
- FIG. 27 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the piston and plunger illustrated in FIG. 26, showing the piston engaging the plunger;
- FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the piston and the plunger shown in FIG. 27, the view taken along line XXVIII-XXVIII, showing two protrusions extended so that the piston engages the plunger;
- FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of the combination of the piston and the plunger shown in FIGS.26-28, with the two protrusions retracted so that the piston can disengage from the plunger;
- FIG. 30 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a plunger according to the teachings of the present invention, illustrating the placement of a pressure-sensing device in the plunger;
- FIG. 31 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the plunger illustrated in FIG. 30, showing the plunger subjected to a pressure from the fluid contained in a syringe (not illustrated);
- FIG. 32 is a side view illustration of an alternate embodiment of the present invention where tabs are added to a syringe cap that engages the end of a pressure jacket;
- FIG. 33 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 7;
- FIG. 34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the alternate embodiment of the apparatus shown in FIG. 33;
- FIG. 35 is a side view illustration of another embodiment of the apparatus that releasably connects the plunger and piston to one another;
- FIG. 36 is a side view illustration of still another embodiment of the apparatus that releasably connects the plunger and piston to one another;
- FIG. 37 is an end view illustration of the separable members shown in FIG. 36;
- FIG. 38 is a perspective cut-away illustration of a pressure jacket embodiment of the present invention showing the reciprocating collar disposed within the pressure jacket;
- FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the pressure jacket embodiment illustrated in FIG. 38, taken along line XXXIX-XXXIX;
- FIG. 40A is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and syringe system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 40B is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 40A in an installed position;
- FIG. 40C is a perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 40A in an open position;
- FIG. 41A is an assembled, perspective view of another embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and syringe system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 41B is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 41A in an open position;
- FIG. 41C is a front, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 41A in an open position;
- FIG. 41D is a rear, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 41A in an open position;
- FIG. 42A is an assembled, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the embodiment of the front-loading syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIGS.41A-41D;
- FIG. 42B is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 42A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 42C is a front, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 42A in a closed position;
- FIG. 42D is a plan, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 42A in a closed position;
- FIG. 43A is an exploded, perspective view of another alternate embodiment of the embodiment of the front-loading syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIGS.41A-41D;
- FIG. 43B is a perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 43A in a closed position;
- FIG. 43C is a side, perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 43A in a first disengaged position;
- FIG. 43D is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 43A in an installed position;
- FIG. 43E is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 43A in a second disengaged position;
- FIG. 43F is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 43A in an open position for syringe removal;
- FIG. 43G is an exploded, perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 43A with the syringe interface in an open position;
- FIG. 43H is a front, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 43A in an open position;
- FIG. 43I is a rear, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 43A in an open position;
- FIG. 44A is a perspective view of a slightly altered version of the syringe interface shown in FIGS.43A-43I incorporated in or mounted on an injector head;
- FIG. 44B is a rear, perspective view of the syringe interface and injector head shown in FIG. 44A;
- FIG. 45A is a perspective view of a second, slightly altered version of the syringe interface shown in FIGS.43A-43I incorporated in or mounted on an injector head;
- FIG. 45B is a rear, perspective view of the syringe interface and injector head shown in FIG. 45A;
- FIG. 46A is an exploded, perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and syringe system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 46B is an assembled, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 46A;
- FIG. 46C is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 46A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 46D is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 46A in an installed position;
- FIG. 47A is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the first preferred embodiment of the front-loading syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIGS.46A-46D in an installed position;
- FIG. 47B is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 47A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 47C is an exploded, perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 47A;
- FIG. 47D is an exploded, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 47A;
- FIG. 47E is a rear, partially assembled, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 47A;
- FIG. 47F is a rear, exploded, perspective view of the syringe interface shown in FIG. 47A;
- FIG. 48A is an exploded, perspective view of still another embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and syringe system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 48B is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 48A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 48C is a perspective view of the system shown in FIG. 48A in an installed position;
- FIG. 49A is an assembled, perspective view of another embodiment of an injector piston and syringe plunger interface system of the present invention;
- FIG. 49B is an exploded perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 49A;
- FIG. 49C is a perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 49B with the plunger base separated from the plunger cover and associated with the piston;
- FIG. 49D is a perspective of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 49B with the plunger, including the plunger base and the plunger cover, separated from the piston;
- FIG. 49E is a rear, perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 49A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 49F is an exploded, perspective view of the plunger base and the plunger cover shown in FIGS. 49C and 49D;
- FIG. 50A is an exploded, perspective view of another embodiment of an injector piston and syringe plunger interface system of the present invention;
- FIG. 50B is an enlarged view, partially in cross-section, of the plunger base and the piston shown in FIG. 50A in an engaged position;
- FIG. 51A is an exploded, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the injector piston and syringe plunger interface system shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B;
- FIG. 51B is a perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 51A with the plunger base separated from the plunger cover and associated with the piston;
- FIG. 51C is an enlarged view, partially in cross-section, of the plunger base and the piston shown in FIG. 51A in an engaged position;
- FIG. 52A is an exploded, perspective view of still another embodiment of an injector piston and syringe plunger interface system of the present invention;
- FIG. 52B is an exploded perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 52A;
- FIG. 52C is a rear, perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 52A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 53A is an exploded, perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the injector piston and syringe plunger interface systems shown in FIGS.51A-51C and 52A-52C;
- FIG. 53B is an enlarged, perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 53A in a disengaged position;
- FIG. 53C is a cross-sectional view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 53A;
- FIG. 53D is an exploded, perspective view of the piston/plunger system shown in FIG. 53A;
- FIG. 54A is a perspective view of a current syringe plunger;
- FIG. 54B is an exploded, perspective of the plunger shown in FIG. 54A;
- FIG. 54C is a perspective view of an embodiment of a syringe plunger of the present invention;
- FIG. 54D is an exploded, perspective of the plunger shown in FIG. 54C;
- FIG. 54E is a perspective view of another embodiment of a syringe plunger of the present invention;
- FIG. 54F is an exploded, perspective view of the syringe plunger shown in FIG. 54E;
- FIG. 54G is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the syringe plunger of the present invention;
- FIG. 54H is an exploded, perspective view of the syringe plunger shown in FIG. 54G;
- FIG. 55 is a side view schematic illustration of a second preferred embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and syringe system in accordance with the present invention, illustrating a release mechanism for connecting a syringe to an injector housing;
- FIG. 56 is an exploded, isometric, front view perspective of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIG. 55;
- FIG. 57 is an exploded, isometric, rear view perspective of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIG. 56;
- FIG. 58 is an exploded, isometric, rear view perspective of a portion of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIGS.55-57;
- FIG. 59 is an exploded, isometric, rear view perspective of another portion of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIGS.55-57, showing in detail the rear of a portion of a flex ring and a rotating ring of the interface/release mechanism;
- FIG. 60 is an isometric, rear view of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIGS.55-59, detailing the connection of the syringe to the release mechanism;
- FIG. 61 is an exploded, isometric, front view perspective illustration of the portion of the present invention as shown in FIG. 59, detailing the front of the rotating ring and a portion of the flex ring thereof;
- FIG. 62 is a partial, isometric, front view, perspective illustration of the rear portion of the syringe of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, detailing the ridge and flange structure thereof;
- FIG. 63 is a partial, isometric, rear view, perspective illustration of the syringe shown in FIG. 62;
- FIG. 64 is an isometric, rear view perspective illustration of the front plate of the release mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 65 is an isometric, front view perspective illustration of the front plate shown in FIG. 64;
- FIG. 66 is an isometric, front view perspective illustration of the flex ring element of the release mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, detailing several aspects thereof;
- FIG. 67 is an isometric, rear view perspective illustration of the flex ring shown in FIG. 66;
- FIG. 68 is an isometric, front view perspective illustration of the rotating ring element of the release mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, detailing several aspects thereof.
- FIG. 69 is an isometric, rear view perspective illustration of the rotating ring shown in FIG. 68;
- FIG. 70 is an isometric, front view perspective illustration of the rear plate of the second preferred embodiment of the release mechanism of the present invention, detailing several aspects thereof;
- FIG. 71 is an isometric, rear view perspective illustration of the rear plate shown in FIG. 70;
- FIG. 72 is an isometric, front view perspective illustration of the syringe interface and syringe system of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention;
- FIG. 73 is an isometric, rear view perspective illustration of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIG. 72;
- FIG. 74 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a portion of the syringe interface/release mechanism of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention before insertion of the syringe into the interface/release mechanism;
- FIG. 75 is a side view, cross-sectional schematic illustration of the same elements shown in FIG. 74, with the syringe partially inserted into the interface/release mechanism;
- FIG. 76 is a side view, cross-sectional schematic illustration of the same features of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIGS. 74 and 75, in this case illustrating the syringe after it has been fully inserted into the interface/release mechanism;
- FIG. 77 is an end view, cross-sectional schematic illustration of the syringe and flex ring elements of the present invention as shown in FIG. 76, depicting the engagement of the syringe by the flex ring;
- FIG. 78 is an end view, cross-sectional schematic illustration of the syringe and flex ring of the second preferred embodiment of the present invention, depicting the disengagement of the syringe from the flex ring after rotation of the syringe through a one quarter turn;
- FIG. 79 is a perspective illustration of a related art syringe, showing the efficacy of the flange on the syringe for preventing contrast media from entering the injector housing;
- FIG. 80 is an isometric, front view, perspective illustration of a first preferred embodiment of the injector piston and syringe plunger interface system of the present invention;
- FIG. 81 is an isometric, rear view perspective illustration of the piston/plunger assembly depicted in FIG. 80;
- FIG. 82 is an exploded, isometric view of the piston/plunger assembly depicted in FIGS. 80 and 81;
- FIG. 83 is an exploded, isometric rear perspective illustration of the front end of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 84 is an exploded, isometric view of the same features of the piston/plunger assembly illustrated in FIG. 83, taken from a slightly different angle from the view shown in FIG. 83;
- FIG. 85 is an isometric, front view illustration of the piston from the piston/plunger assembly illustrated in FIGS.80-82;
- FIG. 86 is an isometric, side view illustration of the piston illustrated in FIG. 85;
- FIG. 87 is an isometric, front view illustration of the piston sleeve of the piston/plunger assembly shown in FIGS.80-82;
- FIG. 88 is an isometric illustration of the collar element of the piston/plunger assembly shown in FIGS.80-82;
- FIG. 89 is another isometric view of the collar depicted in FIG. 88;
- FIG. 90 is a third isometric view of the collar element depicted in FIG. 88;
- FIG. 91 is an isometric end view illustration of the gripper expander element of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 92 is a second isometric illustration of the gripper expander depicted in FIG. 91;
- FIG. 93 is a third isometric illustration of the gripper expander depicted in FIGS. 91 and 92;
- FIG. 94 is a first isometric illustration of one of the support ring grippers of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 95 is a second isometric illustration of the support ring gripper shown in FIG. 94;
- FIG. 96 is another isometric illustration of the support ring gripper shown in FIGS. 94 and 95;
- FIG. 97 is a first isometric illustration of the plunger cap element of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 98 is a second isometric illustration of the plunger cap shown in FIG. 97;
- FIG. 99 is another isometric illustration of the plunger cap shown in FIGS. 97 and 98;
- FIG. 100 is a fourth isometric illustration of the plunger cap element shown in FIGS.97-99;
- FIG. 101 is a first isometric illustration of the rubber cover support ring element of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 102 is a second isometric illustration of the rubber cover support ring element shown in FIG. 101;
- FIG. 103 is a third isometric illustration of the rubber cover support ring element shown in FIGS. 101 and 102;
- FIG. 104 is a fourth isometric illustration of the rubber cover support ring element depicted in FIGS.101-103;
- FIG. 105 is an isometric, side view illustration of the rubber cover of the plunger of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention;
- FIG. 106 is a second isometric illustration of the rubber cover shown in FIG. 105;
- FIG. 107 is a side view schematic illustration of a portion of the first preferred embodiment of the piston/plunger assembly of the present invention, showing the interrelation of the piston, collar, gripper expander, support ring grippers and plunger cap thereof, the illustration showing the relationship of these elements when at rest or when the piston is moved toward the front end of the syringe;
- FIG. 108 is a side view schematic illustration of the portion of the piston/plunger assembly depicted in FIG. 107, in this case showing the interrelation of the piston, collar, gripper expander, support ring grippers and plunger cap thereof when the piston is moved/retracted toward the rear end of the syringe;
- FIG. 109 is a side view schematic illustration of a portion of the piston/plunger assembly and the syringe, showing the interrelation of the syringe, rubber cover, support ring grippers, and rubber cover support ring when the piston is moved/retracted toward the rear end of the syringe and the support ring grippers engage the rubber cover support ring;
- FIG. 110 is an isometric illustration of an alternate embodiment of a rubber cover for use with a plunger of the present invention;
- FIG. 111 is a side view illustration of the rubber cover illustrated in FIG. 110;
- FIG. 112 is a top view illustration of the rubber cover illustrated in FIG. 110;
- FIG. 113 is a cross-sectional illustration of the rubber cover depicted in FIG. 110;
- FIG. 114 is an isometric, exploded illustration of an alternate embodiment of the syringe interface/release mechanism of the present invention;
- FIG. 115 is an end-view, schematic illustration of another embodiment of the syringe interface/release mechanism of the present invention;
- FIG. 116 is a cross-sectional illustration of an end portion of the second preferred embodiment of the syringe according to the present invention;
- FIG. 117 is a cross-sectional illustration of an alternate embodiment of the syringe shown in FIG. 116;
- FIG. 118 is a schematic representation of three embodiments of grooves that are provided in the rotating ring of the second preferred embodiment of the syringe interface/release mechanism of the present invention;
- FIG. 119 is an isometric, exploded illustration of another embodiment of a syringe interface/release mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention;
- FIG. 120 is an isometric, exploded illustration of still another embodiment of a syringe interface/release mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention;
- FIG. 121 is a front view illustration of yet another embodiment of a syringe interface/release mechanism according to the teachings of the present invention;
- FIG. 122 is a side view illustration of the syringe interface/release mechanism illustrated in FIG. 121;
- FIG. 123 is an isometric, front view perspective of an alternate embodiment of the syringe shown in FIGS.55-57;
- FIG. 124 is an exploded, isometric, front view perspective of a third preferred embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and syringe system in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 125 is an exploded, isometric, rear view perspective of the syringe interface and syringe system shown in FIG. 124; and
- FIG. 126 is an isometric, front view perspective of a syringe incorporating syringe encoding.
- FIG. 1 discloses an
injector apparatus 10 of the general type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858 for injecting a liquid contrast media into a vascular system of an animal.Injector apparatus 10 has a front-loading construction. The apparatus of FIG. 1 utilizes asyringe 12 capable of being front-loaded into a mountingassembly 14 associated with afront wall 16 of ahousing 18 of aninjector 20 by a firstreleasable mechanism 22.Syringe 12 is capable of functioning in an injection operation without the use of a pressure jacket (although the syringe may be used in an injector with a pressure jacket, as will be described in greater detail in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5, below). To the extent not inconsistent with this disclosure, the disclosure of the '858 patent, which is assigned to Medrad, Inc., the Assignee of the subject application, is incorporated herein by reference. - With reference to FIG. 1 and the first
releasable mechanism 22, the mountingassembly 14 is provided with an essentiallycylindrical interface 26 for receiving a rearward end ofsyringe 12.Interface 26 includes anannular surface 28, which may be cylindrical or conically tapered. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,annular surface 28 includes adistal ledge 29, which is engaged bytabs 30 on the rearward end ofsyringe 12.Syringe 12 is inserted intocylindrical interface 26 untiltabs 30 engageledge 29 to securesyringe 12 to theinjector 20. - Among other things,
tabs 30 distribute the attachment force ofsyringe 12 toledge 29 equally around the syringe. This helps to maintain a connection betweensyringe 12 andledge 29 even ifsyringe 12 deforms or “ovals” under pressure during use. This overcomes a potential shortfall with conventional front-loading injector systems, which may not function as well if the syringe ovals under pressure during use. - Referring again to FIG. 1,
syringe 12 comprises an elongated main tubular body orbarrel 32 and a coaxialdischarge injection section 34, interconnected by an intermediateconical portion 36. Aplunger 38 is slidably positioned within thetubular body 32 and is connectable to a secondreleasable mechanism 40 on apiston 42 in theinjector housing 18.Second releasable mechanism 40 is formed in part byplunger 38 and in part bypiston 42, as set forth in greater detail below. -
Piston 42 andplunger 38 cooperate to eject fluid contained withinsyringe 12 in a desired quantity and at a desired rate.Second releasable mechanism 40 is designed to facilitate axial movement ofplunger 38 in either direction when actuated.Second releasable mechanism 40 is also designed to engage or disengageplunger 38 frompiston 42 no matter whereplunger 38 sits intubular body 32. Further in this connection, the actuating mechanism, which reciprocates theplunger 38 in thesyringe tubular body 32, comprisespiston 42 or a reciprocable drive member. The drive member orpiston 42, while reciprocable, does not need to be rotatable. - With reference to FIG. 1, to be mounted,
syringe 32 is inserted intointerface 26 in mountingassembly 14. As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7,tabs 30 initially move pastannular surface 28 where they engageledge 29 to securely holdsyringe 12 to mountingassembly 14. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 7, mountingassembly 14 further includes a forwardly projecting annular ring orcollar 44, which functions to assure perpendicular engagement betweenplunger 38 andpiston 42. As explained above, forwardly projecting annular ring orcollar 44 also functions as a seal between aflange 46 onsyringe 32 and mountingassembly 14. - Resilient
annular sealing flange 46 surroundstubular body 32 ofsyringe 12 and is disposed forward of tabs 30 a preselected distance essentially equal to a width ofannular surface 28. Thus, whensyringe 12 is inserted intointerface 26 in mountingassembly 14 until sealingflange 46 engagesannular ring 44,annular ring 44 andflange 46 create a seal betweensyringe 12 and mountingassembly 14. - The foregoing mounting arrangement possesses a number of advantages. The attachment of
tabs 30 to the periphery of the rearward portion ofsyringe 12 minimizes wobble ofsyringe 12 during an injection operation. While minimizing wobble,tabs 30 also permitsyringe 12 to rotate freely withininterface 26.Tabs 30 also preventsyringe 12 from disengaging frominjector 20. The seal betweenannular ring 44 andflange 46 also prevents contrast media spilled fromdischarge end 34 ofsyringe 12 from flowing into injector housing 18 (as illustrated in FIG. 2) and eliminates the need for constructing the respective parts to excessively tight tolerances. To enhance the sealing capability betweenflange 46 andannular ring 44, a suitable O-ring (not shown) may be provided optionally therebetween. - With further reference to FIG. 1, the apparatus also includes a system for transmitting syringe information from
syringe 12 to aninjector controller 51.Syringe 12 is provided with anencoding device 48 forward oftabs 30 but rearward offlange 46.Encoding device 48 may be a bar code or any other suitable encoding device known to those skilled in the art. When attachingsyringe 12 to the mountingassembly 14, ifsyringe 12 is rotated aftertabs 30 engageledge 29, asensor 50 is provided inannular surface 28 to read theencoding device 48.Sensor 50 then forwards the associated signals toinjector controller 51, which interprets the signals and modifies the function of theinjector 20 accordingly. Examples of the information which could be encoded on encodingdevice 48 include dimensions ofsyringe 12, volume ofsyringe 12, content of syringe 12 (in the case of a pre-filled syringe), manufacturing information such as lot numbers, dates and tool cavity number, recommended contrast media flow rates and pressures, and loading/injection sequences. - As an alternative to encoding
device 48 being a bar code, encodingdevice 48 also could include machine-readable raised or recessed surfaces. The raised or recessed surfaces could then be read byinjector sensor 50, mounted inannular surface 28, in a manner similar to that for reading a bar code. In addition to encodingdevice 48, one might also use a mechanically readable device (e.g. a slot, hole, or projection on thesyringe 12 or plunger 38) to register against a switch on the mountingassembly 14. Alternatively, an optically readable device (e.g. characters, dots and other geometric shapes) could be employed to send information concerning the type of syringe used to the intelligent circuits ofinjector 20. - In FIG. 1, since
syringe 12 is being used in this embodiment without a pressure jacket, for strength and visibility of the contents ofsyringe 12, thesyringe 12 may be formed of a clear PET polyester material. In the alternative, the wall ofsyringe 12 may be formed of polypropylene reinforced by providing a series of annular ribs ontubular body 32 ofsyringe 12 in longitudinally spaced relationship. (This arrangement is illustrated in FIG. 5 of the '858 patent.) As discussed in the '858 patent, by suitably spacing the ribs along the length oftubular body 32, such as in equal increments, the ribs also can perform the dual function of serving as volumetric gradations for the purpose of indicating the amount of contrast media insyringe 12. - With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2,
tubular body 32 ofsyringe 12 also may be provided with an indicatingmechanism 52 for readily detecting the presence or absence of a liquid contrast media insyringe 12. In this instance, detectingmechanism 52 includes a plurality of integrally molded, textured dots onsyringe 12, which provide a visual indication of whether the syringe contains liquid or air. More specifically, when viewed against an air background,dots 52 appear oval-shaped, but when viewed against a liquid contrast media background, which has a different index of refraction than air,dots 52 appear circular. The details of indicatingmechanism 52 are described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,251, assigned to Medrad, Inc., the Assignee of the subject application. To the extent not inconsistent with the present disclosure, the contents of U.S. Pat. No. 4,452,251 are incorporated herein by reference. - FIG. 3 illustrates the internal construction of the
syringe discharge end 34. Specifically, while arearward portion 54 ofdischarge end 34 is of tapered conical construction, aforward connector portion 56 is of generally cylindrical construction and formed withinternal screw threads 58 for attaching a connecting tube to dischargeend 34. Further, aninjection nozzle 60 of reduced diameter is disposed within the screw-threadedcylindrical connector portion 56 and is integrally molded with taperedrearward portion 54 ofdischarge end 34 adjacent the point at which the tapered and cylindrical portions merge together. - FIGS. 4 and 5 illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which a front-
loading syringe 112 is mounted on the front of apressure jacket 170, preferably formed of a strong clear plastic, such as polycarbonate.Pressure jacket 170 is in the form of an elongated tubular member that is suitably mounted at its rearward end in a mountingassembly 124 onhousing front wall 116, by fitting the flange ofpressure jacket 170 into the collar on the mountingassembly 124.Pressure jacket 170 also has a forwardopen end 172 for receiving thesyringe 112. - In this embodiment, an
annular surface 174 with adistal ledge 175 is provided adjacent to the forwardopen end 172 of thepressure jacket 170.Annular surface 174 is similar in construction toannular surface 28 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 7. Similarly, atubular body 132 ofsyringe 112 includestabs 180 at a position adjacent its forward end for engagement withledge 175 whentubular body 132 has been inserted intopressure jacket 170. - In addition, at the forward end of
syringe 112, on opposite sides of adischarge end 134, a pair of reinforcing, loop-shapedhandles 162, for facilitating handling of thesyringe 112, is integrally molded withdischarge end 134 and a tapered conicalintermediate portion 136. In other respects, while not specifically disclosed and described, it is to be understood that various other features of the embodiment of the invention disclosed in FIGS. 1-3, 6 and 7 may be incorporated into the embodiment of FIGS. 4 and 5, as desired. - In use, the
syringe 112 of FIGS. 4 and 5 may be mounted inpressure jacket 170 withpiston 142 ofinjector 120 either in a retracted position, as shown in FIG. 4, or in an advanced position, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, withpiston 142 in the retracted position, as shown in FIG. 4,plunger 138 is disposed at the rearward end ofsyringe 112.Syringe 112 then is inserted into theopen end 172 of the forward end ofpressure jacket 170 until secondreleasable mechanism 140 engages withplunger 138. - In FIG. 5, in which
piston 142 is in a forward position, the mounting ofsyringe 112 intopressure jacket 170 is the same as shown in FIG. 4, except thatplunger 138 also is in its forward position insyringe 112. In other respects, the mounting ofsyringe 112 onpressure jacket 170 is essentially the same as previously described with respect to FIG. 4. However, havingsyringe plunger 138 andpiston 142 in their forward positions, as shown in FIG. 5, has several advantages over the rearward position arrangement of FIG. 4. For example, becausesyringe plunger 138 andpiston 142 are already in their forward positions, it is not necessary to move them forward to expel air from thesyringe 112 in preparation for a syringe-filling operation. Rather,plunger 138 andpiston 142 can immediately be retracted to aspirate fluid into thesyringe 112. Similarly, after an injection operation has been completed, additional time is saved by not having to retractplunger 138 andpiston 142 in preparation for a next injection operation. - In summary, a new and improved system by which an injection syringe, such as
syringe 12 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, can be readily mounted upon and/or removed frominjector housing 18, has been disclosed. For this purpose, the firstreleasable mechanism 22, by whichsyringe 12 is attached to or removed frominjector housing 18, and secondreleasable mechanism 40, by which plunger 38 ofsyringe 12 is drivingly connected to or released frompiston 42 ofinjector 20 cooperate to produce their respective connections and disconnections simultaneously and/or independently. Another advantage is thatplunger 38 is capable of being placed in a driven or undriven state at any point along its path, wherebysyringe 12 may be disengaged frominjector 20 without having to retractpiston 42, or having tofirst disconnect syringe 12 from a patient being injected before retractingpiston 42. - Other desirable features of the invention include the construction of first
releasable mechanism 22, in whichsyringe 12 is mounted uponinjector housing 18 with a secure fit, which is advantageous from the standpoint of minimizing syringe wobble and disengagement during an injection operation, and eliminating the need for excessively tight manufacturing tolerances.Encoding device 48 onsyringe 12, in cooperation withsensor 50 oninjector 20, also is advantageous from the standpoint of providing “custom programming” ofinjector 20. Elimination of a pressure jacket also is desirable from the standpoint of better visibility of the contents ofsyringe 12, better heat transfer to the syringe contents and decreased cleaning and maintenance otherwise needed due to, e.g., scratching or contamination with contrast media of the pressure jacket. - In order to eliminate the need for a pressure jacket,
syringe 12 also may be made of a relatively strong clear plastic, or may be provided with annular reinforcing ribs (not shown), which may be spaced to function as volumetric gradations. Further, detection of the presence of air insyringe 12 is facilitated by the indicatingmechanism 52 in FIGS. 1 and 2, in the form ofdots 52 molded into syringetubular body 32.Dots 52 appear visually as either oval-shaped or circular, depending upon whether the tubular body contains air or liquid, respectively. In addition to functioning as a part of firstreleasable mechanism 22 forsyringe 12, syringe resilientannular flange 46 also cooperates withannular ring 44 to create a seal to prevent contrast media spilled from the injection end ofsyringe 12, from flowing intoinjector 20, as shown in FIG. 2. The embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 4 and 5 provides a system by which various other advantages, including time savings in syringe-filling and syringe-changing operations, can be achieved utilizing a pressure jacket, such aspressure jacket 170 mounted on injectorhousing front wall 116. - FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-section of
syringe 12 after it has been inserted intoinjector 20 so thattabs 30 engageledge 29.Tabs 30 are preferably substantially V-shaped members that preferably form a ring encircling the rearward end oftubular body 32. Alternately, one or more tabs may be separately disposed around the rearward end of thebody 32. Each oftabs 30 on the ring has afirst end 62 and asecond end 64. (An enlarged, perspective illustration of the ring oftabs 30 is shown in FIG. 8.) As shown in FIG. 8, first ends 62 oftabs 30 engageledge 29 whensyringe 12 is inserted intointerface 26 ofinjector 20. First ends 62 oftabs 30 are separated from one another bygaps 66 around the periphery oftubular body 32 so that they are flexible and can easily compress. Second ends 64 oftabs 30, on the other hand, form a ring that attaches totubular body 32. -
Syringe 12, therefore, is easily connected to theinjector 20 simply by inserting the rearward end oftubular body 32 intocylindrical interface 26. During insertion oftubular body 32 intocylindrical interface 26,annular surface 28 compress first ends 62 oftabs 30 untilfirst tabs 62clear ledge 29. Once first ends 62clear ledge 29, they spring open and engageledge 29 to prevent the removal oftubular body 32 frominterface 26. - Removal of
syringe 12 fromhousing 20 is enabled by areciprocating collar 68 that is disposed withininjector 20 at a location behind syringe 12 (once inserted into cylindrical interface 26). Reciprocatingcollar 68 is preferably a cylindrical member that can move in both forward and rearward directions, as illustrated by the arrow in FIG. 7. During an injection operation, reciprocatingcollar 68 is in its rest position behindtabs 30 so that first ends 62 remain engaged withledge 29. Upon completion of the injection operation, in order to removesyringe 12 frominterface 26, reciprocatingcollar 68 is pushed forward towardledge 29 by an actuating mechanism (not shown) or manually so that it compresses first ends 62 so that they can easily slide out from behindledge 29.Syringe 12 then can be easily removed frominjector 20. - Alternatively,
tabs 30 may be caused to disengage fromledge 29 by retractingannular surface 28 in the direction ofarrow 1100 in FIG. 33. To do this,annular surface 28 is made of a number ofsegments 1102, all of which can retract to releasesyringe 32. In still another alternative embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 34, a portion of theinner surface 1104 may be moved inwardly in the direction indicated byarrow 1106 to collapsetabs 30 so thatsyringe 32 may be disengaged fromledge 29. Other embodiments of these two arrangements will be readily understood by those skilled in the art. - In the case where
syringe 112 is to be inserted into a pressure jacket 170 (as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5),tabs 180 serve the same function astabs 30, except of course that they are located toward the forward end ofsyringe 112. In fact, but for the location oftabs 180 ontubular body 132, it is contemplated for the present invention thattabs 180 have the same construction astabs 30. Whentabs 180 are inserted throughopen end 172 ofpressure jacket 170,annular surface 174 compresses first ends 62 oftabs 180 until theyclear ledge 175.Syringe 112 is then securely held in place. When it becomes necessary to removesyringe 112 frompressure jacket 170, areciprocating collar 68 extends forward within the pressure jacket 170 (as described in more detail below) to compress first ends 62 so that they no longer engageledge 174.Syringe 112 can then be removed frompressure jacket 170. - It is not necessary for
tabs tabs 30 that they have a b-shaped appearance, as illustrated in FIG. 9. Whentabs 30 have a b-shaped appearance, they may be formed integrally with the end ofsyringe 412.Tabs 30, when they have a b-shaped appearance, have bulbous first ends 70 that extend outwardly from second ends 72, which are separated fromadjacent tabs 30 by gaps 71 (as best shown in FIGS. 14 and 15). As with first ends 62, first ends 70 engageledge 29 when syringe has been inserted intoinjector housing 18. As with first ends 62, reciprocatingcollar 68 acts upon first ends 70 to disengage them fromledge 29 whensyringe 412 is to be removed frominjector 20. - For each of the embodiments of
tabs 30 contemplated by the present invention, it is also contemplated that the number of tabs used may be varied while remaining within the scope of the present invention. For example, forsyringe 212, illustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, it is contemplated that only one tab is provided at the end of the syringe. In FIGS. 10 and 11, only onetab 30 withfirst end 70 andsecond end 72 is illustrated. It should be understood, however, thattab 30 withfirst end 62 andsecond end 64 could be easily substituted therefor. - While a
single tab 30 may be used, preferably the syringe has at least two tabs, because the tabs should flex in order to function optimally. Such asyringe 312, with at least two tabs, is illustrated in FIGS. 12 and 13. When two tabs are included onsyringe 312, it is contemplated that they be disposed on opposite sides oftubular body 32 to add stability to the secure engagement ofsyringe 312 toinjector 20. The tabs may be appropriately sized and optionally may be of different circumferential dimension. - In an alternate embodiment of the pressure-jacketed injector system shown in FIG. 32, it is contemplated that a
syringe cap 1000 could be provided at the end of thepressure jacket 1002 to hold asyringe 1032 therein. Alternately,cap 1000 could be attached to or molded as a part ofsyringe 1032 and need not be a separate element. As shown in FIG. 32,pressure jacket 1002 is a modified version ofpressure jacket 170 illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. According to the teachings of the present invention,cap 1000 includestabs 1004 about its periphery.Tabs 1004 engage aridge 1006 that encircles the end ofpressure jacket 1002. To disengagetabs 1004 fromridge 1006, areciprocating ring 1008 slides along the exterior ofpressure jacket 1002.Ring 1008 includes a taperedsurface 1010 to facilitate removal oftabs 1004 fromridge 1006. The actuator ofring 1008 is not shown. However, those skilled in the art will readily recognize thatring 1008 may be operated either manually, mechanically, or electrically (or in any other fashion suitable to disengagetabs 1004 from ridge 1006). - In another alternate embodiment of the apparatus described in relation to FIG. 32, the tabs could extend from the cap (which could be separate from, attached to, or molded with the syringe) to engage
annular member 174 at the end ofpressure jacket 170 in the same way thattabs 180 engageannular member 174 in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. As with the embodiment illustrated and described in relation to FIGS. 4 and 5, a reciprocating collar should then be positioned withinpressure jacket 170 to disengage the tabs from the annular member. - The elements for the releasing mechanism are illustrated in FIGS. 38 and 39. There,
reciprocating collar 1402 is shown internal topressure jacket 170. As illustrated,reciprocating collar 1402 is disposed at the end of at least twosupports 1404 that are also within the interior ofpressure jacket 170. To accommodatesupports 1404,interior wall 1406 ofpressure jacket 170 includes at least twotracks 1408 in which supports 1404 slide. Whensyringe 1032 is to be removed frompressure jacket 170, reciprocatingcollar 1402 is moved forward withinpressure jacket 170 to disengage the tabs onsyringe 1032 from engagement withannular member 174. - This arrangement also may be used in connection with the pressure jacket system illustrated and described in connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. When
syringe 132 is to be removed frompressure jacket 170, reciprocatingcollar 1402 is moved forward withinpressure jacket 170 to compresstabs 180 so that they no longer engageannular member 174. Oncetabs 180 are clear ofannular member 174,syringe 132 may be removed frompressure jacket 170. - In the case where
syringe 112 is to be inserted intopressure jacket 170 as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, b-shapedtabs 190 may be added to the forward end ofsyringe 112 in the same manner thattabs 180 were applied. As shown in FIG. 16,tabs 190 essentially comprise aring 74 from which second ends 72 oftabs 190 extend in a rearward direction.Ring 74 withtabs 190 form a V-shaped structure in cross-section, as illustrated in FIG. 17. As withtabs 180, whentabs 190 are inserted into pressure jacket 170 (as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5), they are compressed until they clearannular surface 174, whereupon they expand to engageledge 175.Tabs 190hold syringe 112 securely inpressure jacket 170 until disengaged by reciprocatingcollar 68. - The installation and removal of
syringe 412 is illustrated in FIGS. 18-20. In FIG. 18,syringe 412 is shown prior to insertion intoinjector front wall 16. Reciprocatingcollar 68 is shown in a rest state behind where first ends 70 oftabs 30 will rest after they clearannular surface 128 and rest againstdistal ledge 129. In this embodiment,annular surface 128 is illustrated with a tapered cross-section rather than the cylindrical cross-section shown in FIGS. 7 and 9. A tapered cross-section may facilitate insertion ofsyringe 412 intointerface 26 because the taper may help to squeeze first ends 70 oftabs 30 during insertion ofsyringe 412 intoinjector 20. In addition,annular surface 128, when tapered, acts as a guiding surface for syringe 412 (or any other embodiment disclosed) so thatsyringe 412 may be inserted intofront wall 16 at even greater angular approaches. In other words,syringe 412 may be inserted easily intofront wall 16 even whensyringe 412 is not oriented exactly with the central axis ofinterface 26. - Once
syringe 412 has been fully inserted intofront wall 16,tabs 30 expand to engageledge 129, as illustrated in FIG. 19.Syringe 412 is then securely held in place. As shown in FIG. 19, reciprocatingcollar 68 remains in its rest position until after the injection operation is completed. - After the injection operation is completed, reciprocating
collar 68 is moved forward to compress first ends 70 oftabs 30 to disengagetabs 30 fromledge 129. FIG. 20shows reciprocating collar 68 in this forward position. The compression oftabs 30 is also illustrated. Thesyringe 412 may then be removed frominjector 20. - The present invention also contemplates that it may be desirable to connect a syringe to an
adapter 500 before connecting the syringe toinjector 20. The adapters could be disposable or re-useable, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. The syringe may be of different construction from that disclosed herein, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. An adapter for a syringe is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,746, issued to Hoover et al. on Jul. 16, 1996, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Other patents that are exemplary of adapters include U.S. Pat. No. 5,520,653 and WO 97/36635, both of which are assigned to the Assignee of the present application and are incorporated herein by reference. - In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 21, a
syringe 412 withtabs 30 having a b-shaped appearance snap-fits into aforward end 502 ofadapter 500. Of course, tabs with the V-shaped cross-section may be substituted therefor.Adapter 500 includes aannular surface 528 with adistal ledge 529 within itsforward end 502 to which first ends 70 oftabs 30 engage to holdsyringe 412 securely in place.Flange 46 ofsyringe 412 may or may not be included to engage withforward end 502 ofadapter 500 to prevent contrast medium, should it leak, from enteringinjector housing 18 throughadapter 500. Therearward end 504 ofadapter 500 also preferably includes aflange 546 that mates withannular ring 44 on mountingassembly 14 ofinjector 20.Flange 546 serves the same function asflange 46 onsyringe 12, namely to prevent contrast medium (or whatever fluid is included in syringe) from entering theinjector 20. - If
adapter 500 is attached tosyringe 32,piston 42 may need to be adapted to accommodate the increased length of the overall construction. If so, a piston extender or adapter (not shown) may be attached to the end ofpiston 42, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. Alternatively,piston 42 could be constructed so that it is long enough to accommodatesyringes 32 of varying lengths. - In this particular embodiment,
adapter 500 includesconventional connector elements 506, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,746 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858. So designed,adapter 500permits syringe 412 to be connected to an injector that is designed to accept only syringes withconventional connector elements 506. - As shown in FIG. 22, in an alternate embodiment of the adapter, it may be necessary to adapt a conventional syringe for use in an injector designed to accept the syringes of the present invention. Here,
adapter 600 includestabs 630 at itsrearward end 604.Tabs 630 act and function liketabs 30 to secure adapter tohousing 18 by engagingledge 29 on mountingassembly 14.Tabs 630 are disengaged fromledge 29 by reciprocatingcollar 68.Adapter 600 may also include aflange 646 as in the other embodiments that have been described above. Whileadapter 600 is shown with a syringe having a ridged end inserted therein, it should be understood thatadapter 600 could be easily designed so that itsforward end 602 can accept conventional connector elements, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,535,746 or U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858. - FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrate two perspective views of the combination of the
syringe 412 andadapter 600. In this embodiment,flange 46 has been omitted. However, as illustrated in FIG. 22,flange 46 may be included. Naturally, as with syringe 212 (shown in FIGS. 10 and 11) and with syringe 312 (shown in FIGS. 12 and 13), the adapter may include only one tab, two tabs, or more than twotabs 630. FIGS. 23 and 24 illustrateadapter 600 with a plurality of tabs. - Two embodiments of second
releasable mechanism 40 for engaging and releasing the syringe plunger and the injector piston will now be described with respect to FIGS. 25-29. FIG. 25 illustrates an electromagnetic release mechanism. FIGS. 26-29 illustrate an electromechanical release mechanism. - As shown in FIG. 25,
plunger 738 may be releasably connected topiston 742 through an electromagnetic device. Aforward end 702 ofpiston 742 is provided with anelectromagnetic coil 704 that can be activated by applying a current throughleads 706 that extend throughpiston 742. At itsrearward end 707,plunger 738 includes a magneticallyattractive ring 708, made of iron, for example, which is attracted toelectromagnetic coil 704 whenelectromagnetic coil 704 is activated. The cross-sections offorward end 702 ofpiston 742 and ofrecess 710 inrearward end 707 ofplunger 738 are cylindrical. This permits the engagement ofpiston 742 withplunger 738 regardless of the orientation ofplunger 738 in the syringe. -
Second releasable mechanism 40, as illustrated in FIG. 25, operates as follows. When a syringe has been inserted into the interface on theinjector housing 18,piston 742 is extended into the syringe until itsforward end 702 mates withrecess 710 ofplunger 738.Electromagnetic coil 704 may then be activated to retractplunger 738. The attraction between magneticallyattractive ring 708 andelectromagnetic coil 704 holdsplunger 738 to the end ofpiston 742 during rearward movement ofpiston 742. Alternatively,electromagnetic coil 704 may be activated beforepiston 742 is extended into the syringe to mate withplunger 738. Onceplunger 738 andpiston 742 are electromagnetically attracted to one another,piston 742 may be moved as required within the syringe. To disengagepiston 742 fromplunger 738, or to retractpiston 742 without retractingplunger 738, one need only disengage the power supplied toelectromagnetic coil 704. Of course, thepiston 742 may advance theplunger 738, for example, during an injection, without activatingelectromagnetic coil 704. - The second embodiment contemplated for second
releasable mechanism 40 involves an electromechanical connection between the piston and the plunger. This embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 26-29. - In FIGS.26-29,
piston 842 has aforward end 802 that engages with a recessedarea 804 formed in arearward end 806 ofplunger 838. Forward end 802 ofpiston 842 includesprotrusions 808 that retractably extend therefrom.Protrusions 808 engage an indentation orchannel 810 formed in theplunger 838, as illustrated in FIG. 27. Amember 812 is enclosed bypiston 842 andforward end 802.Member 812 is actuated bymechanism 814, also contained withinpiston 842.Mechanism 814 receives power through leads 816. - As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29,
protrusions 808 are essentially rectangular. They are connected to one another throughresilient members 818.Resilient members 818bias protrusions 808 so that they do not protrude fromforward end 802 ofpiston 842, as shown in FIG. 29. - The operation of second
releasable mechanism 40 will now be described in connection with FIGS. 26-29. When a syringe has been inserted intofront wall 16 ofinjector 20,piston 842 is extended forward to meet withplunger 838. Whenpiston 842 extends forward,mechanism 814 is deactivated so thatmember 812 is in a retracted condition, as shown in FIG. 29. In other words,member 812 is retracted so that it does not sit betweenprotrusions 808. As a result,resilient members 818bias protrusions 808 so that they do not extend outside offorward end 802 ofpiston 842, as shown in FIG. 29. - Once
forward end 802 ofpiston 842 mates with recessedarea 804 inplunger 838,mechanism 814 is activated so thatmember 812 extends forward to sit betweenprotrusions 808, thereby forcingprotrusions 808 to extend outside offorward end 802 ofpiston 842.Protrusions 808, once extended, extend intochannel 810 withinplunger 838. Once so arranged,piston 842 is connected to plunger 838 so that rearward movement ofpiston 842 translates directly into a corresponding rearward movement ofplunger 838. - When it becomes necessary to disengage the syringe from the injector, or to retract
piston 842 without retractingplunger 838,mechanism 814 is activated to withdrawmember 812 from betweenprotrusions 808. Once withdrawn,resilient members 818bias protrusions 808 so that they no longer engagechannel 810.Piston 842 may then be withdrawn fromplunger 838. - Two additional second
releasable mechanisms 40 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 35-37. - In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 35,
plunger 1238 may be releasably connected topiston 1242 through expansion of anelastomeric member 1202 disposed at a forward end thereof.Elastomeric member 1202 is a cylindrical element withexternal walls 1204 andinternal walls 1206. Arod 1208 extends throughpiston 1242 and connects to anactuator 1210 at a forward end ofrod 1208 closest toplunger 1238.Actuator 1210 has a frustoconical shape on a side facingelastomeric member 1202. The frustoconical shape defines aninclined surface 1212 onactuator 1210. The diameter ofelastomeric member 1202 is slightly smaller than the diameter of thehole 1214 inplunger 1238. Also, the diameter ofactuator 1210 is smaller than the diameter ofhole 1214. - The operation of the second
releasable mechanism 40 illustrated in FIG. 35 will now be described. Because the diameter ofhole 1214 inplunger 1238 is larger than the diameter ofelastomeric member 1202 and ofactuator 1210, whenpiston 1242 is pushed forward,elastomeric member 1202 andactuator 1210 easily fit intohole 1214.Plunger 1238 can then be advanced bypiston 1242 without a connective engagement existing therebetween. However, once positioned in this manner, to connectively engage the plunger 1238 (e.g., to retract plunger)actuator 1210 is pulled towardelastomeric member 1202 byrod 1208, as shown by arrow 1216 in FIG. 35. The pressure from actuator 1210 compresseselastomeric member 1202 so thatexternal sides 1204 swell or expand from their unstressed condition. The approximate shape of the swelledwalls 1218 ofelastomeric member 1202 is shown in dotted line format in FIG. 35. Swelledwalls 1218 engagewalls 1220 ofhole 1214 so thatpiston 1242 releasably engagesplunger 1238.Plunger 1238 can now be retracted to, for example, aspirate fluid into the syringe. - The embodiment of second
releasable mechanism 40 shown in FIGS. 36-37 will now be described. As shown in FIGS. 36-37,plunger 1338 engagespiston 1342 through segmentedmember 1302.Segmented member 1302 is made of a number ofseparate elements 1304 as shown in the end view illustration of FIG. 37.Separate elements 1304 may be made from any suitable material, such as an elastomeric material, so long as the material preferably (1) can substantially withstand repeated deformation and (2) returns substantially to its original condition when no longer subject to a deforming stress.Segmented member 1302 is disposed at a forward end ofpiston 1342. Arod 1306 extends through the middle ofpiston 1342 and extends at least partially into acentral bore 1308 of segmentedmember 1302. - To releasably connect
plunger 1338 withpiston 1342,piston 1342 is moved forward until segmentedmember 1302 is disposed within ahole 1310 formed inplunger 1338.Rod 1306 is then moved forward, in the direction shown byarrow 1312, untilrod 1306 is at least partially disposed within segmentedmember 1302. Since the diameter ofrod 1306 is greater than the diameter ofbore 1308, the insertion ofrod 1306 intobore 1308 pushes segmentedmembers 1304 outwardly until they reach adeformed position 1314 shown in dotted lines in both FIG. 36 and FIG. 37. When deformed,segmented members 1304 engagewalls 1316 ofhole 1310 inplunger 1338 to create a releasable engagement betweenplunger 1338 andpiston 1342. - For each of the second releasable mechanisms described in FIGS.25-29 and 35-37, the advantage that the mechanisms provide is that the piston need not be oriented in any specific manner with the plunger in order to facilitate a connection between the piston and plunger. Regardless of the orientation of the piston and the plunger, the two can easily mate with one another and can be easily disengaged from one another.
- In addition, if for example a prefilled syringe is mounted on the injector, it may not be necessary to retract the plunger within the syringe to draw fluid within the syringe for subsequent injection. In such a case, the piston may be operated in a “push-only” mode that does not require engagement between the piston and the plunger. If operated in this manner, the engagement mechanism need not be activated at all. Alternatively, if the injector is designed to handle only prefilled syringes, no readily releasable mechanism need be provided.
- The plunger of the present invention may also include a pressure sensor like the sensors described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,203, issued to Nolan, Jr. et al. on Sep. 15, 1998, and assigned to the Assignee of the present application. The disclosure of U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,203 is incorporated herein by reference, to the extent that it is not inconsistent with the instant disclosure.
- FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate the sensor that can be included in the plunger of the present invention.
Plunger 938 preferably comprises a base 902 with apassage 904 therethrough. A sensingmember 906 is disposed withinpassage 904 to be in operative contact with a portion P ofcontact surface 908.Sensing member 906 is preferably biased forward, for example, via aspring 910. As fluid pressure within the syringe (not shown) increases, portion P ofcontact surface 908 is deformed as shown in FIG. 31. This deformation of portion P causes sensingmember 906 to move rearward throughpassages piston 942. The movement of sensingmember 906 is monitored with asensor 916 preferably disposed withinpiston 942. Because the degree of movement of sensingmember 906 is a function of the pressure of the fluid medium within the syringe, the pressure of the fluid medium can be determined therefrom.Sensor 916 is preferably connected to a data collection and/or control device via leads 918. - While FIGS. 30 and 31 describe one possible embodiment of a sensor that can be incorporated into the plunger of the present invention, it should be noted that any other suitable sensor may be included. In addition, the sensor need not detect only the pressure of the fluid. As would be understood by those skilled in the art, the sensor may measure a number of different parameters including amount, pressure and density of the fluid in the syringe.
- Also, the plunger may contain encoding elements that are read or sensed by the injector or injector piston to identify the syringe and/or its contents. In this embodiment, the encoding elements, such as an integrated circuit, are included on the plunger rather than the syringe. The encoded elements then may be read electronically when the plunger contacts the piston. The plunger may contain information such as the contents and volume of the syringe as well as other information needed for the procedure or for billing purposes. One example of such a system is described in PCT Publication No. WO 99/65548, which is incorporated herein by reference.
- The present invention is often shown and described herein in terms of cooperating syringe interfaces and syringes. The terms “syringe interface” and “syringe interfaces” as used herein can be incorporated in or integrated with new medical injectors or configured as syringe adapters mountable on or associated with existing or conventional medical injectors, such as the injector shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference, to allow the installation of the syringes of the present invention thereon.
- FIGS.40A-40C illustrate another embodiment of a front-folding syringe interface and
syringe system 1500 in accordance with the present invention. Thesystem 1500 includes asyringe 1512 and asyringe interface 1514. Thesyringe 1512 includes a body orbarrel portion 1516 having arear end 1520 and afront end 1517 defining afluid discharge end 1518. Preferably, at least one tab or mountingmember 1522 is associated with thebarrel portion 1516 adjacent to or at therear end 1520 of thesyringe 1512. In addition, aflange 1524 is preferably positioned forward of the mountingmember 1522 to facilitate the engagement of thesyringe 1512 to thesyringe interface 1514 and/or to prevent fluid expelled from thedischarge end 1518 of the syringe from entering into thesyringe interface 1514 and the injector (not shown), as described in more detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858. - Preferably, the mounting
member 1522 is disposed around the circumference of thebarrel portion 1516 and includes aninclined surface 1526 that defines ashoulder 1528. The function of the mountingmember 1522 will be described in more detail below. Alternately, the mountingmember 1522 may extend around only a portion of the circumference of thebarrel portion 1516 or may be formed in discrete segments. - (Unless otherwise noted, the syringe1512 (and its components parts) described above applies to the remaining embodiments of the present invention discussed and described below with respect to FIGS. 40A-47F.)
- As best shown in FIGS. 40A and 40C, the
syringe interface 1514 is in an “open” position ready to accept thesyringe 1512. Thesyringe interface 1514 includes abase member 1530 and two cooperating syringe-retainingmembers 1532. However, in alternate embodiments, three ormore retaining members 1532 could be provided. Preferably, each of the retainingmembers 1532 is associated with thebase member 1530 by means of twoangled rail members 1534. However, in alternate embodiments, one, three ormore members 1534 may be used to associate each retainingmember 1532 with thebase member 1530. - Further, each retaining
member 1532 preferably defines acontact surface 1533 and achannel 1536 to capture and retain the mountingmember 1522 on thesyringe 1512. In addition, the retainingmembers 1532 are preferably associated with one another by means of tworail members 1538. Once again, in alternate embodiments, one, three ormore rail members 1538 may be used to associate the retainingmembers 1532 with one another. - To install the
syringe 1512 on thesyringe interface 1514, thesyringe 1512 is moved axially (in the direction of Arrow A in FIG. 40A) into the space defined between the retainingmembers 1532. When theflange 1524 on thesyringe 1512 engages the contact surfaces 1533 on the retainingmembers 1532, the retainingmembers 1532 are urged toward thebase member 1530 along therail members 1534. Because therail members 1534 are angled in toward the center of thebase member 1530, therail members 1534 operate to cause the retainingmembers 1532 to move toward each other along therail members 1538 and to “collapse” around therear end 1520 of thesyringe 1512. As the retainingmembers 1532 collapse on thesyringe 1512, the retainingmembers 1532 cooperate to capture the mountingmember 1522 within thechannels 1536 to securely engage thesyringe 1512 with thesyringe interface 1514. - Any suitable type of locking mechanism (not shown), as is known in the art, may be used to secure the retaining
members 1532 together to retain thesyringe 1512 within thesyringe interface 1514. To remove thesyringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 1514, the lock must first be unlocked and the retainingmembers 1532 moved apart (e.g., by hand or by means of a lever or any other suitable art-recognized manipulative device) to free the mountingmember 1522 from thechannels 1536. - Another embodiment of the syringe interface and
syringe system 1600 is shown in FIGS. 41A-41D. Thesystem 1600 includes asyringe 1512 and asyringe interface 1614. As best shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C, thesyringe interface 1614 is in an “open” position ready to accept thesyringe 1512. Thesyringe interface 1614 includes abase member 1630 and two cooperating syringe-retainingmembers 1632. The retainingmembers 1632 are preferably connected together and associated with thebase member 1630 by means of apivot pin 1631 or other suitable mechanism (see FIG. 41D). In addition, the retainingmembers 1632 are associated with thebase member 1630 by means of pins 1629 (see FIG. 41D) that are associated with the retainingmembers 1632 and captured withinslots 1635 defined in thebase member 1630. - Further, each retaining
member 1632 preferably defines achannel 1636 to capture and retain the mountingmember 1522 on thesyringe 1512. As best shown in FIGS. 41B and 41C, a spring pin 1637 (or other suitable locking mechanism) is connected to one retainingmember 1632 and a channel with apin recess 1640 is defined in the other retainingmember 1632. In addition, twobarrel guide rails 1639 are preferably defined in thebase member 1630. - To install the
syringe 1512 on thesyringe interface 1614, thesyringe 1512 is moved downwardly (in the direction of Arrow B in FIG. 41B) into the space defined between the retainingmembers 1632. Thebarrel 1516 of thesyringe 1512 is guided into position between the retainingmembers 1632 by thebarrel guide rails 1639 in thebase member 1630. When thesyringe barrel 1516 engages the pivot ends 1651 of the retaining members 1632 (see FIG. 41C), the retainingmembers 1632 are urged to collapse around therear end 1520 of thesyringe 1512. Thepins 1629, riding inslots 1635 defined in thebase member 1630, direct and control the arcuate motion of the retainingmembers 1632 into engagement around thesyringe 1512. As the retainingmembers 1632 collapse on thesyringe 1512, the retainingmembers 1632 cooperate to capture the mountingmember 1522 within thechannels 1636 to securely engage thesyringe 1512 with thesyringe interface 1614. - Further, when the retaining
members 1632 collapse around thesyringe 1512, thespring pin 1637 runs along the channel and locks into thepin recess 1640 to secure thesyringe 1512 within thesyringe interface 1614. To remove thesyringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 1614, thespring pin 1637 must be removed from thepin recess 1640 to unlock the retainingmembers 1632 and the retainingmembers 1632 moved (e.g., by hand or by any suitable lever means) from engagement with thesyringe 1512. At this point, thesyringe 1512 can be removed by either moving thesyringe 1512 upwardly (in the opposite direction of Arrow B) or axially (in the direction of Arrow C in FIG. 41B). - FIGS.42A-42D illustrate an
alternate embodiment 1700 of the syringe interface andsyringe system 1600 shown in FIGS. 41A-41D. Thesystem 1700 includes asyringe 1512 and asyringe interface 1714. Thesyringe interface 1714, as best shown in FIGS. 42C and 42D, differs from thesyringe interface 1614 in FIGS. 41A-41D in that the retainingmembers 1732 include pivot ends 1751 located at the ends of the retainingmembers 1732 remote from thepivot pin 1731. Further, the retainingmembers 1732 are preferably spring-biased in the “closed” or “engaged” position, as best shown in FIG. 42D, to retain thesyringe 1512 within thesyringe interface 1714. - To install the
syringe 1512 on thesyringe interface 1714, thesyringe 1512 is moved downwardly (in the direction of Arrow D in FIG. 42B) into engagement with the retainingmembers 1732. When thesyringe barrel 1516 engages the pivot ends 1751 of the retainingmembers 1732, the retainingmembers 1732 are urged apart against the spring force to allow thesyringe barrel 1516 to pass between the pivot ends 1751 and into the space defined between the retainingmembers 1732. Thesyringe mounting member 1522 is guided by thechannels 1736 defined in the retainingmembers 1732 to correctly position thesyringe 1512 within thesyringe interface 1714. Once thesyringe 1512 passes the pivot ends 1751, the retainingmembers 1732 are urged by the spring force to collapse around therear end 1520 of thesyringe 1512. Thepins 1729, riding inslots 1735 defined in thebase member 1730, direct and control the arcuate motion of the retainingmembers 1732 into engagement around thesyringe 1512. As the retainingmembers 1732 collapse on thesyringe 1512, the retainingmembers 1732 cooperate to capture the mountingmember 1522 within thechannels 1736 to securely engage thesyringe 1512 within thesyringe interface 1714. - To remove the
syringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 1714, thesyringe 1512 is moved upwardly (in the opposite direction of Arrow D) against the pivot ends 1751 of the retainingmembers 1732. When the upward force on thesyringe 1512 overcomes the spring force holding the retainingmembers 1732 together, the retainingmembers 1732 will move apart and allow thesyringe 1512 to slide free from thesyringe interface 1714. - FIGS.43A-43I illustrate another
alternate embodiment 1800 of the syringe interface andsyringe systems system 1800 includes asyringe 1512 and asyringe interface 1814. Thesyringe interface 1814, as best shown in FIGS. 43B and 43H, differs from thesyringe interfaces members 1832 includeextension members 1855 and chamfers 1857. Theextension members 1855 preferably are manipulated to move the retainingmembers 1832 to an open position (i.e., against the spring force holding the retainingmembers 1832 in the closed position). Thechamfers 1857 are operably engaged by theinclined surface 1526 of the mountingmember 1522 of thesyringe 1512 to open the retainingmembers 1832 and allow thesyringe 1512 to be axially installed (in the direction of Arrow E in FIG. 43C) on thesyringe interface 1814. The remaining structure of thesyringe interface 1814 is substantially similar or identical to the structure of thesyringe interface 1714 described above. - As best shown in FIG. 43E, the
syringe 1512 can be installed and removed from thesyringe interface 1814 in substantially the same manner as described above with respect to FIGS. 42A-42D. In addition, however, as best shown in FIGS. 43A, 43C, 43F and 43G, thesyringe 1512 can be axially installed and removed from thesyringe interface 1814. Therefore, thesyringe interface 1814 accommodates two methods of installing/removing thesyringe 1512. - To axially install the
syringe 1512, thesyringe 1512 is inserted into thesyringe interface 1814 until the mountingmember 1522 engages the retainingmembers 1832. Theinclined surface 1526 of the mountingmember 1522 engages thechamfers 1857 on the retainingmembers 1832, thereby forcing the retainingmembers 1832 apart against the spring force. After the mountingmember 1522 clears the chamfered area, the retainingmembers 1832 collapse around and capture the mountingmember 1522 within thechannels 1836 to secure thesyringe 1512 to thesyringe interface 1814. - To axially remove the
syringe 1512, theextension members 1855 of the retainingmembers 1832 may be manipulated (i.e., pressed together) to overcome the spring force and urge apart the retainingmembers 1832. When the retainingmembers 1832 have moved apart to such an extent that the mountingmember 1522 of thesyringe 1512 is cleared from engagement within thechannels 1836, thesyringe 1512 may be axially removed (in the direction opposite from Arrow E) from thesyringe interface 1814. - FIGS. 44A and 44B illustrate a first, slightly altered embodiment of the
syringe interface 1814 shown in FIGS. 43A-43I incorporated in or mounted on an injector head. The functionality of thesyringe interface 1914 is substantially similar or identical to that described above with respect to thesyringe interface 1814. - FIGS. 45A and 45B illustrate a second, slightly altered embodiment of the
syringe interface 1814 shown in FIGS. 43A-43I incorporated in or mounted on an injector head. The functionality of thesyringe interface 2014 is substantially similar or identical to that described above with respect to thesyringe interface 1814. - FIGS.46A-46D illustrate a first preferred embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and
syringe system 2100 in accordance with the present invention. Thesystem 2100 includes asyringe 1512 and asyringe interface 2114. As best shown in FIG. 46A, thesyringe interface 2114 comprises a flexible, retainingring 2150 disposed between arear plate 2152 and afront plate 2154. The retainingring 2150 defines arear ledge 2160 that is adapted to engage the mountingmember 1522 of thesyringe 1512 when thesyringe 1512 is installed in thesyringe interface 2114. - The
ring 2150 comprises at least one, but preferably two,release members 2156 and at least one, but preferably two,protrusion members 2158. Further, thering 2150 is preferably elliptical in shape to enable engagement with and disengagement from the mountingmember 1522 of thesyringe 1512, as described in more detail below. As best shown in FIGS. 46B-46D, therelease members 2156 protrude from the rear andfront plates syringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 2114. Further, theprotrusion members 2158 are captured by and slide within channels (not shown) defined in the rear surface (not shown) of thefront plate 2154 to allow removal of thesyringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 2114 when only onerelease member 2156, instead of bothrelease members 2156, can be manipulated. (The channels are described below with respect to the alternate embodiment of FIGS. 47A-47F and are shown in FIG. 47E.) - To install the
syringe 1512 on thesyringe interface 2114, thesyringe 1512 is moved axially (in the direction of Arrow F in FIG. 46C) into engagement with thesyringe interface 2114. When the mountingmember 1522 engages theretaining ring 2150, the mountingmember 1522 urges the flexible, elliptically-shapedring 2150 into a more circularly-shaped configuration, thereby allowing the mountingmember 1522 to move pass thering 2150. After the mounting member passes thering 2150, thering 2150 returns to its original shape, thereby capturing the mountingmember 1522 behind therear ledge 2160 thereof and securing thesyringe 1512 to thesyringe interface 2114. - The
protrusion members 2158 and the channels (not shown) are provided to control/constrain the motion of theretaining ring 2150 during syringe installation and removal. Specifically, the motion of thering 2150 during syringe installation and removal (i.e., from substantially elliptical to substantially circular, and back) is directed and controlled by theprotrusion members 2158 being able to slide within the channels. Consequently, regardless of the orientation of thesyringe 1512 during initial engagement with theretaining ring 2150, the syringe force acting on thering 2150 and the resulting motion of thering 2150 is directed to and constrained by theprotrusion members 2158 and the channels. - To remove the
syringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 2114, one or both of therelease members 2156 may be pressed inward (i.e., toward the center of the syringe interface 2114), thereby forcing thering 2150 from engagement with the mountingmember 1522 of thesyringe 1512. When the release member(s) 2156 is activated, thesyringe 1512 may be grasped and moved axially (in the direction opposite from Arrow F in FIG. 46C) to remove thesyringe 1512 from thesyringe interface 2114. - When the
release members 2156 are activated, theprotrusion members 2158 slide within the channels (not shown) to direct the motion of thering 2150 from a generally elliptical configuration to a generally circular configuration to disengage the mountingmember 1522 from therear ledge 2160 of thering 2150. - As can be appreciated, the present embodiment permits a
syringe 1512 to be installed on asyringe interface 2114 with a simple, one-step, axial motion. To remove thesyringe 1512, one or both of therelease members 2156 may be depressed and thesyringe 1512 is simply removed axially from thesyringe interface 2114. - FIGS.47A-47F illustrate an
alternate embodiment 2200 of thesystem 2100 shown in FIGS. 46A-46D. Thesystem 2200 is substantially similar or identical in structure and function to thesystem 2100 described above in FIGS. 46A-46D, except that therelease members 2256 are substantially enlarged for easier and simpler manipulation. - As discussed above with respect to FIGS.46A-46D, FIG. 47E illustrates the
channels 2270 formed in thefront plate 2254 and theprotrusion members 2258 captured within thechannels 2270. - FIGS.48A-48C illustrate still another embodiment of a front-loading syringe interface and
syringe system 2300 in accordance with the present invention. Thesystem 2300 includes asyringe 2312 and asyringe interface 2314. Unlike thesyringe 1512 discussed and described above with respect to the other embodiments of the syringe interface and syringe system of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 40A-47F, thesyringe 2312 preferably comprises (in addition to the other components of syringe 1512) twonotches 2327 defined in the rear thereof. Alternately, one, three ormore notches 2327 may be defined in thesyringe 2312. - The
syringe interface 2314 preferably comprises abase member 2360 and acollet member 2362 rotatably mounted in thebase member 2360. As described in more detail below, thebase member 2360 preferably comprises twodowel pins 2364 inserted therein. Thecollet member 2362 comprises a plurality of segmented members ortangs 2368 formed therein, ahelical track 2370 defined in a rear end thereof and at least twoposts 2372 operable to engage thenotches 2327 in thesyringe 2312. Preferably, for reasons described below,small detents 2374 may be formed at suitable locations within (e.g., at or adjacent to terminal ends of) thehelical track 2370. Thecollet member 2362 is held within thebase member 2360 by means of the dowel pins 2364, which are captured by and ride within thehelical track 2370 in thecollet member 2362. - To install the
syringe 2312 on thesyringe interface 2314, thenotches 2327 on thesyringe 2312 are aligned with theposts 2372 on thecollet member 2362 and thesyringe 2312 is inserted axially (in the direction of Arrow G in FIG. 48B) into thecollet member 2362 until thenotches 2327 engage theposts 2372. Thesyringe 2312 is then rotated (preferably in a clock-wise direction according to Arrow H in FIG. 48B and approximately 90°) relative to the initial syringe position to complete the installation. As thesyringe 2312 is rotated, the engagement between theposts 2372 on thecollet member 2362 and thenotches 2327 on thesyringe 2312 cause thecollet member 2362 to rotate with thesyringe 2312 within thebase member 2360. - As the
collet member 2362 rotates with thesyringe 2312, the dowel pins 2364 riding within thehelical track 2370 cause thecollet member 2362 to be pulled into thebase member 2360. As thecollet member 2362 is pulled into thebase member 2360, eachtang 2368 is urged by theinclined surface 2365 of thebase member 2360 into engagement with the mountingmember 2322 of thesyringe 2312, thereby securing thesyringe 2312 within thesyringe interface 2314. As can be appreciated, the “post and notch” engagement prevents syringe rotation relative to thecollet member 2362 and the “tang and mounting member” engagement prevents axial syringe translation. - When the syringe2312 (and collet member 2362) are fully rotated into place in the
base member 2360, the dowel pins 2364 snap into place in thesmall detents 2374 to provide the operator with a tactile, and possibly audible, feedback that thesyringe 2312 is completely and securely installed in thesyringe interface 2314. - To remove the
syringe 2312 from thesyringe interface 2314, the syringe 2312 (and collet member 2362) is rotated (preferably in a counter-clockwise direction opposite from the direction of Arrow H) within thebase member 2360. To initiate the rotation, sufficient force must be applied to the syringe 2312 (and collet member 2362) to cause the dowel pins 2364 to escape thedetents 2374 and ride along thehelical track 2370. Thesyringe 2312 is then rotated until the dowel pins 2364 snap into place in thedetents 2374 at the opposite end of thehelical track 2370. (The tactile (and possibly audible) feedback of thepins 2364 snapping into place will alert the operator that thesyringe 2312 may be removed from thecollet member 2362.) As thecollet member 2362 rotates out of the “closed” position within thebase member 2360, thetangs 2368 release the mountingmember 2322 of thesyringe 2312 and thesyringe 2312 may be removed axially (in the opposite direction of Arrow G) from thesyringe interface 2314. - FIGS.49A-49F illustrate another embodiment of an injector piston and syringe
plunger interface system 2400 of the present invention. Thesystem 2400 may be incorporated in the syringe interface and syringe systems described above. Thesystem 2400 comprises aninjector piston 2402 having apiston head 2410 and asyringe plunger 2404 preferably comprising aplunger base 2406 and aplunger cover 2408. As best shown in FIG. 49F, theplunger base 2406 and the plunger cover 2408 (which may be formed of rubber) are preferably interconnected by means of a mechanical connection. - As described below, the
piston head 2410 and theplunger base 2406 preferably engage one another by means of a bayonet-type, interlocking mechanism. As in know in the art, thepiston 2402 is preferably disposed within an injector (not shown) and theplunger 2404 is preferably disposed within a syringe, such as thesyringes - The
piston head 2410 preferably comprises a pair of extendingflanges 2412 and, as best shown in FIG. 49E, theplunger base 2406 preferably comprises a pair of retainingflanges 2414 separated bychannels 2416. To connect thepiston 2402 and theplunger 2404, the extendingflanges 2412 on thepiston head 2410 are inserted along thechannels 2416 into theplunger 2404. When the extendingflanges 2412 clear the retainingflanges 2414, which is preferably indicated by theflange 2427 on thepiston 2402 engaging thecontact surface 2430 on theplunger 2404, either thepiston 2402 or theplunger 2404 is rotated to cause the retainingflanges 2414 to be captured behind the extendingflanges 2412. To disconnect thepiston 2402 from theplunger 2404, the reverse steps are preferably taken by the operator. - As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
piston 2402 and theplunger 2404 may be engaged by translating and rotating the plunger 2404 (disposed within a syringe) into engagement with the piston 2402 (disposed within an injector), or vice-versa. Alternately, the translational and rotational motions can be alternated between theplunger 2404 and thepiston 2402 to interconnect the two members. - FIGS. 50A and 50B illustrate another embodiment of an injector piston and syringe
plunger interface system 2500 of the present invention. Thesystem 2500 preferably comprises apiston 2502 and aplunger 2504. Theplunger 2504 is preferably configured as shown and described above with respect to FIGS. 49A-49F. Thepiston 2502 preferably comprises apiston head 2510 having a collet-type mechanism 2530. Thecollet 2530 is preferably comprised of a plurality of flexible segment members or tangs 2534. - To connect the
piston 2502 and theplunger 2504, thecollet mechanism 2530 is inserted into theplunger 2504. When thetangs 2534 pass the plunger undercut 2536 (as best shown in FIG. 50B), preferably a rod or pin member (not shown) is driven through the center of thecollet mechanism 2530 to radially force apart thetangs 2534 into locking engagement with the plunger undercut 2536. To disconnect thepiston 2502 from theplunger 2504, the rod or pin member (not shown) is retracted from the center of thecollet mechanism 2530, thereby causing thetangs 2534 to disengage the plunger undercut 2536. - Due to the symmetrical nature of the
collet mechanism 2530, no particular alignment between thepiston 2502 and theplunger 2504 is required for thepiston 2502 and theplunger 2504 to engage and/or disengage one another. This feature simplifies the installation and removal of a syringe from a syringe interface. - As can be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the
piston 2502 and theplunger 2504 may be engaged by translating the plunger 2504 (disposed within a syringe) into engagement with the piston 2502 (disposed within an injector), or vice-versa. - FIGS.51A-51C illustrate an
alternate embodiment 2600 of the injector piston and syringeplunger interface system 2500 shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B. The structure and function of thesystem 2600 is substantially similar or identical to thesystem 2500 shown in FIGS. 50A and 50B, except that thecollect mechanism 2630 is configured to be complementary in shape to theplunger cover 2608 to support theplunger cover 2608 during an injection procedure and to provide, for example, fluid pressure monitoring through theplunger 2604, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,808,203, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. - FIGS.52A-52C illustrate still another embodiment of an injector piston and syringe
plunger interface system 2700 of the present invention. Thesystem 2700 comprises apiston 2702 and aplunger cover 2708. In contrast to the above embodiments, a plunger base is not present in the plunger 2704. Rather, thepiston head 2710 is configured to be complementary in shape to theplunger cover 2708 to support theplunger cover 2708 during a fluid injection. - Preferably, as best shown in FIG. 52A, the
piston 2702 comprises abase member 2760, asleeve 2762, asegmented flap member 2764 and apiston cap 2766. During forward movement of the piston 2702 (e.g., during a fluid injection), thepiston 2702 preferably contacts and moves theplunger cover 2708 without connectively engaging or locking thereto. Upon retraction of the piston 2702 (i.e.,base member 2760,flap member 2764 and cap 2766), thesleeve 2762 moves (in the direction of Arrow I in FIG. 52B) into contact with thesegmented flap member 2764 and urges theflaps 2765 radially outward into engagement with an undercut 2767 formed in the plunger cover 2708 (as best shown in FIG. 52C) to connect thepiston 2702 andplunger cover 2708 together. Retraction of thepiston 2702 andplunger cover 2708 together is useful, for example, in aspirating fluid into a syringe for subsequent injection into a patient. - FIGS.53A-53D illustrate an
alternate embodiment 2800 of the injector piston and syringeplunger interface systems system 2800 is substantially similar or identical to that of thesystems - As best shown in FIGS. 53C and 53D, the
collet mechanism 2830 is acted upon by anactuator 2870 disposed within thepiston 2802 to urge thetangs 2834 radially outward into engagement with an undercut 2836 formed on theplunger cover 2808 to interconnect thepiston 2802 and theplunger cover 2808. The collet mechanism preferably includesspring retention members 2872, such as O-rings, to hold thetangs 2834 together and to spring-bias the tangs in a “disengage” position. - FIGS. 54A and 54B illustrate a
current syringe plunger 2980, which comprises aplunger base 2984 and a mechanically-connectedplunger cover 2982. - FIGS. 54C and 54D illustrate an embodiment of the
plunger 3080 of the present invention. Theplunger 3080 comprises aplunger cover 3082 having a larger syringe contact region (than theplunger cover 2982 shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B) and a least three sealingelements 3083. Theplunger base 3084 comprises at least two flexible, piston-retention members 3085, as shown and described in PCT Publication No. WO 98/20920, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Theplunger cover 3082 is preferably mechanically connected to theplunger base 3084, as best shown in FIG. 54D. - FIGS. 54E and 54F illustrate another embodiment of the
plunger 3180 of the present invention. Theplunger cover 3182 is substantially similar or identical to theplunger cover 2982 shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B. Theplunger base 3184 comprises at least two flexible, piston-retention members 3185. - FIGS. 54G and 54H illustrate an alternate embodiment of the
plunger 3280 of the present invention. Theplunger cover 3282 is substantially similar or identical to theplunger cover 2982 shown in FIGS. 54A and 54B. Theplunger base 3284 comprises a longer base region and at least two flexible, piston-retention members 3285. - As can be appreciated, the
plungers syringes - The most preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in connection with FIGS.55-109. Of these drawings, FIGS. 55-78 concern the second preferred embodiment of the syringe interface/release mechanism that releasably secures the syringe to the injector housing. FIG. 79 illustrates the efficacy of the flange assembly associated with the syringe of a related art medical injector assembly, which applies equally to the function of the flange on the syringe of the present invention. FIGS. 80-109 illustrate the first preferred embodiment of the injector piston and syringe plunger interface system/assembly of the present invention that cooperates to axially move the plunger within the syringe.
- Among other features (as illustrated in FIGS.55-57), the second preferred embodiment of the syringe interface of the present invention encompasses a
release mechanism 4010 for connecting asyringe 4012 to aninjector 4014. - Specifically, the second preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a mechanism by which a
syringe 4012 may be connected quickly to aninjector 4014 without the requirement (present in the prior art) for any particular orientation of thesyringe 4012 to theinjector 4014 during installation. The release/connector mechanism 4010 of the present invention also provides an audible “click” when thesyringe 4012 fully engages the connector/release mechanism 4010. Additionally, the present invention provides an audible “click” when thesyringe 4012 has been disengaged from the release/connector mechanism 4010. The audible “click” for connection and removal of thesyringe 4012 from the release/connector mechanism 4010 is a particularly useful feature because it provides the operator with an audible confirmation of proper engagement and disengagement of thesyringe 4012 from the release/connector mechanism 4010. - FIG. 55 illustrates generally the syringe interface/release mechanism4010 (hereinafter, release or
connector mechanism 4010, for brevity) of the present invention. Arear surface 4016 ofrelease mechanism 4010 attaches to afront surface 4018 ofinjector 4014. Afront surface 4020 ofrelease mechanism 4010 is adapted to receive arear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012. -
Release mechanism 4010 may be affixed tofront surface 4018 ofinjector 4014 in any suitable manner known to those skilled in the art. For example,release mechanism 4010 may be attached by means of screws (not shown) extending from thefront surface 4018 ofinjector 4014. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, any suitable alternative connection may be employed. For example,release mechanism 4010 may be affixed by means of tabs or other suitable connectors that permitrelease mechanism 4010 to be removed frominjector 4014 for cleaning of the components contained therein. In addition,release mechanism 4010 may be adapted to mount to conventional injectors to allow syringes of the present invention to be used therewith. - The second preferred embodiment of the syringe interface/
release mechanism 4010, which is illustrated in FIGS. 55-78, includes aconnector housing 4024.Connector housing 4024 contains within it at least two elements that facilitate connection ofsyringe 4012 toinjector 4014. The first of the two elements is aflex ring 4026, which is disposed withinrelease mechanism 4010 nearfront end 4020. The second of the two elements is arotating ring 4028, which is disposed withinrelease mechanism 4010 nearrear end 4016.Flex ring 4026 androtating ring 4028 are adapted to cooperate with one another, as described in greater detail below, to permit connection and release ofsyringe 4012 to and from release mechanism 4010 (and, accordingly, to and from injector 4014). - FIGS. 56 and 57 illustrate
release mechanism 4010 andsyringe 4012 in an exploded perspective view to facilitate an understanding of this aspect of the present invention.Syringe 4012 includes acylindrical body 4030 with a taperingconical portion 4032 at afront end 4034.Conical portion 4032 is integrally connected to adischarge end 4036.Discharge end 4036 is provided with aluer lock 4038 that may be connected to a tube (not shown) that is connected ultimately to the patient (also not shown). - As would be understood by those skilled in the art,
syringe 4012 may be made from any suitable material, such as a polymeric material. Specifically,syringe 4012 may be made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate). Alternatively,syringe 4012 may be constructed from polymethylpentene (which is made by Mitsui Plastics under the tradename “TPX”). - At
rear end 4022,syringe 4012 includes aflange 4042, which, whensyringe 4012 is connected to releasemechanism 4010, helps to prevent contrast medium that may leak from, for example,discharge end 4036 orluer lock 4038 from entering release/connector mechanism 4010. FIG. 79, which illustrates a related art syringe, helps to illustrate the advantages provided byflange 4042 onsyringe 4012. - As shown in FIGS.55-57, a
ridge 4044 is integrally formed onsyringe 4012 behindflange 4042 towardrear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012. Alternately, as shown in FIG. 123, the ridge may be segmented into two ormore sections 4044 a instead of a single continuous member. However, thesections 4044 a must collectively provide sufficient surface area and strength to retain thesyringe 4012 on theinjector 4014. - As shown in FIGS.55-57,
ridge 4044 includes two parts, a slopingsection 4046 and ashoulder section 4048 that is essentially perpendicular to the exterior surface ofcylindrical body 4030. At least one, and preferably two or more, extending tabs orprojections 4050 are provided atrear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012.Tabs 4050 engagegrooves 4052 provided inring 4028. Alternatively, as would be understood by those skilled in the art, slots, recesses or divots, etc. could be provided inrear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012 and tabs or projections could be provided on the interior surface of rotatingring 4028. - In addition, to mount conventional syringes on the
syringe interface 4010 of the present invention, a syringe adapter incorporating the structural components (e.g.,ridge 4044,tabs 4050 and/or flange 4042) of therear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012 could be fashioned to fit to a conventional syringe for mounting on the injector of the present invention. Of course, to properly engage the conventional syringe, the adapter would preferably include structural components complementary to the mounting elements of the conventional syringe. - Release/
connector mechanism 4010 includes afront plate 4054 and arear plate 4056.Front plate 4054 andrear plate 4056 are preferably constructed of aluminum coated with a fluoropolymer (such as Tufram™, which is the product name of a fluoropolymer manufactured by the General Magna Plate Company). The fluoropolymer coating provides improved resistance to wear and also provides lubricity to the exterior surfaces offront plate 4054 andrear plate 4056. Lubricity is particularly advantageous because, when contrast medium crystallizes on the exterior surface offront plate 4054 orrear plate 4056, it easily flakes off of the surface when the surface is coated with the fluoropolymer. Of course, any suitable alternative coating material may be used on the exterior surface offront plate 4054 orrear plate 4056. - In still another alternative embodiment, a coating may not need to be applied to the surface of
front plate 4054 orrear plate 4056 if either plate is made of a suitable material. For example, iffront plate 4054 andrear plate 4056 are constructed of a high density plastic (an acetyl copolymer, for example) the material itself may provide the same resistance to caking of contrast media as does the fluoropolymer coating on aluminum. - As shown in FIGS. 56 and 57,
front plate 4054 includes ahole 4058 therethrough. Alip 4060 extends around the periphery ofhole 4058 throughfront plate 4054. In one preferred embodiment, whensyringe 4012 engages release/connector mechanism 4010,flange 4042 andlip 4060 mate with one another to minimize any leaked contrast medium from entering the interior ofconnector mechanism 4010 throughhole 4058. FIG. 72 is particularly illustrative of the mating engagement betweenlip 4060 andflange 4042. Alternatively,syringe 4012 may be constructed so that it does not includeflange 4042, as would be understood by those skilled in the art. In addition, some alternative structure may be provided on eithersyringe 4012 orfront plate 4054 to minimize ingress of contrast medium into the interior of release/connector mechanism 4010. - In the embodiment described and illustrated throughout FIGS.55-78,
flange 4042 also serves an additional function as a mechanical stop when it engages withfront surface 4020 offront plate 4054. - Contrast medium of the type typically used within
syringe 4012 may interfere with the operation of connector/release mechanism 4010. Accordingly, it is advantageous to include some structure, such as flange 4042 (see FIG. 79), to minimize the ingress of contrast medium into the interior ofconnector mechanism 4010. However, it is believed that connector/release mechanism 4010 will operate even if fouled with some contrast medium, which is usually unavoidable. -
Flex ring 4026 is a substantially elliptically-shaped member that is disposed behindfront plate 4054 of release/connector mechanism 4010.Flex ring 4026 may be made from an acetal copolymer or any other suitable material. As best shown in FIGS. 66 and 67,flex ring 4026 includes, on either side, a linear or flattenedportion 4062 that is integrally connected to twocurved portions 4064. From approximately the midpoint of thecurved portions 4064,posts 4066 extend towardrear plate 4056. As shown,flex ring 4026 includes ahole 4068 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 66, on afront side 4080 offlex ring 4026, achamfered surface 4082 is provided. As explained below, chamferedsurface 4082 facilitates insertion ofrear end 4022 andridge 4044 ofsyringe 4012 therethrough. - In the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 56 and 57,
posts 4066 extending rearward fromflex ring 4026 are provided withbearings 4070. (Flex ring 4026 is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 66 and 67.)Bearings 4070 preferably are composite bearings (for example, metal and plastic) having inner and outer races with roller bearings disposed therebetween. Alternatively,bearings 4070 may be plastic elements that surroundposts 4066 and rotate with respect thereto.Bearings 4070 engage grooves orcam tracks 4072 on rotatingring 4028. As would be appreciated by those skilled in the art, however, bearings are not required for the operation of release/connector mechanism 4010. FIG. 114 illustrates one alternate embodiment of the present invention wherebearings 4070 are omitted, which simplifies construction ofconnector mechanism 4402 and, accordingly, reduces the cost of its manufacture. - Rotating
ring 4028, which is disposed to the rear offlex ring 4026 withinhousing 4024, includes two grooves orcam tracks 4072 on afront surface 4074 thereof. As best shown in FIGS. 61, 68 and 69, cam tracks 4072 are shaped such that theouter surface 4074 increases in diameter along its arc from theclosest point 4076 to the center of rotatingring 4028 to thefarthest point 4078 from the center ofring 4028.Grooves 4072 engageposts 4066 throughbearings 4070 and, whensyringe 4012 is rotated while engaging rotating ring 4028 (e.g., to disengagesyringe 4012 from release/connector mechanism 4010),force posts 4066 apart to stretchflex ring 4026 in a direction indicated byarrow 4084 in FIGS. 66 and 67. As shown,flex ring 4026 has ahole 4068 through its center to accommodaterear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012 therein or therethrough. - Rotating
ring 4028, which is shown in detail in FIGS. 68 and 69, is disposed within an indentation orrecess 4090 formed infront surface 4088 ofrear plate 4056. (Rear plate 4056 is shown in detail in FIGS. 70 and 71.)Rear plate 4056 has ahole 4092 therethrough for accommodatingrear portion 4022 ofsyringe 4012. Rotatingring 4028 is disposed inindentation 4090 so thatring 4028 may freely rotate therein.Rear plate 4056 has arear surface 4094, which is illustrated in FIGS. 57 and 71. - As shown in FIGS. 57, 58 and64, a
rear surface 4096 offront plate 4054 includes an indentation orrecess 4098 that has essentially the same shape asflex ring 4026. As such,indentation 4098 includes two linear or flattenedportions 4100 and twocurved portions 4102. (See. e.g., FIGS. 58 and 64.) Twonotches 4104 inrear surface 4096 offront plate 4054 are positioned at approximately the center point ofcurved sections 4102.Notches 4104 accommodateposts 4066 and the associated structures that connectposts 4066 to flexring 4026.Indentation 4098 is shaped to be larger thanflex ring 4026 and adistance 4106 betweennotches 4104 is greater than adistance 4108 between posts 4066 (see FIGS. 66 and 67) in their relaxed state.Notches 4104 help to preventflex ring 4026 from rotating withinhousing 4024 and permitflex ring 4026 to expand upon rotation of rotatingring 4028. - The operation of release/
connector mechanism 4010 is illustrated in and described by reference to FIGS. 74-78 and 55-73. - As illustrated in FIGS.74-76,
rear end 4022 ofsyringe 4012 is inserted intoconnector housing 4024 through hole orinterface 4058 infront plate 4054, in the direction indicated byarrow 4110.Flex ring 4026 sits withinindentation 4098 formed inrear surface 4096 offront plate 4054 so thatposts 4066 engagenotches 4104. Therefore, wheninclined surface 4046 ofridge 4044 ofsyringe 4012 engageschamfers 4082 onflex ring 4026,ridge 4044 pushesopen flex ring 4026 in direction 4084 (shown in FIGS. 66 and 67) from its relaxed distance 4108 (see FIG. 77) to its extended (or tensioned) distance 4106 (see FIGS. 58 and 78). FIG. 75 is illustrative of this feature.Flex ring 4026 opens in the direction indicated byarrows 4112. - After
ridges 4044 clear the rear edge offlex ring 4026, the elastic nature offlex ring 4026 causesflex ring 4026 to resume its relaxed state in the direction ofarrows 4114, as illustrated in FIG. 76. Whenflex ring 4026 resumes its relaxed state, theshoulder 4048 ofridge 4044 engages the rear edge offlex ring 4026. Thesyringe 4012 is thereby held in place byflex ring 4026 and cannot be axially removed from release/connector mechanism 4010. Whenflex ring 4026 resumes its relaxed state, it preferably provides an audible “click” to indicate to the operator that thesyringe 4012 has been installed on the injector. - Removal of syringe from release/
connector mechanism 4010 preferably requires thatsyringe 4012 be rotated ¼ turn or an approximate one quarter turn, as described below. This operation is illustrated in and described by reference to FIGS. 77, 78 and 55-73. - As illustrated in FIGS. 60 and 73, once
syringe 4012 has been engaged byflex ring 4026, the twoprojections 4050 engage two ofgrooves 4052 in rotatingring 4028. FIG. 77 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the engagement ofsyringe 4012 and flex ring 4026 (which is shown as an entirely elliptical structure for convenience). (In alternate embodiments, one, three ormore projections 4050 may be provided on thesyringe 4012.) As best shown in FIGS. 55-57, theprojections 4050 are preferably triangular in shape, with a point of the “triangle” being directed first into engagement with thegrooves 4052 in rotatingring 4028. This design allows theprojections 4050 to readily align with and engage therespective grooves 4052 in therotating ring 4028 when thesyringe 4012 is inserted into the release/connector mechanism 4010, without the operator having to joggle or twist thesyringe 4012 to seat theprojections 4050. - As
syringe 4012 is rotated, in a preferred embodiment, approximately one quarter turn in the counter-clockwise direction,projections 4050, which engagegrooves 4052,force rotating ring 4028 also to rotate approximately the same amount in the same direction. While themechanism 4010 is preferably designed to releasesyringe 4012 by means of a counter-clockwise rotation, it is specifically contemplated thatmechanism 4010 may be adapted to releasesyringe 4012 by means of a clockwise rotation. (It should be noted that the one-quarter turn to which reference is made herein is not intended to mean exactly one quarter of a turn. The term “one quarter turn” is meant to indicate a turn that is about one quarter turn and preferably in a range from 45 to 90 degrees from the rest position ofsyringe 4012. Alternately, any suitable range of rotation may be used to facilitate disengagement of thesyringe 4012 frommechanism 4010.) - Because posts4066 (with bearings 4070) of
flex ring 4026 engage and ride alongcam tracks 4072 on rotatingring 4028, the rotation ofring 4028 will urgeflex ring 4026 from its relaxed (i.e., syringe engaged) state to its extended (i.e., syringe disengaged) state. Asposts 4066 travel alongcam tracks 4072 from theinner-most position 4076 to theoutermost position 4078,flex ring 4026 is stretched from therelaxed distance 4108 to the extended distance 4106 (in the direction of Arrows 4112), at which point the rear edge offlex ring 4026 disengages theshoulder 4048 ofsyringe 4012. Consequently, thesyringe 4012 is disengaged and may be axially removed fromflex ring 4026 andmechanism 4010. When thesyringe 4012 is removed from themechanism 4010, the spring force of theflex ring 4026 urges theposts 4066 to travel along the cam tracks 4072 from theouter-most position 4078 to theinner-most position 4076, thereby returning the flex ring 4025 to its relaxed state for receipt of a new syringe. In addition, when thesyringe 4012 is disengaged from theflex ring 4026, the operator preferably hears a second audible “click” to indicate that thesyringe 4012 has been disengaged from the mechanism 4010 (and, accordingly, the injector). - A third preferred embodiment of the syringe interface/release mechanism is shown in FIGS. 124 and 125. Because the third preferred embodiment is similar in function and structure to the second preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS.55-78, for ease of reference the same reference numerals have been used to identify the respective components thereof. The differences between the second and third preferred embodiments are discussed below. The third preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 124 and 125 includes a pair of
return springs 4091 to assistflex ring 4026 androtating ring 4028 to return to their rest state aftersyringe 4012 is released from release/connector mechanism 4010. (Optionally,bearings 4093 may be provided forsprings 4091. These bearings may be retained inrear plate 4056 by pins (not shown) and formed of Delrin®.) In this embodiment, the return springs 4091 are disposed between therotating ring 4028 and therear plate 4056. However, the return springs 4091 may be connected betweenrotating ring 4028 and thefront plate 4054 ofhousing 4024. Therotating ring 4028 preferably includes a pair of projectingtabs 4095 to which the free ends 4097 of thesprings 4091 are connected. As shown, thesprings 4091 preferably ride within and are constrained by a pair of complementary shapedrecesses 4099 formed in therear plate 4056. The return springs 4091 are preferably ¾″ constant force springs provided by Associated Spring Raymond. The return springs 4091 are especially useful in assisting theflex ring 4026 and therotating ring 4028 to return to their rest state if the elements of syringe interface/connector mechanism 4010 have become fouled with contrast media during the medical procedure (or over time after repeated use). - As discussed above, FIG. 79 illustrates the efficacy of
flange 4042 for preventing contrast media insyringe 4012 from entering a syringe interface and injector of the present invention. - The present invention also includes a construction for a first preferred embodiment of an injector piston and syringe
plunger interface assembly 4200 forinjector 4014 that engages a plunger withinsyringe 4012 without regard to the orientation of syringe in release/connector mechanism 4010 or the orientation of the plunger within thesyringe 4012. FIGS. 80-109 are illustrative of piston/plunger assembly 4200 and its operation. - Piston/
plunger assembly 4200 is positioned movably in an axial relation toinjector 4014 andsyringe 4012. As shown in FIGS. 85 and 86,piston 4202 includes arear end 4204 and afront end 4206.Piston 4202 also includes anelongated shaft 4208 extending betweenrear end 4204 andfront end 4206.Rear end 4204 ofpiston 4202 is connected to a mover or motor drive train withininjector 4014. The mover may be any type of mover suitable for movingpiston 4202 axially into and out frominjector 4014, including a motor and drive train combination. - As shown in FIGS.80-82, a
piston sleeve 4210 surroundsshaft 4208 ofpiston 4202.Piston sleeve 4210 is freely movable with respect topiston 4202. In other words,piston sleeve 4210 is not connected topiston 4202.Piston sleeve 4210 is essentially a cylindrical tube with afront end 4212 and arear end 4214. (See FIG. 87 for an enlarged detail ofpiston sleeve 4210.) - A
collar 4216 is disposed atfront end 4212 ofpiston sleeve 4210. As shown in FIGS. 88-90,collar 4216 includes ahole 4218 through whichpiston 4202 is disposed. Anannular flange 4219 is provided on arear side 4220 ofcollar 4216 for engagement offront end 4212 ofpiston sleeve 4210. A secondannular flange 4222 is provided on afront surface 4224 ofcollar 4216.Annular flange 4222 engages aplunger cap 4226, which is generally depicted in FIGS. 97-100. -
Plunger cap 4226 has abase portion 4230 that extends outwardly from a base thereof. (See FIGS. 97-100.) Thebase portion 4230 is connected to a frusto-conical section 4232 that tapers inwardly toward a centerline ofplunger cap 4226. Anannular groove 4234 is provided inplunger cap 4226 near frusto-conical section 4232.Slots 4236 are disposed withinannular groove 4232 for retainingsupport ring grippers 4238. Atop portion 4240 ofplunger cap 4226 extends upwardly fromannular groove 4234.Top portion 4240 is cone shaped and terminates in arounded tip 4242. As illustrated in FIG. 98,plunger cap 4226 is essentially a hollow body that defines aninterior volume 4244. -
Front end 4206 ofpiston 4202 extends intointerior volume 4244 ofplunger cap 4226. As shown in FIGS. 107 and 108,front end 4206 ofpiston 4202 is connected togripper expander 4246.Gripper expander 4246 is connected tofront end 4206 ofpiston 4202 by any suitable means such as a screw (not shown) disposed through ahole 4248 that extends through the center ofgripper expander 4246. (Detailed illustrations ofgripper expander 4246 are provided in FIGS. 91-93.) -
Gripper expander 4246 has atop surface 4250 and abottom surface 4252. Fromtop surface 4250,gripper expander 4246 tapers inwardly to form a frusto-conical section 4254. Acylindrical section 4256 extends from frusto-conical section 4254 tobottom surface 4252. When connected tofront end 4206 ofpiston 4202,gripper expander 4246 forms a T-shaped structure withpiston 4202, as illustrated in FIGS. 107 and 108. - As illustrated in FIGS. 83, 84,94-96, 107 and 108,
support ring grippers 4238 extend through theslots 4236 inannular groove 4234 ofplunger cap 4226.Support ring grippers 4238 are designed to extend outwardly fromannular groove 4234 when piston/plunger assembly 4200 is moved in a rearward direction or retracted (into injector 4014). As shown in FIGS. 94-96,support ring grippers 4238 have abody 4258 that is L-shaped in cross-section. On aninterior edge 4260,support ring grippers 4238 are provided with achamfer 4262 that engages with frusto-conical surface 4254 ongripper expander 4246. Whengripper expander 4246 moves in the direction ofinjector 4014, which is indicated byarrows 4264 in FIG. 108,support ring grippers 4238 move outwardly fromplunger cap 4226 in the direction of arrows 4266 (also shown in FIG. 108). - A rubber cover4268 (which is shown in detail in FIGS. 105 and 106) is usually assembled with
syringe 4012 and is located therein. Movement ofrubber cover 4268 causes the liquid contained insyringe 4012 to be pushed out through thedischarge end 4036 and into the patient.Rubber cover 4268 includes a conically-shaped top 4270 with a substantially cylindrical 4272 portion extending rearwardly therefrom.Cylindrical portion 4272 may include any number ofridges 4274 andgrooves 4276 that may be required for a particular application to assure that the liquid does not pass by the plunger and leak out of thesyringe 4012 during, for example, an injection procedure. - The interior of
rubber cover 4268 is hollow and, as a result, has a conicalinner surface 4278. In addition, at abottom end 4280, alip 4282 is provided that defines acircular opening 4284 into the interior ofrubber cover 4268.Lip 4282 is designed to be engaged by a rubbercover support ring 4286. - Rubber
cover support ring 4286, which is shown in detail in FIGS. 101-104, is constructed of a suitable plastic material. Rubbercover support ring 4286 engageslip 4282 on the interior ofrubber cover 4268 and provides additional rigidity torubber cover 4268. Rubbercover support ring 4286 includes anannular ring 4288 at abottom portion 4290 thereof. Agroove 4292 is provided aboveannular ring 4288 for engagement oflip 4282 ofrubber cover 4268. A frusto-conical section 4294 extends upwardly fromgroove 4292 and mates within theinterior surface 4278 of therubber cover 4268. Ahole 4296 extends through rubbercover support ring 4286. The interior surface of rubbercover support ring 4286 includes alip 4298 with achamfered surface 4300.Lip 4298 serves as a location for engagement bysupport ring grippers 4238. - In an alternate embodiment of
rubber cover 4268, rubbercover support ring 4286 may be eliminated altogether. The alternate embodiment of the rubber cover, which is designated 4306, is illustrated in FIGS. 110-113. Sincerubber cover 4306 does not include rubbercover support ring 4286,rubber cover 4306 is thicker in cross-section thanrubber cover 4268. So thatgrippers 4238 may engagerubber cover 4306 during at least a retraction operation ofinjector 4014,rubber cover 4306 includes alip 4308 on an interior surface. -
Rubber cover 4306 has essentially the same shape asrubber cover 4286.Rubber cover 4306 includes a conically-shapedtop portion 4310 with arounded tip 4312. At itslower end 4314,rubber cover 4306 includes threeribs 4316 and twogrooves 4318 positioned along a cylindrical portion. The interior ofrubber cover 4306 defines aninterior volume 4320 with taperedsides 4322.Rubber cover 4306 is thicker thanrubber cover 4286 so that it has added strength and sealing capabilities (i.e., to the interior of syringe 4012). - The operation of piston/
plunger assembly 4200 will now be described in connection with FIGS. 107-109. The operation of piston/plunger assembly 4200 does not differ substantially if rubber cover 4268 (together with rubber cover support ring 4286) orrubber cover 4306 are employed withinsyringe 4012. - When the operator of
injector 4014 desires to advance or push the piston/plunger assembly 4200 forward, he may push one of thebuttons 4302 oninjector 4014 to actuate forward movement ofpiston 4202. Movement ofpiston 4202 in the forward direction pushesrubber cover 4268 in the forward direction. Because forward movement ofrubber cover 4268 in the forward direction does not require any connection betweenpiston assembly 4202 andrubber cover 4268, the two are only in a mating engagement with one another. However, if the operator of injector wishes to retract or moverubber cover 4268 in the rearward direction, piston/plunger assembly 4200 must grab ontorubber cover 4268 to pull it towardinjector 4014. - To grab onto rubber cover4268 (and its associated rubber
cover support ring 4286, where included),grippers 4238 extend outwardly to grab ontolip 4298 of rubbercover support ring 4286. If thealternative rubber cover 4306 is used,grippers 4238 engagelip 4308. The engagement of lip 4298 (or alternatively lip 4308) bygrippers 4238 is described below. - As mentioned above,
piston sleeve 4210 is not connected topiston 4202. Instead, it is freely moveably (in the axial direction) with respect topiston 4202. Withininjector 4014, there is an o-ring 4304 that matingly engages the exterior surface ofpiston sleeve 4210. (See FIGS. 107 and 108.) Accordingly, whenpiston 4202 is withdrawn intoinjector 4014,piston sleeve 4210 experiences a frictional engagement with o-ring 4304 that tends to holdpiston sleeve 4210 in place. In other words,ring 4304biases piston sleeve 4210 in a forward direction whenpiston 4202 is retracted in a rearward direction. - Because
piston 4202 is connected togripper expander 4246, aspiston 4202 moves intoinjector 4014, so doesgripper expander 4246. However,piston sleeve 4210,collar 4216, andplunger cap 4226, which are the elements connected to one another, are biased in a forward direction by O-ring 4304. Accordingly, when actuated,piston 4202 andgripper expander 4246 move rearward in relation topiston sleeve 4210,collar 4216 andplunger cap 4226. Frusto-conical section 4254 ofgripper expander 4246 is then caused to engage chamferedregions 4262 to forcegrippers 4238 outwardly throughslots 4236 inplunger cap 4226, as shown byArrows 4266 in FIG. 108, and into engagement with lip 4298 (or lip 4308) ofsupport ring 4286. To holdgrippers 4238 in place, a rubber sheath (not shown) may be placed overplunger cap 4226. The rubber sheath may also assist in preventing contrast medium from enteringplunger cap 4226 throughslots 4236. - By this construction, then,
rubber cover 4268 connectively engagespiston 4202 only whenpiston 4202 is retracted or moved in a rearward direction into or towardinjector 4014. When stationary or when moving forward,rubber cover 4268 does not engagepiston 4202 so thatsyringe 4012 may be easily disengaged fromsyringe interface 10. - As can be appreciated, the piston/
plunger assembly 4200 of the present invention is preferably not orientation specific. That is, engagement between thepiston 4202 and theplunger cover 4268 can occur without regard to the orientation of the plunger within thesyringe 4012 and/or the orientation of the plunger with respect to thepiston 4202. In conjunction with suitable syringe interfaces of the present invention, injector and syringe systems are provided that do not require an operator to orient the syringe in any particular manner with respect to the injector to mount the syringe thereon. The present invention, in at least one aspect, thereby improves and facilitates the mounting and installation of syringes on injectors. - FIG. 114 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the release/
connector mechanism 4402 of the present invention. Here,flex ring 4026 does not includebearings 4070 around posts 4066. As mentioned above, this simplifies the construction ofconnector mechanism 4402. Here, release/connector mechanism 4402 operates in the same manner asconnector mechanism 4010 except that posts 4066 engagecam tracks 4072 directly. For convenience, screws 4404 are shown that holdfront plate 4054 torear plate 4056. - FIG. 115 illustrates another embodiment of the syringe interface/
connector mechanism 4406 of the present invention. Here, rotatingring 4028 has been eliminated altogether. In this embodiment,grooves 4408 are provided on an inner surface offlex ring 4410 for engagement withprojections 4412 on syringe 4414 (see FIG. 117).Posts 4416 extend from upper and lower positions onflex ring 4410 and engagegrooves 4418 in back plate 4420 (or, alternatively, in the front plate (not shown)). Whensyringe 4414, which is illustrated in cross-section in FIG. 117, is rotated (preferably in a counter-clockwise direction),projections 4412 rotateflex ring 4410 so thatposts 4416 travel ingrooves 4418 to stretchflex ring 4410 andrelease syringe 4414. For thebarrel projections 4412 to engagegrooves 4408, theprojections 4412 are positioned betweenridge 4044 andflange 4042. So that the differences between the two alternative designs may be evaluated,syringe 4414 is illustrated adjacent syringe 4012 (see FIGS. 116 and 117). - FIG. 118 illustrates three alternate embodiments of the different shapes for grooves for rotating
ring 4028 orflex ring 4410. It should be noted that the different shapes forgrooves 4052 may be used with any alternative embodiment of rotating ring or flex ring described herein. First, inembodiment # 1,grooves 4052, which are the same as those depicted in FIG. 59, are illustrated. Inembodiment # 1,grooves 4052 are semi-cylindrical indentations on the inner surface of rotatingring 4028. Embodiment #2 illustratesgrooves 4052′ that are triangularly shaped. Embodiment #3 illustrates thatgrooves 4052″ are U-shaped. Those skilled in the art should readily recognize thatgrooves projections 4050 or their equivalent. - One possible disadvantage of the previously described embodiments of the syringe interface/connector mechanism of the present invention is made apparent by the illustrations in FIGS. 77 and 78. There, it can be observed that
flex ring 4026 engagesridge 4044 onsyringe 4012 at only twolocations 4400 around the periphery ofsyringe 4012. While this works in most instances to holdsyringe 4012 in place, there are some instances where high pressure must be applied to inject contrast medium insyringe 4012 into a patient. Where high pressure (e.g., pressure at or above 1000 p.s.i.) is applied, the tworegions 4400 may not provide enough contact area withridge 4044 to holdsyringe 4012 securely in release/connector mechanism 4010. In these instances, it is preferred thatflex ring 4026 contact most, if not all, ofridge 4044 around the circumference ofsyringe 4012. - FIG. 119 illustrates an embodiment of the release/
connector mechanism 4440 of the present invention that offers aflexible ring 4450 that is circularly shaped to engage a significant portion ofridge 4044 along the periphery ofsyringe 4012.Flexible ring 4450 is nearly a complete circle with an inner diameter, in a relaxed state, that is just larger than the outer circumference ofsyringe body 4030.Flexible ring 4450 includes two posts thereon,post 4452 that engages ahole 4456 in agroove 4460 infront plate 4462 and anotherpost 4454 that fits into ahole 4458 in rotatingring 4464. Rotatingring 4464 is nested in an indentation (not shown) inback plate 4466.Screws 4468 may be used to assemble release/connector mechanism 4440. - As with other embodiments,
syringe 4012 is inserted throughhole 4470 infront plate 4462. Whenridge 4044 ofsyringe 4012 clearsflex ring 4450,flex ring 4450 snaps into place aroundsyringe 4012 and provides an audible “click”. When in place,projections 4050 onsyringe 4012 engagegrooves 4472 on the interior surface of rotatingring 4464. - To
disengage syringe 4012 from release/connector mechanism 4440,syringe 4012 is rotated approximately one-quarter turn. The rotation ofsyringe 4012causes rotating ring 4464 to turn in the direction ofarrow 4474. As rotatingring 4464 turns, pressure is applied to post 4454 to causeflex ring 4450 to enter a tensioned state where it has a larger inner diameter. When a sufficient amount of force has been applied to flexring 4450, it releasessyringe 4012 and provides an audible “click” upon doing so. - In the previous embodiments, the flex ring has been shown as a single piece construction. It is possible, however, that flex ring could be constructed from several pieces that are connected in a manner to one another or to the housing for the release/connector mechanism so that the separate elements have a relaxed and a tensioned state (as does the single piece construction).
- One possible embodiment of a two-piece “flex ring” is illustrated in FIG. 120. As shown, syringe interface/
connector mechanism 4480 includes afront plate 4482 that is similar in design to front plate 4054 (shown in FIGS. 56 and 57).Front plate 4482 includes anindentation 4484 in a rear surface thereof that is sized to accommodateflex ring 4486.Front plate 4482 has ahole 4488 therethrough. It also hasnotches 4490 that accommodateposts 4492 onflex ring 4486. -
Flex ring 4486 is shaped similarly to flexring 4026. As shown,flex ring 4486 has two separatearcuate pieces seams springs flex ring 4486 to biasflex ring 4486 into a relaxed position aroundsyringe 4012 once inserted therethrough. - A
rotating ring 4506 is positioned behindflex ring 4486. Rotatingring 4506 has ahole 4508 therethrough and is provided with a number ofgrooves 4510 in its inner surface. Rotatingring 4506 is not connected directly to flex ring 4486 (as with other embodiments). Instead, rotatingring 4506 includes twoposts rear plate 4516. As with other embodiments, rotatingring 4506 is positioned within an indentation (not shown) on the inner surface ofrear plate 4516. - Two
semicircular arms rear plate 4516. Each arm includes apost posts 4492 onflex ring 4486. Each arm also includes anotch post - The operation of release/
connector mechanism 4480 is essentially the same as with previous embodiments. Whensyringe 4012 is inserted throughflex ring 4486, the twosegments flex ring 4486 spring apart into a tensioned state untilridge 4044 onsyringe 4012 clears the rear edge of thesegments flex ring 4486. Whenridge 4044 clearsflex ring 4486, springs 4502, 4504 return to a relaxed state and drawsegments syringe 4012. Whensegments - To remove
syringe 4012 from release/connector mechanism 4480,syringe 4012 is rotated approximately one-quarter turn. As before,syringe 4012 is provided withprojections 4050 that engagegrooves 4510 on the interior surface of rotatingring 4506. As rotatingring 4506 is turned,arms posts 4492 to urgesegments flex ring 4486 apart. Once the syringe is rotated a sufficient distance,segments syringe 4012, preferably with an audible “click”. - FIGS. 121 and 122 illustrate one further example of a release/
connector mechanism 4550 according to the teachings of the present invention. Here, instead of providing a flex ring, foursegments common hole 4560 throughconnector mechanism 4550. The four segments 4552-4558 may be biased by any suitable mechanism. For example, segments 4552-4558 may be connected to a rotating ring by arms in a similar manner asconnector mechanism 4480. - In addition, a front-
loading syringe 4612 incorporating syringe encoding is shown in FIG. 126.Syringe 4612 includes acylindrical body 4630 with a taperingconical portion 4632 at afront end 4634.Conical portion 4632 is integrally connected to adischarge end 4636. - At
rear end 4622,syringe 4612 includes twoencoding rings 4641, a flange 4642 (which, whensyringe 4612 is connected to releasemechanism 4010, helps to prevent contrast medium that may leak from, for example,discharge end 4636 from entering release/connector mechanism 4010), anattachment ridge 4644, and preferably two or more, extending release tabs orprojections 4650. Therings 4641 preferably extend around the circumference ofsyringe 4612, but therings 4641 may be segmented if desired. Also, while tworings 4641 are shown, one, three ormore rings 4641 may be provided onsyringe 4612 to accommodate varying encoding requirements. The structure and function of the encoding system is described in U.S. application Ser. No. 09/765,498, filed on Jan. 18, 2001, and assigned to the Assignee of the present application, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. - The present invention also provides injectors and injector systems having certain “automated” or “auto” features that facilitate the operation thereof. For example, the injectors and injector systems of the present invention may be provided with one or more of the following functions: “auto advance,” “auto engage,” “auto fill,” “auto prime” and “auto retract.” Each of these functions, together with their attendant advantages and benefits, is described below in more detail in conjunction with empty, preloaded and/or prefilled syringes. As known in the art, “empty” syringes are syringes that do not contain fluid when mounted on an injector for an injection procedure. Empty syringes typically come in two forms: “plunger-rearward” syringes and “plunger-forward” syringes. Plunger-rearward syringes are syringes having plungers that are initially located at the rearward or proximal ends thereof. Plunger-forward syringes are syringes having plungers that are initially located at the forward or distal ends thereof. “Preloaded” syringes are empty syringes that have been filled with fluid (e.g., by hand or by use of an injector to aspirate fluid into the syringe) prior to an injection procedure, and then stored for subsequent use on an injector for the injection procedure. “Prefilled” syringes are syringes that have been filled with fluid prior to delivery to the customer.
- In a preferred embodiment, the injectors and injector systems of the present invention are adapted to automatically identify, for example, the types, sizes, fluid contents (if applicable) and configurations of syringes mounted thereon. Suitable sensors and encoding devices are discussed above and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,383,858 and PCT Publication No. WO 99/65548 (both of which are incorporated herein by reference) to differentiate between varying syringes (e.g., empty, preloaded or prefilled syringes) used on injectors. These sensing schemes, or suitable alternatives as known in the art, could also be used to implement the auto features discussed below.
- The “auto engage” feature allows an injector to automatically advance the drive piston thereof to engage a syringe plunger upon installation or attachment of the syringe to the injector. In a preferred embodiment, the auto engage feature occurs without operator intervention. This feature is particularly useful for preloaded and prefilled syringes, which typically have plungers located at some position within the syringe barrel other than at the proximal and distal ends thereof, and plunger-forward syringes. In the case of prefilled syringes, the auto engage feature automatically connects the injector piston and syringe plunger for subsequent priming of the syringe (and associated tubing) and subsequent injection. For plunger-forward syringes, the auto engage feature engages the piston and plunger for subsequent retraction of the plunger for aspiration of fluid, such as contract media, into the syringe.
- The “auto advance” feature is related to, and may be considered a type or subset of, the auto engage feature. The auto advance feature allows an injector to automatically advance the plunger of a plunger rearward syringe (i.e., by the drive piston of the injector) to the distal end of the syringe after the syringe is installed on the injector. This feature operates to expel air from an empty, plunger-rearward syringe and to place the syringe plunger in a position to be subsequently retracted to aspirate fluid, such as contrast media, into the syringe for an injection procedure. In a preferred embodiment, the injector senses the mounting or installation of the syringe thereon and automatically advances the piston without operator intervention to drive the plunger to the distal end of the syringe. Of course, this feature would ordinarily be used only with empty syringes (as compared to preloaded or prefilled syringes) to prevent fluid from being expelled therefrom.
- As discussed above, in a preferred embodiment, the injectors and injector systems of the present invention may be adapted to automatically differentiate between, for example, empty syringes and preloaded syringes. Because preloaded syringes are empty syringes that have been filled with fluid and stored prior to an injection procedure, and further because operators, depending on the application or need, may or may not preload empty syringes with fluid for storage prior to the injection procedure, the injector may have difficulty differentiating between empty, plunger-rearward syringes and preloaded syringes.
- One possible arrangement to address this concern is to assemble the plunger-rearward syringes with their plungers located at positions rearward of the maximum fill volume of the syringes. As can be appreciated, this arrangement will result in preloaded syringes having their plungers located (after loading with fluid) at some position equal to or forward of the maximum fill volume of the syringes. In operation, after a syringe is placed on the injector and identified as an empty syringe, the auto engage feature will drive the piston forward to engage the syringe plunger. If the piston engages the syringe plunger at a position rearward of the maximum fill volume of the syringe, the injector will discern that a plunger-rearward syringe has been installed thereon and the auto advance feature will be enabled to drive the plunger to the distal end of the syringe to expel air therefrom and to place the plunger in position for aspiration of fluid into the syringe. On the other hand, if the piston engages the syringe plunger at a position equal to or forward of the maximum fill volume of the syringe, the injector will discern that a preloaded syringe has been installed thereon. Of course, when the injector determines that a preloaded syringe has been installed thereon, the auto advance feature will not be enabled (i.e., to prevent the piston from advancing the plunger to the distal end of the syringe, thereby expelling the preloaded fluid form the syringe).
- The “auto fill” or “auto load” feature allows an injector to automatically retract a syringe plunger (i.e., by means of the injector piston) to draw in or aspirate a programmed amount of fluid, such as contrast media, into the syringe. Preferably, the auto fill feature occurs without operator intervention, thereby allowing the operator to perform other tasks (e.g., programming the scanner or injector, positioning the patient on the scanner table, catherizing the patient) while the syringe is being filled with fluid. Of course, this feature typically is not necessary for prefilled or preloaded syringes, which already contain fluid therein.
- In a preferred embodiment, the auto fill feature also includes a “trapped air reduction” feature to reduce the amount of air aspirated into the syringe during the fluid aspiration procedure. During an aspiration procedure facilitated by, for example, the auto fill feature, the injector piston retracts the syringe plunger to draw fluid into the syringe. Often, for example, when the aspiration flow rate is sufficiently great, air is aspirated into the syringe along with the fluid. To reduce the amount of air aspirated into the syringe, the trapped air reduction feature reverses the motion of the injector piston (i.e., to slightly advance the injector piston) one or more times during the aspiration procedure. By reducing the amount of air aspirated into the syringe during the fill operation, the quantity and size of air bubbles formed in the syringe, as well as the time required to subsequently expel air from the syringe and connecting tube (i.e., priming the system) are reduced, resulting in a lower probability of an inadvertent air injection.
- The “auto prime” feature allows an injector to automatically prime the fluid path (i.e., syringe and connecting tubing) before an injection procedure. Preferably, the volume of fluid contained within a connector tubing used with a syringe is pre-programmed into the injector. For example, a 60′ low pressure connecting tubing (“LPCT”) provided by Medrad, Inc., the Assignee of the present application, for use with its disposable syringes typically holds approximately 2.78 ml of fluid. Alternately, the operator may manually program the fluid volume contained within the connector tube into the injector.
- As will become apparent, the auto prime feature may be functionally dependent, in certain respects, on the auto fill feature described above. When a syringe is filled with fluid (i.e., by means of the auto fill feature), the injector automatically compensates for the connector tube by adding its corresponding fluid volume to the fluid volume desired by the operator to be aspirated into the syringe for an injection operation. For example, if the operator desires to fill the syringe with 150 ml of fluid for an injection procedure, the auto fill feature will compensate for the connector tube fluid volume by automatically adding 2.78 ml of fluid (e.g., for a 60′ LPCT), for a total volume of 152.78 ml aspirated into the syringe. After the syringe is filed with fluid, the auto prime feature would then cause the injector piston to advance the syringe plunger to the extent necessary to expel air from the syringe and connector tube system, preferably without prompting by the operator. Once the auto prime function is conducted, fluid should be present at the patient end of the connector tube (i.e., the end that is connected to the catheter).
- As can be appreciated, the auto prime feature may save operator time and reduce the amount of wasted fluid. By automatically compensating for the fluid contained within the connector tube, the operator does not have to vigilantly watch the progression of the fluid from the syringe through the connecting tube in order to stop the advancement of the piston before a significant amount of fluid is discharged from the end of the connector tubing. Also, because some operators of conventional injectors advance the piston quickly to lessen the time required to prime the syringe and tubing system, often a significant amount of fluid will be expelled from the end of the connector tubing before the operator stops the piston's advancement. If a sufficient amount of contrast is expelled, the syringe may have to be re-filled (and the syringe and tubing system subsequently re-primed) to insure that it contains a sufficient amount of fluid for the required injection procedure.
- While the auto prime feature is preferably intended for use with empty syringes that have been filled with fluid by an aspiration procedure on the injector (i.e., non-prefilled and non-preloaded syringes), the auto prime feature could also be used with prefilled and preloaded syringes.
- The “auto retract” feature allows an injector to automatically retract the injector piston after a syringe is removed or disconnected from the injector. At the end of an injection procedure, the injector piston and the syringe plunger is typically located at the distal end of the syringe. Therefore, as described above and in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,383,858 and 5,300,031 (both of which are incorporated herein by reference), after the syringe is disconnected from the injector, the injector piston often extends from the front of the injector (or within a pressure jacket attached to the front of the injector). Especially in the case of plunger-rearward syringes, preloaded syringes and prefilled syringes, the piston usually must be retracted in order to mount a new syringe onto the injector for the next injection procedure. To save operator time in retracting the piston, the auto retract feature automatically retracts the piston after the injector senses that the syringe has been removed therefrom (e.g., after an injection procedure) to place the injector piston in position to accept a new syringe. If plunger-forward syringes are being used on the injector, the auto retract feature may be deactivated to prevent unnecessary and/or redundant piston movements. The auto retract feature could be manually deactivated by the operator or automatically by the injector. For example, when a plunger-forward syringe is installed on and identified by the injector, the injector could automatically initiate a default setting to deactivate the auto retract feature for subsequent syringes until an operator override is activated or until the system detects the attachment of a prefilled, preloaded or plunger-rearward syringe. When the injector detects a prefilled or preloaded syringe, the system can compensate for any residual air remaining in the syringe by adjusting the amount of priming to be conducted. For example, if the prefilled syringe typically contains approximately 1.2 ml of air or “dead space” and is connected to a 60′ LPCT (accommodating approximately 2.78 ml of fluid), the injector system would prime approximately 3.97 ml from the syringe and connecting tube system.
- As will be appreciated, depending on operator need, the auto features described above could be used independently or in conjunction with one another to facilitate injector use. For example, the auto features described above could be used with a plunger rearward syringe in the following manner. After an operator installs the plunger rearward syringe on an injector, the auto advance feature advances the syringe plunger to the distal end of the syringe (i.e., to expel air from the syringe and to place the plunger into position to aspirate fluid thereinto). The auto fill feature subsequently aspirates a predetermined amount of fluid into the syringe, based on the desired operator amount for the injection procedure and, preferably, compensating for the fluid volume of the connector tubing. The auto prime feature then automatically advances the injector piston and syringe plunger to remove air from the syringe and connecting tube system. Subsequently, after the injection procedure is completed and the syringe is removed from the injector, the auto retract feature retracts the injector piston to place the injector in position for the next injection procedure with a plunger rearward syringe, a preloaded syringe or a prefilled syringe.
- As another example, the auto features could be used with a prefilled syringe or a preloaded syringe in the following manner. After an operator places the prefilled syringe or preloaded syringe on the injector, the auto engage feature advances the injector piston into the syringe to mate or engage with the syringe plunger. The auto prime feature then advances the piston and plunger to expel air from and thereby prime the syringe and connector tubing system. Subsequently, after the injection procedure is completed and the syringe is removed from the injector, the auto retract feature retracts the injector piston to place the injector in position for the next injection procedure with a plunger rearward syringe, a preloaded syringe or a prefilled syringe.
- As yet another example, the auto features could be used with a plunger forward syringe in the following manner. After an operator places the plunger forward syringe on the injector, the auto engage feature advances the injector piston into the syringe to mate or engage with the syringe plunger. The auto fill feature subsequently aspirates a predetermined amount of fluid into the syringe, based on the desired operator amount for the injection procedure and, preferably, compensating for the fluid volume of the connector tubing. The auto prime feature then automatically advances the injector piston and syringe plunger to remove air from the syringe and connecting tube system. Subsequently, after the injection procedure is completed and the syringe is removed from the injector, the auto retract feature retracts the injector piston (if, for example, the default setting to deactivate the auto retract feature for plunger forward syringes has been overridden by the operator) to place the injector in position for the next injection procedure with a plunger rearward syringe, a preloaded syringe or a prefilled syringe. If new plunger forward syringes are to be used with the injector (and the default setting to deactivate the auto retract feature for plunger forward syringes has not been overridden by the operator), then the auto retract feature will not operate and the piston is left in its extended position for the next syringe.
- The injectors and injector systems of the present invention may also include additional features complementary to one or more of the auto features described above to further enhance the usefulness of the auto features and to free operators to perform additional functions. For example, the injectors and injector systems of the present invention may be provided with an attachment device for holding fluid sources, such as bottles or bags, during the auto fill function. By holding the fluid source during the auto fill function, the need for the operator to hold the fluid source during filling of the syringe is eliminated, thereby freeing the operator for other activities preparatory to the injection procedure. Of course, the fluid source attachment device would provide benefit to the operator apart from the auto fill function. For example, if the auto fill feature is not available on a particular injector, the fluid source attachment device would still function to hold the fluid source during operator-enabled filling operations.
- In addition, the injectors, syringes and injectors systems of the present invention may be provided with an attachment device for holding the patient end of the connector tubing during the priming function (e.g., auto prime or operator-enabled priming). By holding the patient end of the connector tubing, preferably in the vertical direction to prevent fluid from dripping out of the patient end, the connector tubing attachment device frees the operator for other activities preparatory to the injection procedure. Of course, various other injector operations (injection protocol programming, check for air, etc.) are or may be conducted between the various auto functions.
- The foregoing description and accompanying drawings set forth the preferred embodiments of the invention at the present time. Various modifications, additions and alternative designs will, of course, become apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing teachings without departing from the scope of the disclosed invention. For example, the respective mating connection and release mechanisms on the injectors and the syringes described above may be interchanged. The scope of the invention is indicated by the following claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes and variations that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
Claims (7)
1. An injector system comprising an injector and a syringe, the injector system comprising:
a syringe comprising:
a body comprising a forward end and a rearward end; and
a plunger movably disposed in the body; and
an injector comprising:
a housing; and
a piston movably disposed at least partially within the housing and operable to drive the plunger of the syringe in a forward direction without a connective engagement therebetween to dispense fluid from the forward end of the body during an injection procedure, wherein the piston connectively engages the plunger to retract the plunger within the syringe.
2. The injector system of claim 1 wherein the piston comprises a collet member comprising one or more segment members adapted to deflect in a radial direction to engage the plunger when the piston is retracted.
3. The injector system of claim 1 wherein the piston comprises an elastomeric member adapted to expand in a radial direction to engage the plunger when the piston is retracted.
4. The injector system of claim 1 , further comprising:
a sleeve member associated with the piston; and
one or more plunger gripper members associated with the piston and adapted to be biased by the sleeve member into engagement with the plunger upon retraction of the piston.
5. The injector system of claim 4 , further comprising:
a collar connected to one end of the piston sleeve, the collar defining an opening through which the piston extends;
a plunger cap connected to the collar, the plunger cap defining an interior space and a plurality of slots formed in a side thereof;
a gripper extender disposed on an end of the piston within the interior space of the plunger cap;
a plurality of grippers disposed through the slots and engageable with the gripper extender; and
a biasing member in contact with the piston sleeve;
whereby, upon movement of the piston in a rearward direction, the biasing member biases movement of the piston sleeve to substantially prevent movement of the piston sleeve in the rearward direction to cause the gripper extender to push the plurality of grippers through the slots in the plunger cap into engagement with the plunger within the syringe.
6. The injector system of claim 1 wherein the piston is adapted to engage the plunger without regard to the orientation of the plunger with respect to the piston.
7. The injector system of claim 1 wherein the piston is adapted to drive the plunger without regard to the orientation of the plunger with respect to the piston.
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US10/669,144 US20040116861A1 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2003-09-23 | Front-loading injector system including a syringe and an injector having a drive piston adapted to connectively engage the syringe plunger |
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US10/669,144 Abandoned US20040116861A1 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2003-09-23 | Front-loading injector system including a syringe and an injector having a drive piston adapted to connectively engage the syringe plunger |
US10/668,643 Expired - Fee Related US8721596B2 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2003-09-23 | Front-loading syringe adapted to releasably engage a medical injector regardless of the orientation of the syringe with respect to the injector |
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US15/497,756 Abandoned US20170224913A1 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2017-04-26 | Front-Loading Medical Injector Adapted to Releasably Engage A Syringe Regardless of the Orientation of the Syringe With Respect to the Injector |
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US10/670,154 Abandoned US20040133183A1 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2003-09-23 | Method of preparing for a fluid injection procedure using a medical injector and a syringe |
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US15/497,756 Abandoned US20170224913A1 (en) | 2000-02-07 | 2017-04-26 | Front-Loading Medical Injector Adapted to Releasably Engage A Syringe Regardless of the Orientation of the Syringe With Respect to the Injector |
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US20170080148A1 (en) * | 2014-03-19 | 2017-03-23 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | System for syringe engagement to an injector |
US11103637B2 (en) | 2014-03-19 | 2021-08-31 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | System for syringe engagement to an injector |
US11547794B2 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2023-01-10 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | System and method for syringe plunger engagement with an injector |
US9480797B1 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2016-11-01 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | System and method for syringe plunger engagement with an injector |
US10512721B2 (en) | 2015-10-28 | 2019-12-24 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | System and method for syringe plunger engagement with an injector |
CN106975129A (en) * | 2017-04-21 | 2017-07-25 | 苏州恒瑞迪生医疗科技有限公司 | A kind of syringe and the device for realizing syringe quick load and release |
US11883636B2 (en) | 2018-02-27 | 2024-01-30 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Syringe plunger engagement mechanism |
US11969582B2 (en) | 2022-06-02 | 2024-04-30 | Bayer Healthcare Llc | Syringe plunger with dynamic seal |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6652489B2 (en) | 2003-11-25 |
US20140243746A1 (en) | 2014-08-28 |
US9636452B2 (en) | 2017-05-02 |
US20040133153A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
US7540856B2 (en) | 2009-06-02 |
US20040133183A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
US20170224913A1 (en) | 2017-08-10 |
US20010047153A1 (en) | 2001-11-29 |
US20040133162A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
US20040133161A1 (en) | 2004-07-08 |
US8721596B2 (en) | 2014-05-13 |
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Legal Events
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: MEDRAD, INC., PENNSYLVANIA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:TROCKI, MARK;HITCHINS, MARK W.;COWAN, KEVIN P.;AND OTHERS;REEL/FRAME:014572/0029;SIGNING DATES FROM 20010503 TO 20010510 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |