WO2002045473A2

WO2002045473A2 - Apparatus for the prevention of contamination in injection liquids

Info

Publication number: WO2002045473A2
Application number: PCT/IL2001/001113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shai Amisar; Ronen Radomski; Baruch Segal
Original assignee: Cyclo-Fil Ltd.
Priority date: 2000-12-04
Filing date: 2001-12-03
Publication date: 2002-06-13
Also published as: AU2002222444A1; IL140083A0; WO2002045473A3

Abstract

Filtering apparatus (26) for an injection liquid is arranged to cap an injection bottle (10) and which includes a rigid outer structure (16), forming an inner space (28) therein, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to an operator, defining a y-axis, between the proximal and distal ends, with the positive direction, +y, towards the proximal end, and capping the injection bottle (10) at its distal end and a hypodermic needle (22) and filter (24), located in the inner space (28), aligned along the y-axis and arranged to travel in the y directions and to pierce a covering material (18) of the injection bottle (10), for drawing the injection liquid from the injection bottle (10) and for filtering the injection liquid respectively and a syringe receptor (27), located at the proximal end of the rigid structure (16), directly over the filter (24), for providing communication between a syringe and the filter (24) and the hypodermic needle (22).

Description

APPARATUS FOR THE PREVENTION OF CONTAMINATION IN INJECTION LIQUIDS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to bottles and vials of injection fluids and to bottles and vials of fluids for intravenous administration. The present invention relates in particular to bottles and vials that include apparatus that provide particle-free injection liquid, by filtering the injection liquid, by properly dissolving the injection substance, and by preventing the pulverizing of the rubber cap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Injection substance may be packed as a liquid, in bottles or vials. Alternatively, it may be prepared as a powder that is to be dissolved in water, for example, distilled water, for injection. Generally, the bottles or vials are capped and sealed, and a portion of the seal includes natural or synthetic rubber or a similar material, that may be punctured by a hypodermic needle. There are several problems in connection with the injection liquid, as follows: i. when a powdered substance does not mix completely with the water, it forms particles in the injection liquid; ii. particles in the injection liquid may also appear with time, as a result of long shelf life, exposure to heat, or other factors; and iii. when the same bottle or vial is used for many injections, such as when immunizing a community, repeated puncturing of the cap, generally around the same point, for example, near the center, may pulverize the rubber and cause specks of rubber to fall into the injection liquid.

Therefore, there is a need for removing particles from bottled injection liquid, or preventing particles from forming, while keeping the injection procedure simple.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide apparatus for particle-free injection liquid. There is thus provided, in accordance with the present invention, filtering apparatus for an injection liquid, which is arranged to cap an injection bottle and which includes: a) a rigid outer structure, forming an inner space therein, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to an operator, defining a y-axis, between said proximal and distal ends, with the positive direction, +y, towards said proximal end, and capping said injection bottle at its distal end; b) a hypodermic needle, located in said inner space, aligned along the y-axis and arranged to travel in the ±y directions and to pierce a covering material of said injection bottle, for drawing the injection liquid from said injection bottle; c) a filter, located in said inner space, at a proximal end of said hypodermic needle, arranged to travel in the ±y directions with said needle, for filtering the injection liquid; and d) a syringe receptor, located at said proximal end of said rigid structure, directly over said filter, for providing communication between a syringe and said filter and hypodermic needle.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said apparatus is built-in on an injection bottle.

Alternatively, said apparatus may be arranged to cap an off-the-shelf injection bottle.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said apparatus includes a spring, located in said inner space, having a spring axis along the y-axis, arranged to compress from said proximal end toward said distal end, and operative to push said needle towards said proximal end after it has pierced the covering material of said injection bottle, and drawn the injection liquid.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said spring is compressed by pressure exerted by the syringe.

Alternatively, said rigid outer structure further includes: a) an inner thread; and b) an inner rigid structure that caps the injection bottle and has an outer thread, wherein said spring is located over said inner rigid structure, wherein said spring is selectably compressed and released as said rigid outer structure with said inner thread is turned and threaded over said inner rigid structure with said outer thread, and wherein said needle travels in a direction towards said distal end as said spring is compressed, and in a direction towards said proximal end, as said spring is released.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said apparatus includes a heating capsule, in physical contact with said injection liquid, wherein said capsule is formed of a resilient material and includes first and second substances that are separated from each other in an inoperative state, and are mixed to form an exothermic reaction in an operative state, wherein said apparatus is further arranged to deploy said heating capsule by mixing said first and second substances, and wherein said substances remain enclosed within said capsule during said operative state.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said capsule includes a proximal portion that is located within said inner space of said apparatus, and wherein said apparatus includes a rigid element arranged to travel in the ±y direction with said needle, and arranged to compress said capsule, wherein pressure build-up in said capsule, as a result of the compression breaks an inner diaphragm that separates said first and second substances and causes said substances to mix.

Alternatively, said capsule includes a proximal portion that is located within said inner space of said apparatus, and wherein said apparatus includes a nail-like component arranged to travel in the ±y direction with said needle, and arranged to pierce said capsule and an inner diaphragm that separates said first and second substances and cause said substances to mix.

Alternatively, said capsule includes a proximal portion that is located within said inner space of said apparatus, and wherein said apparatus includes an arm, in communication with a syringe-like component within said capsule, which contains a first substance in a liquid form, and wherein as said arm travels down, it forces said first substance out of said syringe-like component and causes it to mix with said second substance.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said' injection bottle includes a bottle for intravenous administration of liquids.

Alternatively, said injection bottle includes a vial.

Additionally, said vial includes a vial for intravenous administration of liquids.

There is thus also provided, in accordance with the present invention, apparatus for heating an injection liquid in order to provide better mixing of the injection substance, which is arranged to cap an injection bottle and which includes: a) a rigid outer structure, forming an inner space therein, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to an operator, defining a y-axis, between said proximal and distal ends, with the positive direction, +y, towards said proximal end, and capping said injection bottle at its distal end; b) a heating capsule, having: i. walls formed of a resilient material; ii. a proximal portion, located within said inner space; iii. a body, in physical contact with said injection liquid; and iv. first and second substances that are separated from each other in an inoperative state, and are mixed to form an exothermic reaction in an operative state, wherein said apparatus is arranged to deploy said heating capsule by mixing said first and second substances, and wherein said substances remain enclosed within said capsule during said operative state.

There is thus also provided, in accordance with the present invention, an injection- bottle cap, for providing different puncture points on a bottle covering material, when using the bottle for multiple injections, said cap including: a) a rigid rim that is arranged to be mounted over said bottle covering material, having an internal track, which includes: i. proximal and distal sides, with respect to an operator; ii. at least first and second dips, located at said distal side; iii. track portions of a number that equals the number of dips, connecting said dips, each track portion having a first portion, leading from one of said dips, at said distal side, towards a proximal crest, at said proximal side, and a second portion, leading from said proximal crest, at said proximal side, towards another one of said dips, at said distal side; and b) a rigid cover arranged to fit within said rim, and having: i. a center point; ii. a periphery; iii. at least two pins which protrude from said periphery, arranged to travel in said internal track of said rim and arranged to rest in said dips; iv. ■ an orifice, about midway between said center and said periphery, for allowing a hypodermic needle to pass through said cover; and v. proximal and distal surfaces, with respect to an operator, wherein by rotating said cover within said rim, and moving said pins from one rest position within said dips to another rest position, said orifice is moved to a new portion over said bottle covering, thus providing a different puncture point on said bottle covering material. Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said at least first and second dips includes a plurality of dips.

Furthermore, in accordance with the present invention, said internal track is a spiral internal track that makes several passes around said rim.

Additionally, in accordance with the present invention, said apparatus includes a knob, arranged on said proximal surface of said cover, at said center point, for rotating said cover within said rim.

Alternatively, said cover is formed of a material that is somewhat resilient, and said distal side of said internal track is below said proximal side of said internal track, in terms of the earth gravitational field, so that said cover may drop from said proximal crest to said dips at said distal end, wherein said orifice is conical in shape, having a proximal opening, on said proximal surface, that is somewhat greater than a diameter of a hypodermic needle, and having a distal opening, on said distal surface, that is slightly smaller that said diameter, wherein said hypodermic needle may be easily inserted into said bottle, through said orifice, but when said needle is withdrawn, said distal opening, being slightly smaller than said diameter of said hypodermic needle, presses around said hypodermic needle, so than said cover becomes attached to said needle, and as said needle is withdrawn, said cover is pulled along with it, causing said pins to travel from their rest positions in said dips to said proximal crests of said internal track, and wherein as said needle is completely removed, said pins continue their travel in said internal track, dropping from said proximal crests to new rest positions in said dips at said distal side of said internal track.

Additionally, said injection bottle includes a vial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be more clearly understood from the accompanying detailed description and drawings, in which same number designations are maintained throughout the figures for similar elements and in which:

Figs. 1A - IB together, schematically illustrate a bottle of injection liquid capped by built-in filtering apparatus, in accordance with a preferred embodiment;

Figs. 2A - 2D together, schematically illustrate a method of using the apparatus of Fig. 1 , in accordance with the preferred embodiment;

Figs. 3 A - 3C together, schematically illustrate a bottle of injection liquid capped by built-in filtering apparatus, in accordance with a first alternative embodiment;

Fig. 4 schematically illustrates an off-the-shelf bottle for injection liquid and apparatus for filtering the injection liquid, arranged to fit over the bottle, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment;

Figs. 5A and 5B together, schematically illustrate a bottle capped by built-in filtering apparatus, which includes a heating capsule, in accordance with a third alternative embodiment;

Fig. 5C schematically illustrates an alternative capsule arrangement for the embodiment of Fig. 5 A;

Figs. 6A and 6B together, schematically illustrate a bottle capped by built-in filtering apparatus, which includes a heating capsule, in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment;

Fig. 6C schematically illustrates an alternative capsule arrangement for the embodiment of Fig. 6A; and

Figs. 7A - 7C together, schematically illustrate a bottle and cap arrangement, for providing different puncture points, when using a single bottle for multiple injections.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to Figs. 1A and IB, which together schematically illustrate a bottle 10 for injection liquid, capped by built-in filtering apparatus 26 for filtering an injection liquid 14, in accordance with a preferred embodiment.

Preferably, bottle 10 includes a body 12, which contains injection liquid 14, and is capped by apparatus 26. Bottle 10 and apparatus 26 include a proximal end 23 and a distal end 25, with respect to an operator. Additionally, bottle 10 and apparatus 26 define a y-axis between proximal end 23 and distal end 25, with the positive direction being towards proximal end 23.

Preferably, apparatus 26 includes a covering material 18, formed of a material that is impervious and which may be punctured by a needle, for exar ple, natural or synthetic rubber, or a silicon-base compound. Additionally, apparatus 26 includes a rigid outer structure 16, around covering material 18, for holding covering material 18 in place. Preferably, rigid outer structure 16 is molded or cast, for example, from aluminum or another metal, or a rigid plastic. Together, covering material 18 and rigid outer structure 16 seal injection liquid 14 in bottle 10.

In accordance with the preferred embodiment, rigid outer structure 16 includes an orifice 29, for allowing a hypodermic needle 22 to reach covering material 18. Additionally, rigid outer structure 16 includes walls 17 that form an inner space 28 over covering material 18. Inner space 28 has a top cover 20. Preferably, top cover 20 is formed of the same material as rigid outer structure 16. Alternatively, top cover 20 may be formed of another rigid material. Preferably, cover 20 is somewhat resilient, and can be used repeatedly. In accordance with some embodiments, cover 20 is a screw cap and may be selectably screwed off and screwed on, repeatedly.

Hypodermic needle 22 is located in inner space 28, aligned along the y-axis and arranged to travel in the ±y directions and to pierce covering material 18 of bottle 10, for drawing the injection liquid from said injection bottle;

Additionally, apparatus 26 includes a syringe receptor 27, located at proximal end 23 and formed of a U-shaped element 31, for providing communication between a syringe (not shown) and hypodermic needle 22.

Furthermore, apparatus 26 includes a filter 24, located at the distal end of U-shaped element 31, on the proximal end of hypodermic needle 22, arranged to travel in the ±y directions with needle 22, for filtering the injection liquid, before it enters the syringe. In accordance with the preferred embodiment, inner space 28 further includes a spring 30, which is compressed when U-shaped element 31 is pushed down by a syringe, in the — y direction. The purpose of spring 30 is provide a force for pulling needle 22 out of covering material 18, in the +y direction, after the injection liquid is drawn, to avert a situation where the needle may remain stuck in covering material 18.

Reference is now made to Figs. 2A - 2D, which together, schematically illustrate the method of using apparatus 26, in accordance with the preferred embodiment.

Preferably, as a first step, illustrated in Fig. 2A, cover 20 is removed from bottle 10.

Preferably, as a second step, illustrated in Fig. 2B, a syringe 32 is inserted into syringe receptor 27 of. apparatus 26. Syringe 32 is used to push needle 22 in the -y direction, puncturing covering material 18. As injection liquid 14 is drawn from bottle 10 it is filtered by filter 24 before entering syringe 32.

Preferably, as a third step, illustrated in Fig. 2C, when syringe 32 contains the proper amount of injection liquid 14, it is removed from bottle 10. Spring 30 forces needle 22 out of covering material 18, in the +y direction, back to its initial position.

Preferably, as a fourth step, illustrated in Fig. 2D, top cover 20 is re-installed.

Reference is now made to Figs. 3A - 3C, which together, schematically illustrate a bottle 50 capped by built-in filtering apparatus 52, in accordance with a first alternative embodiment.

Preferably, apparatus 52 includes covering material 18, and a rigid inner structure 56, for keeping covering material 18 in place, thus sealing bottle 50. Additionally, apparatus 52 includes a rigid outer structure 54, which fits over inner rigid structure 56 and forms an inner space 58 above covering material 18. Preferably, inner space 58 includes a spring 60.

Additionally, inner space 58 includes a syringe receptor 62, having walls 66, which are formed of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. Syringe receptor 62 may be selectably closed and selectably open with a cover 64, also formed of a rigid material such as metal or plastic. Preferably, rigid inner structure 56, rigid outer structure 54, walls 66 of syringe receptor 62 and cover 64 are formed of the same rigid material. However, in accordance with other embodiments, this need not be the case.

In accordance with the present embodiment, syringe receptor 62 is in communication with filter 24 and needle 22 at its distal end.

Further in accordance with the present embodiment, rigid inner structure 56 has an external thread 68, and rigid outer structure 54 has an internal thread 70 that is arranged to mesh with outer thread 68. Preferably, as rigid outer structure 54 is turned clockwise, cavity 62, needle 22 and filter 24 travel down, in the - y direction, and needle 22 punctures covering material 18. As rigid outer structure 54 is turned counterclockwise, cavity 62, needle 22 and filter 24 travel in the + y direction and needle 22 is pushed out of covering material 18.

In accordance with the present embodiment, a spring 60, similar to spring 30 of apparatus 26 may be used, for providing a force for pulling needle 22 out of covering material 18. Alternatively, no spring is used, as the turning of rigid outer structure 54 forces needle 22 in and out of covering material 18.

In accordance with the present embodiment, when using bottle 50 with apparatus 52, cover 64 is lifted and the tip of syringe 32 (Fig. 2B) is inserted into syringe receptor 62. As rigid outer structure 54 is turned clockwise, needle 22 penetrates covering 18. Injection liquid 14 is then drawn out of bottle 50. The injection liquid passes through filter 24 before entering syringe 32. When the appropriate amount of injection liquid has been drawn, syringe 32 is removed from syringe receptor 62, and rigid outer structure 54 is turned counterclockwise, bringing needle 22 up. Cover 64 is then closed.

Reference is now made to Fig. 4, which schematically illustrates an off-the-shelf bottle 40 for injection liquid, and apparatus 42 for filtering the injection liquid, arranged to fit over off-the-shelf bottle 40, in accordance with a second alternative embodiment. Preferably, bottle 40 includes covering material 18 and a rim 44, formed of a rigid material for keeping covering material 18 in place, thus sealing bottle 40. Preferably, apparatus 42 includes a rigid outer structure 46, similar to rigid outer structure 16 of apparatus 26. Preferably, rigid outer structure 46 is formed of a rigid material, such as metal or plastic. Preferably, rigid outer structure 46 is somewhat resilient, so it may be press-fitted onto bottle 40, for example in a clinic, thus forming a bottle with filtering apparatus, similar to bottle 10 with built in filtering apparatus 26.

Preferably, apparatus 42 further includes inner space 28, hypodermic needle 22, filter 24 and preferably also spring 30, in a manner similar to that of apparatus 26. After apparatus 42 is put on an injection bottle, it is used in a manner similar to that of apparatus 26.

In accordance with the present invention, any of bottle 10, bottle 40, and bottle 50 may be a bottle of injection liquid or a vial of injection liquid. Additionally, any of bottle 10, bottle 40, and bottle 50 may be a bottle of liquid for intravenous administration or a vial of liquid for intravenous administration.

Reference is now made to Figs. 5A and 5B, which together, schematically illustrate a bottle 80 capped by apparatus 78, operative to deploy a heating capsule 82, in accordance with a third alternative embodiment. Preferably, built-in filtering apparatus 78 is generally similar in construction to built-in filtering apparatus 26 or 52 (Figs. 1 and 3B) but includes a rigid element 94, which may be a portion of rigid outer structure 16 (Fig. 1) or 54 and which is arranged to travel in the ± y direction and deploy capsule 82, wherein a proximal portion 92 of capsule 82 is inserted within apparatus 78.

In accordance with the present embodiment, heating capsule 82, is operative to heat injection liquid 14, thus causing the injection substance to mix well. Heating capsule 82 has walls 120 and contains two substances 86 and 88, which when mixed, form an exothermic reaction. In an inoperative state, shown in Fig. 5B, substances 86 and 88 are separated by a diaphragm 90.

Preferably, when a syringe is inserted into syringe receptor 62, and pushes down rigid element 94, in the - y direction, rigid element 94 applies pressure on proximal portion 92 of capsule 82. The pressure causes diaphragm 90 to break and substances 86 and 88 to mix and form an exothermic reaction. The heat provides for better mixing of the injection substance in the injection liquid.

Alternatively, rigid outer structure 54 may have an internal thread, arranged to mesh with an outer thread of rigid inner structure 56. As rigid outer structure 54 is turned clockwise, it travels in the -y direction, applying pressure on proximal portion 92 of capsule 82, causing diaphragm 90 to break.

Preferably, the application of pressure on proximal portion 92 of capsule 82, and the subsequent breaking of diaphragm 90 and heating of injection liquid 14 occurs before needle 22 is brought down far enough to puncture covering material 18. Preferably, when needle 22 punctures covering material 18, injection liquid 14 is already well dissolved.

In accordance with the present embodiment, substance 86 is¹ a liquid and substance 88 is a powder. Alternatively, both substances may be powders. Alternatively, substance 86 may be a powder and substance 88 may be a liquid. Alternatively, any of substances 86 and 88 may be a pill or a capsule, and the second substance may be a liquid in which the pill or capsule dissolves.

Reference is now made to Fig. 5C, which schematically illustrates an alternative arrangement of a capsule 96 for the embodiment of Fig. 5A, wherein both substances 86 and 88 are liquids.

Reference is now made to Figs. 6A and 6B, which together, schematically illustrate a bottle 100 capped by apparatus 108, which is operative to deploy a heating capsule 102, in accordance with a fourth alternative embodiment. Preferably, apparatus 108 is also built-in filtering apparatus, generally similar in construction to apparatus 78, (Fig. 5A) but includes a nail-like component 106, at a proximal end 104 of heating capsule 102, operative to pierce capsule 102 and diaphragm 90. As rigid element 94 travels in the -y direction, nail-like component 106 pierces diaphragm 90, thus causing substance 86, to mix with substance 88.

Reference is now made to Fig. 6C, which schematically illustrates an alternative arrangement of a capsule 110 for the embodiment of Fig. 6 A. In accordance with the present arrangement, component 106 is an arm arranged to slide in and out of capsule 110, at proximal end 104. Additionally, arm 106 is in communication with a syringe-like component 112 within capsule 110, which contains substance 86, preferably in a liquid form.

As rigid element 94 travels in the -y direction, arm 106 travels down, forcing liquid substance 86 out of piston-cylinder component 112 and causing substance 86 to mix with substance 88.

In the embodiments shown in Figs. 5A - 5C and 6A - 6C, walls 120 of capsule 82, 96, 102, and 110 are formed of a resilient material, such as a resilient plastic, which may be compressed or pierced without fracturing. It is important to note that substances 86 and 88 remain in the capsule as it is compressed and do not come in contact with injection liquid 14. Additionally, the heat generated by the exothermic reaction of substances 86 and 88 warms injection liquid 14 sufficiently to dissolve an injection substance within injection liquid 14 without detrimentally affecting injection liquid 14 and the capsule. Generally, the exothermic reaction heats injection liquid 14 to 35°C - 40°C, and preferably to substantially 37°C. Alternatively, the exothermic reaction warms injection liquid 14 to somewhat higher or somewhat lower temperatures.

In accordance with alternate embodiments, apparatus 78 or 108 do not serve as built- in filtering apparatus, and are operative only to deploy heating capsules 82, 96, 102 or 110.

In accordance with alternate embodiments, bottle 80 or bottle 100 may be a vial 80 or a vial 100.

Reference is now made to Fig. 7A - 7C, which together, schematically illustrate a bottle 120 and a cap 122, for providing different puncture points, when using a single bottle for multiple injections, to prevent pulverization of the rubber cover. Bottle 120 includes proximal end 23 and distal end 25 with respect to an operator, which define a y axis between them, with the positive direction towards the proximal end. Preferably, cap 122 includes a rim 126 and a cover 124, that is arranged to fit over bottle 120. Additionally, rim 126 includes an internal track 134 and cover 124 includes at least two pins 128, arranged to fit in internal track 134. Alternatively, more pins, such as four or six pins may be used.

Preferably, internal track 134 includes at least first and second dips 138, located on the distal side of internal track 134. Additionally, internal track 134 includes track portions 140 of a number that equals the number of dips 138, connecting dips 138. Each track portion leads from one of dips 138, at the distal side of track 134, to a proximal crest 142, at the proximal side of said internal track and from there to another dip 138 at the distal side of track 134.

Preferably, in a rest position, cover 124 is arranged within rim 126, with pins 128 located in dips 138 of internal track 134.

Preferably, cover 124 includes a knob 130,. at proximal end 23, arranged for lifting cover 124 from its rest position with pins 128 in dips 138, and turning it to a new rest position, by moving pins 128 across one proximal crest 142.

Additionally, cover 124 includes an orifice 132, for inserting a hypodermic needle (not shown) through it, and puncturing covering material 18. Preferably, orifice 132 is about midway between a center point and a periphery of cover 124. Each time cover 124 is turned so that pins 128 are moved across one proximal crest 142, orifice 132 is over a different portion of covering material 18. Thus with each turn, a different portion of covering material 18 is punctured by the hypodermic needle. In this manner covering material 18, which may be natural or synthetic rubber, or a similar material, is protected from pulverizing.

In accordance with the present embodiment, track 134 is circular, and pins 128 make a single pass around rim 126, before returning to a starting position. Alternatively, track 134 may be spiral, and pins 128 make several passes around rim 126 without returning to their starting position.

In accordance with alternate embodiments, bottle 120 may include a vial 120.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment, cover 124 is formed of a material that is somewhat resilient. Additionally, distal end 25 of bottle 120 is below proximal end 23, in terms of the earth gravitational field, so that cover 124 may drop from proximal crests 142 to dips 138.

Furthermore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, orifice 132 is conical in shape, having a proximal opening 144, on the proximal surface of cover 124, that is somewhat greater than a diameter of the hypodermic needle, and having a distal opening 146, on the distal surface of cover 124, that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the hypodermic needle.

Additionally, the hypodermic needle may be easily inserted into bottle 120, in the -y direction, through orifice 132, but when the needle is withdrawn, in the +y direction, distal opening 146, being slightly smaller that the diameter of the hypodermic needle, presses around the hypodermic needle, so that cover 124 becomes attached to the hypodermic needle, and as the needle is withdrawn, cover 124 is pulled along with it, in the +y direction, causing pins 128 to travel from their rest positions in dips 138 to proximal crests 142 of internal track 134. As the needle is completely removed, pins 128 continue their travel in internal track 134, in the -y direction, dropping from proximal crests 142 to new rest positions in dips 138 at the distal side of internal track 134.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art, that , the scope of the present invention is not limited by what has been specifically shown and described hereinabove, merely by way of example. Rather, the scope of the invention is limited solely by the claims, which follow.

Claims

1. Filtering apparatus for an injection liquid, which is arranged to cap an injection bottle and which includes: a) a rigid outer structure, forming an inner space therein, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to an operator, defining a y-axis, between said proximal and distal ends, with the positive direction, +y, towards said proximal end, and capping said injection bottle at its distal end; b) a hypodermic needle, located in said inner space, aligned along the y-axis and arranged to travel in the ±y directions and to pierce a covering material of said injection bottle, for drawing the injection liquid from said injection bottle; c) a filter, located in said inner space, at a proximal end of said hypodermic needle, arranged to travel in the ±y directions with said needle, for filtering the injection liquid; and d) a syringe receptor, located at said proximal end of said rigid structure, directly over said filter, for providing communication between a syringe and said filter and hypodermic needle.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said apparatus is built-in on an injection bottle.

3. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said apparatus is arranged to cap an off-the- shelf injection bottle.

4. Apparatus according to claim 1 and further including a spring, located in said inner space, having a spring axis along the y-axis, arranged to compress from said proximal end toward said distal end, and operative to push said needle towards said proximal end after it has pierced the covering material of said injection bottle, and drawn the injection liquid.

5. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said spring is compressed by pressure exerted by the syringe.

6. Apparatus according to claim 4, wherein said rigid outer structure further includes: a) an inner thread; and b) an inner rigid structure that caps the injection bottle and has an outer thread, wherein said spring is located over said inner rigid structure, wherein said spring is selectably compressed and released as said rigid outer structure with said inner thread is turned and threaded over said inner rigid structure with said outer thread, and wherein said needle travels in a direction towards said distal end as said spring is compressed, and in a direction towards said proximal end, as said spring is released.

7. Apparatus according to claim 1 and further including a heating capsule, in physical contact with said injection liquid, wherein said capsule is formed of a resilient material and includes first and second substances that are separated from each other in an inoperative state, and are mixed to form an exothermic reaction in an operative state, wherein said apparatus is further arranged to deploy said heating capsule by mixing said first and second substances, wherein said substances remain enclosed within said capsule during said operative state, and wherein said exothermic reaction is arranged to heat said injection liquid sufficiently to dissolve an injection substance within said injection liquid without detrimentally affecting said injection liquid and said capsule.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said capsule includes a proximal portion that is located within said inner space of said apparatus, and wherein said apparatus includes a rigid element arranged to travel in the ±y direction with said needle, and arranged to compress said capsule, wherein pressure build-up in said capsule, as a result of the compression breaks an inner diaphragm that separates said first and second substances and causes said substances to mix.

9. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said capsule includes a proximal portion that is located within said inner space of said apparatus, and wherein said apparatus includes a nail-like component arranged to travel in the ±y direction with said needle, and arranged to pierce said capsule and an inner diaphragm that separates said first and second substances and cause said substances to mix.

10. Apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said capsule includes a proximal portion that is located within said inner space of said apparatus, and wherein said apparatus includes an arm, in communication with a syringe-like component within said capsule, which contains a first substance in a liquid form, and wherein as said arm travels down, it forces said first substance out of said syringe-like component and causes it to mix with said second substance.

11. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said injection bottle includes a bottle for intravenous administration of liquids.

12. Apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said injection bottle includes a vial.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, wherein said vial includes a vial for intravenous administration of liquids.

14. Apparatus for heating an injection liquid in order to provide better mixing of the injection substance, which is arranged to cap an injection bottle and which includes: a) a rigid outer structure, forming an inner space therein, having proximal and distal ends, with respect to an operator, defining a y-axis, between said proximal and distal ends, with the positive direction, +y, towards said proximal end, and capping said injection bottle at its distal end; b) a heating capsule, having: i. walls formed of a resilient material; ii. a proximal portion, located within said inner space; iii. a body, in physical contact with said injection liquid; and iv. first and second substances that are separated from each other in an inoperative state, and are mixed to form an exothermic reaction in an operative state, wherein said apparatus is arranged to deploy said heating capsule by mixing said first and second substances, wherein said substances remain enclosed within said capsule during said operative state, and wherein said exothermic reaction is arranged to heat said injection liquid sufficiently to dissolve an injection substance within said injection liquid without detrimentally affecting said injection liquid and said capsule.

15. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus includes a rigid element arranged to travel in the ±y direction and arranged to compress said capsule, wherein pressure build-up in said capsule, as a result of the. compression breaks an inner diaphragm that separates said first and second substances and causes said substances to mix.

16. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus includes a nail-like component arranged to travel in the ±y direction, and arranged to pierce said capsule and an inner diaphragm that separates said first and second substances and causes said substances to mix.

17. Apparatus according to claim 14, wherein said apparatus includes an arm, in communication with a syringe-like component within said capsule, which contains a first substance in a liquid form, and wherein as said arm travels down, it forces said first substance out of said syringe-like component and causes it to mix with said second substance.

18. An injection-bottle cap, for providing different puncture points on a bottle covering material, when using the bottle for multiple injections, said cap including: a) a rigid rim that is arranged to be mounted over said bottle covering material, having an internal track, which includes: i. proximal and distal sides, with respect to an operator; ii. at least first and second dips, located at said distal side; iii. track portions of a number that equals the number of dips, connecting said dips, each track portion having a first portion, leading from one of said dips, at said distal side, towards a proximal crest, at said proximal side, and a second portion, leading from said proximal crest, at said proximal side, towards another one of said dips, at said distal side; and b) a rigid cover arranged to fit within said rim, and having: i. a center point; ii. a periphery; iii. at least two pins which protrude from said periphery, arranged to travel in said internal track of said rim and arranged to rest in said dips; iv. an orifice, about midway between said center and said periphery, for allowing a hypodermic needle to pass through said cover; and v. proximal and distal surfaces, with respect to an operator, wherein by rotating said cover within said rim, and moving said pins from one rest position within said dips to another rest position, said orifice is mqved to a new portion over said bottle covering, thus providing a different puncture point on said bottle covering material.

19. A cap according to claim 18, wherein said at least first and second dips includes a plurality of dips.

20. A cap according to claim 18, wherein said internal track is a spiral internal track that makes several passes around said rim.

21. A cap according to claim 18 and further including a knob, arranged on said proximal surface of said cover, at said center, for rotating said cover within said rim.

22. A cap according to claim 18, wherein said cover is formed of a material that is somewhat 'resilient, wherein said distal side of said internal track is below said proximal side of said internal track, in terms of the earth gravitational field, so that said cover may drop from said proximal crest to said dips at said distal end, wherein said orifice is conical in shape, having a proximal opening, on said proximal surface, that is somewhat greater than a diameter of a hypodermic needle, and having a distal opening, on said distal surface, that is slightly smaller than said diameter, wherein said hypodermic needle may be easily inserted into said bottle, through said orifice, but when said needle is withdrawn, said distal opening, being slightly smaller that said diameter of said hypodermic needle, presses around said hypodermic needle, so that said cover becomes attached to said needle, and as said needle is withdrawn, said cover is pulled along with it, causing said pins to travel from their rest positions in said dips to said proximal crests of said internal track, and wherein as said needle is completely removed, said pins continue their travel in said internal track, dropping from said proximal crests to new rest positions in said dips at said distal side of said internal track.

23. An injection-bottle cap according to claim 18, wherein said injection bottle includes an injection vial.