Hypodermic ampoules of the contained-needle type, a method of assembling and filling such ampoules, and combinations of such ampoules with so-called "applicators" for actuating the ampoules to make injections are disclosed. Each of several ampoule forms has at least one cylindrical, medicament-containing chamber and a plunger closing one end thereof. A hollow needle is fixed to the plunger and is initially contained within such a chamber. The other end of the ampoule is sealed by a diaphragm which is pressed against a beaded end portion of a cylinder and is sealed thereto by a cup-shaped clip which snaps over the beaded end portion to thereby compress the diaphragm against the end portion. The clip has a peripheral rim about a recessed bottom end which stretches the patient's skin to facilitate the injection. According to one aspect of the invention, such an ampoule is designed to perform a subcutaneous injection. According to a further aspect of the invention, such an ampoule is designed to perform an intramuscular injection. According to a still further aspect of the invention, the ampoule includes multiple chambers for premixing a medicament with at least one other medicament and injecting the mixture, either subcutaneously or intramuscularly. Applicators designed to receive and hold the several forms of ampoules and to actuate them as required by their particular forms and functions provide several applicator-ampoule combinations of novel structure and functions.
An acupuncture needle having a shank portion for insertion through the skin and a handle portion or gripping portion is provided with a shield which prevents contact of the shank portion by the person providing treatment. The needle is held in fixed relation with the shield by cooperation between a membrane positioned at the end of the shield and a plunger which fits over the handle portion and into telescoping engagement with the shield. To insert the needle beneath the skin, the plunger is depressed, forcing the handle portion through the membrane and the shank portion to project beyond the shield and into the skin. In order to determine the depth to which the shank portion is inserted beneath the skin, the shield is made of a transparent material and has a linear gauge marked thereon. To preserve the sanitary state of the acupuncture needles for their use, they are conveniently packaged in a conventional air-tight container.
An engine or gearbox oil sampling device for use with an engine or gearbox containing lubricating oil. The device includes a hand held container having a flexible tube communicating with its interior. The free end of the tube is provided with a hollow member adapted for entering an engine or crankcase oil access opening. Prior to accessing oil the pressure within the container is reduced below atmospheric pressure by connecting the flexible tube with a vacuum pump through a vacuum pump head which supports a flexible and resilient stopper for sealing the end of the tube opposite the container fluid tight after reducing the pressure therein. The stopper includes a frangible wall ruptured by the hollow tubular member as it enters the oil access opening.
An instrument (10) for obtaining a fetal blood sample including an elongated member (12) having an open end portion (14) and a membrane (16) disposed over the open end portion (14) for perfecting a seal about the open end portion (14). A lancet (18) in the form of a blade (64) or a sharp ended capillary tube (48) is disposed in the elongated member (12) for piercing the membrane (16) and making an incision in the skin of a fetus (20). A plunger (26) is supported within the elongated member (12) and is movable to create a suction within the open end portion (14) to draw fetal blood from the incision through the pierced membrane (16) and into the open end portion (14).
A needle assisted jet injector and method for jet injecting medicament are disclosed. In one embodiment of the injector, the needle is retractably located within an injector nozzle assembly. Upon activation of the energy source, a portion of the needle extends past the nozzle assembly and penetrates the outer layer of skin to deliver the medicament via jet injection to a deeper region. After activation, the needle retracts back into the nozzle assembly. In another embodiment, the needle is fixed to the end of the nozzle assembly. In both embodiments, the length of the portion of the needle that penetrates the skin is less than 5 mm.
A needle assisted jet injector having a locking mechanism for reducing the likelihood of inadvertent contact with the needle and deterring intentional reuse of the needle are disclosed. Upon activation of the force generating source, a portion of the needle extends past the nozzle assembly and penetrates the outer layer of skin to deliver the medicament via jet injection to a deeper region. After activation, the needle retracts back into the nozzle assembly. The locking mechanism includes a needle holder and a locking ring, which mate upon activation of the injector and prevent reignition.
