US20160184520A1 - Automatic injection of medication into animals - Google Patents

Abstract

In selected embodiments, a handheld injection safety applicator includes an applicator housing with a handle and a retractable needle housed within the applicator. The applicator further includes a first sensor that detects the presence of a user's grip on the handle and a second sensor that detects the presence of an animal. The applicator also includes processing circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor indicating that the user is gripping the handle and receive a second signal from the second sensor indicating that an animal is detected. The applicator extends the needle out of the applicator into the animal once the first and second signal are received and delivers a dose of medication into the animal once the needle is fully extended into the animal.

Description

BACKGROUND
• 1. Field of the Invention
• The present disclosure relates to applicators, and in particular, but not exclusively, to applicators used to inject medications into animals, such as pigs, for example.
• 1. Description of the Related Art
• Injections of medication are typically carried out using needle containing injectors or applicators. The term medication is used herein to include any drug, medicine, remedy, therapeutic preparation, vitamins, neutraceuticals, vaccines, antibodies, and the like. These types of applicators are frequently used with animals, especially livestock, because of the large number of animals that need to be injected. Because of the use of needles to administer medications, there is a possibility that the users could accidently stab themselves with the needle, or even inject the medication into themselves.
• Injections of medications for livestock can require the user to inject hundreds of animal in a single setting. Each injection requires the user to apply force to insert the needle into each animal and deliver the medication. By injecting hundreds of animals, the user may be subject to repetitive motion injuries.
SUMMARY
• In selected embodiments, a handheld injection safety applicator includes an applicator housing with a handle and a retractable needle housed within the applicator. The applicator further includes a first sensor that detects the presence of a user's grip on the handle and a second sensor that detects the presence of an animal. The applicator also includes processing circuitry configured to receive a first signal from the first sensor indicating that the user is gripping the handle and receive a second signal from the second sensor indicating that an animal is detected. The applicator extends the needle out of the applicator into the animal once the first and second signal are received and delivers a dose of medication into the animal once the needle is fully extended into the animal.
• In this manner, the retractable needle only extends when the applicator detects that the user is holding the handle and detects the presence of the animal. Because the needle only extends after both sensors have been triggered, accidental needle sticks are minimized, helping make the applicator safer for the user.
• The force needed to insert the needle into the animal, and deliver the dose can be provided by a linear actuator within the applicator. Since the insertion of the needle and the delivery of the medication are fully automatic, the process requires little force on the part of the user and the repetitive force and motion of injecting lots of animals is reduced for the user. This may ameliorate problems with repetitive motion injuries and the like.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
• A more complete appreciation of the invention and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:
• FIG. 1A illustrates an isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of an applicator;
• FIG. 1B illustrates an isometric view of the exemplary embodiment of the applicator as shown inFIG. 1A;
• FIG. 1C illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the applicator ofFIG. 1A;
• FIG. 2 illustrates an isometric view of a two stage insertion and delivery mechanism that is within the housing of the applicator according to an exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 3 illustrate a cross-sectional view of the two stage insertion and delivery mechanism according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the two stage insertion and delivery mechanism during a first stage according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the two stage insertion and delivery mechanism during a second stage according to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 2;
• FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the two stage insertion and delivery mechanism according to an exemplary embodiment;
• FIG. 7 illustrates a side view of a delivery portion with a trigger ring engaged with the delivery portion, according to one embodiment;
• FIG. 8 illustrates a side view of a delivery portion with the trigger ring disengaged with the delivery portion, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 7;
• FIG. 9 illustrates an isometric view of a delivery portion with the trigger ring engaged with the delivery portion, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 7;
• FIG. 10 illustrates an isometric of a delivery portion with the trigger ring disengaged with the delivery portion, according to the embodiment ofFIG. 7;
• FIGS. 11A-11C illustrate a flowchart of the use of the applicator to inject a dose of medication to the animal; and
• FIG. 12 illustrates a hardware device configuration of the applicator according to one example.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• A more complete appreciation of the present advancements and many of the attendant advantages thereof will be readily obtained as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings. However, the accompanying drawings and their exemplary depictions do not in any way limit the scope of the advancements embraced by the specification. The scope of the advancements embraced by the specification and drawings are defined by the words of the accompanying claims.
• Selected embodiments are now described by referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views. It is noted that, as used in the specification and the appending claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” can include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
• Referring toFIGS. 1A-1B, anapplicator100 is illustrated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Theapplicator100 can inject medication into animals, for example, livestock. Various types of medication can be injected, for example, drugs, medicines, remedies, therapeutic preparations, vitamins, neutraceuticals, vaccines, antibodies, and the like. Theapplicator100 can be used to inject various animals, such as cattle, pigs, horses, poultry, goats, sheep, cats, dogs, and the like.
• According to an exemplary embodiment, theapplicator100 provides a safe, handheld, fully automatic repeater medication apparatus for dispensing a predetermined volume of a fluid, such as a vaccine, into an animal, such as a pig, and reloading theapplicator100 after each volume of liquid is dispensed.
• Theapplicator100 is typically a handheld device. The applicator includes anapplicator housing102, ahandle104, and aretractable needle106. Within thehousing102, an insertion and delivery mechanism is configured to extend theneedle106 out of theapplicator100 and insert theneedle106 into an animal and deliver a predetermined amount of medication.
• After the animal is injected, theneedle106 retracts backs into thehousing102, and a new dose is loaded. Theneedle106 is housed in anose108 of theapplicator100. By keeping the needle retracted at all times, expect for during the injection process, accidental needle sticks can be minimized. Theretractable needle106 can be replaced after several injections. to maintain the integrity of theretractable needle106.
• Theapplicator100 may include ahand guard110 that is placed in front of thehandle104, to act as a guard between thehandle104 and the animal being injected.
• In an exemplary embodiment, thehandle104 does not include a mechanical trigger for injection, and does not include any manual mechanism for actively activating the injection. The insertion of theneedle106 into the animal, and the delivery of the medication are done automatically, as described next. This can be accomplished through the use of sensors on theapplicator100. When the sensors detect a particular situation, theapplicator100 inserts theneedle106 into the animal, and delivers the dose, with minimal action from the user.
• For example, theapplicator100 can have two different sensors. A first sensor that detects the user's presence and a second sensor that detects the presence of the animal.
• For example, the first sensor can be ahandle presence sensor112 that senses the user gripping thehandle104. Therefore, when the user grabs thehandle104 of theapplicator100 with their hand, thehandle presence sensor112 is activated. Thehandle presence sensor112 can be a capacitive sensor that uses a thin copper sheet placed inside the handle as illustrated inFIG. 1C, or any type of sensor for detecting the user's presence known to one skilled in the art. Thehandle presence sensor112 sends a signal to processing circuitry to turn on theapplicator100 and to prepare for injection. When the applicator is turned on, ascreen114 and a light116 turn on and light up to indicate to the user that applicator100 is ready for use.
• Thescreen114 may display useful information to the user about theapplicator100. For example, thescreen114 may display the status for the applicator, the number of injections performed, the approximate number of injections that can be performed with the remaining medication bottle, etc. Thescreen114 can also display error codes or warnings to inform the user of any problems or potential problems, such as low battery, loss of sensor reading, scheduled maintenance, etc.
• The light116 can be an LED, and the light116 can indicate to the user when the applicator is turned on. TheLED116 can also indicate when theapplicator100 is ready to vaccinate, when the vaccination is in process, when an error occurs, etc. Different colors, blinking lights, and different light sequences can inform the user of different scenarios. Alternatively, or in addition, theapplicator100 can include other sensory indicators, such as a sound or vocal indicator.
• The second sensor can be ananimal contact sensor118, such as a LDC1051 of Texas Instruments. An example of a mechanicalanimal contact sensor118 is illustrated inFIG. 1C. The animal contact sensor can include a solid member that is parallel to theretractable needle106. When the solid member comes in contact with the animal skin, the solid member retracts from an extended position to a retracted position. When the solid member is in a retracted position, a signal is sent to the processing circuitry that thenose108 of theapplicator100 is against the skin of the animal. For example, when the user places thenose108 of theapplicator100 in contact with the skin of the animal, the solid member depresses which indicates that the user is applying thenose108 of theapplicator100 on the animal. Various sensors are within the scope of the present description, including noncontact sensors, magnetic sensors, electrical sensors, mechanical sensors, optical sensors and the like.
• When both sensors send the appropriate signal to the processing circuitry, the processing circuitry controlledapplicator100 can control the extension of theneedle106. After theneedle106 is fully extended, the processing circuitry can control the administration of a dose of medication to the animal automatically and without any further action from the user. In an exemplary embodiment theneedle106 cannot extend without the processing circuitry receiving a signal from both sensors. A linear actuator within the applicator can apply the force needed to insert theneedle106 into the animal and deliver the dose.
• The extension of theneedle106 from theapplicator100 and insertion into the animal can be regulated to ensure that the proper depth of theneedle106 is achieved to properly administer the dose. Because theneedle106 is inserted to a proper distance, an exact dose can be administered. In settings where large amounts of animals are injected, sometimes a proper amount of medication is not injected into the animal, leaving an animal undermedicated for its intended purpose. To compensate for undermedicating an animal, some users administer a large dose of medication to ensure that every animal receives enough medication. However, this practice wastes medication by overmedicating most of the animals. By ensuring that the exact dose is administered, the animals do not need to receive larger doses to ensure that all the animals receive the proper amount. This way, medication is conserved.
• Theapplicator100 can also include amedication slot120. Themedication slot120 can be located on one of the sides of theapplicator100. Amedication bottle122 can be inserted intomedication slot120. Once themedication bottle122 is inserted in themedication slot120, themedication bottle122 acts as a medication reservoir for storing the medication. After each injection, a predetermined amount of medication is pumped from themedication bottle122 into theapplicator100 for the next dose. The size of themedication bottle122 and the volume of medication it holds can vary.
• In another embodiment, the medication may be housed off theapplicator100. For example, the user can carry a medication bag with tubing that would connect to theapplicator100 to provide medication to theapplicator100.
• In an exemplary embodiment, the applicator can also include aguiding mechanism124. For example, a laser or LED can be used to help guide the user. Theguiding mechanism124 can be located near the needle exit. The processing circuitry can control the operation of thelaser124, which can be turned on when the processing circuitry has determined that the user is gripping thehandle104, there is medication in theapplicator100, and there is enough battery power. The user can focus the laser on a specific location on an animal to inject the medication. This can help ensure the user inserts theneedle106 in the proper location on the animal.
• In another embodiment, theapplicator100 can have asecond slot126 on the opposite side of themedication slot120. Thesecond slot126 can house marker ink for marking the animal after the animal has been injected with a dose of medication. Thesecond slot126 can have anorifice128 through which the ink can be actuated to mark the animal. Improperly marking an animal before it has received a dose can lead to the user believing that animal has received a dose when it actually has not. Or if the animal does not receive enough medication, the animal may not be properly medicated. Therefore, the processing circuitry can control the delivery of the ink, such that the ink only marks the animal after a successful delivery of the medication has been performed.
• Theapplicator100 can further include areset button130. Thereset button130 can be used to reset any error messages on theLED116. Thereset button130 can also be used to set or reset the vaccination counter.
• Thereset button130 can also be used to initiate a Clean In Place (CIP) process, that is used to clean the internal components of the applicator, especially a cavity that holds the medication. The medication bottle is replaced with a water bottle and the internal cavity is cleaned.
• Theapplicator100 can further include awindow132 in theapplicator housing102. Thewindow132 allows the user to look inside thehousing102 of theapplicator100 and see the cavity that houses the medication inside theapplicator100. Thewindow132 may be placed on the top of thehousing102, but it can be placed in different locations on theapplicator housing102.
• Theapplicator100 can further include abattery pack134. Thebattery pack134 provides power to run the processing circuitry within theapplicator100 and power the linear actuator. Thebattery pack134 may be a standard 18V rechargeable battery pack that is commercially available, such as a Ryobi 18 volt lithium-ion rechargeable battery. Thebattery pack134 can also have a battery sensor for detecting the energy level of the battery and send a signal to the processing circuitry if the battery is low. The processing circuitry can inform the user of the low battery.
• FIG. 1C illustrates an isometric cross-sectional view of theapplicator100, and shows the internal components of theapplicator100.FIGS. 1C and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of the insertion anddelivery mechanism200. The insertion anddelivery mechanism200 provides a two stage injection process. The insertion anddelivery mechanism200, and the two stage injection process can be controlled by the processing circuitry. In the first stage, the animal is inserted with theneedle106. In the second stage, the medication is delivered to the animal through theneedle106. The insertion anddelivery mechanism200 is driven by alinear actuator202, which applies the force needed to extend theneedle106 out of theapplicator100 and insert theneedle106 into the animal, and also deliver the dose of medication through anorifice312 of theneedle106 into the animal.
• FIG. 2 further illustrates a pair of bearings, afirst bearing204 and asecond bearing206, which house a portion of the insertion anddelivery mechanism200. In the following discussion, the term proximal refers to the portion of theapplicator100 nearest to the user, or the back of theapplicator100 and distal refers to thenose108 of the applicator or closer to theneedle106.
• FIG. 3 illustrates in greater detail an exemplary embodiment of the insertion anddelivery mechanism200. The insertion anddelivery mechanism200 facilitates the two stage insertion of theneedle106 and medication delivery process. The insertion anddelivery mechanism200 includes aninsertion portion310 and adelivery portion330.
• In the first stage, theinsertion portion310 and thedelivery portion330 move together a distance “x,” and theneedle106 extends out of theapplicator100, and inserts into the skin of the animal. This extension is illustrated inFIG. 4. The amount of force applied by thelinear actuator202 is dependent upon the amount of force needed to push theneedle106 into the animal. In an exemplary embodiment, the amount of force needed to insert theneedle106 into the animal is 5N±1N. However, the amount of force required to insert theneedle106 into the animal is dependent on a number of factors, such as the size of theneedle106, the type of animal, the size of the animal, the speed of the insertion, etc.
• In the second stage, thedelivery portion330 moves independently of and within theinsertion portion310 and subsequent to the insertion of theneedle106 into the animal. The independent movement of thedelivery portion330 allows the delivery of the medication through theneedle106 to the animal. This second stage is illustrated inFIG. 5. The amount of force applied by thelinear actuator202 is dependent upon the amount of force needed to deliver the medication through theorifice312 of theneedle106 into the animal. In an exemplary embodiment, the amount of force needed to deliver a specific vaccine into the animal is 65N±5N. However, the amount of force required to deliver the medication into the animal is dependent on a number of factors, such as the viscosity of the medication, the size of the needle, the size of the orifice in the needle, the speed of the delivery, the size of the dose, the size of a piston, the type of animal being injected etc.
• Theinsertion portion310 may include theneedle106, aneedle support314, asyringe block316, a syringe cavity orchamber block318, a syringe cavity orchamber320, aninlet322, and anoutlet324. Theinsertion portion310 of the insertion anddelivery mechanism200 is housed between thefirst bearing204 and thesecond bearing206.
• The structure of theinsertion portion310 can be explained through the process of the insertion of theneedle106 into the animal and the delivery of the medication. Thecavity320 stores a single dose of medication, such as a vaccine to administer. The size of the dose is predetermined, but a typical dose may be 2 ml. The size of the dose may vary, depending on the medication being given, the animal being administer, the size of the animal, etc.
• The dose enters thecavity320 from an external source, through aninlet322, by way of acheck valve326 such as a duckbill valve. This ensures that the medication does not pass back to the external source after passing through thecheck valve326. The external source of medication may be themedication bottle122 that is inserted in themedication slot120 on the outside of theapplicator100. When a predetermined amount of force is applied to the dose in the cavity, the dose exits through thesecond check valve328, and passes through theoutlet324 and eventually passes through theorifice312 of theneedle106 and into the animal.
• Theneedle106 is supported by theneedle support314, which adds stability to theneedle106. Theneedle support314 is attached to thecavity block318. Theoutlet324 that the medication passes through from thecavity318 to theneedle106 is found in theneedle support314 after thesecond check valve328.
• Thecavity block318 and a majority of theneedle support314 are found within thesyringe block316. Thesyringe block316 spans a majority of the length from thefirst bearing204 to thesecond bearing206. In the off state, or in its unactuated state, the proximal end of thesyringe block316 is near the proximal end of thefirst bearing204. There is a gap “x” between the distal end of thesyringe block316 and the distal end of thesecond bearing206. Thesyringe block316 may be actuated and moved a distance “x” between thefirst bearing204 and thesecond bearing206. The distance “x” can be 16 mm±2 mm. Thebearings204 and206 may be self-lubricating which may allow thesyringe block316 to be moved more easily between the twobearings204 and206.
• In another exemplary embodiment, theinsertion portion310 can further include a heater to heat up the medication to make the medication less vicious.
• Thedelivery portion330 includes arod332 and apiston334. Thepiston334 is attached to the distal end of therod332, but the piston is detachable. Thelinear actuator202 provides axial movement of therod332 and thepiston334, which provides the force need to insert theneedle106 and deliver the medication. The processing circuity determines the amount of force thelinear actuator202 applies by the axial movement of therod332 or the distance therod332 travels.
• Thecavity320 found within thecavity block318 opens at the proximal end of thecavity block318. This opening allows thepiston334 to fit within thecavity320. Thecavity320 may be cylindrical with a circular cross section. A diameter of thepiston334 is slightly smaller than a diameter of thecavity320 to allow thepiston334 to move within thecavity320.
• Thepiston334 may further includes a plurality ofseals336 that wrap circumferentially around thepiston334 in order to seal thecavity320 from the open end of thecavity block318 when thepiston334 is within thecavity320.
• In another embodiment, there can be an internal medication sensor that detects the presence of the medication in thecavity320. The medication sensor transmits a signal to the processing circuitry to indicate that there is medication incavity320. If there is no medication in thecavity320, a signal is sent to the processing circuitry, which prevents the actuation of theapplicator100.
• In another embodiment, the volume of thecavity320 can be varied by the changing the initial placement of thepiston334 inside thecavity320. The initial placement of thepiston334 can be customized by the user, and controlled by the processing circuitry, thereby allowing the user to adjust the amount of vaccine administered to the animal.
• In another embodiment, the applicator can have a latch that locks theinjection portion310 of theapplicator100 in place. Therefore, thedelivery portion330 can move independently of theinsertion portion310. The latch can be switched between a locked position and an unlocked position by the processing circuitry. Theapplicator100 can further include a latch sensor to determine whether the latch is in the locked or unlocked position.
• Theapplicator100 can be primed before use to help remove air bubbles from the vaccine and for more accurate dosage. When a new medication bottle is inserted into theapplicator100, theapplicator100 is primed by the user activating the latch, which locks theinsertion portion310 in place. With theinsertion portion310 locked, thedelivery portion330 can move independently and the user can run one delivery process independent of theinsertion portion310. This will prime the cavity and remove air bubbles from thecavity320.
• The user can also activate the latch to perform CIP. The user manually activates the latch to prevent the movement of theinjection portion310. The user can activate the CIP cycle, and thedelivery portion330 runs independently of theinsertion portion310 with water. This cycle keeps running until thecavity320 is cleaned, which can be confirmed by internal medication sensor, which does not detect water.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an isometric view of the insertion anddelivery mechanism200, with a cross section of theinsertion portion310.
• The insertion anddelivery mechanism200 further includes a selectably actuable mechanism ortrigger ring340. Thetrigger ring340 is connected to theinsertion portion310 by being fixed to the proximal portion of thesyringe block316 byfasteners342. Thetrigger ring340 is also connected to therod332 of thedelivery portion330. However, thetrigger ring340 attachment is not fixed, and thetrigger ring340 can be released from a specific position on therod332 and allow to therod332 to move independently of thetrigger ring340.
• Thetrigger ring340 may be in the shape of a ring, with a through hole, through which therod332 may fit. The through hole would have a similar cross section as therod332 to ease the passage of the rod through the through hole. Thetrigger ring340 is within thefirst bearing204, and within the proximal end of thefirst bearing204.
• FIG. 7 illustrates a detailed side view an exemplary embodiment of thetrigger ring340. Within thetrigger ring340 are a plurality ofbias mechanisms702 that are radially spaced. There may be, for example, two to four bias mechanisms in thetrigger ring340. Eachbias mechanism702 has aball bearing704 that is in contact with therod332. Eachbias mechanism702 applies a constant predetermined amount of force on therod332.
• Near the distal end of therod332, there is acircumferential groove706, with an angle “α”. The angle “α” can be 90°±30°. Theball bearings704 of eachbias mechanism702 are in thecircumferential groove706. Theball bearings704 remain in thegroove706 until a predetermined amount of force is applied by thelinear actuator202 through therod332, and theball bearings704 slide out of thecircumferential groove706, and slide along therod332, as illustrated inFIG. 8.
• In this manner, when thebias mechanisms702 are in thecircumferential groove706, thedelivery portion330 and theinsertion portion310 move together. When the force increases to the predetermined threshold, thetrigger ring340 releases from therod332. The amount of force to release thetrigger ring340 from therod332 should be between the amount of force to insert theneedle106 into the animal and the amount of force to deliver the medication. For example, 12N±4N, which is between 5N and 65N. When thetrigger ring340 releases from therod332, thedelivery portion330 moves independently of theinsertion portion310, thus allowing the medication to be delivered to the animal.
• After the medication has been delivered to the animal, the rod retracts back to its original position, and thebias mechanisms702 go back into thecircumferential groove706, which allows thedelivery portion330 and theinsertion portion310 to move together back to an unactuated position.
• FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an isometric view of thetrigger ring340.FIG. 9 illustrates when thebias mechanism702 are in thecircumferential groove706 andFIG. 10 illustrates when thebias mechanisms702 are not in thecircumferential groove706.
• The processing circuitry within theapplicator100 controls the amount of force applied by thelinear actuator202. The amount of force applied by thelinear actuator202 may be determined by the linear distance traveled by the rod, time, etc.
• Since the processing circuitry controls the amount of force applied by thelinear actuator202, thetrigger ring340 may act as a mechanical failsafe for theapplicator100, and prevent therod332 from moving independently until the predetermined amount of force is applied. The medication can only be delivered if therod332 andpiston334 move independent of theinsertion portion310, and therod332 andpiston334 can only move independent of theinsertion portion310 if thetrigger ring340 is released from therod332.
• FIG. 11 illustrates a flowchart of how the processing circuitry acts in conjunction with theapplicator100 to insert theneedle106 into the animal and deliver a dose of medication.
• In S1101, theapplicator100 is off. In S1102, the user triggers thefirst sensor112, for example, the handle presence sensor, discussed earlier, to turn on S1103 theapplicator100. Thefirst sensor112 is triggered when it detects the presence of the user gripping thehandle104 of theapplicator100. When the user triggers thefirst sensor112, a signal is sent from thefirst sensor112 to the processing circuitry to turn on theapplicator100, S1103. When theapplicator100 turns on, thescreen114 and the light116 turn on to indicate to the user that theapplicator100 is ready for use. When thescreen114 turns on, a trade name could be displayed on thescreen114 to the user.
• However, if at any point, the first sensor signal is lost, the processing circuitry will begin to shut down and turn off theapplicator100. For example, after theapplicator100 turns on, if the signal to the processing circuitry from the first sensor is lost, or in other words, thefirst sensor112 no longer detects the presence of the user gripping thehandle104, the processing circuitry turns off theapplicator100. According to one embodiment, theapplicator100 turns off immediately after the first sensor signal is lost. In the off mode, theapplicator100 waits for thefirst sensor112 to be triggered to turn theapplicator100 back on. In this way, the applicator can conserve battery power when not in use.
• Alternatively, according to one embodiment, theapplicator100 does not turn off immediately when the first sensor signal is lost. Theapplicator100 can remain on for a predetermined amount of time before turning off If the user does not grip thehandle104 within the predetermined amount of time, for example 60 seconds, theapplicator100 can turn off Discuss delay box.
• In S1104, the processing circuitry determines if there is any vaccine in theinternal cavity320. The internal medication sensor sends a signal to the processing circuitry to indicate when there is sufficient medication in thecavity320. If there is not enough medication, theapplicator100 displays to the user that theapplicator100 is “out of vaccine” S1105. However, if there is sufficient medication, the processing circuitry continues.
• In S1106, if the battery sensor detects if there is enough power in the battery to inject the animal. If there is not enough battery, theapplicator100 can give a change battery warning S1107 to the user to change the battery. For example, if the battery has a charge of less than 16.5 volts, the change battery warning1107 is given. However, if the battery is low on power, but has enough power to do an injection cycle, the applicator can give a low battery warning S1108 to the user, and processing circuitry continues to the next step. For example, if the battery has a charge between 16.5 and 17 volts, a low battery warning is given to the user.
• However, if there is enough battery to inject the animal and there is a dose of medication in thecavity320, and theneedle106 has been primed, then theapplicator100 can begin the injection process. The user can be signaled that theapplicator100 is ready for use through thescreen114, the light116, and the use of audio. Once theapplicator100 is ready for use, thelaser124 can be activated S1109 to signal to the user the applicator is100 ready for injection. The user can use thelaser124 to position theapplicator100 and place thenose108 of theapplicator100 in the appropriate location on the animal for the injection.
• Theapplicator100 can further include has a counter. The counter can keep track of the number of injections theapplicator100 has given. The counter can keep track of the number of injections for the lifetime of theapplicator100, and also the number of injections the current bottle of medication has given, etc. The count can be displayed on thescreen114. After the laser is activated S1109, the counter is displayed S1110 on thescreen114.
• In S1111, thesecond sensor118 can be triggered. Thesecond sensor118 can be theanimal contact sensor118, discussed earlier. The animal contact sensor can be triggered when the user places thenose108 of theapplicator100 in contact with the skin of the animal. However, if thesecond sensor118 is triggered before thefirst sensor112, theapplicator100 will not do anything. The sensors need to be triggered in the proper order.
• Once both sensors have been triggered and respective signals sent to the processing circuitry, the injection cycle beings. During the injection cycle, the processing circuitry sends a signal to thelinear actuator202 to apply a predetermined amount of force to extend theneedle106 out of theapplicator100 and insert theneedle106 into the animal. After theneedle106 has been inserted, the processing circuitry sends a signal to thelinear actuator202 to apply a second predetermined amount of force to deliver the medication through theneedle106 into the animal. After a successful insertion of theneedle106 and delivery of the medication, theneedle106 is retracted into theapplicator100 S1115 and another dose is loaded incavity320 for the next injection cycle. Only after the completion of a successful injection cycle, the processing circuitry signals for theapplicator100 to mark the animal with ink S1116.
• After the animal has been marked in S1116, the counter adds another count to the counter S1117. The counter can play a part in the maintenance of theapplicator100. After a predetermined number of injections, the applicator can inform the user of needed maintenance. Different types of maintenance, or maintenance benchmarks, can be performed on theapplicator100 based on the number of injections given. For example, maintenance benchmarks could include: replacement of the needle, maintenance of thelinear actuator202, scheduled cleanings, part replacements, etc. For example, in S1118, if the total count is greater than 10,000, theapplicator100 displays a service “SRV” message S1119 to the user. However, if the count is less than 10,000, no message is displayed to the user.
• The injection cycle can be repeated numerous times, as long as the user keeps his grip on thehandle104, there is sufficient medication, sufficient battery power, and the user places theapplicator100 against the skin of the next animal. In S1120, circuitry determines if the first sensor is still active. If the user is still holding theapplicator100 and activating the first sensor, the user can restart the injection process. Before the injection process begins again, the processing circuitry determines if there is any vaccine S1104 and if there if sufficient power in the battery S1106, as discussed previously. The processing circuitry waits for the second sensor to be triggered S1111 to start the injection cycle again S1112.
• However, if the first sensor is lost after the injection cycle is complete and the counter has increased, and the animal marked, the processing circuitry will deactivate the laser S1123. After the laser S1123 is deactivated, the processing circuitry can launch a delay S1124. The delay is a process of postponing turning off if the user intends to continue to use the applicator. For example, if the user sets the applicator down between injections, the applicator can remain on for a predetermined amount of time before the applicator turns off
• However in S1113 and S1114 , if at any point during the injection process, either signal is lost, meaning that one of the sensors is no longer triggered, then the injection cycle is aborted. For example, if the user took his hand off thehandle104 or the user took thenose108 of theapplicator100 off the animal, the injection process would be terminated. In S1113 and S1114, the processing circuitry sends a signal to thelinear actuator202 to quickly retract theneedle106 into theapplicator100 S1119, and send an error message to the user S1120. Theneedle106 is retracted quickly to prevent an accidental needle stick. The injection process can begin again after the first and second sensors have been triggered again in the proper order.
• FIG. 11C further illustrates S1105. If theapplicator100 is out of vaccine, the user can insert anew vaccine bottle122 into the applicator S1105(a). After the new vaccine bottle is inserted, the latch sensor S1105(c) determines if the latch is in place, in order to perform a prime. If the latch sensor S1105(c) indicates that the latch is in place, the user can press thereset button130 or a command button to initiate the priming step S1105(d). After priming has been performed, the applicator is ready to being injection process.
• Next, a hardware description of theapplicator100 according to exemplary embodiments is described with reference toFIG. 12. InFIG. 12, theapplicator100 includes aCPU1200 which can perform the processes described above. For example, theCPU1200 can receive the signals from the sensors and control the activation of thelinear actuator202 through the insertion and delivery for theapplicator100. The process data and instructions may be stored inmemory1202. These processes and instructions may also be stored on astorage medium disk1204 such as a hard drive (HDD) or portable storage medium or may be stored remotely. Further, the claimed advancements are not limited by the form of the computer-readable media on which the instructions of the inventive process are stored. For example, the instructions may be stored on CDs, DVDs, in FLASH memory, RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, hard disk or any other information processing device with which theapplicator100 communicates, such as a server or computer.
• Further, the claimed advancements may be provided as a utility application, background daemon, or component of an operating system, or combination thereof, executing in conjunction withCPU1200 and an operating system such as Microsoft Windows, UNIX, Solaris, LINUX, Apple MAC-OS and other systems known to those skilled in the art.
• CPU1200 can be processing circuitry, such as a Xenon or Core processor from Intel of America or an Opteron processor from AMD of America, or may be other processor types that would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. Alternatively, theCPU1200 or processing circuitry may be implemented on an field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), programmable logic device (“PLD”) or using discrete logic circuits, as one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize. Further,CPU1200 may be implemented as multiple processors cooperatively working in parallel to perform the instructions of the inventive processes described above.
• Theapplicator100 inFIG. 12 also includes anetwork controller1206, such as an Intel Ethernet PRO network interface card from Intel Corporation of America, for interfacing withnetwork1214. As can be appreciated, thenetwork1214 can be a public network, such as the Internet, or a private network such as an LAN or WAN network, or any combination thereof and can also include PSTN or ISDN sub-networks. Thenetwork1214 can also be wired, such as an Ethernet network, or can be wireless such as a cellular network including EDGE, 3G and 4G wireless cellular systems. The wireless network can also be WiFi, Bluetooth, or any other wireless form of communication that is known.
• Theapplicator100 further includes adisplay controller1208, such as a NVIDIA GeForce GTX or Quadro graphics adaptor from NVIDIA Corporation of America for interfacing withdisplay1208, such as thescreen114. General purpose I/O interface also connects to a variety ofperipherals1218 including printers and scanners, such as an OfficeJet or DeskJet from Hewlett Packard.
• Asound controller1220 is also provided in the applicator, such as Sound Blaster X-Fi Titanium from Creative, to interface with speakers/microphone1222 thereby providing sounds and/or music.
• The generalpurpose storage controller1224 connects thestorage medium disk1204 withcommunication bus1226, which may be an ISA, EISA, VESA, PCI, or similar, for interconnecting all of the components of theapplicator100. A description of the general features and functionality of thedisplay114, thedisplay controller1208,storage controller1224,network controller1206,sound controller1220, and general purpose I/O interface1212 is omitted herein for brevity as these features are known.
• Obviously, numerous modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein.

Claims (14)

What is claimed is:

1. A handheld injection safety applicator comprising:

an applicator housing;

a handle;

a retractable needle housed within the applicator;

a first sensor configured to detect the presence of a user's grip on the handle;

a second sensor configured to detect the presence of an animal; and

a processing circuitry configured to

receive a first signal from the first sensor indicating that the user is gripping the handle;

receive a second signal from the second sensor indicating that an animal is detected;

extend the needle out of the applicator into the animal once the first and second signals are received; and

deliver a dose of medication into the animal once the needle is fully extended into the animal.

2. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 1, wherein the processing circuitry extends the needle by actuating a linear actuator with a first predetermined amount of force.

3. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 2, wherein the processing circuitry actuates the linear actuator to deliver a dose of medication, after the needle has been extended, with a second predetermined amount of force that is greater than the first predetermine amount of force.

4. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 1, wherein the processing circuitry controls the amount of force applied by a linear actuator, the amount of force being based on the linear distance a rod of the linear actuator has traveled inside the applicator.

5. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 1, further comprising a two stage insertion and delivery mechanism within the applicator housing that includes an insertion portion that includes the retractable needle, a cavity that is within the insertion portion which houses the dose of medication, and a delivery portion that moves within the cavity.

6. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 5, wherein the extension of the retractable needle by the processing circuitry causes a linear actuator to apply a first predetermined amount of force, which causes the insertion portion and the delivery portion to move together relative to the applicator housing a predetermined amount of distance.

7. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 6, wherein the delivery of the medication by the processing circuitry causes the linear actuator to apply a second predetermined amount of force, which allows the delivery portion to move independently of the insertion portion and within the cavity and deliver the dose of medication through the retractable needle into the animal.

8. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 7, further including a selectably actuable mechanism, the selectably actuable mechism being fixed to the insertion portion, and releasably connected to the delivery portion, wherein

the delivery portion is released from the selectably actuable mechanism when a force greater than or equal to a third predetermined force is applied by the linear actuator, the third predetermined force being between the first and second predetermined amount of force.

9. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 1, the applicator further includes an ink marker that actuates ink through an orifice, the orifice being directed toward the animal during the insertion and delivery process, wherein

the processing circuitry only actuates ink through the orifice to mark the animal after a complete dose has been delivered to the animal.

10. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 1, wherein the applicator delivers a 2 ml dose of medication to the animal.

11. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 2, wherein the first predetermined amount of force is between 4 to 6 N.

12. The handheld injection safety applicator ofclaim 3, wherein the second predetermined amount of force is between 60 and 70 N.

13. An injection safety applicator comprising:

an applicator housing; and

a two stage insertion and delivery mechanism within the applicator housing that includes an insertion portion, a cavity, a delivery portion and a selectably actuatable mechanism, the selectably actuable mechanism arranged to sequentially

engage the delivery portion so that the insertion portion and the delivery portion move together relative to the applicator housing when the two stage insertion and delivery mechanism is actuated with a first force that is less than or equal to a predetermined force threshold, and then

disengage the delivery portion to allow the delivery portion to move within the cavity independently of the insertion portion when the two stage insertion and delivery mechanism is actuated with a second force that is greater than the predetermined threshold force.

14. A method of injecting and delivering a dose of medication, the method comprising the steps of:

sensing a user holding a handle of a handheld applicator, which triggers a first sensor in the handle to indicate that the applicator is being held by the user;

receiving a first signal from the first sensor that the user is holding the applicator;

sensing the user applying the applicator to the skin of an animal to be injected, which triggers a second sensor in the applicator to indicate that an animal is ready to be injected;

receiving a second signal from the second sensor that the user is applying the applicator to the skin of the animal;

inserting a retractable needle into the animal only after receiving the first and second signals from the first and second sensors; and

delivering a dose of medication through the retractable needle into the animal only after the needle has been inserted into the animal,

wherein the force required to insert the retractable needle into the animal, and the force needed to deliver the dose is provided by applicator and not the user.

Images