US2866458A - Hypodermic assembly - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 30, 1958 G. N. HEIN, JR 2,866,458

HYPODERMIC ASSEMBLY Filed May 9, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet l Dec. 30, 1958 Filed May 9, 1956 G` N. HEIN, JR

HYPODERMIC ASSEMBLY 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS G.`N. HEIN, JR

l HYPODERMIC ASSEMBLY Dm 3o, 195s 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed may 9. 1956 Dec. 30, 1958 G. N. HEIN, JR 2,855,458

HYPODERMIC ASSEMBLY Filed May 9, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTORNEYS United States Patent HYPODERMIC ASSEMBLY George N. Hein, Jr., San Carlos, Calif., assiguor to Becton,

Dickinson and Company, Rutherford, N. J., a corporation of New Jersey Application May 9, 1956, serial No. 583,804

zo claims. (cl. 12s-21s) This invention relates to a structurally and functionally improved medicament injection assembly.

This application is a continuation in part of my prior application for United States patent on Hypodermic Assembly, Serial No. 433,392, filed June l, 1954 (now abandoned).

It is a primary object of the invention to furnish an assembly which may be used for hypoderrnic self-injection by an unskilled person who, in fact, may be handicapped by injury or shock and by means of whi-ch the desired injection will be effectively achieved.

A further object is that of furnishing a mechanism, the parts of which may readily be cleaned, sterilized, filled and loaded. When in this condition the operating parts will be maintained against contamination. Moreover, even if the unit is carelessly carried or stored, foreign materials will not enter it so that its functioning will be impaired.

An additionalobject is that of providing a hypodermic injection unit which Will be automatic in nature but in which unless the parts are deliberately manipulated there will be no danger of accidental firing or medicament-discharge occurring. Therefore, the unit may be subjected to shocks and other abuse without impairing its functioning. At the same time, the present invention furnishes a mechanism in which, by means of the simplest sequence of operations, the device may be fired with assurance that a proper injection is achieved, even although this may be effected through layers of clothing or covering.

Still anotherl object is that of providing an assembly which will include relatively few components each individually simple and rugged in construction, such components being capable of ready assemblage and when so assembled furnishing a unitary structure susceptible to being stored or carried for indefinite periods of time without affecting the working of the apparatus.

Still further objects are those of providing an assembly in which the medicament containing ampule may bereplaced when necessary without discharging the apparatus; the present teachings also contemplating an improved technique whereby the ampule may be filled and the assembly loaded and rendered ready for use.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheets of drawings illustrating practical embodiments of the invention and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional side view of the assembly and showing the same in its initial condition;

Fig. 2 is a similar view but showing that assembly after it has been fired;

Figs. 3 and 4 are transverse sectional views taken, respectively, along the lines 3 3 and 44 of Fig. 1;

Fig.l 5 is a view similar to Fig. 1 but illustrating an alternative form of structure;

Fig. 6 isla perspective view of the spring collet or housingmember which may form a part of the assembly;

Fig. 7 is a sectional side View of an alternative form of spring arrangement;

PatentedA Dec. 30, 1958 of construction;

.Fig 10 is a similar view of the ampule or cartridge assembly prior to filling;

Fig. 11 is an additional sectional side view illustrative of the filling step and showing the cartridge disposed Within its holder;

Fig. 12 is a sideelevation of the ampule and holder ready for inclusion in the assembly;

Fig. 13 is a partly' sectional side View of the mechanism employed to properly yrelate the units of the power assembly; and

Fig. 14 shows certain of the parts illustrated in the preceding View and after they have been subjected to additional assembly procedure.

In these views, an outer casing is provided. This casing is preferably formed of metal such as aluminum,

`although other materials may be utilized. It includes a rear portion lil and aforward portion 11. These parts are preferably integrally united by acentral portion 12 which has an enlarged'diameter Vand conveniently includes inclinedinner faces 13 connecting it with the forward and'rear portions. The-outer end of the rear portion may bethickened as at 14 and the inner faceof this part may embrace aninclined surface 15.

Disposed within theforward portion 11 is an ampule holder or carrier including a maincylindrical body 16, a forward part 17y of reduced diameter and an outer end portion defined by a flange orlip 18 having a diameter greater than that ofthe forward part 17.A yThis holder or carrier presents a central bore, which adjacent the rear Vend of the same is reduced; such reduction being defined by'la shoulder 19. Accordingly, to the rear lof this shouldera reducedbore portion 20 is furnished. The end ofthat bore portion is defined by an inwardly eX- tending flangey orsurface 21 providing a bore of still more reduced diameter. The carrier orholder 16 is preferably formed of a transparent material such as polystyrene. Again, it will be understood, that other materials might be employed. However, by having this part transparent and by formingl theforward portion 11 with sightopenings orwindows 22, it will be possible to' view the interior of the assembly adjacent thiszo-ne. At this time it is to be noted that axial movement of the car# rier or holder 16 with respect to the forward'portion 11 is prevented by, for example, turning the edge of the outery casing or shoulder inwardly as at 23 to overlie and engage the surface of the shoulder providing the zone of demar-v cation between themain body portion 16. andthe reduced forward part 17.

Also, it is to be noted, that the main bore ofbody 16 preferably has a substantially constant diameter and extends fromtheouter flange portion 18 through to the shoulder Y 19.sealing ring 24 is conveniently interposed between theouterY casing portion 11 and the adjacent face ofholder 16. This ringis formed of any suitable material and lies adjacent aflange 25,. formed in the outer .face of the holder adjacent thebore zone 20. Asimilar seal 26 is conveniently disposed within the bore defined by the thickened end 14oftherear portion 10. Accordingly, if seals of this type are employed, foreign materials which might impede or prevent the proper operation ,of the parte will be prevented from entering through the openings defined bywindows 22 or otherwise. This will be despite the fact that the unit may be carried with other articles in, for example, the garment pocket of the user.

'Ihe ampule which 'forms a part of the present assembly and contains medicament should, as shown, conveniently include acylindrical body 27 formed of glass and Additionally, it will be observed that av mounted adjacent its forward end asealing stopper 28 embracing head and plug portions. The latter lies within the forward end of the ampule bore and presents leakage `of medicament past'the stopper. The head of that stopper overlies :the end of the ampule and is disposed preferably in the zone of flange 18.r The rear end of the ampule is sealed by a piston-type stopper 29. This unit, in common with the first stopper, is conveniently formed of molded rubber of a natural or synthetic type. Also, it is provided with a central bore. Aneedle 30 has its body passing through the bore ofstopper 29. Itspointed forward end extends through the bore ofstopper 28 and lies withina recess 31 `defined in the forward face of the latter. i

The rear end of the needle beyondstopper 29 lies withinbore 20. It-is formed with `a side or other convenient opening `32 communicating with its lumen. The adjacent end portion of the needle is mounted in aboss 33 forming a part of a rearwardly taperedplug 34 which constitutes whatmight be ktermed the hub of the needle. Encirclingboss 33 and forming part of the hub assembly is aseal 35. The `latter has an outside diameter such that it will frictionallybear against the inner face defined by the inwardly extending portion orflange 21. It will be noted thathub 34 has an outside diameter of lesserdimensions. Ifseal 35 be formed .or rubber or similar material (and this is preferably the case) its expanded diameter should be less than that ofbore 20. It is, therefore, apparent that the rear end `of the ampule assembly is normally anchored against movements with respect to the carrier orholder 16 due to the contact existing betweenseal 35 of the hub assembly and the inner face of flange or reducedpart 21;

Also, with the rear end of the `ampule orcartridge 27 bearing against shoulder 19, the former is supported against rearward motion. forward or outer direction is prevented first because of the frictional engagement which may exist between the peripheraledge ofstopper plug 28 and the adjacent inner face ofcarrier 16. However, such movements of the parts are definitely prevented by, for example,furnishing ring 36 which isspun over the surface offlange 18 and overlies the forward `end or head of the stopper. Interposed between this forward end of theringv 36 is a layer of material 37.u A thin sheet of pierceable plastic is employed in this connection or else this layer may embrace material such as rubber. In this manner, it is apparent that an essem bly is furnished in which the parts are permanently united. It is obvious that any Vsuitable alternative structure might `be employed to connect the parts in any desirable manner consistent with the accomplishment of the desired functions.`

Interposed betweenplug 34 and the rear end of theassemblyisa spring 38. This spring is housed within a collet'or mounting member which, as especially shown 1n Fig. 6, includes ahead portion 39, a pair ofarms 40 which may be arcuate in section and which terminate in head-portions `embracing inwardly extendingparts 41, outwardly slopingportions 42 and guidingportions 43. Thiscollet is `preferably formed of metal having resilient characteristicsA such that its arms tend to spring outwardly with respect to each other.

i As shown in Figs. 1 to 4, only asingle spring 38 may be employed.` Preferably there is interposed between the forward end of this spring and the inwardly extending part s `41,`awasher 44. The rear end of thespring has its convolutionsconstricted as at 45. Thus, they firmly embrace thejshank 46 of a safety pin which projects through the opening `in thehead portion 39 of the collet. Beyond this, head portion,shank 46 extends throughseal 26 and outwardlykof thickened portion 14.` Itterminates inra head` of suitable configuration. interposed between thickened portion 1,4 and'the head portion 39ofthecollet is a retaining member48. This, as.` shown, may be in the form of a sphere of metal or any other suitable material which is substantially non-deformable. As illustrated in Fig. l, this member lies within the space inter- Movement of the parts in a veningV the rear faceofthead 39tand portion 15 and bears against the shank ofpin 46. Therefore, it cannot be displaced from this position and will serve to maintain the outer face ofhead portion 39 in spaced relationship with respect to thickened part 14. As will be apparent, that part might be functionally provided in one of any numy ber of desirable manners, especially if the shell of the casing is drawn;

It is primarily to be understood that while the present teachings might be employed to advantage in numerous manners, the present assembly is ideally suited for self-injection and injection under emergency conditions such as might prevail in the case of a national disaster where it will be necessary for persons exposed to gas, for example, of the nerve type, to be immediately injected with a medicament such as atropine. As afore brought out, the device shown in Fig. 1 may be carried in the pocket of a user with other materials and articles. Under those conditions its working parts will not become contaminated in that the contents of the ampule will remain sterile, as will also the point of the needle. Moreover, foreign materials such as grit, dust, etc. will not lodge with respect to the movable parts of the assembly in a manner such that the latter will be jammed and inoperative. Due to the detent structure existing as a consequence of the cons trictedconvolutions 45 ofspring 38 and the gripping by the former parts ofshank 46, the safety pin will remain in position. In fact, the parts may be formed and proportioned in a manner such that a very definite effort will be necessary before that pin may be withdrawn. Thehead 47 of that pin should bedesigned so that it can be readily grasped between the thumb and finger for the purpose of effecting such withdrawal or even be gripped between the teeth to obtain this result.

With the pin deliberately withdrawn, it is apparent first, that its shank will no longer supportthe retaining element 4S. The latter bearing againstface 15, which is preferably inclined, will be subjected to a4 camming action. Therefore, this member will shift inwardly and rearwardly into the bore defined by thickened portion 14 and rest againstseal 26. Otherwise the parts will not alter their positions. Prior to, during and after injection the interior of the ampule orcartridge 27` may be observed -through theopenings 22, transparent walls ofholder 16 and the similar walls of the cartridge.

The user may under emergency conditions effect a hypodermic injection into his or another persons flesh throughfclothing. Regardless of whether such a -procedure is resorted to, it is apparent that the users hand may, for` example, encirclerear portion 10 and 'bear against the surf-ace merging from that part intocentral portion 12. By applying the outer or forward end of the unit to the surface of the site selected for the injection, forward movement `of that contacting end portion is prevented. Therefore, a thrust in a forward direction upon casing 10 will primarily have the effect of a rearward thrust being transmitted throughcarrier 16 and the hub assembly of the needle against the adjacent end of the spring collet or its equivalent. Therefore, this elementwhich is no longer restrained from shifting withinrear portion 10 by the retainingmember 48 will move axially and rearwardly of the casing. With such movement, the guidingportions 43 will shift out of contact with the bore defined byforward portion 11 of the casing and over the inclined faces 13 into the enlargedcentral portion 12. Under these circumstances,arms 40 of the collet will be free to expand into thiscentral portion 12 due to the inherent resiliency which -they incorporate. With such expansion the detent or locking structure provided by the inwardly extendingparts 41 in cooperation with the spring end orwasher 44 no longer exists. Therefore,spring 38 is now free to act onplug 34 of the hub assembly and -thrust the same forwardly or to the left, as viewed in Fig. 1.

4The spring is, of course, under full compression under these initial conditions. hereicrc, it exerts its maximum power and will for-ce hub seal 35 axially of the restricted bore 21 within which it is conned and into bore 2t?. Simultaneously, the pointed end ofneedle 30 will penetrate the diaphragm ordisk 37. Especially, if the latter be formed of rubber, there will be n-o danger offplugcutting. As seal 3S moves through bore'20, there will be no restraint (other than a small fric-tional drag between the needle and stoppers) on the parts. Therefore, the hub assembly will strike against the outer face ofpiston stopper 29 with considerable force. Also, air Withinbore portion 20 will readily escape past the periphery ofseal 35 as the lutter moves through this bore part. Aperture '32 in the side wall of the needle will pass through the bore ofpiston stopper 29. Simultaneously withseal 35 `striking that stopper, this aperture will be wit-hin the 'body of medicament confined withinampule 27,

Even if the device has been loaded several years prior to the. time of its use, it is apparent Itha-t with the impact occurring between the Seal 3S andpiston 29 the latter will be freed from slight yadhesion to the bore surface ofampule 27. `Withaperture 32 disposed forwardly of thepiston 29, the liquid medicament will be discharged from the ampule interior through the aperture, the bore of the needle and thence beyond its forward pointed end. The `distan-ce traversed byseal 35 prior to engaging the piston will not alone assure that the piercing point of the needle has penetratedseai 37, but has also passed through any layers of clothing which may be covering the person to be injected. To this end, assuming that g of movement occurs prior toengagement of the hub assembly with the piston, thenaperture 32 may be incommunication with the ampule interior after having raveled fry/1%. It is `apparent that the movement ofpiston 29 will continue as shown in Fig. 2 until it engages the rear or inner end of the plug ofstopper 28.

Under certain circumstances and especially where the unit has been stored or carried by the ultimate user for a long period of time, there may be danger Aof the parts failing to operate due, for example, to lirm adhesion betweenseal 35 and the adjacent bore surface, as well as adhesion 'betweenpiston 29 and the ampule bore. To overcome this and as shown in Fig. 5, a pair of springs E and 59 may be employed. The inner spring 5d' wiil correspond tospring 38 and similar thereto may embody an expansive force when fully compressed of, for example, 1S pounds and a force when expanded to the position shown in Fig. 2 of, for example, l0 pounds. Spring when compressed as shown in Fig. 5, may embody an expansive force or around 30 pounds. The main parts are otherwise constructed identicaily with those shown in lthe preceding figures. As will be apparent, however, with the shifting cf the spring collet o-r holder, the expansive force of both springs will act against .the h-ub assembly of the needle. Under these circumstances, that assembly will pass intobore 20, in that sufficient force exists to break any adhesion between seal 35' and the surface which it initially contac s., Again an impact-loading will occur as the hub assembly moves through bore portion 2i). Accordingly,piston stopper 29 will be struck with such force that it' wili fh t with respect to the ampule bore. At this point, spring 9 will have reached substantially its fully expanded tion and solely spring iii)I will con.- tinue the projec ion of the piston.V Therefore, themedicament will not be injected with undue violence. IAlsoif the pointed 'end of the needle should strike against the bone surface the needle will not penetrate that bone.

lt will be noted in this view that a different forward seat may be employed. Thus, the numeral 53. indicates a headed stopper closing the outer end of the ampule. This stopper has the face of its head formed with a recess.v Within thelatter a cup-shapedmember 53 is disposed to cover and protect the needle point. That member is readily pierceable by the needle. Itis retained in position by a sealingring 52.

Referring to Figs. 7 and i3, an arrangement of springs.'

different from that illustrated in Fig. 5 has been shown. The numeral '54 indicates a spring, which in fully compressed condition will, for example, exert a thrust of eighteen pounds. Spring Se of heavier stock is arranged in abutting or tandem relationship ywith respect to spring 54. The end convolution of spring 5-5 may be constricted as at 56 to encirclepin 46. In this manner, it will act as a detent lto prevent other than a deliberate withdrawal of that safety pin. Spring '55 will, for example, impart a thrust of thirty pounds. Its fo-rce wil'l be superimposed on the force exerted lby the expansion of .spring 54. it witl function throughout at least that portion of the working stroke which will assure a freeing ofpiston 29 and an initiation of projection of the lat-ter. Accordingiy, the same rc=J lts are achieved as aforcdescribed in connection with `Fig. 5 and no diiiiculty will be experienced in incorporating proper portions in the springs and have them perform their required tasks.

Referring to Fig. 9, it will be seen that an apparatus has been illustrated which in many respects is quite siniilar to the assemblies heretofore described and which will operate in an almost identical manner. in that View, the numeral 57 indicates the cap of the apparatus which is provided with a central opening 58 and also preferably a seal (not shown) similar to that heretofore designated at 3? and Theampule 59 again preferably includes a tubular glass section lled with medicament. Its forward end is closed by a headed stopper 6G in which, if: desired, a bore 6i may be provided extending from end. to end.. rhis bore will preferably be formed by perforating the stopper with an instrument which will havc a diameter less than needie 62. The stopper being formed ot rubber, this bore will close especially as the stopper is piaced Linder compression incident to being inserted in the forward end ofampule 59. The bore, however` being provided, the needle will extend into this bore under the assembly of the parts. The bore beyond the needie will remain closed until the needle is projected. With such projection, the needle will extend entirely through and beyond the bore. it is obvious, however, that incident to the preferabiy preforming of the bore, there will be no danger of the needle cutting a plug and becoming clogged.

it is to be noted that stopper 60 is formed with a recess 3 in its outer face and the base of it terminates short or' the inner end of the stopper plug. This will seal the forward end ofampule 59. A piston-type stopper seals the rear end of the ampuie and has extending through it the shank of needle 62. In common with the structures heretofore described, thecarrier 65 has a bore which in! volves diameters such that a rest is furnished for the rear end of the ampule and also slidably accommodates the hub seat 6o. Contrary to the previous structures,cap 57 is mounted on theholder 65 by means of screw threads 67 or another detachable connection. Also acollar 68 is furnished which conveniently is supported'byscrew threads 69 upon the outer case 7i) to retaincarrier 65,' In this manner, access may be had to the interior of thc latter as well as to the interiorl ofthev holder 65.

rI'he outer case may also provide sight openings in its forward end and continued rearwardly topfurnish an impeller housing structure. That structure may again include acollet 71 containing aspring 72 acting against awasher 73 in turn thrusting against thehub 74. At the extreme rear end, a seal '75 'may be'contained by the outer'case and through it theshank 76 of a safety pin extends. lThe spherical or other retainingelement 77 is disposed to one side ofshank 76 between theseal 75 and thehead 78 of thecollet assembly 71,. Finally, it will be observed that aseal 78 may enclose the inner or rear end of thecartridge holder 65.

Considering ,the technique involved in filling the ampule, it will be understood that as shown in Fig. 10, stopbpers 60 amd64 are disposed within the bore oftube section 59 and adjacent one end of the same. Thereafter, and as illustrated in Fig. 11, the hub seal 66 is mounted on theneedle hub 74. The cartridge orampule 59 is now inserted into theholder 65 and the needle is caused to have its point extend into the bore 61 ofstopper 69 as Well as through the bore ofstopper 64. Under these circumstances, the hub seal 66 is disposed adjacent the rear end or inner end ot the bore ofholder 65. A wire or other suitable implement 79 is inserted between the hub seal and the surface of that bore.- Y

A filling needle 80 is introduced into therecess 63 and caused to perforate the base of the latter so as to'extend betweenstopper 60 and 64. For example, lai cc. of medicament is now injected through the bore of needle 3:3 into this space.v Under these circumstances stopper (vi will shift to a point adjacent the rear ofampule 59 and thus assume a position as illustrated in Fig. 9. Air which would otherwise be trapped is vented past wire 79. During the injection of medicament through needle 80, care should be used not to dispense any air into the cartridge. The filling needle 80 is now withdrawn as is also the vent wire 79. Thereupon, by disposingcollar 68 upon theholder 65 and mountingcap 57 upon that holder by means of thethreads 69, the cartridge assembly and the tiling thereof is completed.

In Fig. 1.3, there has been shown the manner in which the power assembly of the device may have its parts properly set. To obtain this result, a xture is utilized which is provided with acentral post 81. Thecollet 71 is ensleeved over this post in the manner shown, as is also thespring 72 andspring washer 73. A hollow pushrod 82 is thereupon applied to the face ofwasher 73 and projected so as to telescope overpost 81. Rod 82 con veniently has anactuator 83 secured to its outer end. Also, it suitably mounts a holdingsleeve 84.

Now by bringing pressure to bear onactuator 83,washer 73 is caused to move inwardly overpost 81 to a point at which the edge of the washer is aligned with the retaining portions at the end of the collet arms. These arms are caused to shift towards each other. Thereupon, they may be introduced into the space existing within the bore of the holdingsleeve 84. When this occurs, rod 82 may be withdrawn from the post and the collet and spring assembly may be removed as a unit withsleeve 84.

As shown in Fig. i4, thehead portion 78 of the assembly is introduced through the open forward end of the outer case70. This movement of the parts is continuel until holdingsleeve 84 is engaged with threads 67. Under those conditions, the free ends of the collet arms will slide in contact with the bore ofouter case 70 until they reach a position such as has been shown in Fig. 9. Therefore, the arms will not be free to separate and release the spring.

Prior to the assembly being introduced into the case, seal 75 will have been suitably cleaned (using, for ex ample, benzine) and by a suitable tool will have been disposed adjacent the rear end ofcase 70. Theshank 76 of the safety pin may have been lubricated with silicone grease and pushed into place by twisting action. Thereupon, an element such assphere 77 will have been dropped into the case to occupy a position such as has been shown in Fig. 9.

In the placement of the power end in the case, it is, of course, obvious that thearms 71 are disposed at 90 with respect to the windows or sight openings which might be formed in the forward end of the case. With the power end fully assembled as shown in Fig. 9, the cartridge seal 78' may also be lubricated and placed l over the rear end of theholder 65 containing the sealv cartridge and needle assembly. The cartridge is now disposed within casing 70 with itshub end 74 inwardly. Now by securing collar `68 `to threadsmlthe assembly is completed. i "n v It is apparent that after the elapse of a certain interval of time, should it` be desirable to renew the ampule and its contents without tiring the apparatus, this may be accomplished by simply looseningcollar 68 and removing the entire cartridge and holder from the outer case. This entire assembly may now be replaced by an entirely new assembly. Otherwise, theholder 65 may simply receive a freshly filled ampule and needle associated therewith throughout. In the latter instance, it is, of course, apparent that after removal of theholder 65 from the case, this result may readily be achieved by simply removingcap 57 and withdrawing the ampule.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention as specifically aforenoted are achieved. Obviously, numerous changes in construction and rearrangement of the parts might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined by the claims.

I claim:

l. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movably to cause projection of said piston and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring within said member to act against said casing and assembly to project and discharge the latter, spring retaining means connected to said mounting member and releasing upon the latter shifting, a pin slidably supported with respect to said casing and extending beyond the same, retaining means controlled by said pin and engaging said mounting member to prevent a shifting of the latter and at least certain of the coils of said spring being constricted to engage said pin and restrain the latter from being slid with respect to said casing.

2. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movable to cause projection of said pistou and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly and provided with a window through which the latter is visible, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring within said member to act against said casing and as sembly to project and discharge the latter, spring retaining means connected to said mounting member and releasing upon the latter shifting, a pin slidably supported with respect to said casing and extending beyond the same, retaining means controlled by said pin and engaging said mounting member to prevent a shifting of the latter and at least certain of the coils of said spring being constricted to engage said pin and restrain the latter from being slid with respect to said casing.

3. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly opera` tively connected and relatively movable to cause projeci tion of said piston andneedle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring within said member to act against said casing and assembly to project and discharge the latter, spring retaining means connected to said mounting member and releasing upon the latter shifting, a pin slidably supported with respect to said casing and extending beyond the same, a retaining element interposed between said member and casing, said pin extending adjacent said retaining means to nor mally prevent a shifting of said mounting member, a surface of said casing accommodating said retaining element in inoperative position when unsupported by said pin and a head portion forming a part of said pin and extending beyond said casing whereby said pin may be slid to a position such that it ldoes not support said retaining element.

4. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movable to cause projection of said piston and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring within said member to act against said casing and assembly to project and discharge the latter, a latch structure forming a part of said mounting member and engaging said spring to prevent an expansion of the same, relatively projecting and recessed parts included in said mounting member and casing and cooperating to maintain said latch structure in operative condition, said mounting member including portions movable with respect to each other to release said latch structure and said casing being shiftable with respect to said mounting member to shift said projecting and recessed parts to positions such that said latch structure is released to correspondingly release said spring.

5. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movable to cause projection of said piston and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring within said member to act against said casing and assembly to project and discharge the latter, said casing being formed with a recess in its inner face, said mounting member including relatively movable parts restrained from shifting with respect to each other by engagement with the inner face of said casing at points adjacent said recess, a latch structure forming a part of said mounting member and normally operative to restrain said spring from expanding and said latch structure being rendered inoperative upon said mounting member shifting with respect to said casing to have its parts enter said recess.

6. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movable to cause projection of said piston and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing within said assembly, a mounting member axially shiftable in said casing, an expansble coil spring within said member to act against said assembly and project and discharge the latter, spring retaining means connected to said mounting member and releasable upon the latter shifting, a pin slidably supported by said casing and extending beyond the same, retaining means controlled by said pin and engaging said mounting member to prevent a shifting of the latter, a holder for said ampule interposed between the latter and said casing, said holder presenting a bore portion receiving said ampule, a second ybore portion to the rear of said ampule land a more constricted bore to the rear of said second bore portion, a hub assembly associated with said needle to receive the thrust of said spring and said assembly being initially disposed in said latter constricted bore portion and having a diameter less than that of the adjacent bore portion of said holder.

7. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movable to cause projection of said piston and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly and provided with a window through which the latter is visible, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring withiin said member to act against said casing and assembly to project and discharge the latter, spring retaining means connected to saidlmounting member -and releasing upon the latter shifting, a pin slidably supported with respect to said casing and extending beyond the same, retaining means controlled by said pin and engaging said mounting member to prevent a shifting of the latter and seals preventing the entrance of foreign material by way of said window and the opening through which said pin extends into said casing.

8. In a hypodermic syringe in combination a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle for expelling medicament, a casing enclosing the same and providing on its inner face a recessed portion, a source of power for removing said piston, a latch engaging with said casing to one side of said recessed portionand connected to said source in inoperative condition and a part of said latch being shiftable with respect to said casing to enter the recessed portion of the latter whereby to releasesaid power source.

9. In a hypodermic syringe in combination a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle for expelling medicament, a casing enclosing the same and providing on its inner face a recessed portion, a source of power for moving said piston, a latch engaging with said casing to one side of said recesssed portion and connected to retain said source in inoperative condition, a part of said latch being shiftable with respect to said casing to enter the recessed portion of the latter whereby to release said power source and releasable means for normally preventing such shifting of said latch part.

l0. A hypodermic syringe including in combination an ampule, piston and hollow needle assembly operatively connected and relatively movable to cause projection of said piston and needle and a discharge of medicament through the latter from the interior of said ampule, a structure providing a casing enclosing said assembly, a mounting member within and axially shiftable with respect to said casing, an expansible coil spring within said member to act against said casing and assembly to project and discharge the latter, spring retaining means connected to said mounting member and releasing upon the latter shifting, a pin slidably supported with respect to said casing and extending beyond the same, retaining means controlled by said pin and engaging said mounting member to prevent a shifting of the latter and a second spring also associated with said member and acting against said assembly to cause relative shifting of certain of the parts of the same throughout a predetermined Zone.

ll. ln a hypodermic syringe in combination a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle for expelling medicament, a casing enclosing the same, a spring within said casing and acting against said piston, a holder for said spring slidably bearing against the inner face of said casing, said holder including a part movable with respect to other portions of the same, a latch preventing expansion of said spring and connected to be controlled by the movement of said part and the inner casing face being interrupted whereby upon said holder being shifted with respect to said casing, said part will align with the interruption of the casing face resulting in movement of said holder part and release of said latch and spring.

l2. -In a hypodermic syringe in combination a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle for expelling medicament, a casing enclosing the same, a spring within said casing and acting against said piston, a holder for said spring slidably bearing against the inner face of said casing, said holder including a part movable with respect to other portions of the same, a latch preventing expansion of said spring and connected to be controlled by the movement of said part, the inner casing face being interrupted, whereby upon said holder being shifted with respect to said casing, said part will align with the interruption of the casing face resulting in movement of said,`

holder part and release of said latch and spring and means for preventing shifting of said holder.

`13. I na hypodermic syringe in combination a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle for expelling medicament, a casing enclosing the same, a spring within said casingjand acting against said piston, a holder for said spring slidably bearing against the inner face of said casing, said holder including a part movable with respect to other portions of the same, a latch preventing expansion of said spring and connected to be controlled by the movement of said part, the inner casing face being interrupted, whereby upon said holder being shifted with respect to said casing, said part will align with the interruption of the casing face resulting in movement of said holder part and release of said latch and spring, a retaining member interposed between surfaces of said holder and casing to normally prevent a shifting of the former and means for rendering said member inoperative. Y

14. A hypodermic syringe including in combination a medicament injecting assembly comprising a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle, a casing mounting said assembly and continued beyond the same, a collet axially shiftable within said casing, said collet embracing a part movable with respect to the remainder 0f the same and restrained from said movement by engagement with the inner casing face, said casing face being formed with an interruption, a spring disposed adjacent said collet, a latch restraining said spring from expansion and operated by movement of said part and said collet being shiftable within said casing to cause said part toshift into the zone of interruption of said casing to thereby release said latch,

15. A hypodermic syringe including in combination a medicament-injecting assembly comprising a relatively movable ampule, piston and needle, a casing mounting said assembly and continued beyond the same, a collet axially shitahle within said casing, said collet embracing a part movable with respect to the remainder of the same and restrained from such movement by engagement with the inner casing face, said casing face being formed with an interruption, a spring disposed adjacent said collet, a latch restraining said spring from expansion and operated by movement of said part, said collet being shiftable within said casing to cause said part to shift into the zone of interruption of said casing to thereby release said latch and a retaining member engaging said collet and movable to permit the shifting of the latter.

16. For use in a hypodermic syringe assembly an ampule comprising a tube shaped body, a stopper sealing one end of said tube, a piston-type stopper sealing the opposite end of said tube, the space intervening such seal being filled with medicament, a hypodermic needle extending through said piston stopper and the bore of said ampule to a point adjacent the first-named seal, the rear end of said needle extending beyond said piston-type stopper and being formed with an opening, a hub assembly mounted on the rear end of said needle beyond said opening, a carrier for said ampule comprising a main bore portion receiving the body of said tube, a reduced bore portion rearwardly of said tube and a constricted part beyond said latter bore portion and the hub of said needle lying within said constricted part.

I7. In a` hypodermie injection assembly in combinarear of said piston and beyond the medicament contained in such tubular member, said needle extending into the bore of said member towards said seal and being formed with a medicament inlet to the rear of said piston, a casing surrounding said tubular member, power means within said casing and acting against that end of the needle opposite the piercing end to initially project the piercing end thereof through said seal and to a position at which its inlet communicates with the medicament contained in said member and subsequently projects said piston to express medicament through such inlet and beyond the piercing end of said needle and means for releasing said power means.

18. For use in a hypodermic syringe assembly, a tubular member containing medicament, a seal at one end of said member, a piston at the opposite end of the same, a hypodermic needle having a piercing end and a base end, the latter extending through and to the rear of said piston and beyond the medicament contained in such tubular member and said needle extending into the bore of said member towards said seal and being formed with a medicament inlet adjacent and to the rear of said pist0n, the piercing end of said needle extending through said seal and means for maintaining said seal against displacement with respect to said tubular member.

19. For use in connection with the administration of hypodermic injections, a casing to mount a syringe barrel containing a piston, power means within said casing for projecting said piston, means for retaining said power means against movement, a pin mounted by said casing to maintain said retaining means in operative position and said pin being shiftable with respect to said casing to render said retaining means inoperative.

20. For use in connection with the administration of hypodermic injections, a casing, a compressed spring therein, an expansible mounting member enclosing the same and prevented from expanding by engagement with said casing, said mounting member in constricted condition preventing a release of said spring, a part of said casing normally not engaged by said mounting member providing a zone for the expansion thereof and means whereby said mounting member is shiftable into such zone to cause expansion of said member and release of said spring.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,704,072 Sarnoff Mar. l5, 1955 FOREIGN PATENTS 664,001 Germany Aug. 18, 1938

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