Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An ampule containing a liquid, e.g., a dose of medicine, connects to a hand-held portable power unit containing an energy accumulator which can be charged and then discharged by manual actuation of a trigger. Preferably the energy accumulator is a compressible spring which is charged by compressing it and discharged by releasing it. The discharging accumulator powers a thruster, preferably a rod, driving it against a plunger in the ampule. The driven plunger applies pressure to the liquid in the ampule and drives the liquid through a small tapered orifice having an open mouth. During an injection, the open mouth of the orifice is pressed against an injection site so that the liquid being forced through the orifice can hypodermically penetrate the injection site. The preferred compressible spring can be charged by forcing the thruster backward against the spring, compressing it to a point where a latching device catches it and holds it compressed. A carrying case automatically recharges the accumulator in this manner whenever the power unit is seated therein and the case's lid is closed. The trigger releases the latching device. Preferably there are two independent safeties to prevent inadvertent triggering of the power unit. One safety jams the trigger unless power unit has an ampule properly engaged, and a second safety for optional use is a slide that also jams the trigger. The ampules can be single-use, disposable items. An ampule loader is also disclosed.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim