CN107106761B - Self-orienting pressure jacket and interface of pressure jacket to syringe - Google Patents

Abstract

A pressure jacket includes a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis. The pressure jacket also includes at least one retaining member having at least one first lug projecting radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one first lug has at least one third surface that tapers axially in a proximal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The at least one first lug is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism associated with a port on a fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure jacket with the fluid injector. At least a portion of the at least one third surface axially ejects the pressure jacket when the pressure jacket is rotated about a longitudinal axis.

Description

Self-Orienting Pressure Sheath and Pressure Sheath to Syringe Interface

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/069,779, filed October 28, 2014, entitled "Self-orienting Plunger and Plunger-to-Piston Interface" Priority, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present disclosure generally relates to a system comprising a front-loading syringe and a pressure sheath for use with a fluid injector, and further, to a method for securing a syringe and/or pressure sheath to a fluid injector Connection interface and relates to a method of loading and removing a syringe and/or pressure sheath to and from a fluid injector, and to a plunger and a method for securing a syringe plunger to a fluid injector The connection interface of the piston.

Background technique

In many medical diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, a medical practitioner (eg, a physician) injects one or more medical fluids into a patient. In recent years, several syringe-actuated syringes and syringes have been developed for pressurized injection of medical fluids (eg, contrast media solutions, often simply referred to as "contrast media"), irrigants (eg, saline), and other medical fluids. Fluid injectors, which are used in a variety of procedures, such as angiography, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and other molecular imaging procedures. Generally, these fluid injectors are designed to deliver a preset amount of fluid at a preset pressure and/or flow rate.

In some injection procedures, medical practitioners place catheters or needles connected to tubing, or other fluid delivery connections, into veins or arteries of the patient. The conduit or tubing is connected to a manual fluid injection mechanism, or to an automatic fluid injection mechanism. Automatic fluid injection mechanisms typically include at least one syringe connected to at least one fluid injector having, for example, at least one powered linear piston. At least one syringe contains, for example, a source of contrast media and/or a source of irrigation fluid. The medical practitioner enters settings into the electronic control system of the fluid injector for a fixed volume of contrast and/or saline, and a fixed rate of injection for each.

The injected contrast medium and/or saline is delivered to the patient's vasculature through a catheter or needle inserted into the patient's body (eg, the patient's arm or groin area). The dose of contrast agent is called the bolus. Once the dose of contrast agent is delivered to the desired site, the area is imaged using conventional imaging techniques, such as angiographic imaging or scanning, computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET), and other molecular imaging procedures. The presence of contrast agent becomes clearly visible against the background of the surrounding tissue.

Various front loading connection interfaces have been developed for loading and removing syringes to and from fluid injectors. In some aspects, a syringe with retention features is inserted into a syringe port on the fluid injector by aligning the syringe with corresponding locking features provided on the fluid injector. Medical practitioners often need to manually align the retention features of the syringes with corresponding locking features on the fluid injector before being able to load the syringes onto the injector. In some cases, there are only one or two possible alignments for loading, such as shown in US Pat. No. 6,336,913. In these barrels, the operator must rotate the barrel to find an alignment that allows the barrel to engage the fluid injector. The operator then needs to manually rotate the syringe relative to the locking feature to create a strong enough engagement for syringe operation. In US Patent No. 6,652,489, the barrel need not be rotationally aligned or rotated for installation or engagement. To remove the barrel, the operator must rotate the barrel about its longitudinal axis at least 45 degrees, and more typically 90 degrees. At the same time, during rotation of the barrel, the plunger must be disengaged from the piston. After rotation, the operator must then physically pull the barrel and plunger out of the syringe. In some aspects, the operator must pull the barrel and plunger while rotating the barrel. Fluid injector systems with pressure sheaths are associated with similar problems. Generally, in order to remove the pressure sheath from the fluid injector, the operator must rotate the pressure sheath about its longitudinal axis at least 45 degrees, and more typically 90 degrees, to disengage the locking mechanism. After rotation, the operator must then physically pull the pressure sheath out of the syringe. In some aspects, the operator must pull the pressure sheath while rotating the pressure sheath. Such a syringe and pressure sheath connection feature requires additional time and effort to load or remove the syringe and/or pressure sheath from the syringe, resulting in a medical injection procedure time extension.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved syringe-to-syringe, pressure sheath-to-syringe, and plunger-to-plunger attachment, interface and/or locking features that allow an operator to more easily disengage or release a syringe and/or from a fluid injector The pressure sheath, for example, saves the operator from simultaneously pulling and rotating the barrel and/or the pressure sheath. There is also a need in the art to reduce or eliminate the need for an operator to rotationally align the plunger with the piston during engagement of the syringe with the fluid injector. Although various syringe, pressure sheath, plunger, and plunger/piston connection interfaces and methods are known in the medical art, there is still a need for improved syringe, pressure sheath, plunger, and plunger/piston connection interface designs , a syringe retention mechanism, a connection interface between a syringe and a fluid injector, and a method of loading and/or removing a syringe and/or pressure sheath to and from a fluid injector.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the shortcomings of existing connection interfaces between syringes and fluid injectors, there is a need in the art for an improved connection interface between syringes and fluid injectors that overcomes the deficiencies of the prior art. There is also a need for improved syringes, syringe retention mechanisms, and methods of engaging and removing a syringe to and from a fluid injector that eliminate the need to manually align the syringe with respect to the fluid injector about its longitudinal axis. , to allow easy loading and removal of syringes to and from the fluid injector.

In one aspect, the barrel can include a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a substantially circumferential sidewall extending along the longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal ends. A syringe retaining member may project radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one syringe retention member may taper axially along the outer surface of the sidewall in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. At least one syringe retention member may be configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the fluid injector to releasably lock the syringe with the fluid injector. The tapering of the at least one syringe retaining member may be configured to rotationally guide the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism and to eject the syringe axially when the syringe is rotated.

The at least one syringe retaining member may have at least one first surface that tapers axially in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. The at least one syringe retaining member may also have a second surface configured to guide the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism. The first and second surfaces on the syringe retention member may be linear, segmented, curved, continuous, discontinuous, or planar. The second surface may taper axially in the opposite direction to the first surface. At least one syringe retaining member may be integrally formed on the outer surface of the syringe. At least one syringe retaining member can be separated from the outer surface of the syringe. The at least one syringe retaining member may have a base surface disposed substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis. At least a portion of the at least one syringe retaining member may protrude substantially perpendicularly relative to the outer surface of the syringe. Individual syringe retention members of the plurality of syringe retention members may be shaped to be substantially the same shape, or may have two or more different shapes.

In some aspects, a plurality of syringe retention members can be spaced apart around at least a portion of the outer surface of the syringe. The plurality of syringe retention members may be spaced apart at substantially equal angular intervals around the outer surface of the syringe. The plurality of syringe retention members may be spaced at unequal angular intervals around the outer surface. The plurality of syringe retention members may be longitudinally aligned at or near the proximal end relative to the longitudinal axis. At least one of the plurality of syringe retention members may be offset toward the proximal end of the sleeve. At least one of the plurality of syringe retention members may be offset toward the distal end of the sleeve.

In some aspects, at least one syringe retention member may have one or more locking tabs having at least one stop surface for preventing rotation of the syringe within the locking mechanism. The at least one syringe retaining member may have at least one first lug and at least one second lug. The at least one first lug may be the same as or different from the at least one second lug. The at least one first lug can be longitudinally offset along the longitudinal axis relative to the at least one second lug. At least one of the first and second lugs may have a sloped release member projecting at an angle from the outer surface of the sleeve to a top surface of the at least one of the first and second lugs. At least one syringe retention member can have at least one hollow portion, and in certain aspects, at least one reinforcement member can be provided in the at least one hollow portion. The flange may project radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis from the outer surface of the sidewall and away from the at least one syringe retaining member. The flange may extend around at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall. The flange may have a longitudinal stop surface for limiting the length of longitudinal insertion of the syringe into the locking mechanism. The at least one syringe retaining member may have the shape of a triangular profile, an arrow-shaped profile, a rectangular profile or a circular profile. The top surface of the at least one syringe retaining member may be shaped to correspond to the outer surface of the syringe. The at least one syringe retention member may be configured to be received within a clearance space on the locking mechanism.

In some aspects, the barrel can have a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis. The syringe may have at least one syringe retaining member projecting radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one syringe retaining member may have at least one surface that tapers axially along the outer surface of the sidewall in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end. At least one syringe retention member may be configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the fluid injector to releasably lock the syringe with the fluid injector. The at least one surface may be configured to rotationally guide the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and may also be configured to eject the syringe axially when the syringe is rotated.

In other aspects, the barrel can have a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis. The syringe may have at least one syringe retaining member projecting radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one syringe retaining member may have a first surface and a second surface such that the first surface is axially and radially offset relative to the second surface. At least one syringe retention member may be configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the fluid injector to releasably lock the syringe with the fluid injector. At least one of the first and second surfaces may be configured to rotationally guide the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and the first and second surfaces may also be configured to axially rotate when the syringe is rotated Eject the syringe.

In some aspects, the fluid injection device can include at least one barrel having a cylindrical sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a sidewall, and a longitudinal axis extending therebetween. The sleeve may have at least one syringe retaining member projecting radially outward from the outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one syringe retaining member may have a surface that tapers axially in a proximal direction. The device may also include a syringe having a syringe housing defining at least one syringe port for receiving the at least one syringe and a locking mechanism associated with the at least one syringe port to secure the at least one syringe within at least one syringe port. The locking mechanism may be configured for engaging at least one syringe retaining member of the syringe to releasably lock the at least one syringe within the at least one syringe port and to pivot from the at least one syringe port when the syringe is rotated Pop at least one syringe toward the ground.

In some aspects, the first surface may be configured to rotationally guide the at least one syringe into self-aligning alignment with the locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may comprise a housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a central opening extending therebetween, a first retaining ring at the distal end of the housing, and a central opening of the housing between the proximal end and the first retaining ring inside the second retaining ring. The second retaining ring may be rotatable relative to the first retaining ring to operatively engage at least one syringe retaining member of the syringe. The first retention ring may have at least one first recess configured to receive the at least one syringe retention member when the proximal end of the at least one syringe is inserted into the at least one syringe port. At least one first recess may project radially outwardly into the inner side wall of the first retaining ring. The lateral surface of the at least one first recess may define a guide path for guiding movement of the at least one syringe retaining member within the at least one first recess. The at least one first recess may have at least one guide surface for guiding the first surface of the at least one syringe into the at least one first recess. The first surface of the at least one syringe retaining member may engage at least a portion of the at least one guide surface when the at least one syringe is moved in the proximal direction. The at least one guide surface may be angled or curved relative to the longitudinal axis in a distal-to-proximal direction. The plurality of syringe retention members may be spaced around at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall of the at least one syringe (eg, near the proximal end), and the plurality of first recesses may be spaced around at least a portion of the inner surface of the first retention ring open.

In other aspects, the second retention ring may have one or more locking elements on at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the second retention ring. One or more locking elements may extend radially outward into the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring. One or more locking elements may be separated by one or more second recesses. The one or more second recesses may be configured to receive the at least one syringe retaining member when the proximal end of the at least one syringe is inserted through the first retaining ring. The first retention ring may contain one or more first recesses, and the second retention ring may contain one or more second recesses, the one or more second recesses being configured to be rotated into contact with the one or more second recesses when the second retention ring is rotated. The first recess, when selectively aligned, is for receiving at least one syringe retaining member. At least one resilient elastic member may be coupled with the second retaining ring. At least one sensor may be operably associated with the syringe for sensing information about the syringe. At least one sensor may be configured to read information encoded on the encoding device on the barrel.

In some aspects, a method of loading a syringe into a locking mechanism of a syringe port of a fluid injector can include providing a syringe having at least one syringe retaining member that extends from a sidewall of the syringe The outer surface projects radially outwardly, the barrel sidewall has at least one tapered surface that tapers in a direction from the distal end of the barrel toward the proximal end, and the at least one tapered surface of the barrel Engages with at least a portion of the locking mechanism to rotationally guide the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism. The method may also include self-orienting the syringe within the syringe port.

Other aspects relate to syringes with plungers. The barrel may include a sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis between the distal and proximal ends, a plunger reciprocatingly slidable within the sleeve along the longitudinal axis , the plunger has a distal end and a proximal end; and at least one plunger retaining member protruding radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the plunger, the at least one plunger retaining member in a direction from the distal end of the plunger toward the proximal end upper axially tapered, wherein the at least one plunger retaining member is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the piston of the fluid injector to releasably lock the plunger to the piston, and wherein the at least one plunger retaining member is tapered The retracted configuration is to rotationally guide the plunger into alignment with the locking mechanism and to eject the plunger axially when the syringe is rotated.

According to other aspects, the pressure sheath can include a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis. The pressure sheath may also include at least one retention member having at least one first lug projecting radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall. The at least one first lug may have at least one third surface that tapers axially in the proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. At least one first lug may be configured for engagement with a locking mechanism associated with a port on the fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector. At least a portion of the at least one third surface can axially eject the pressure sheath when the pressure sheath is rotated about the longitudinal axis.

According to other aspects, the base surface may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The at least one first lug may also include a proximal end at the proximal end of the at least one third surface. At least one of the proximal end and the at least one third surface can rotationally guide the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism. The at least one third surface may be one of: a planar surface, an arcuate surface, a curved surface, a discontinuous surface defining a taper, and combinations thereof. The at least one first lug may also include at least one first surface. The at least one first surface may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from a first end of the base surface to a proximal-most end of the at least one third surface. The proximal-most ends of the at least one first surface and the at least one third surface may be joined together at a rounded or sharp point. The at least one first lug may also include at least one second surface. The at least one second surface may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis from the second end of the base surface to the most distal end of the at least one third surface.

According to other aspects, the base surface, the at least one first surface, the at least one second surface, and the at least one third surface define a boundary of the top surface of the at least one first lug. The curvature of the top surface may be substantially parallel to the circumferential curvature of the side walls of the sleeve. The top surface may have a plurality of separate surfaces that define the top surface. The at least one first lug may have a hollow section defined by a plurality of separate surfaces of the top surface and projecting radially inwardly from the top surface.

According to other aspects, the at least one second lug may extend radially outward from the sidewall of the sleeve and include a second base surface that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve. The base surface of the at least one first lug and the second base surface of the at least one second lug may be the same longitudinal distance from the proximal end of the sleeve of the pressure sheath. The at least one first lug and the at least one second lug may be evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve. The pressure sheath has two first lugs. The two first lugs may be on opposite sides of the circumference of the sleeve. The pressure sheath may have four second lugs. A first pair of the four second lugs may be adjacent to each other around the circumference of the sleeve, and a second pair of the four second lugs may be adjacent to each other around the circumference of the sleeve, but the The first pair may not be adjacent to the second pair of the second lugs.

According to other aspects, the pressure sheath can be characterized by one or more of the following:

Item 1. A pressure sheath comprising:

a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis; and

At least one pressure sheath retention member, the at least one pressure sheath retention member has at least one lug projecting radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall, the at least one lug along the outer surface of the sidewall at Tapered axially from the distal end to the proximal end,

at least one of the lugs is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector, and

The taper of at least one of the lugs is configured to rotationally guide the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and to axially eject the pressure sheath when the pressure sheath is rotated.

Item 2. The pressure sheath of item 1, wherein the at least one lug includes a first surface that tapers axially in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end along the outer surface of the sidewall.

Item 3. The pressure sheath of item 2, wherein the at least one lug further comprises a second surface that tapers axially along the outer surface of the sidewall in a direction opposite the first surface.

Item 4. The pressure sheath of any one of items 1 to 3, wherein the at least one lug further comprises a base surface, the base surface being arranged to be substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis.

Item 5. The pressure sheath of item 4, wherein the at least one lug further comprises at least one surface connecting the first surface and the second surface to the base surface.

Item 6. The pressure sheath of item 4, wherein at least one of the first surface, the second surface, and the base surface has a shape selected from the group consisting of linear, curved, continuous, discontinuous, and planar.

Item 7. The pressure sheath of any one of items 1 to 6, wherein the plurality of lugs are spaced around at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall at equal or unequal angular spacing around the outer surface of the sidewall.

Item 8. The pressure sheath of item 7, wherein the plurality of lugs are longitudinally aligned relative to the longitudinal axis at or near the proximal end.

Item 9. The pressure sheath of item 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of lugs is offset toward the proximal or distal end of the sleeve.

Item 10. The pressure sheath of any one of items 1 to 9, wherein the at least one lug comprises at least one first lug and at least one second lug, and wherein the at least one second lug is associated with the at least one first lug The lugs are the same or different.

Item 11. The pressure sheath of item 10, wherein at least one of the at least one first lug and the at least one second lug includes a sloped release member that protrudes from the outer surface of the sidewall to the at least one first lug A top surface of at least one of the lug and the at least one second lug.

Item 12. The pressure sheath of any one of items 1 to 11, wherein the at least one lug includes one or more locking tabs, the one or more locking tabs having at least one stop surface for preventing the pressure sheath from Rotation within the locking mechanism.

Item 13. The pressure sheath of any one of items 1 to 12, wherein the at least one lug includes at least one radially inwardly recessed hollow portion.

Item 14. The pressure jacket of any one of items 1 to 13, further comprising at least one flange projecting radially outwardly relative to the longitudinal axis from the outer surface of the sidewall and surrounding the outer surface of the sidewall At least a portion of the surface extends circumferentially.

Item 15. The pressure sheath of item 14, further comprising a longitudinal stop surface on the at least one flange for limiting the length of longitudinal insertion of the pressure sheath into the locking mechanism.

Item 16. The pressure sheath of any one of items 1 to 15, wherein at least one of the lugs has the shape of a triangular, arrow-shaped, rectangular or circular profile.

Item 17. A pressure sheath comprising:

a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis; and

at least one lug, at least one lug projecting radially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall, at least one lug having at least one surface along the outer surface of the sidewall in a distal-to-proximal direction The upper axis tapers downward,

at least one of the lugs is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector, and

At least one of the surfaces is configured to rotationally guide the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and wherein the at least one surface axially ejects the pressure sheath when the pressure sheath is rotated.

Item 18. A pressure sheath comprising:

a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal end and the distal end along the longitudinal axis;

a plurality of lugs projecting radially outwardly relative to the outer surface of the sidewall and spaced around at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall, at least one of the plurality of lugs comprising:

a first surface that tapers axially in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end along the outer surface of the sidewall;

a second surface that tapers axially along the outer surface of the sidewall in a direction opposite the first surface;

a base surface, the base surface preferably being arranged substantially perpendicular with respect to the longitudinal axis; and

at least one surface connecting the first surface and the second surface to the base surface,

wherein at least one of the plurality of lugs is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism on the fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector, and

wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to rotationally guide the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and

Wherein at least one of the first surface and the second surface is configured to axially eject the pressure sheath when the pressure sheath is rotated.

Item 19. A fluid injection device comprising:

At least one pressure sheath, the at least one pressure sheath includes a cylindrical sleeve having a distal end, a proximal end, a sidewall, and a longitudinal axis extending between the distal and proximal ends, the sleeve having at least a lug, at least one lug projecting radially outwardly from the outer surface of the sidewall, at least one lug having a surface that tapers axially in a proximal direction,

a syringe including a syringe housing defining at least one pressure sheath port for receiving at least one pressure sheath; and

a locking mechanism associated with the at least one pressure sheath port for securing the at least one pressure sheath within the at least one pressure sheath port, the locking mechanism configured to engage the at least one lug of the pressure sheath to releasably locking the at least one pressure sheath within the at least one pressure sheath port,

The tapered surface of at least one of the lugs is configured to rotationally guide the at least one pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and to axially eject the pressure sheath when the pressure sheath is rotated.

Item 20. The fluid injection device of item 19, wherein the locking mechanism comprises:

a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a central opening extending therebetween;

a first retaining ring, at the distal end of the housing; and

a second retaining ring, within the central opening of the housing and between the proximal end of the housing and the first retaining ring,

wherein the second retaining ring is selectively rotatable relative to the first retaining ring to operatively engage at least one lug of one less pressure sheath.

Item 21. The fluid injection device of item 20, wherein the first retaining ring has at least one first recess, the at least one first recess being configured to, when the proximal end of the at least one pressure sheath is inserted into the at least one pressure sheath port, At least one lug of the pressure sheath is received.

Item 22. The fluid injection device of item 21, wherein the at least one first recess has at least one guide surface for guiding the at least one lug of the at least one pressure sheath into the at least one first recess, and At least one lateral surface of the at least one first recess defines a guide path for guiding the movement of the at least one lug within the at least one first recess.

Clause 23. The fluid injection device of clause 22, wherein the at least one guide surface is angled or curved radially relative to the longitudinal axis in a direction from the distal end of the first retaining ring toward the proximal end.

Item 24. The fluid injection device of any one of items 20 to 23, wherein the plurality of lugs are spaced around at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall of the at least one pressure sheath, and wherein the plurality of first recesses surround the first At least a portion of the inner surface of the retaining ring is spaced apart.

Clause 25. The fluid injection device of any one of clauses 20 to 24, wherein the second retaining ring has one or more locking elements on at least a portion of the inner sidewall of the second retaining ring.

Item 26. The fluid injection device of item 25, wherein the one or more locking elements are separated by one or more second recesses.

Item 27. The fluid injection device of item 26, wherein at least one of the one or more second recesses is configured to receive a pressure sheath of the at least one pressure sheath when the proximal end of the at least one pressure sheath is inserted through the first retaining ring. At least one lug.

Item 28. The fluid injection device of any one of items 20 to 27, wherein the first retention ring includes one or more first recesses, and the second retention ring includes one or more second recesses, the one or more first recesses The two recesses are configured to receive the at least one lug when the second retaining ring is rotated into selective alignment with the one or more first recesses.

Item 29. The fluid injection device of any of items 20 to 28, further comprising a third retention ring between the first retention ring and the second retention ring.

Item 30. The fluid injection device of any one of items 20 to 29, wherein the at least one resiliently resilient member is coupled with the second retaining ring.

Item 31. A pressure sheath comprising:

a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis; and

at least one pressure sheath retaining member, the at least one pressure sheath retaining member having at least one first lug projecting radially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall, the at least one first lug including a base surface and at least one third surface,

wherein at least one third surface tapers axially in the proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve,

wherein at least one of the first lugs is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism in a pressure sheath port on the fluid injector, and

wherein at least a portion of the at least one third surface axially ejects the pressure sheath from the pressure sheath port when the pressure sheath is rotated.

Item 32. The pressure sheath of item 31, wherein the at least one first lug further comprises a proximal point at a proximal end of the at least one third surface, wherein at least a portion of the at least one third surface rotationally guides the pressure sheath to self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism.

Item 33. The pressure sheath of item 31 or 32, wherein the at least one third surface is one of the following: a planar surface, a segmented surface, an arcuate surface, a curved surface, a discontinuous surface defining a tapered surface, and its combination.

Item 34. The pressure sheath of item 31 or 32, wherein the at least one third surface is an arcuate surface.

Item 35. The pressure sheath of any of items 31 to 34, wherein the base surface releasably engages a locking surface of a locking mechanism in the pressure sheath port to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector.

Item 36. The pressure sheath of any one of items 31 to 35, wherein the at least one first lug further comprises at least one first surface, wherein the at least one first surface extends from the first end of the base surface to the at least one first surface The closest end of the three surfaces.

Item 37. The pressure sheath of item 36, wherein the proximal-most ends of the at least one first surface and the at least one third surface are joined together at a rounded point or a sharp point.

Item 38. The pressure sheath of item 36, wherein the proximal-most ends of the at least one first surface and the at least one third surface are joined together at a rounded point.

Item 39. The pressure sheath of any one of items 36 to 38, wherein the at least one first lug further comprises at least one second surface, wherein the at least one second surface extends from the second end of the base surface to the at least one first The most distal end of the three surfaces.

Item 40. The pressure sheath of item 39, wherein the base surface, the at least one first surface, the at least one second surface, and the at least one third surface bound the top surface of the at least one first lug.

Item 41. The pressure sheath of item 40, wherein the curvature of the top surface is shaped to correspond to the circumferential curvature of the sidewall of the sleeve.

Item 42. The pressure sheath of item 40 or 41, wherein the top surface comprises a plurality of separate surfaces defining the top surface.

Item 43. The pressure jacket of item 42, wherein the at least one first lug has at least one hollow section, the at least one hollow section being defined by a plurality of separate surfaces of the top surface and projecting radially inwardly from the top surface .

Item 44. The pressure sheath of any of items 31 to 43, further comprising at least one second lug extending radially outward from the sidewall of the sleeve and including a second base surface , a second base surface for releasably engaging a locking surface of a locking mechanism in the pressure sheath port to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector.

Item 45. The pressure sheath of item 44, wherein the base surface of the at least one first lug and the second base surface of the at least one second lug are the same longitudinal distance from the proximal end of the sleeve of the pressure sheath.

Item 46. The pressure sheath of item 44 or 45, wherein the at least one first lug and the at least one second lug are evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve.

Item 47. The pressure sheath of any of items 31 to 46, wherein the pressure sheath includes two first lugs.

Item 48. The pressure sheath of item 47, wherein the two first lugs are on opposite sides of the circumference of the sleeve.

Item 49. The pressure sheath of any one of items 44 to 46, wherein the pressure sheath includes four second lugs.

Item 50. The pressure sheath of item 49, wherein a first pair of the four second lugs are adjacent to each other around the circumference of the sleeve, and a second pair of the four second lugs are adjacent to each other around the circumference of the sleeve adjacent, but the first pair of the second lugs is not adjacent to the second pair of the second lugs.

Item 51. A pressure sheath comprising:

a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis; and

at least one pressure sheath retaining member, the at least one pressure sheath retaining member having at least one first lug projecting radially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall, the at least one first lug including a base the surface, the at least one third surface, and the proximal end at the proximal end of the at least one third surface,

wherein at least one third surface tapers axially relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve in a proximal direction, the proximal direction terminating at a proximal end,

wherein at least one of the first lugs is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism in a pressure sheath port on the fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector, and

wherein the proximal end and at least a portion of the at least one third surface rotationally guide the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism.

Item 52. The pressure sheath of item 51, wherein at least a portion of the at least one third surface axially ejects the pressure sheath from the pressure sheath port when the pressure sheath is rotated.

Item 53. The pressure sheath of item 51 or 52, wherein the at least one third surface is one of the following: a planar surface, a segmented surface, an arcuate surface, a curved surface, a discontinuous surface defining a tapered surface, and its combination.

Item 54. The pressure sheath of item 51 or 52, wherein the at least one third surface is an arcuate surface.

Item 55. The pressure sheath of any one of items 51 to 54, wherein the at least one first lug further comprises at least one first surface, wherein the at least one first surface extends from the first end of the base surface to the at least one first surface The closest end of the three surfaces to form the proximal end.

Item 56. The pressure sheath of any one of items 51 to 55, wherein the proximal end of the at least one first lug comprises a rounded or sharp point.

Item 57. The pressure sheath of any one of items 51 to 55, wherein the proximal end of the at least one first lug includes a rounded point.

Item 58. The pressure sheath of any one of items 51 to 57, wherein the at least one first lug further comprises at least one second surface, wherein the at least one second surface extends from the second end of the base surface to the at least one first The distal end of the three surfaces.

Item 59. The pressure sheath of item 58, wherein the base surface, the at least one first surface, the at least one second surface, and the at least one third surface bound the top surface of the at least one first lug.

Item 60. The pressure sheath of item 59, wherein the curvature of the top surface is shaped to correspond to the circumferential curvature of the sidewall of the sleeve.

Item 61. The pressure sheath of item 58 or 59, wherein the top surface comprises a plurality of separate surfaces defining the top surface.

Item 62. The pressure jacket of item 61, wherein the at least one first lug has at least one hollow section defined by a plurality of separate surfaces of the top surface and projecting radially inwardly from the top surface .

Item 63. The pressure sheath of any of items 51 to 62, further comprising at least one second lug extending radially outward from the sidewall of the sleeve and including a second base surface , a second base surface for releasably engaging a locking surface of a locking mechanism in the pressure sheath port to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector.

Item 64. The pressure sheath of item 63, wherein the base surface of the at least one first lug and the second base surface of the at least one second lug are the same longitudinal distance from the proximal end of the sleeve of the pressure sheath.

Item 65. The pressure sheath of item 63 or 64, wherein the at least one first lug and the at least one second lug are evenly spaced around the circumference of the sleeve.

Item 66. The pressure sheath of any of items 51 to 65, wherein the pressure sheath includes two first lugs.

Item 67. The pressure sheath of item 66, wherein the two first lugs are on opposite sides of the circumference of the sleeve.

Item 68. The pressure sheath of any of items 63 to 65, wherein the pressure sheath includes four second lugs.

Item 69. The pressure sheath of item 68, wherein a first pair of the four second lugs are adjacent to each other around the circumference of the sleeve, and a second pair of the four second lugs are adjacent to each other around the circumference of the sleeve adjacent, but the first pair of second lugs is not adjacent to the second pair of second lugs.

Item 70. A pressure sheath comprising:

a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the proximal and distal ends along the longitudinal axis; and

at least one pressure sheath retaining member, the at least one pressure sheath retaining member having at least one first lug projecting radially outwardly relative to an outer surface of the sidewall, the at least one first lug including a base the surface, the at least one third surface, and the proximal end at the proximal end of the at least one third surface,

wherein the base surface is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and the at least one third surface is axially tapered relative to the longitudinal axis of the sleeve in a proximal direction terminating at a proximal end,

wherein at least one of the lugs is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism in a pressure sheath port on the fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector,

wherein the proximal end and at least a portion of the at least one third surface rotationally guide the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism, and

wherein at least a portion of the at least one third surface axially ejects the pressure sheath from the pressure sheath port when the pressure sheath is rotated.

When considering the following description and appended claims with reference to the accompanying drawings, a syringe, a pressure sheath, a syringe connection interface, a pressure shield connection interface, and a syringe, pressure shield, and/or syringe connection interface and These and other features and characteristics of the system of the pressure sheath connection interface, as well as the method of operation, the function of the relevant elements of the structure, the combination of parts, and the economics of manufacture will become more apparent, the drawings, the appended claims The requirements and the following description all form a part of this specification, wherein like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts in the various drawings. However, it should be clearly understood that the drawings are for illustration and description purposes only. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Description of drawings

1A is a schematic diagram of a system including a fluid injector and a syringe in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure;

Figure IB is a perspective view of a syringe in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

2A is an exploded perspective view of a connection interface for securing a syringe to a fluid injector according to one aspect;

Figure 2B is a detailed perspective view of the assembled connection interface shown in Figure 2A;

2C is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface shown in FIG. 2A with a syringe loaded into the syringe port;

Figure 2D is a cross-sectional perspective view of the connection interface shown in Figure 2C;

3A is a front exploded perspective view of a connection interface for securing a syringe to a fluid injector according to another aspect;

Figure 3B is a rear exploded perspective view of the connection interface shown in Figure 3A;

3C is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface shown in FIG. 3A with a syringe loaded into the syringe port;

3D is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3C, showing a syringe loaded into the syringe port;

3E is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3C showing the syringe locked relative to the syringe port;

Fig. 3F is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of Fig. 3C showing the first step of unlocking the syringe from the syringe port;

3G is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of FIG. 3C showing a second step of unlocking the syringe from the syringe port;

Figure 3H is a cross-sectional view of the connection interface of Figure 3C showing a third step of unlocking the syringe from the syringe port;

4A-4M illustrate cylindrical plan projection views of a connection interface for securing a syringe to a fluid injector according to various other aspects;

5A-5Z illustrate various aspects of the syringe retaining member on the syringe;

6A is a perspective view of a coupling configured for connecting a syringe of the present disclosure to a syringe;

6B is a perspective view of an adapter configured for connecting a syringe to a syringe of the present disclosure;

7A-7B are perspective views of alternative aspects of the connecting portion of the coupling shown in FIG. 6A;

8A is a schematic diagram of the forces on the syringe retention member and connection interface during ejection of a syringe from a fluid injector;

8B is a graph of the sliding angle of syringe ejection as a function of the coefficient of friction between the syringe retaining member and the locking mechanism;

Figure 8C is a graph of the ratio of rotational force on the barrel during ejection to the restoring force of the locking mechanism as a function of the angle of the tapered surface at the connection interface;

9A is a schematic diagram of forces on the syringe retention member and connection interface during insertion of a syringe into a fluid injector;

9B is a graph of the sliding angle of syringe ejection as a function of the coefficient of friction between the syringe and the locking mechanism;

10A-10H illustrate various aspects of a syringe retaining member on a syringe;

11A is a perspective view of a syringe plunger according to an aspect of the present disclosure;

11B is an exploded perspective view of a connection interface for securing a syringe plunger to a piston of a fluid injector according to one aspect;

Figure 11C is a detailed perspective view of the connection interface shown in Figure 11B;

12 is an exploded perspective view of a pressure sheath and a locking mechanism for securing the pressure sheath in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the cap and pressure sheath.

14 is a pressure sheath with a compressible syringe according to one aspect.

Detailed ways

For the purpose of the following description, the terms "top", "bottom", "right", "left", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "horizontal", "portrait" and their derivatives will be referred to as Relevant to the disclosure, as it is oriented in the accompanying drawings. When used in reference to a syringe, the term "proximal" refers to the portion of the syringe that is closest to the syringe when the syringe is oriented for connection to the syringe. The term "distal" refers to the portion of the barrel that is furthest from the syringe when the barrel is oriented for connection to the syringe. The term "radial" refers to the direction normal to the longitudinal axis of the barrel extending between the proximal and distal ends in a cross-sectional plane. The term "circumferential" refers to the direction around the inner or outer surface of the sidewall of the barrel. The term "axial" refers to the direction along the longitudinal axis of the barrel extending between the proximal and distal ends. The term "self-orienting" means that during insertion, the syringe orients itself to the correct orientation within the syringe port without the effort of the technician. The terms "axial tapering", "axial tapering" refer to the angle of inclination of at least one virtual or actual surface on the barrel in a cylindrical plane projection in the direction from the distal end of the barrel toward the proximal end. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure may take alternative variations and sequences of steps, unless expressly indicated to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the drawings and described in the following specification are merely exemplary aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, specific specifications and other physical characteristics relating to the aspects disclosed herein (ie, aspects, variations, variations) are not to be considered limiting.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views thereof, the present disclosure is generally directed to a syringe and a connection interface for connecting the syringe to a fluid injector.

Referring to Figure 1A, a fluid injector 10, such as an automatic or powered fluid injector (hereinafter "syringe 10"), is adapted to interface with and actuate at least one syringe 12, each of the at least one syringe 12 It can be independently filled with a medical fluid F, such as a contrast medium, a saline solution, or any desired medical fluid. Syringe 10 may be used by driving plunger 26 of at least one syringe 12 with at least one plunger during a medical procedure for injecting a medical fluid into a patient's body. The syringe 10 may be a multi-barrel syringe in which several barrels 12 may be oriented in a side-by-side or other relationship and contain plungers 26 that are individually actuated by respective pistons associated with the syringe 10 . In aspects where two syringes are disposed in side-by-side relationship and filled with two different medical fluids, the syringe 10 may be configured to deliver fluid from one or both of the syringes 12 .

The syringe 10 may be enclosed within a housing 14 formed of a suitable material such as plastic or metal. The housing 14 can be of various shapes and sizes, depending on the desired application. For example, the injector 10 may be a free-standing structure configured to be placed on the ground, or may be of a smaller design for placement on a suitable table or support frame. The syringe 10 includes at least one syringe port 16 for connecting at least one syringe 12 to a corresponding piston member. As will be described hereinafter, in some aspects at least one syringe 12 includes at least one syringe retaining member configured to retain the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 . At least one syringe retention member is configured to operably engage a locking mechanism provided on or in the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 for self-directional loading and removal of the syringe 12 into the syringe 10, such as will be described in this article. The syringe retaining member and locking mechanism together define a connection interface for connecting the syringe 12 to the syringe 10 .

The at least one fluid path assembly 17 may be in fluid connection with the at least one syringe 12 for delivering medical fluid F from the at least one syringe 12 to a catheter, needle or other fluid delivery connection inserted into the patient at the vascular access site (not shown). Fluid flow from at least one syringe 12 may be regulated by a fluid control module (not shown). The fluid control module can operate various pistons, valves, and/or flow adjustment structures based on user-selected injection parameters (eg, injection flow rate, duration, total injection volume, and/or ratio of contrast medium to saline) to regulate the delivery of medical fluids (eg, saline solution and contrast media) to the patient. In U.S. Patent No. 5,383,858 to Reilly et al., which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, an aspect of a suitable front-loading fluid injector is disclosed that can be adapted for use with the above-described system comprising at least A syringe and at least one syringe hub for self-directional loading and releasable retention of the at least one syringe with the fluid injector described herein with reference to FIG. 1A . US Patent No. 7,553,294 to Lazzaro et al., US Patent No. 7,666,169 to Cowan et al., International Patent Application No. PCT/US2012/037491 (published as WO 2012/155035), and US Patent Application Publication No. Riley et al. Additional aspects of related multi-fluid delivery systems that can be adapted for use with current systems can be found in 2014/0027009, all of which are assigned to the assignee of the present application, and the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Other aspects may include new fluid injector systems designed to incorporate various aspects of the interfaces described herein.

Having described the general structure and function of the syringe 10, the at least one syringe 12 will now be discussed in greater detail. Referring to Figure IB, the syringe 12 generally has a cylindrical syringe sleeve 18 formed of glass, metal, or a suitable medical grade plastic. Sleeve 18 has a proximal end 20 and a distal end 24 with sidewall 19 extending therebetween along the length of a longitudinal axis 15 extending through the center of sleeve 18 . The sleeve 18 may be made of a transparent or translucent material and may contain at least one fluid verification member 11 for verifying the presence of fluid F within the syringe sleeve 18. The nozzle 22 extends from the distal end 24 of the sleeve 18 . The sleeve 18 has an outer surface 21 and an inner surface 23, the inner surface 23 defining an interior volume 25 configured to receive fluid therein. The proximal end 20 of the sleeve 18 can be sealed by a plunger 26 that can slide through the sleeve 18 . As the plunger 26 travels through the sleeve 18, the plunger 26 forms a liquid-tight seal against the inner surface 23 of the side wall 19 of the sleeve 18. The plunger 26 may have a rigid inner member 28 configured for engagement with the plunger of the syringe 10 . The plunger 26 may also include a resilient cover 29 disposed over at least a portion of the rigid inner member 28 . The resilient cover 29 is configured to engage the inner surface 23 of the sleeve 18 and provide a liquid-tight seal against the sidewall 19 of the sleeve 18 as it travels through the sleeve 18 .

A drip flange 36 may extend radially outward from the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . The drip flange 36 may extend around at least a portion of the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 . In one aspect, drip flange 36 is positioned distally along longitudinal axis 15 relative to syringe retention member 32 . Drip flange 36 may be configured to prevent fluid dripping from nozzle 22 from entering syringe port 16 on syringe 10 . In this manner, drip flange 36 helps reduce the amount of fluid that may enter syringe port 16 and clog or otherwise interfere with connection interface 100 (shown in FIG. 2A ) and/or the internal mechanics and electronics of syringe 10 . In some aspects, drip flange 36 defines a stop surface that defines insertion section 30 of syringe 12 . The drip flange 36 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 18, or may be fastened or secured to the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 using, for example, a friction fit and/or adhesive, welding, or molding. In other aspects, drip flange 36 may be formed on outer surface 21 of sleeve 18 by etching, laser cutting, or machining.

With continued reference to FIG. 1B , the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 is sized and adapted to be removably inserted into the syringe port 16 (shown in FIG. 1A ) of the syringe 10 . In some aspects, the proximal end 20 of the barrel 12 defines an insertion section 30 that is configured to be removably inserted into the barrel port 16 of the syringe 10 while the remainder of the barrel 12 remains in the barrel outside of port 16. As will be described in detail herein, in certain aspects, the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 includes one or more syringe retaining members 32 that are adapted to mate with the needle of the syringe 10 A corresponding locking mechanism in the barrel port 16 forms a locking engagement for releasably retaining the syringe 12 in the barrel port 16 . The combination of a syringe with one or more syringe retention members 32 and a locking mechanism 35 of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 2A ) defines a connection interface for loading and unloading the syringe 12 to and from the syringe 10 . In some aspects, at least a portion of the one or more syringe retention members 32 can cooperate with at least a portion of a locking mechanism to self-orient the syringe 12 relative to the syringe port 16 so that the syringe 12 can be releasably inserted into the into and locked to the syringe port 16.

2A-2D, a connection interface 100 for loading and unloading at least one syringe 12 (FIG. IB) from the syringe port 16 of at least one syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A) is shown in accordance with one aspect. The syringe 12 and syringe 10 include a connection interface 100 having at least one syringe retaining member 32 provided on the syringe 12 and a corresponding locking mechanism 35 provided on the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 . In one aspect, at least one syringe retention member 32 is provided at or near the proximal end 20 of the syringe sleeve 18 and/or on at least a portion of the insertion section 30. For example, at least one syringe retaining member 32 may be provided on the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 on at least a portion of the insertion section 30 . The at least one syringe retention member 32 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 18, or it may be fastened or secured to the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 using, for example, a friction fit and/or adhesive, welding, or molding. In other aspects, the at least one syringe retaining member 32 may be formed on the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 by etching, laser cutting, or machining.

Referring to FIG. 1B , at least one syringe retaining member 32 may be formed to include one or more lugs 34 projecting radially outward from the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . In some aspects, the plurality of lugs 34 may be spaced radially around the circumference of the sleeve 18 . In such an aspect, the lugs 34 are separated from each other by portions of the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 . Together, each lug 34 defines a syringe retaining member 32 with the outer surface 21 of the upper sleeve 18 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the lug 34 . In aspects where more than two lugs 34 are provided, the lugs 34 may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced apart in the radial direction on the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 . In one exemplary and non-limiting aspect of six syringe retention members 32 having equal angular separation therebetween (eg, as shown in FIG. 1B ), each syringe retention member 32 extends 60 degrees, and thus The syringe retaining members 32 adjacent on either side are spaced 60 degrees apart. In such an aspect, each lug 34 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 18, while a portion of the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 that defines the remainder of the syringe retaining member 32 extends the remaining 30 degrees. In other aspects, each lug 34 may extend an angle α (shown in FIG. 2B ), which may be greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 18 . Similarly, the portion of the outer surface 21 of each sleeve 18 between adjacent lugs 34 may extend an angle β (shown in FIG. 2B ), which may be greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 18 . In some aspects, the syringe retaining members 32 may have unequal angular extensions and/or unequal angular spacing between the syringe retaining members 32 around the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 . Additionally, one or more syringe retention members 32 may be aligned longitudinally from the proximal end 20 along the longitudinal axis 15 . In other aspects, at least one lug 34 may be longitudinally offset relative to the remaining lugs in a direction toward either the proximal end 20 or the distal end 24 . In aspects where one or more of the lugs 34 are absent, the corresponding syringe retention member 32 may be defined by clearance surface(s) that are adjacent lugs 34 of the sleeve 18 21 between the outer surfaces. Although aspects with each syringe retaining member 32 extending 60 degrees are exemplified in the figures, retaining members 32 having other separation angles (eg, 360/x degrees, where x is a value from 1 to 36) are also included in the present disclosure In the range.

2A-2B, each of the one or more lugs 34 may have a generally triangular, rectangular, polygonal or arrow-shaped shape. One or more lugs 34 project radially outward from the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 21 . In some aspects, the one or more lugs 34 or portions of the lugs 34 exit from the outer side of the sleeve 18 at an obtuse or acute angle between the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 and the top surface 46 of the one or more lugs 34 The surface 21 projects radially outwards. In some aspects, the lugs 34 may have the same shape as each other. In other aspects, at least one of the lugs 34 may have a different shape than the other lugs 34 .

In some aspects, each of the one or more lugs 34 has a base surface 38 that may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 of the sleeve 18 in a radial cross-sectional plane. In other aspects, the base surface 38 may be angled relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 as the base surface 38 extends in a radial cross-sectional plane about the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 . The base surface 38 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the base surface 38 may have multiple individual segments that together define the base surface 38 . The individual segments of the base surface 38 may define a surface, which may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

In certain aspects, at least one first surface 40 may extend from at least one end of base surface 38 in a direction that is substantially parallel or tapered to longitudinal axis 15 . Referring to FIG. 2B , a pair of first surfaces 40 are shown on opposite ends of the base surface 38 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 40 may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15. The axial taper of the at least one first surface 40 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the first surface 40 in a cylindrical plane projection view in the direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20 . The first surface 40 may taper in the same direction or in the opposite direction relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 . At least one first surface 40 may be directly connected to base surface 38 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 40 can be separated from the base surface 38 . The at least one first surface 40 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one first surface 40 may have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one first surface 40. The plurality of individual segments of the at least one first surface 40 may define a surface, which may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

At least one second surface 42 extends from at least one first surface 40 or base surface 38 . Referring to FIG. 2B , a pair of second surfaces 42 are shown extending from the proximal end of the first surface 40 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 42 may taper axially and circumferentially (and optionally radially) relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 42 may taper axially in the proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . The axial and circumferential tapering of the at least one second surface 42 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the second surface 42 in a cylindrical plane projection view in the direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20 . For example, the at least one second surface 42 may taper at an angle γ (shown in FIG. 2B ) relative to a plane normal to the longitudinal axis 15 . Each of the second surfaces 42 may be tapered at the same or different angles γ with respect to a plane normal to the longitudinal axis 15. The second surfaces 42 may be joined together at rounded or sharp points 44. At least one second surface 42 may be directly connected to at least one of first surface 40 , base surface 38 and point 44 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 42 can be separated from at least one of the first surface 40 , the base surface 38 and the point 44 . In some aspects, a pair of second surfaces 42 may be omitted such that only first surfaces 40 may be joined together at rounded or sharp points 44 . In other aspects, the rounded or sharp points 44 may be separated from the first surface 40 or the second surface 42 . The at least one second surface 42 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 42 can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one second surface 42 . The plurality of individual segments of the at least one second surface 42 may define a surface, which may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

The base surface 38 , the first and second surfaces 40 and 42 , and the point 44 define the boundary or contour of the top surface 46 of each of the one or more lugs 34 . In some aspects, the top surface 46 may be shaped to correspond to the curvature of the syringe sleeve 18 . In other aspects, the top surface 46 of the one or more lugs 34 may be angled relative to the outer surface 21 of the syringe sleeve 18 such that the first end of the top surface 46 is higher than the surface of the syringe sleeve 18 relative to the surface of the syringe sleeve 18 The second end of the top surface 46 . The top surface 46 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be composed of a plurality of individual surfaces that together define the top surface 46 . Top surface 46 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, base surface 38 , first and second surfaces 40 and 42 , and point 44 define a boundary or contour of lug 34 having a generally arrow-shaped shape as shown in FIGS. 2A-2B . shape.

2A-2D , according to one aspect, the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) has a locking mechanism 35 configured to operatively engage at least one syringe retaining member 32 of the syringe 12 . Referring first to FIG. 2A , the locking mechanism 35 includes a housing 70 having a central opening 71 configured to receive the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 . Housing 70 may be formed as part of housing 14 of syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) or as a fitting accessory to housing 14 of syringe 10 . The first retaining ring 48 is secured to the distal end of the housing 70 such that the central opening 71 of the housing 70 is aligned with the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48. The first retaining ring 48 has a body 72 having a radially extending flange 74. At least a portion of the body 72 extends away from the flange 74 in the proximal direction. When mounted on housing 70, flange 74 engages a top portion of housing 70 and is secured by one or more fasteners (not shown) extending through one or more fasteners Fastener opening 76 . At least a portion of the body 72 of the first retaining ring 48 is inserted into the central opening 71 of the housing 70 . In other aspects, the first retaining ring 48 may be secured to the housing 70 by other mechanical fastening means, such as clips, screws, adhesives, welding, or a snap fit. When mounted on the housing 70 , the central axis 59 of the first retaining ring 48 is coaxial with the central axis of the housing 70 .

With continued reference to FIG. 2A , the interior portion of the sidewall 58 within the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 has one or more first recesses 60 configured to be used when the insertion section of the syringe 12 is inserted. 30 receives one or more lugs 34 of the syringe 12 when inserted through the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 . The one or more first recesses 60 may be evenly spaced around the inner circumference of the sidewall 58 . In such an aspect, the first recesses 60 are separated from each other by portions of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 . Together, each first recess 60 defines a clearance space 63 with the side wall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the first recess 60 for receiving a syringe Syringe retention member 32 on 12. The first recess 60 of each clearance space 63 may be configured to receive at least one lug 34 of the syringe retention member 32 , while the sidewall 58 of the first retention ring 48 may be configured to receive the syringe retention member 32 into the clearance space 63 when the syringe retention member 32 is inserted into the clearance space 63 . When centered, a portion of the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 is received. For example, in an aspect where the first retaining ring 48 has six gap spaces 63 equally spaced around the circumference of the first retaining ring 48, each gap space 63 is separated by 60 degrees from an adjacent gap space 63 on either side. In such an aspect, each first recess 60 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the first retaining ring 48 while the portion of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 that defines the remaining clearance space 63 extends the remaining 30 degrees of the circumference Spend. In other aspects, the first retaining ring 48 may contain 1-5 or 7-12 or more clearance spaces 63 , wherein each first recess 60 may extend greater or less than the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 30 degrees of the circumference. In some aspects, the number of lugs 34 on barrel 12 corresponds to the number of first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 . In other aspects, the number of lugs 34 on barrel 12 is less than the number of first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 . In such an aspect, the lugs 34 on the barrel 12 are spaced along the outer circumference of the barrel sleeve 18 such that each lug 34 can be aligned with a corresponding first recess 60 on the retaining ring 48 . In other aspects, the number of lugs 34 on barrel 12 is greater than the number of first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 such that more than one lug 34 can be received within at least one first recess 60 .

Each of the one or more first recesses 60 extends radially outwardly relative to the central axis 59 into the interior portion of the sidewall 58 . The lateral surface of each first recess 60 defines a travel path for guiding movement of the lugs 34 into and out of the first recess 60 as the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is inserted into and removed from the first retaining ring 48 . Each of the first recesses 60 extends substantially parallel along the direction of the central axis 59 . In some aspects, each first recess 60 may have one or more guide surfaces 62 and 65 that guide the lugs 34 into self-orienting alignment with the first recess 60 such that it is possible to The lug 34 is inserted into the first recess 60 and the syringe 12 is self-aligned within the syringe port 16 without any guidance or effort from the technician. The guide surfaces 62 and 65 may be inclined radially and axially toward the opening of the first recess 60 to self-orient and guide the movement of the second surface 42 of the lug 34. In some aspects, the guide surfaces 65 may be directed axially such that a first portion of the guide surfaces 65 slopes toward one of the first recesses 60 while a second portion of the guide surfaces 65 slopes toward an adjacent first recess 60 . As the syringe 12 is inserted into the syringe port 16 , one or more of the lugs 34 of the syringe 12 are directed into the corresponding one or more first recesses 60 on the syringe port 16 . The guide surfaces 62 and 65 assist in self-orienting the barrel 12 . In this manner, the syringe 12 (whose longitudinal axis 15 may be axially misaligned with the axis 59 of the syringe port 16) interacts with the one or more guide surfaces 62 and 65 through the interaction of at least the second surface 42 of the lug 34. The barrel port 16 is axially aligned, and the one or more lugs 34 (which may initially be out of alignment with the corresponding one or more first recesses 60 in the rotational direction about the longitudinal axis 15 of the barrel 12 ) are The one or more first recesses 60 are rotationally aligned. The one or more first recesses 60 may have a bottom surface 67 that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 59 . In some aspects, the bottom surface 67 may be angled or tapered in the radial direction.

With continued reference to the aspect in FIG. 2A , the locking mechanism 35 may also include a second retaining ring 78 having a substantially annular shape and having an inner side wall 80 . The second retaining ring 78 is disposed within the central opening 71 of the housing 70 between the proximal end of the body 72 of the first retaining ring 48 and the bottom 82 of the housing 70 . As described in further detail herein, the second retaining ring 78 is rotatable relative to the first retaining ring 48 and the housing 70, which are fixed relative to each other. The second retaining ring 78 may have one or more first locking elements 84 and, optionally, one or more second locking elements 86 disposed on at least a portion of the inner sidewall 80. One or more first locking elements 84 and second locking elements 86 may be alternately arranged such that each first locking element 84 has a second locking element 86 provided along the circumference of the inner side wall 80 on either side thereof. In other aspects, at least one second locking element 86 is provided for the plurality of first locking elements 84 . In some aspects, the total number of first locking elements 84 and second locking elements 86 may correspond to the total number of first recess 60 and/or at least one syringe retaining member 32 of syringe 12. In other aspects, the total number of first locking elements 84 and second locking elements 86 may correspond to a multiple or fraction of at least one syringe retaining member 32 of syringe 12 .

One or more first locking elements 84 and second locking elements 86 extend radially outward from the inner sidewall 80 of the second retaining ring 78 and are separated by one or more second recesses 88 . The one or more second recesses 88 are configured to receive the one or more lugs 34 of the syringe 12 when the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is inserted through the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 . The one or more second recesses 88 are arranged around the circumference of the inner sidewall 80 of the second retaining ring 78 such that the one or more second recesses 88 may be selective to the one or more first recesses 60 on the first retaining ring 48 ground alignment. For example, in aspects where the first retention ring 48 has six first recesses 60 equally spaced around the housing 70, the second retention ring 78 may also have equally spaced adjacent second recesses 88 on either side (ie, , separated by 60 degrees) of six second recesses 88.

Referring to FIG. 2B , the one or more first locking elements 84 have a first sloped surface 90 configured to engage the second surface 42 of the at least one lug 34 . The first sloped surface 90 may be linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof. One or more of the first locking elements 84 may have a second sloped surface 92 additionally configured to engage at least one of the point 44 of the lug 34, the first surface 40 and/or the second surface 42. Similarly, one or more of the second locking elements 86 may have a second sloped surface 92 configured to engage at least one of the point 44 of the lug 34 , the first surface 40 and/or the second surface 42 . The second sloped surface 92 may be linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof. The first inclined surfaces 90 on the one or more second locking elements 86 may transition to a linear top surface 94 that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the second retaining ring 78 . The angle and profile of the first inclined surfaces 90 of the one or more first locking elements 84 may be the same or different from the second inclined surfaces 92 of the locking elements 84 and 86 . In some aspects, only the first sloped surface 90 may be provided as linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof.

With continued reference to FIGS. 2B-2C , the one or more first locking elements 84 may extend higher along the inner sidewall 80 relative to the one or more second locking elements 86 . The linear top surfaces 94 of the one or more second locking elements 86 may be positioned lower relative to the tops of the one or more first locking elements 84 to accommodate one or more proximally extending from the first retaining ring 48 The relative sliding movement of the locking pieces 96 . Once the syringe 12 is inserted into the syringe port 16 , the one or more locking tabs 96 define the rotation stop surface of the one or more lugs 34 . In other aspects, the one or more locking tabs 96 may be provided separately from the one or more second locking elements 86 . In some aspects, one or more locking tabs 96 may be provided on at least one of the barrel and/or lugs 34, as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 2D , the second retaining ring 78 is rotatably retained within the housing 70 . At least one guide pin 98 extends from the bottom surface of the second retaining ring 78 in the proximal direction. At least one guide pin 98 is received inside at least one guide pin slot 101 formed on the bottom 82 of the housing 70 . At least one guide pin slot 101 may extend over a portion of the circumference of the bottom 82 (see Figure 2A). At least one resilient resilient member 102 (eg, a spring, as shown in FIG. 2A ) is connected to or in contact with at least a portion of the second retaining ring 78 and at least a portion of the housing 70 . In one aspect, the resiliently resilient member 102 may be connected to or contact one end of the at least one guide pin 98 while the opposite end of the resiliently resilient member 102 may be connected to or contact an end of the at least one guide pin slot 101 . At least one resilient resilient member 102 (shown in FIG. 2A ) urges the second retaining ring 78 to a first position (see FIG. 2B ) in which the one or more first recesses 60 are misaligned with the one or more second recesses 88 allow. By inserting the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16, the one or more lugs 34 engage one or more of the first locking element 84 and the second locking element 86 to rotate the second retaining ring 78 to the second position, And allow insertion of one or more lugs 34 into one or more second recesses 88, as described herein.

To insert the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16 , the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is advanced into contact with the first retaining ring 48 . If the lugs 34 are initially misaligned relative to the first recess 60, as the insertion section 30 moves proximally relative to the retaining ring 48, the guide surfaces (eg, the points 44 on one or more lugs 34 and/or at least the A first surface 40 and/or at least one second surface 42 , and guide surfaces 62 , 65 on the locking mechanism 35 ) guide the lugs 34 toward self-alignment with the first recesses 60 . Continued proximal movement of the barrel 12 relative to the first retaining ring 48 causes the lugs 34 to be directed into the first recesses 60 until at least a portion of the one or more lugs 34 engages one or more of the second retaining ring 78 . A first locking element 84 and a second locking element 86 come into contact. The first inclined surface 90 and the second inclined surface 92 are configured for engaging at least one of the surfaces 40 , 42 or the point 44 of the lug 34 . Continued proximal movement of the barrel 12 relative to the first retaining ring 48 causes the lugs 34 to exert proximally directed directional pressure on the first inclined surface 90 and/or the second inclined surface 92 (and thus on the second retaining ring 78 ). force. Proximal movement of the second retaining ring 78 is prevented by the housing 70 and due to the first and second inclined surfaces 90 and 92 and/or the points 44 on the lugs 43 and/or at least one of the first surfaces 40 and/or The slope or taper on the at least one second surface 42, proximal movement produces a force having a rotational component that reacts against the restoring force of the at least one resilient spring member 102 to remove the second retaining ring 78 from, e.g. The first position shown in FIG. 2B is rotated to a second position where the one or more first recesses 60 are aligned with the one or more second recesses 88 . In this aspect, the point 44 on the lug 34 and/or the at least one first surface 40 and/or the at least one second surface 42 are opening surfaces that force the locking or attachment mechanism 35 to open. The one or more lugs 34 may allow rotation of the second retaining ring 78 in a first direction (eg, clockwise or counterclockwise). When the second retaining ring 78 is rotated during proximal movement of the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16, the one or more lugs 34 are guided into the corresponding one or more second recesses 88, up to the point of the lugs 34 44 engages the bottom or stop surface of one or more second recesses 88 . As the operator releases the syringe 12, the second retaining ring 78 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction, from the second position back to the first position, under the restoring action of the elastic elastic member 102. According to certain aspects, rotation of the second retaining ring 78 relative to the housing 70 causes the barrel 12 to rotate with it until the one or more lugs 34 are secured behind the one or more retaining surfaces 64 of the first retaining ring 48, And one or more locking tabs 96 are engaged. In this exemplary aspect, first surface 40 is a rotational stop surface that interacts with locking tab 96 . In some aspects, movement of the second retaining ring 78 may be limited by the position of the one or more guide pins 98 within the one or more guide pin slots 101 . Alternatively, one or more of the first locking elements 84 and the second locking elements 86 of the second retaining ring 78 may interact with one or more elements on the first retaining ring 48 (eg, an extension of the one or more locking tabs 96 ). part) interact to limit the rotation of the second retaining ring 78 . As the second retaining ring 78 is rotated with the barrel 12 to the first position, the one or more second recesses 88 are offset relative to the one or more first recesses 60 such that one or more passages through the first retaining ring 48 or Retaining surfaces 64 to prevent removal of the syringe 12 in the distal direction interact with one or more base surfaces 38 of one or more lugs 34 .

In another aspect, the resilient resilient member 102 continues to apply torque to close or hold the lug 34 against the locking tab 96 . In some aspects, the second inclined surface 92 is continued to be advanced against the second surface 42 of the lug 34 . In such an aspect, since the syringe 12 cannot rotate further, the force between the two surfaces distally advances the syringe 12 , pushing the one or more base surfaces 38 against the one or more retaining surfaces 64 . This has the advantage of taking up mechanical slack, slop or clearance required to allow free movement of the barrel 12 during installation and removal. The intensity of the torque, the slope/taper of the surfaces, and the friction involved can be adjusted to lock the barrel 12 tightly enough that minimal reverse or proximal movement will occur during filling of the barrel 12 . When the syringe 12 is in place and locked within the syringe port 16, audible and/or tactile feedback may be provided. When the syringe 12 is in the locked position, audible and/or tactile feedback may be generated by the interaction of any surface on the syringe 12 with a corresponding surface on the syringe port 16 . For example, audible/tactile can be generated through the interaction of at least one surface on lug 34 (eg, point 44 and/or at least one first surface 40 and/or at least one second surface 42 ) with at least a portion of locking mechanism 35 feedback of. During engagement, rotation of the barrel 12 due to the force of the resilient spring member 102 may produce tactile feedback.

To unlock and remove the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 , the syringe 12 is rotated relative to the first retaining ring 48 about the central axis 59 against the restoring force of the resilient spring member 102 . For example, if the syringe 12 is locked within the syringe port 16 by rotating the syringe 12 in a clockwise direction, the syringe 12 can be unlocked by rotating the syringe 12 in a counterclockwise direction. Rotation of the barrel 12 aligns the second recess 88 with the first recess 60 . The syringe 12 can then be removed/ejected from the syringe port 16 by movement of the syringe 12 in the distal direction. During rotation of the barrel 12 and thereby rotating the second retaining ring 78 against the force of the resilient spring member 102, at least one second surface 42 or point 44 on the barrel 12 and the first inclined surface on the second retaining ring 78 90 and/or the second inclined surface 92 interact to generate a distally directed force on the barrel 12 to eject/advance the barrel 12 out of the barrel port 16 . When the syringe 12 is released, unlocked, or disengaged, the syringe 12 is freely removed or pulled from the syringe port 16 by the user. In some aspects of the present disclosure, when the syringe 12 is released from the syringe port 16, there is an axial force that ejects, pushes, advances or moves the needle without any guidance or effort from the technician The barrel 12 exits the syringe port 16 distally. In some aspects, this force or movement may not necessarily be sufficient to eject the syringe 12 all the way out of the syringe port 16, however, the force or movement may be sufficient so that the user has a tactile indication or feedback that the rotation is sufficient for release, and the needle The barrel 12 can be more easily removed from the syringe port 16 . For example, rotation of the syringe sleeve 18 may cause the point 44 on the lug 34 to follow the distal direction of the surface along the surface of the first sloped surface 90 and/or the second sloped surface 92 on the second retaining ring 78 Swipe up. When the base surface 38 of the one or more lugs 34 clears the corresponding one or more retaining surfaces 64 on the second retaining ring 78, the force in the distal direction causes the barrel 12 to be advanced distally, if Yes, being ejected to the first position out of the syringe port 16 indicates to the operator that the syringe 12 has been fully released and can be removed from the syringe port 16 . As the syringe 12 is removed from the syringe port 16 , the restoring force of the resilient resilient member 102 returns the second retaining ring 78 to the first position for subsequent insertion of a new syringe 12 . In the aspect shown in FIGS. 2A-2D , the syringe 12 can be rotated 30 degrees or less about the longitudinal axis 15 to disengage the syringe 12 for removal from the syringe port 16.

The operation of the locking mechanism 35 can be further explained by the interaction of the syringe 12 with the retaining surfaces of the syringe port 16 once the one or more base surfaces 38 of the syringe 12 and the one or more retaining surfaces of the first retaining ring 48 64 engages, the syringe 12 cooperates with the retaining surface of the syringe port 16 to retain the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16 . The guide surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 include one or more second surfaces 42 and/or points 44 of the syringe 12 and one or more guide surfaces 65 of the syringe port 16, the syringe 12 and the syringe port The guide surfaces of 16 cooperate to align the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 with self-alignment or automatic rotation for self-orienting installation of the syringe 12. The opening surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 comprise one or more of the second surfaces 42 of the syringe 12 and one or more of the first sloped surface 90 and/or the second sloped surface 92 of the syringe port 16, The opening surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 cooperate to open the syringe port 16 for installation of the syringe 12 . The fastening surfaces of the barrel 12 and the barrel port 16 include one or more surfaces 38, 40, 42 of the barrel 12 and/or the surfaces 64, 96, 90, 92 of the barrel port 16, the barrel 12 and the barrel The tightening surfaces of port 16 cooperate to account for mechanical slack or tolerance. The removal surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16, including the surface 42 of the syringe 16 and the surfaces 90, 92 of the syringe port 16, cooperate to remove the syringe 12 from the syringe Port 16 is disengaged or removed. The ejection surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 include the second surface 42 of the syringe 12 and the second sloped surface 92 of the syringe port 16 that cooperate to create the distal orientation force to propel the ejection of the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 . The rotation stop surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 include one or more first surfaces 40 of the syringe 12 and one or more locking tabs 96 of the syringe port 16 , and one or more bases of the syringe 12 Any friction between surface 38 and one or more retaining surfaces 64 of syringe port 16, the rotational stop surfaces of syringe 12 and syringe port 16 cooperate to prevent the luer connector from being screwed to the syringe 12 while spinning. The barrel clearance surface(s) that allow the barrel to fit into the barrel port 16, including the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the lug 34, which crosses Side wall 58 of first retaining ring 48 .

3A-3B, a connection interface 100 for loading and removing at least one syringe 12 from a syringe port 16 of at least one syringe 10 is shown according to another aspect. The syringe 12 and syringe 10 include a connection interface 100 having at least one syringe retaining member 32 provided on the syringe 12 and a corresponding locking mechanism 35 provided on the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 .

Referring to Figures 3A-3B, the syringe 12 generally has a cylindrical syringe sleeve 18 formed of glass or suitable medical grade plastic. The sleeve 18 has a proximal end 20 and a distal end 24 between which a substantially cylindrical side wall 19 (shown in FIG. 3B ) extends along the length of a longitudinal axis 15 extending through the center of the sleeve 18 . The nozzle 22 extends from the distal end 24 of the sleeve 18 . The sleeve 18 has an outer surface 21 (shown in FIG. 3B ) and an inner surface 23 defining an interior volume 25 (shown in FIG. 3B ) configured to receive medical fluid therein.

Drip flange 36 may optionally extend radially outward from outer surface 21 of syringe barrel 18 relative to longitudinal axis 15 . The drip flange 36 may extend around at least a portion of the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 . In one aspect, drip flange 36 is disposed distally along longitudinal axis 15 relative to syringe retention member 32 . Drip flange 36 may be configured to prevent fluid dripping from nozzle 22 from entering syringe port 16 on syringe 10 . In this manner, drip flange 36 helps reduce the amount of fluid that may enter syringe port 16 and block or interfere with the internal mechanical and electronic components of connection interface 100 and/or syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ). In some aspects, drip flange 36 defines a stop surface that defines insertion section 30 of syringe 12. The drip flange 36 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 18, or it may be fastened or secured to the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 using, for example, a friction fit and/or adhesive. In other aspects, the drip flange 36 may be formed on the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 by etching, laser cutting, machining or molding.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3A-3B , the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 is sized and adapted to be inserted into the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ). In some aspects, the proximal end 20 of the barrel 12 defines an insertion section 30 that is configured to be removably inserted into the barrel port 16 of the syringe 10 while the remainder of the barrel 12 remains in the barrel outside of port 16. In accordance with the aspects shown in FIGS. 3A-3B , as described herein, one or more syringe retention members 32 are provided on or near the proximal end 20 of the syringe barrel 18 for corresponding with those in the syringe ports 16 The locking mechanism 35 forms a locking engagement. For example, one or more syringe retaining members 32 may be provided on the outer surface 21 of the syringe sleeve 18. The syringe retention member 32 may be integrally formed with the sleeve 18 or may be fastened or secured to the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 using, for example, a friction fit, welding, and/or adhesive. In other aspects, the syringe retaining member 32 may be formed on the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 by etching, laser cutting, machining or molding. The combination of the syringe 12 with one or more syringe retaining members 32 and the locking mechanism 35 of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) defines a connection interface for loading and unloading the syringe 12 to and from the syringe 10 . Uninstall. In some aspects, the one or more syringe retention members 32 cooperate with at least a portion of the locking mechanism 35 to self-orient the syringe 12 relative to the syringe port 16 such that the syringe 12 can be releasably connected to the syringe port 16 locking.

In the aspect shown in Figures 3A-3B, at least one syringe retaining member 32 is formed as one or more first lugs 34, and optionally one or more second lugs 37, relative to the longitudinal axis 15 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface 21 of the barrel sleeve 18 . One or more first lugs 34 and/or one or more second lugs 37 project radially outwardly from outer surface 21 of sleeve 18 in a direction substantially perpendicular to outer surface 21 . In aspects where more than two first lugs 34 and/or second lugs 37 are provided, the first lugs 34 and second lugs 37 may be uniform or non-uniform in the radial direction around the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 Evenly spaced. In such an aspect, the first lug 34 and the second lug 37 are separated from each other by portions of the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 . Together, each of the first lug 34 or the second lug 37 and the outer surface of the sleeve 18 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the first lug 34 or the second lug 37 21 defines a syringe retaining member 32 . In some aspects, the plurality of first lugs 34 and/or second lugs 37 may be clustered and adjacent to one or more of the first lugs 34 or the second lugs 37 around the circumference of the sleeve 18 The clusters are radially separated. For example, in the aspect of six syringe retaining members 32 with equal angular separation therebetween, each syringe retaining member 32 extends 60 degrees and thus is 60 degrees from the adjacent syringe retaining member 32 on either side. degree separation. In such an aspect, each of the first lug 34 or the second lug 37 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 18 while the portion of the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 that defines the remaining syringe retention member 32 extends The remaining 30 degrees of the circumference. In other aspects, each of the first lug 34 or the second lug 37 may extend more or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 18 . In some aspects, the syringe retaining members 32 may have unequal angular extension around the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 and/or unequal angular spacing between the syringe retaining members 32. The one or more first lugs 34 are longitudinally offset along the longitudinal axis 15 relative to the one or more second lugs 37 . In one aspect, the one or more first lugs 34 are disposed closer to the proximal end 20 than the one or more second lugs 37 . In other aspects, the one or more first lugs 34 and the one or more second lugs 37 are longitudinally aligned along the longitudinal axis 15 such that at least a portion of the one or more first lugs 34 is aligned with one or more At least a portion of the plurality of second lugs 37 are the same longitudinal distance from the proximal end 20 . In aspects where one or more of the lugs 34 or 37 are absent, the corresponding retention member 32 may define a clearance surface(s) that is external to the sleeve 18 between adjacent lugs 34, 37. Surface 21. Although the drawings illustrate the aspect in which each syringe retention member 32 extends 60 degrees, syringes with retention members 32 having other separation angles (eg, 360/x degrees, where x is a value from 1 to 36) are also present in the drawings. within the public domain.

With continued reference to Figure 3A, each of the one or more first lugs 34 may have a generally triangular, polygonal or arrowhead shape, or alternatively may be shaped according to Figures 5A-Z or 10A-H. Each of the one or more first lugs 34 has a base surface 38 that may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 of the sleeve 18 . In some aspects, the base surface 38 may be angled relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in the radial cross-sectional plane. In other aspects, the base surface 38 may be angled relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 as the base surface 37 extends in a radial cross-sectional plane around the outer circumference of the sleeve 18 . The base surface 38 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the base surface 38 may have multiple individual segments that together define the base surface 38 . The individual segments of the base surface 38 may define a surface, which may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

In certain aspects, the at least one first surface 40 may extend on one end of the base surface 38 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 15 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 40 may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15. The axial taper of the at least one first surface 40 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the first surface 40 in a cylindrical plane projection view in the direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20 . At least one first surface 40 may be directly connected to base surface 38 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 40 may be separate from the base surface 38 . The at least one first surface 40 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one first surface 40 may have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one first surface 40 . The individual segments of the at least one first surface 40 may define surfaces that are planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

At least one second surface 40' may extend on the opposite end of the base surface 38 from the first surface 40 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 15. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 40' may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15. The axial taper of the at least one second surface 40' relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the first surface 40 in a cylindrical plane projection view in the direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20. The at least one second surface 40' may be directly connected to the base surface 38. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 40' can be separated from the base surface 38. The at least one second surface 40' may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 40' can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one second surface 40'. The plurality of individual segments of the at least one second surface 40' may define a surface, which may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, at least one third surface 42 extends from the distal end of the second surface 40' to the end of the first surface 40. The at least one third surface 42 may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15 . In some aspects, the at least one third surface 42 may taper axially in the proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . The axial taper of the at least one third surface 42 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the at least one third surface 42 in a cylindrical plane projection view in the direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20 . At least one third surface 42 and at least one first surface 40 may be joined together at rounded or sharp points 44 . At least one third surface 42 may be directly connected to at least one of the first surfaces 40 at point 44 . In some aspects, at least one third surface 42 may be separated from at least one of first surfaces 40 at point 44 . In some aspects, the point 44 may be separated from the at least one third surface 42 and the first surface 40. The at least one third surface 42 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one third surface 42 may have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one third surface 42 . The plurality of individual segments of the at least one third surface 42 may define a surface, which may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

The base surface 38 and the first surface 40, the second surface 40' and the third surface 42 define a top surface 46 of each of the one or more first lugs 34. In some aspects, the top surface 46 may be shaped to correspond to the curvature of the syringe sleeve 18 . In other aspects, the top surface 46 of the one or more lugs 34 may be angled relative to the outer surface 21 of the syringe sleeve 18 such that the first end of the top surface 46 is higher than the top surface relative to the syringe sleeve 18 46 second end. The top surface 46 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be composed of a plurality of individual surfaces that together define the top surface 46. Top surface 46 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

Each of the one or more second lugs 37 may be formed as protrusions extending radially outward from the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18. The one or more second lugs 37 optionally have a sloped release member 104 extending from the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 to the top of the at least one second lug 37 in the direction of the circumference of the sleeve 18 . Surface 106 . If present, the angled release member 104 may facilitate molding the syringe 12 in a simple two-part mold. In some aspects, the top surface 106 may be shaped to correspond to the curvature of the syringe sleeve 18. In other aspects, the top surface 106 may be angled relative to the outer surface 21 of the syringe barrel 18 . The top surface 106 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be composed of multiple individual surfaces that together define the top surface 106 . The top surface 106 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. The release member 104 may be configured to engage the third retaining ring 108 to release the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16, as described herein.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A , at least one syringe port 16 of syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) has a locking mechanism 35 configured to operably engage at least one syringe retaining member 32 of syringe 12 . The locking mechanism 35 includes a housing 70 having a substantially circular shape and having a central opening 71 configured to receive the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 . The housing 70 may be formed as part of the housing 14 of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) or as a fitting accessory to the housing 14 of the syringe 10 . The first retaining ring 48 is secured to the distal end of the housing 70 such that the central opening 71 of the housing 70 is aligned with the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 . The first retaining ring 48 has a body 72 with a radially extending flange 74 . At least a portion of the body 72 extends away from the flange 74 in the proximal direction. When mounted on housing 70, flange 74 engages the top portion of housing 70 and is secured by one or more fasteners (not shown) extending through the one or more fasteners Firmware opening 76 . At least a portion of the body 72 of the first retaining ring 48 is inserted into the central opening 71 of the housing 70 . In other aspects, the first retaining ring 48 may be secured to the housing 70 by other mechanical fastening means, such as a clip or snap fit. When mounted on the housing 70 , the central axis 59 of the first retaining ring 48 is coaxial with the central axis of the housing 70 .

With continued reference to FIG. 3A , the interior portion of the sidewall 58 within the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 has one or more first recesses 60 configured to be used when the insertion section of the syringe 12 is inserted. 30 receives one or more first lugs 34 of the syringe 12 when inserted through the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 . The one or more first recesses 60 may be evenly spaced around the inner circumference of the sidewall 58 . In such an aspect, the first recesses 60 are separated from each other by portions of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 . Together, each first recess 60 and the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the first recess 60 define a clearance space 63 for receiving a syringe Syringe retention member 32 on 12. The first recess 60 of each clearance space 63 may be configured to receive at least one first lug 34 or second lug 37 of the syringe retaining member 32, while the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 may be configured to receive a The retaining member 32 receives a portion of the side wall 19 of the sleeve 18 when inserted into the clearance space 63 . For example, in an aspect where the first retaining ring 48 has six clearance spaces 63 equally spaced around the circumference of the first retaining ring 48, each clearance space 63 is separated by 60 degrees from an adjacent clearance space 63 on either side. In such an aspect, each first recess 60 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the first retaining ring 48 while the portion of the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 defining the remaining clearance space 63 extends the remaining 30 degrees of the circumference . In other aspects, the first retaining ring 48 may contain 1-5 or 7-12 or more clearance spaces 63 , wherein each first recess 60 may extend greater or less than the sidewall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 30 degrees of the circumference. In some aspects, the number of first lugs 34 and second lugs 37 on barrel 12 corresponds to the number of first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 . In other aspects, the number of first lugs 34 and second lugs 37 on barrel 12 is less than the number of first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 . In such an aspect, the first lug 34 and the second lug 37 on the barrel 12 are spaced apart along the outer circumference of the barrel sleeve 18 such that each first lug 34 or second lug 37 can be Align with corresponding first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 . In other aspects, the number of first lugs 34 and second lugs 37 on barrel 12 is greater than the number of first recesses 60 on retaining ring 48 such that there is more than one first lug 34 and second lug 37 may be received within at least one first recess 60 . For example, the first lug 34 or the second lug 37 may be formed as a collection of lugs, in one lug location, or distributed in two more lug locations, which operate together to perform the functions attributed to the One or more of the functions of the first lug 34 or the second lug 37 or any surface thereof.

Each of the one or more first recesses 60 extends radially outwardly relative to the central axis 59 into the interior portion of the sidewall 58 . The lateral surface of each first recess 60 defines a travel path for guiding the first and second lugs 34 and 37 into and out of the first retaining ring 48 as the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is inserted into or removed from the first retaining ring 48 Movement of a depression 60 . Each of the first recesses 60 extends substantially parallel along the direction of the central axis 59 . In some aspects, each first recess 60 may have one or more guide surfaces 62 that guide the first and second lugs 34 and 37 into self-alignment with the first recess 60 , so that the first lug 34 and the second lug 37 can be inserted into the first recess 60 and self-align the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16 without any guidance or effort by the technician. The guide surface 62 may be inclined toward the opening of the first recess 60 to guide the movement of the first lug 34 and the second lug 37 . In this manner, the one or more first lugs 34 and the second lugs 37 that may be initially misaligned with respect to the corresponding one or more recesses 60 are brought by the one or more guide surfaces 62 with the one or more The recesses 60 are self-aligned.

With continued reference to the aspect of FIG. 3A , the locking mechanism 35 also includes a second retaining ring 78 having a substantially annular shape and having an inner side wall 80 . The second retaining ring 78 is disposed within the central opening 71 of the housing 70 between the proximal end of the body 72 of the first retaining ring 48 and the bottom 82 of the housing 70. As described in further detail herein, the second retaining ring 78 is rotationally movable and axially fixed relative to the first retaining ring 48 and the housing 70. The second retaining ring 78 has one or more second recesses 88 . The one or more second recesses 88 are configured to receive the one or more first lugs 34 and the second one or more of the syringe 12 when the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is inserted through the central opening 50 of the first retaining ring 48 lugs 37. The one or more second recesses 88 are disposed around the circumference of the inner sidewall 80 of the second retention ring 78 such that the one or more second recesses 88 are aligned with the one or more first recesses 60 on the first retention ring 48 . For example, in aspects where the first retention ring 48 has six first recesses 60, the second retention ring 78 may also have six second recesses 88 spaced 60 degrees apart from each other. Rotational movement of the second retaining ring 48 may be guided and limited by one or more proximal pins 98' and/or one or more resilient resilient members 102' received in one or more slots in the housing 70.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A , the locking mechanism 35 may also include a third retaining ring 108 having a substantially annular shape and having an inner side wall 110 . The third retaining ring 108 is disposed within the central opening 71 of the housing 70 between the first retaining ring 48 and the second retaining ring 78 . As further detailed herein, the third retaining ring 108 is rotatable relative to the first retaining ring 48, the second retaining ring 78, and the housing 70, which are all fixed relative to one another. The third retaining ring 108 has one or more locking elements 112 disposed on at least a portion of the inner side wall 110. One or more locking elements 112 extend radially outwardly relative to the inner sidewall 110 and are arranged in an alternating fashion such that each locking element 112 is separated by a third recess 114 .

The one or more locking elements 112 have sloped surfaces 116 configured to selectively engage the third surfaces 42 of the one or more first lugs 34 . The sloped surface 116 may be linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 3A , the third retaining ring 108 is rotatably retained within the housing 70 . At least one guide pin 98 extends from the third retention ring 108 and is received in at least one guide pin slot 101 (not shown) formed in one or both of the first retention ring 48 and the second retention ring 78 within. At least one resilient resilient member 102 (eg, a spring) is attached at one end to at least a portion of the third retention ring 108 and to at least a portion of one or both of the first retention ring 48 and the second retention ring 78 . In one aspect, the resiliently resilient member 102 may be connected at one end to the at least one guide pin 98 while the opposite end of the resiliently resilient member 102 may be connected to the at least one guide pin slot 101 . At least one resilient spring member 102 urges the third retaining ring 108 to the first position. By inserting the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16 in the proximal direction, the opening surface (in this regard the third surface 42 of the one or more lugs 34 ) engages the one or more locking elements 112 to lock the The third retaining ring 108 is rotated to a second position where the at least one third recess 114 is aligned with the at least one first recess 60 and the at least one second recess 88 . Once the second surface 40' on the first lug 34 clears the inclined surface 116 of the locking element 112, the third retaining ring 108 rotates back to its original first position in the opposite direction and locks the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16, within the syringe port 16, the base surface 38 is maintained proximate the locking element 112, as described herein. When the syringe 12 is locked within the syringe port 16, audible and/or tactile feedback may be provided, such as by moving the third retaining ring 108 to the first position.

To insert the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16, the insertion section 30 of the syringe 12 is advanced into contact with the first retaining ring 48, such as shown in Figure 3D. If the first lug 34 and the second lug 37 are initially misaligned relative to the first recess 60 , the guide surface 65 guides the first lug 34 as the insertion section 30 moves proximally relative to the first retaining ring 48 And the second lug 37 is oriented towards self-alignment with the first recess 60 . Continued proximal movement of the barrel 12 relative to the first retaining ring 48 guides the first lugs 34 and the second lugs 37 within the first recess 60 up to the third surface of the one or more first lugs 34 At least a portion of 40 ′ is brought into contact with inclined surfaces 116 of one or more locking elements 112 of third retaining ring 108 . The sloped surface 116 is configured to engage the second surface 40' of the first lug 34. As shown in FIG. 3D, continued proximal movement of the barrel 12 relative to the first retaining ring 48 causes the first lugs 34 to oppose the restoring force of the at least one resilient resilient member 102 to remove the third retaining ring 108 from FIG. 3D. The first position shown is rotated to the second position shown in Figure 3E. The one or more first lugs 34 may allow the third retaining ring 108 to rotate in a first direction (eg, clockwise or counterclockwise). As the third retaining ring 108 is rotated during proximal movement of the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16, the one or more first and second lugs 34 and 37 are directed to the corresponding one or more second lugs 37 recess 88 until all of the base surfaces 38 of the first lugs 34 and the second lugs 37 pass over the bottom portion of the third retaining ring 108 . Under the restoring action of the elastic elastic member 102, the third retaining ring 108 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the third retaining ring 108 relative to the housing 70 causes the locking element 112 to be positioned over one or more of the first and second lugs 34, 37, thereby preventing removal of the syringe 12 in the distal direction.

To unlock the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16, the syringe 12 is rotated in a first direction about the longitudinal axis 15, as shown in Figure 3F. Rotational movement of the barrel 12 causes the third surface 42 of the first lug 34 to bear against the first inclined surface 90 of the second retaining ring 78 and against the force of its spring member 102' (shown in FIG. 2A ). The second retaining ring 78 is rotated. After rotation (eg, about 30 degrees), the guide pins 98 on the second retaining ring 78 engage the third retaining ring 108 so that it also rotates in the first direction. After additional rotation (eg, about another 30 degrees of rotation), the first and second lugs 34 and 37 are aligned with the first recesses 60 of the first retaining ring 48 and the locking elements 112 on the third retaining ring 108 Move away to pass over the space proximate to the first recess 60 so that the at least one first recess 60 is aligned with the at least one third recess 114, as shown in Figure 3G. At this point, the component of the distal force resulting from the rotational movement of the third surface 42 of the first lug 34 against the first inclined surface 90 causes the syringe 12 to move distally and eject from the syringe port 16, as in shown in Figure 3H. As the syringe 12 is ejected from the syringe port 16, the restoring force of the resilient resilient members 102 and 102' causes the third retaining ring 108 and the second retaining ring 78 to return to their respective first positions by rotation in the second direction, in preparation for subsequent insertion of a new syringe 12 .

The operation of the locking mechanism 35 can be further discussed with reference to the retaining surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16, which cooperate to retain the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16 when engaged, That is, one or more of the base surface 38 and top surface 106 of the syringe 12 and one or more surfaces of the locking element 112 of the syringe port 16 . The guiding surfaces of the barrel 12 and the barrel port 16 are one or more points 44 and/or the third surface 42 of the barrel 12 and one or more guiding surfaces 65 of the barrel port 16, the barrel 12 and the barrel port The guide surfaces of 16 cooperate to self-align or self-rotately align the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 for installation. The opening surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 are one or more of the third surface 42 of the syringe 12 and the inclined surface 116 of the syringe port 16, the opening of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 The surfaces cooperate to open the syringe port 16 to install the syringe 12. The removal surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 are the third surface 42 of the syringe 16 and the inclined surface 90 of the syringe port 16 , and the removal surfaces of the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 cooperate to disengage from the syringe port 16 Or remove the syringe 12. The ejection surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 are the third surface 42 of the syringe 16 and the inclined surface 90 of the syringe port 16 that cooperate to generate the force in the distal direction , to advance eject the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 . The rotation stop surfaces of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 are one or more first surfaces 40 and/or second surfaces 40' of the syringe 12 and one or more second recesses 88 of the syringe port 16, and Any frictional forces between one or more base surfaces 38 of syringe 12 and one or more locking elements 112 of syringe port 16, the rotational stop surfaces of syringe 12 and syringe port 16 cooperate to prevent The luer connector is screwed onto the barrel 12 and rotated. The syringe clearance surface(s) that allow the syringe to fit into the syringe port 16 are on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the lug 34 over the side wall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 . Outer surface 21 of sleeve 18 .

Aspects of the syringe port 16 of FIGS. 3A-3H have been described in terms of the presence of a first recess 60 cut into the side wall 58 of the first retaining ring 48 . In another aspect, the sidewall 58 may be considered to protrude from the cylindrical surface defined by the first recess 60 of the first retaining ring 48 . Each of these two configurations may be used to describe or implement in a single aspect.

2A-3G illustrate several non-limiting aspects of the at least one syringe retaining member 32, various other shapes are contemplated. For example, one or more of the first lugs 34 and/or the second lugs 37 of the at least one syringe retaining member 32 may have a generally circular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or any other polygonal shape. Various features may be provided on the at least one syringe retaining member 32 to assist in self-orienting the syringe 12 relative to the syringe port 16 , or releasably locking the syringe 12 with the syringe port 16 . In each aspect, at least one syringe retaining member 32 is configured for reversible locking engagement with a corresponding locking mechanism in the syringe port 16 of the syringe 10 to retain the syringe 12 in the syringe port 16 . Various other shapes for the one or more lugs 34 of the at least one syringe retaining member 32 are discussed herein with reference to FIGS. 4A-5Z and 10A-10H.

4A-4L illustrate cylindrical plan projection views of various aspects of the proximal end 20 of the at least one syringe 12 and the corresponding at least one syringe port 16 for receiving the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12. Referring to FIG. 4A , as generally shown in FIG. 2A , aspects of the proximal end 20 of the barrel 12 are rotationally aligned as shown in phantom for insertion of the barrel 12 into the distal end of the barrel port 16 . From this perspective, when self-aligned, the syringe retaining member 32 is configured to be received within the clearance space 63 of the syringe port 16 to allow insertion of the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16, the syringe retaining member 32 containing The lugs 34 and the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 between the lugs 34 . Similarly, the outer surface 21 of the syringe sleeve 18 passes over the side wall 58 of the first retaining ring 48. One way to measure or express the relationship between these elements is by the angle at which they sutend on the outside of the syringe 12 and the inside of the syringe port 16 . For example, in an aspect with sixfold symmetry of the syringe retaining member 32, each lug 34 subtends a nominal angle of 30 degrees, and each first recess 60 similarly subtends 30 degrees, of course allowing for clearances and tolerances , so that the lug 34 can slide within the first recess 60 . Because the one or more locking tabs 96 extend over a limited angular range, the base surfaces 38 of the lugs 34 may not be fully positioned below the retention surface 64 . For example, if lug 34 and first recess 60 are both 30 degrees and locking tab 96 occupies an angle of 4 degrees, base surface 38 of lug 34 will not overlap locking tab 96 on a 26 degree surface. To maximize overlap, the lugs 34 can be reduced to 28 degrees, and the recesses 60 can be increased in width to 32 degrees, including 4 degrees of the locking tabs 96 . Once inserted, the entire width of the lug 34 may be positioned below the retention surface 64 adjacent the locking tab 96 . Each lug 34 is configured to be received within a first recess 60 on the first retaining ring 48 . The second surface 42 of each lug 34 can be self-guided into alignment with the first recess 60 along the guide surface 65 to enable insertion of the lug 34 into the first recess 60. 4K, the second retaining ring 78 has a first locking element 84 and a second locking element 86 having a substantially rectangular shape and disposed in one of the upper corners There are depressions 91. The recess 91 is configured to guide the second surface 42 of the lug 34 into the second recess 88 as the lug 34 is inserted into the syringe port 16 .

Figure 4B shows another aspect in which the number of lugs 34 is less than the number of recesses 60 on the syringe port 16. If one or more of the lugs 34 are missing, the missing area is occupied by a larger area of the outer surface 21 of the barrel 12. In some aspects, at least two lugs 34 are provided adjacent to each other, spaced around the sleeve 18 , or on opposite sides of the sleeve 18 such that one of the lugs 34 will abut the corresponding locking tab 96 Rotate to properly engage the syringe 12 within the syringe port 16 . Each lug 34 is configured to be received within a first recess 60 on the first retaining ring 48 . The second surface 42 of each lug 34 may be guided along guide surfaces 65 into alignment with the first recess 60 to enable insertion of the lug 34 into the first recess 60.

FIG. 4C shows another aspect in which one or more locking tabs 96 are formed on the top surface 38 of at least one lug 34. In other aspects, the one or more locking tabs 96 may be formed separately from the lugs 34 . In other aspects, locking tabs 96 may be provided on both the at least one lug 34 of the syringe 12 and the at least one retaining member 58 of the syringe port 16 .

Figure 4D shows a cylindrical plan projection view of aspects of the syringe 12 and syringe port 16 shown in Figures 3A-3E. Figure 4E shows other aspects in which some but not all of the first lug 34 and the second lug 37 have been removed. In Figure 4J, the locking element 112 on the third retaining ring 108 does not have the sloped surface 116 shown in Figures 4D-4E. Rather, a space SS is provided between the locking element 112 and the side wall 58 for insertion of the point 44 of the first lug 34 . In each of these aspects, at least one first lug 34 is provided.

Figure 4F shows other aspects, which have eight-fold symmetry. The advantage of the higher symmetry arrangement is that installation and removal requires a lower angle of rotation of the barrel 12 . For example, with eightfold symmetry, the rotation of the removed and ejected barrel 12 may be 22.5 degrees or less. The additional lugs also distribute the holding or limiting force more evenly around the syringe sleeve 18 . In other aspects, the connection between the syringe 12 and the syringe port 16 may have 8-fold, 10-fold, 12-fold, 16-fold, or any other symmetry.

Referring to Figure 4G, the lugs 34 have a generally triangular shape and have a pair of second surfaces 42 that taper axially to a point 44. The second surface 42 is configured to engage the guide surface 65 on the first retaining ring 48 to self-guide the lugs 34 into the first recesses 60 . The second retaining ring 78 has a second recess 88 correspondingly shaped to receive the lug 34. At least some of the first locking elements 84 have ramps 89 to guide the lugs 34 toward the second recesses 88 as the syringe 12 is inserted proximally within the syringe port 16 . In Figure 4H, the lug 34 has a triangular shape with at least one surface that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 15 (shown in Figure 3A). The second retaining ring 78 has second recesses 88 that are correspondingly shaped to receive the lugs 34 . In Figure 4I, the lug 34 has an integral locking tab 96.

5A-5Z illustrate various aspects of the lug 34 . FIG. 5A shows an exemplary lug 34 having the configuration described herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D , while FIG. 5B illustrates the outline of lug 34 with dashed lines indicating each of the surfaces of lug 34 .

Figure 5C shows an example of the lug 34c in which the central section 612 is hollow and the lug 34c is defined by a perimeter surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the central section 612 may correspond to the thickness of the syringe sleeve 18 (shown in Figure 2A). In other aspects, the thickness of the central section 612 may be greater or less than the thickness of the syringe sleeve 18 (as shown in FIG. 2A ). In some aspects, the hollow central section 612 extends through only a portion of the sidewall thickness of the syringe barrel 18 . The perimeter surfaces may be joined together or have one or more gaps therebetween. One advantage of having a hollow central section 612 is that sinking of the plastic material can be reduced or eliminated as the material cools during molding. Referring to FIG. 5D , one or more reinforcement members 614 may be provided in the central section 612 . One or more reinforcement members 614 may be attached to or spaced apart from the perimeter surface of lug 34D. The presence of additional material or reinforcement members (eg, one or more reinforcement members 614 ) may allow the lug 34D to operate at such higher operate under force. Figure 5E shows lug 34E in which a plurality of voids 612" are provided. In some aspects, voids 612" may have a substantially circular shape; however, various other shapes may readily be implemented.

FIG. 5F illustrates lug 34F in which second surface 42 is not a physical surface, but a virtual surface defined by a broken line extending between points 620 and 622 . These virtual surfaces taper axially in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A.

According to certain aspects, lug 34 may be a combination of lugs that together form a surface of lug 34, which may be a combination of physical and/or virtual surfaces. Figure 5G illustrates such an aspect where lug 34G is an assembly of a plurality of lugs 34G-1 to 34G-5. As shown in phantom in Figure 5G, the functional surface of lug 34G is defined by the interaction of two or more of lugs 34G-1 to 34G-5. The second surface 42 is not a physical surface but a virtual surface defined by broken lines extending between 34G-1 and 34G-2 and between 34G-4 and 34G-5. These virtual surfaces taper axially in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Figure 5H shows lug 34H having a pair of lugs 34H-1 and 34H-4. In the aspect of FIG. 5H, base surface 38 and first surface 40 are formed on lug 34H-1, and point 44 is the surface of lug 34H-2. The second surface 42 is a virtual surface formed between the two lugs 34H-1 and 34H-2. These virtual surfaces taper axially in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Figure 5I shows lug 34I having four lugs 34I-1 to 34I-2. In the aspect of FIG. 5I, base surface 38 is formed on lug 34I-1 and point 44 is the surface of lug 34I-3. The first surface 40 is a virtual surface formed between 34I-1 and 34I-2 and between 34I-2 and 34I-4. The second surface 42 is a virtual surface formed between 34I-2 and 34I-3 and between 34I-3 and 34I-4. These virtual surfaces taper axially in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Figure 5J shows lug 34J having a T-shaped central lug 34J-1, and a pair of lateral lugs 34J-2 and 34J-3. In the aspect of FIG. 5J, the base surface 38 is formed on the top surface of the lug 34J-1 and the point 44 is on the bottom surface of the lug 34J-1. The first surface 40 is a virtual surface formed between the top portions of 34J-1 and 34J-2 and between the top portions of 34J-1 and 34J-3. The second surface 42 is a virtual surface formed between the bottom portions of 34J-1 and 34J-2 and between the bottom portions of 34J-1 and 34J-3. Figure 5W shows T-shaped lugs 34W without the pair of lateral lugs shown in Figure 5J. In FIG. 5W , the second surface 42 is a virtual surface formed between the top portion of the lug 34W and the bottom portion at point 44 . These virtual surfaces taper axially in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Figure 5K shows lug 34K having upper lug 34K-1 and lower lug 34K-2. In the aspect of FIG. 5K, base surface 38 is formed on the top surface of lug 34K-1 and point 44 is represented by lug 34K-2. A pair of first surfaces 40 extend along lateral portions of 34K-1 and 34K-2. The second surface 42 is a virtual surface formed between the end portion of the first surface 40 and 34K-2. These virtual surfaces taper axially in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Figure 5L shows lug 34L having a shape similar to lug 34C described herein with reference to Figure 5C. The lug 34L also has an integral locking tab 96a extending from a portion of the base surface 38 .

FIG. 5M shows a lug 34M having a substantially linear base surface 38 and curved first and second surfaces 40 and 42 . The first surface 40 and the second surface 42 may be curved to have a substantially elliptical shape. The first surface 40 and the second surface 42 taper axially to a point 44 in a curvilinear fashion. Figure 5N shows lug 34N, which is similar in shape to lug 34M shown in Figure 5M. The lug 34N is formed by an upper lug 34N-1 and a lower lug 34N-2. The upper lug 34N-1 defines a substantially linear base surface 38, while the lower lug 34N-2 is spaced from the upper lug 34N-1 by a gap and has a substantial axial inward tapering along the second surface 42 upper curved shape.

Figures 5O-5P illustrate lugs 34O, 34P that are similar in shape to lug 34C described herein with reference to Figure 5C. The lugs 34O, 34P remove at least one of the first surface 40 or the second surface 42 such that the lugs 34O, 34P have a discontinuous profile with the at least one virtual second surface 42O between the point 44 and the first surface 40 extend. This virtual second surface 420 is axially tapered in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

Figure 5Q shows lug 34Q, which is formed from three circular lugs 34Q-1 to 34Q-3. The circular lugs 34Q-1 to 34Q-3 are provided so as to define a virtual surface therebetween. In particular, a pair of second virtual surfaces are defined by the pair of upper circular lugs 34Q-2 and 34Q-3 and the lower circular lug 34Q-1. The lugs 34Q-1 to 34Q-3 may have any other shape, such as oval, square, triangular, diamond, or other polygonal shapes. Each virtual second surface 42 is axially tapered in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A. Figure 5R shows lug 34R having a shape formed by two circular lugs 34R-1 to 34R-2 with a single virtual second surface 42 defined therebetween. The lugs 34R-1 to 34R-2 may have any other shape, such as oval, square, triangular, diamond, or other polygonal shapes. Figure 5Y shows lug 34Y formed from three circular lugs 34Y-1 to 34Y-3, wherein lugs 34Y-1 and 34Y-2 are compared to lug aspect 34Q described with reference to Figure 5Q The upper pair of are more axially closer to the lower lugs 34Y-3. In Figure 5Z, the lower lug 34Z-3 of lug 34Z is shown as a rectangular element rather than a circular element.

5S(1)-5S(3), pairs of lugs 34SA and 34SB are provided on separate lugs 34 separated by the outer surface 21 of the sleeve 18 . On the first lug 34SA, a single lug 34S-1 is provided in an upper corner (eg, the upper right corner of the contour of lug 34 where virtual base surface 38 joins virtual first surface 40). When the syringe 12 is inserted into the syringe port 16, the first lugs 34SA are configured to engage the locking tabs 96 provided on the first retaining ring 48 of the locking mechanism 35 (as shown in the cylindrical plan projection Figure 5S(3) ) Show). The second lug 34SB is formed as a single lug 34S- 2 at point 44 . The second lug 34SB is configured to be self-orienting and guide the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16 by engaging the guide surface 65 on the first retaining ring 48 . The lugs 34S-1 and 34S-2 may have circular, oval, triangular, square, rectangular or other polygonal shapes.

Referring to FIG. 5T , lug 34T is formed as a rectangular second surface 42 that tapers axially from base surface 38 to point 44 . This second surface 42 is axially tapered in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A.

5U, the lug 34U is shaped as a square lug having two sides aligned in the direction of the tapered second surface 42. FIG. 5V shows a triangular-shaped lug 34V having two sides aligned in the direction of the tapered second surface 42 . In other aspects, the lugs 34V may include at least one second lug that defines the base surface 38 . The second surface 42 in FIGS. 5T-5V is axially tapered in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in FIG. 2A .

Figure 5X shows lug 34X having a plurality of parallel elements spaced horizontally relative to the vertical axis. A virtual second surface 42 is defined between at least two adjacent parallel elements. The second surface 42 in Figure 5X is axially tapered in the manner described herein with reference to the first surface 40 and the second surface 42 on the lug 34 as shown in Figure 2A. Some aspects of the syringe 12 may include any of various combinations of the lugs 34A to 34X and/or 10A to 10H in the at least one syringe retention member 32 .

Referring to FIG. 6A , a coupling 130 including a mounting member can be manufactured separate from, and attachable to, the syringe sleeve 18 . The coupler 130 may, for example, be configured to receive a syringe 12 having the at least one syringe retaining member 32 described herein, and to adapt the syringe 12 to have a locking mechanism with a locking mechanism that is not configured to receive the at least one syringe retaining member 32 . The syringe port is used with a fluid injector. For example, the coupling 130 may adapt the syringe 12 for use with a fluid injector as described in US Patent No. 5,383,858 or US Patent No. 6,652,489, or any other fluid injector. In some aspects, the coupler 130 may be releasably connectable to the syringe. In other aspects, the coupling 130 can be inserted into and retained in the locking mechanism of the fluid injector. The coupling 130 may also be releasably connected or attached to the barrel 12 independently of the attachment means of the coupling to the syringe.

6A, the coupling 130 has a first portion 132 configured for receiving the syringe 12 having at least one syringe retaining member 32 in accordance with aspects described herein, and a second portion 134 configured for use with Loaded into a syringe having a syringe port that is not configured to receive a syringe 12 having at least one syringe retaining member 32 according to aspects described herein. The first portion 132 may be directly connected and integrally formed with the second portion 134 . In some aspects, the first portion 132 can be releasably connected to the second portion 134 such that various second portions (as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B ) can be used with the first portion 132. With continued reference to Figure 6A, the first portion 132 has the locking mechanism 35 described herein with reference to Figures 2A-2D. In other aspects, the first portion 132 may have the locking mechanism 35 described with reference to Figures 3A-3H. In various aspects, the first portion 132 of the coupler 130 is configured for releasably receiving the syringe 12 having the corresponding at least one syringe retaining member 32 as described herein. 7A-7B, the second portion 134 of the coupler 130 may have a connection interface configured for connection with a syringe that would not otherwise receive a syringe 12 having a syringe retaining member 32 as described herein. The second portion 134 shown in FIG. 7A is configured for use with the engagement mechanism of the syringe described in US Patent No. 5,383,858, while the second portion 134 shown in FIG. 7B is configured for use with the syringe described in US Patent No. 6,652,489. The described engagement mechanism of the syringe is used. The second portion 134 may be configured to connect with various other syringes not expressly described herein. In some aspects, the coupler 130 may have a separate mechanism for engaging and disengaging the coupler 130 to the locking mechanism of the syringe.

Referring to Figure 6B, the adapter 230 may be configured to receive a syringe S that does not have one or the other described herein for removably connecting with a syringe having a locking mechanism 35 according to one of the aspects described herein A plurality of syringe holding members 32 . In various aspects, adapter 230 may be configured for connection to syringe S for subsequent installation on a syringe. For example, the adapter 230 may be releasably or permanently attached to an incompatible syringe S. Such an adapter 230 may have a connection interface with at least one engagement member 32 according to aspects described herein. The adapter 230 may be configured for releasably connectable connection with a syringe having the locking mechanism 35 described herein. The adapter 230 and the syringe S can be connected before connecting to the syringe, or the adapter 230 can be connected to the syringe before connecting the syringe S to the adapter 230 . The adapter 230 and syringe S may be removed from the syringe after use, the adapter 230 may be discarded with the syringe S, or removed from a used syringe S and saved for subsequent use with a different syringe S.

In one aspect, the first portion 232 of the adapter 230 may be configured to permanently or releasably receive a syringe S that is not compatible for use with any of the locking mechanisms 35 described herein. In some aspects, the syringe S may be the syringe described in US Patent No. 5,383,858 or US Patent No. 6,652,489, or any other syringe type. The adapter 230 allows an incompatible syringe S to be engaged and retained by the locking mechanism 35 described herein. In some aspects, the adapter 230 may have separate mechanisms for engaging and disengaging the syringe S, while the adapter 230 remains connected to the locking mechanism 35 of the syringe 10 . The first portion 232 may also be a cradle or cannula to secure and retain other syringes S, such as hand-held syringes or syringes with different retention mechanisms or features, and allow them to be engaged and retained by the locking mechanism 35 . The second portion 234 of the adapter 230 may have at least one syringe retention member 32 according to aspects described herein. In some aspects, the at least one syringe retention member 32 may have one or more lugs 34 as described herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-5Z and 10A-10H. The second portion 234 of the adapter 230 may be configured for releasably connectable connection with a syringe having the locking mechanism 35 described herein. In this manner, various incompatible syringes S may be used with the locking mechanism 35 described herein. In various aspects, adapter 230 may be configured for connecting a pressure sheath (not shown) to a syringe for use in injection procedures that require high pressure. For example, an adapter 230 with a pressure sheath can be configured for releasably attachable connection with a syringe. Such an adapter 230 may have a connection interface with at least one syringe retaining member 32 according to one of the aspects described herein, or alternatively a connection interface that allows incompatible syringes to be used with a syringe. Adapter 230 may be configured for releasably, permanently or semi-permanently connectable with a syringe having a locking mechanism 35 as described herein, and allows a syringe S with an alternative retention mechanism to be used with the syringe. Once connected to the syringe, the syringe can be loaded into the adapter 230 or pressure sheath and held therein at its proximal or distal end.

In various aspects, the adapter 230 may be configured for connection to a syringe 12 having some but not all of the features required for subsequent installation into the syringes 10 described herein. For example, with reference to FIG. 4L, the adapter 320 may be a ring 300 that provides surfaces 42 and 44 and mates with a barrel having one or more lugs having for retaining the At least the base surface 38 within the locking mechanism 35 . According to this aspect, the ring 300 can be inserted into the syringe port 16 and retained therein for use with subsequent syringes. Adapter 320 allows a syringe that is not itself able to mate with syringe port 16 or is fully functional to mate with locking mechanism 35 and perform at least a retention function. FIG. 4M shows other aspects of the adapter 320 having a ring with protrusions 340 extending distally outward from the barrel port 16 . These protrusions 340 may be combined or connected, for example, to form a ring extending radially outward from the barrel port 16 . Syringe 12 and adapter 320 can be released from syringe port 16 by rotating adapter 320. Similarly, once inserted, adapter 320 can be pushed proximally for engagement with barrel 12 .

FIG. 8A is an illustration of a general free body diagram of the forces present during ejection of the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 . The normal force N1 and the frictional force F1 of the lug 34 act on the first locking element 84, and the normal force N2 and the frictional force F2 of the lug 34 act on the retaining surface of the side wall 58, and also applied by the user to rotate The force T of the syringe 12, and any force D that is provided by the drip flange or other mechanism to advance the syringe 12 distally. In some aspects, the barrel 12 may be fabricated from a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) material, and the first locking element 84 may be fabricated from a polyoxymethylene (POM) material, such as DELRIN _™ . The coefficient of friction μ of DELRIN _™ on another DELRIN _™ surface is about 0.4. With this value, the practical limit to the angle A that allows ejection is about 20 degrees relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 of the barrel 12 . Thus, for angles greater than 20 degrees, there will be slippage, and when there is sufficient movement to move the lugs 34 over the protrusions, the syringe 12 will be ejected and dislodged distally in the syringe port (FIG. 8B). 8C shows that the ratio of the force T of the rotating barrel 12 to the restoring force S of the elastic member 102 increases as the angle A increases. For low angle values, the ratio remains essentially the same as the angle increases, but then increases significantly at larger angles. In some examples, angles of at least 30 degrees and less than about 60 degrees may be employed.

9A is an illustration of a general free body diagram of the forces acting at the hub during insertion of the syringe 12 into the syringe port 16. FIG. The one or more lugs 34 interact with the one or more first locking elements 84 due to the lateral force P provided by the user. During rotation, one or more of the lugs 34 are in sliding contact with the side walls 58. Additionally, a second retaining ring (not shown) slides over the bottom surface 82 of the housing. A static force analysis of this general interaction provides estimates of the interpolated force for various coefficients of friction μ between the surfaces as a function of the angle A of interaction of the two surfaces, as shown in Figure 9B.

10A-10H illustrate various aspects of the lug 34 for use with various aspects of the locking mechanism 35 described herein. FIG. 10A shows an exemplary lug 34AA having the configuration described herein with reference to FIGS. 3A-3H , while FIG. 10B illustrates the outline of lug 34BB with dashed lines indicating each of the surfaces of lug 34 . Figure 10C shows an example of a lug 34CC wherein the central section 612 is hollow and the lug 34CC is defined by a perimeter surface. In some aspects, the thickness of the central section 612 may correspond to the thickness of the syringe sleeve 18 (shown in Figure 3A). In other aspects, the thickness of the central section 612 may be greater or less than the thickness of the syringe sleeve 18 (shown in FIG. 3A ). The perimeter surfaces may be joined together or have one or more gaps in between. One advantage of having a hollow central section 612 is that sinking of the plastic material can be reduced or eliminated as the material cools in the molded device. Referring to Figure 10D, one or more reinforcement members 614 may be provided in a central section 612 having two perimeter gaps as described above. One or more reinforcement members 614 may be attached to or spaced apart from the perimeter surface of the lug 34DD. The presence of additional material or reinforcement members (eg, one or more reinforcement members 614 ) may allow the lug 34EE to withstand such a higher level of stress in situations where high retention forces are required and therefore significant stress exists on the surface of the lug 34DD. Operate under high force. FIG. 10E shows lug 34EE having a single vertical or longitudinal member such as defining surface 40 , point 44 and base surface 38 . FIG. 10F shows lug 34FF having two generally round lugs, eg, defining surface 40 , point 44 , and base surface 38 . Figure 10G shows lug 34GG, which has a round lug. The bottom of the lug 34GG defines the point 44 and the top defines the base surface 38 . FIG. 10H shows lug 34HH assembled from three vertical and parallel lugs having a generally flush top surface that form a base surface 38 and a tapered bottom surface. It should be noted that one or more variations or other variations of the lugs 34 shown in FIGS. 5 and 10 are within the scope of the present disclosure and may be used with one of the syringe ports 16 within the scope of the present disclosure or multiple variants operating together.

Referring to Figure IB, a system may be provided to transmit information from the syringe 12 to the injector 10 (shown in Figure 1A). In one aspect, the syringe 12 may be provided with one or more encoding devices 49 , such as on one or more of the syringe retaining members 32 . In other aspects, one or more encoding devices 49 may be provided on the outer surface 21 (shown in FIG. 1B ), on the inner surface 23 (shown in FIG. 1B ), on the side wall 19 of the proximal end 20 of the barrel 12 (shown in FIG. 1B ) within at least a portion, or on the plunger 26 . In some aspects, the encoding device 49 may be an optically readable member, such as a barcode, while in other aspects, the encoding device 49 may be an RFID tag, a near field communication device, or any other suitable encoding device. A plurality of coding devices 49 may be provided around the inner or outer circumference of the barrel 12 and/or the plunger 26 . At least one sensor 51 (shown in FIG. 2A ) may be provided on the syringe port 16 to read the encoding device 49 . In some aspects, at least one sensor 51 may be provided on at least one second recess 88 . Examples (non-limiting) of information that may be encoded on the encoding device 49 include the gauge of the syringe 12, the volume of the syringe 12, the contents of the syringe 12 (in the case of a prefilled syringe), manufacturing information (eg lot number, date and number of tool cavities), recommended contrast medium flow rate and pressure, and/or loading/injection sequence. In one aspect, the presence, absence, or shape of one or more syringe retention members 32 may serve as an encoding device. For example, a missing syringe retaining member 32 may represent the first code. Two or more adjacent missing syringe retaining members 32 may represent the second code. Two or more non-adjacent missing syringe retention members 32 may represent a third code. Various other combinations of the presence/absence or differently shaped syringe retention members 32 may represent various other codes. The presence or absence of a separate syringe retaining member 32 may be determined by the syringe using mechanical switches, electrical material sensors, optically, visually, or by other means known in the sensing art. This syringe encoding information is communicated to the injector control for communication to the operator, and subsequently used to properly program and control the injector.

In some aspects, at least a portion of syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) (eg, base 70 of locking mechanism 35 shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A ) can have an inner support ring (not shown) that protrudes into In at least a portion of the interior volume 25 of the proximal end 20 of the syringe 12 . Such a support ring may be removably extendable into at least a portion of the interior volume 25 . When the syringe 12 is inserted into the locking mechanism 35, the support ring may provide radial and axial orientation to at least a portion of one or more syringe retaining members 32 and/or inner sidewall 23 (shown in FIG. 1B ) of the syringe 12 to support. In aspects where at least one sensor 51 is provided on the syringe port 16 , such as shown in FIG. 2A , the support ring may provide a contrasting surface for detecting the presence or absence of the at least one encoding device 49 on the syringe 12 . For example, the support ring may provide a contrasting opaque surface to the translucent or transparent sidewall 19 of the barrel 12 for detection of the at least one encoding device 49 .

Referring to FIG. 11A , the plunger 26 according to one aspect includes a plunger body 200 configured to provide a fluid-tight seal against the sidewall 19 of the barrel 18 of the syringe 12 . The plunger 26 is reciprocally movable within the syringe barrel 18 under the advancement of the piston 120 (shown in FIG. 11B ). The plunger 26 is moveable along the longitudinal axis 15 between the proximal end 20 and the distal end 24 of the syringe barrel 18 . Plunger body 200 has a conical distal end 202 and a substantially cylindrical proximal end 204. At least one sealing body 206 may be formed on the plunger body 200 . At least one sealing body 206 is configured for engaging the inner sidewall 19 of the syringe sleeve 18 in a fluid-tight fashion. At least one seal 206 may be an elastomeric seal configured to prevent fluid leakage from the syringe sleeve 18 as the plunger 26 travels through the syringe sleeve 18 .

With continued reference to FIG. 11A , the proximal end 204 of the plunger 26 is sized and adapted for engagement with the plunger 120 (shown in FIGS. 11B-11C ) of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ). In some aspects, the proximal end 204 of the plunger 26 defines an insertion portion configured to releasably engage the piston 120 . In certain aspects, the proximal end 204 of the plunger 26 includes one or more plunger retention members 320 similar to the syringe retention members 32 described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-5Z and 10A-10H. One or more plunger retention members 320 on plunger 26 are adapted to form releasable locking engagement with corresponding locking mechanisms on piston 120 (shown in FIGS. 10B-10C ). The combination of the plunger 26 with one or more plunger retention members 320 and the locking mechanism of the plunger 120 defines a connection interface for releasably connecting the plunger 26 to the plunger 120 .

In some aspects, the one or more plunger retention members 320 are formed as one or more lugs 340 that protrude radially outward from the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . In some aspects, the plurality of lugs 340 may be spaced radially around the circumference of the plunger 26 . In such an aspect, the lugs 340 are separated from each other by portions of the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 . Together, each lug 340 and the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the lug 340 define a plunger retention member 320. In aspects where more than two lugs 340 are provided, the lugs 340 may be evenly spaced in the radial direction on the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 . In one exemplary and non-limiting aspect of six plunger retaining members 320 with equal angular separation therebetween, such as shown in FIG. 11A , each plunger retaining member 320 extends 60 degrees and is therefore connected to either side The upper adjacent plunger retention members 320 are separated by 60 degrees. In such an aspect, each lug 340 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the plunger 26, while the portion of the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 that defines the remaining plunger retention member 320 extends the remaining 30 degrees. In other aspects, each lug 340 may extend an angle a (shown in FIG. 11A ), which may be greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the plunger 26 . Similarly, each portion of the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 between adjacent lugs 340 may extend an angle β (shown in FIG. 11A ), which may be greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the plunger 26 . In some aspects, the plunger retention members 320 may have unequal angular extension around the outer circumference of the plunger 26 and/or unequal angular spacing between the plunger retention members 320 . Additionally, the one or more plunger retention members 32 may be aligned longitudinally along the longitudinal axis 15 from the proximal end 114 . In other aspects, at least one lug 340 may be longitudinally offset relative to the remaining lugs in a direction toward the proximal end 114 or the distal end 112 . In aspects in which one or more lugs 340 are absent, the corresponding plunger retention member 320 may be defined by the spacer surface(s), which is the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 .

Each of the one or more lugs 340 may have a generally triangular, polygonal, or arrow-shaped shape. One or more lugs 340 project radially outward from the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 210. In some aspects, the one or more lugs 340 or portions of the lugs 340 are removed from the outer surface of the plunger 26 at an obtuse or acute angle between the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 and the top surface 460 of the one or more lugs 340 . Surface 210 projects radially outward. In some aspects, the lugs 340 may have the same shape as each other. In other aspects, at least one of the lugs 340 may have a different shape than the other lugs 340 .

In some aspects, each of the one or more lugs 340 has a base surface 380 that is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 15 of the plunger 26 in a radial cross-sectional plane. In other aspects, the base surface 380 may be angled relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 as the base surface 380 extends around the outer circumference of the plunger 26 in a radial cross-sectional plane. The base surface 380 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the base surface 380 may have a plurality of individual segments that together define the base surface 380 . The individual segments of the base surface 380 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

At least one first surface 400 extends from at least one end of base surface 380 in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 15 . Referring to FIG. 11A , a pair of first surfaces 400 are shown on opposite ends of base surface 380 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 400 may taper axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in either a proximal direction or a distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15 . The axial taper of the at least one first surface 400 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the first surface 400 in a cylindrical plane projection view in the direction from the distal end 24 toward the proximal end 20. The first surface 400 may taper in the same direction or the opposite direction relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 15 . The at least one first surface 400 may be directly connected to the base surface 380 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 400 can be separated from the base surface 380 . The at least one first surface 400 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one first surface 400 can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one first surface 400 . The individual segments of the at least one first surface 400 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

At least one second surface 420 extends from at least one first surface 400 or base surface 380 . Referring to FIG. 11A , a pair of second surfaces 420 are shown extending from the proximal end of the first surface 400 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 420 may taper axially relative to the longitudinal axis 15 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 15 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 420 may taper axially in the proximal direction relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . The axial taper of the at least one second surface 420 relative to the longitudinal axis 15 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the second surface 420 in a cylindrical plane projection view in a direction from the distal end 112 of the plunger 26 toward the proximal end 114. For example, the at least one second surface 420 may taper at an angle γ (shown in FIG. 11A ) relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . Each of the second surfaces 420 may be tapered at the same or a different angle γ relative to the longitudinal axis 15 . The second surfaces 420 may be joined together at rounded or sharp points 440 . The at least one second surface 420 may be directly connected to at least one of the first surface 400, the base surface 380, and the point 440. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 420 can be separated from at least one of the first surface 400 , the base surface 380 , and the point 440 . In some aspects, a pair of second surfaces 420 may be omitted such that only first surfaces 400 may be joined together at rounded or sharp points 440 . In other aspects, the rounded or sharp points 440 may be separated from the first surface 400 or the second surface 420 . The at least one second surface 420 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 420 can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one second surface 420 . The individual segments of the at least one second surface 420 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof.

The base surface 380 , the first and second surfaces 400 and 420 , and the point 44 define the boundary or contour of the top surface 460 of each of the one or more lugs 340 . In some aspects, top surface 460 may be shaped to correspond to the curvature of syringe plunger 26 . In other aspects, the top surface 460 of the one or more lugs 34 may be angled relative to the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 such that the first end of the top surface 460 is higher than the top surface 460 relative to the syringe plunger 26 second end. The top surface 460 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be composed of multiple individual surfaces that together define the top surface 460 . Top surface 460 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

11A-11C illustrate one non-limiting aspect of the at least one plunger retention member 320, various other shapes are contemplated. For example, one or more lugs 340 of at least one plunger retention member 320 may have a generally circular, square, rectangular, or any other polygonal shape. Various features may be provided on the at least one plunger retention member 320 to assist in orienting the plunger 26 relative to the piston 120 or locking the plunger 26 with the piston 120 . In each aspect, at least one plunger retention member 320 is configured for locking engagement with a corresponding locking mechanism on the plunger 120 of the syringe 10 . Various other shapes of the at least one plunger retention member 320 may be equivalent to one or more of the syringe retention members 32 described herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-5Z and 10A-10H.

Referring to FIG. 11B , the plunger 120 of the syringe 10 (shown in FIG. 1A ) has a locking mechanism 350 configured to operably engage the at least one plunger retaining member 320 of the plunger 26 . The locking mechanism 350 includes a housing 700 having a central opening 710 configured to receive the proximal end 204 of the plunger 26 . The first retaining ring 480 is secured to the distal end of the housing 700 such that the central opening 710 of the housing 700 is aligned with the central opening 500 of the first retaining ring 480 . The first retaining ring 480 has a body 720 with a radially extending flange 740 . At least a portion of the body 720 extends away from the flange 740 in the proximal direction. When mounted on housing 700, flange 740 engages a top portion of housing 700 and is secured by one or more fasteners (not shown) extending through the one or more fasteners Piece opening 760. At least a portion of the body 720 of the first holder 480 is inserted into the central opening 710 of the housing 700 . In other aspects, the first retaining ring 480 may be secured to the housing 700 by other mechanical fastening means, such as clips, screws, adhesives, welding, or a snap fit. When mounted on the housing 700 , the central axis 590 of the first retaining ring 480 is coaxial with the central axis of the housing 700 .

11B, the interior portion of the sidewall 580 within the central opening 500 of the first retaining ring 480 has one or more first recesses 600 configured for when the plunger 26 is inserted through the first recess 600. The central opening 500 of a retaining ring 480 receives one or more lugs 340 of the plunger 26 . The one or more first recesses 600 may be evenly spaced around the inner circumference of the sidewall 580 . In such an aspect, the first recesses 600 are separated from each other by portions of the sidewall 580 of the first retaining ring 480 . Together, each first recess 600 and the sidewall 580 of the first retaining ring 480 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the first recess 600 define a clearance space 630 for receiving the plunger retention member 320 . The first recess 600 of each clearance space 630 may be configured to receive at least one lug 340 of the plunger retention member 320 , and the sidewall 580 of the first retention ring 480 may be configured to receive the plunger retention member 320 when the plunger retention member 320 is inserted into the clearance space 630 . When centered, a portion of the outer surface 210 of the plunger 26 is received. For example, in an aspect where the first retaining ring 480 has six gap spaces 630 equally spaced around the circumference of the first retaining ring 480, each gap space 630 is separated by 60 degrees from an adjacent gap space 630 on either side. In such an aspect, each first recess 600 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the first retaining ring 480, while the portion of the sidewall 580 of the first retaining ring 480 that defines the remaining clearance space 630 extends the remaining 30 degrees of the circumference Spend. In other aspects, each first recess 600 may extend greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sidewall 580 of the first retaining ring 480 . In some aspects, the number of lugs 340 corresponds to the number of first recesses 600 on retention ring 480 . In other aspects, the number of lugs 340 on plunger 26 is less than the number of first recesses 600 on retaining ring 480 . In such an aspect, the lugs 340 on the barrel 120 are spaced along the outer circumference of the plunger 26 such that each lug 340 can be aligned with a corresponding first recess 600 on the retaining ring 480 . In other aspects, the number of lugs 340 on plunger 26 is greater than the number of first recesses 600 on retaining ring 480 such that more than one lug 340 can be received within at least one first recess 600 .

Each of the one or more first recesses 600 extends radially inward from the inner portion of the sidewall 580 relative to the central axis 590 . The lateral surface of each first recess 600 defines a travel path for guiding movement of the lugs 340 into and out of the first recess 600 as the insertion section of the plunger 26 is inserted into and removed from the first retaining ring 480 . Each of the first recesses 600 extends substantially parallel along the direction of the central axis 590 . In some aspects, each first recess 600 may have one or more guide surfaces 620 and 650 that guide the lugs 340 into alignment with the first recess 600 such that the lugs 340 can be inserted into the first recess 600 . The guide surfaces 620 and 650 may be inclined radially and axially toward the opening of the first recess 600 to guide the movement of the second surface 420 of the lug 340. In some aspects, the guide surfaces 650 may be directed axially such that a first portion of the guide surface 650 slopes toward one of the first recesses 60 and a second portion of the guide surface 650 slopes toward an adjacent first recess 60 . One or more guide surfaces 620 and 650 assist in positioning the plunger 26 relative to the piston by guiding the one or more lugs 340 of the plunger 26 into the corresponding one or more first recesses 60 on the syringe port 16 120 self-orientation. The one or more first recesses 600 may have a bottom surface 670 that is substantially perpendicular to the central axis 590 . In some aspects, the bottom surface 670 may be angled or tapered in the radial direction.

With continued reference to FIG. 11B , the locking mechanism 350 also includes a second retaining ring 780 having a substantially annular shape with an inner side wall 800 . The second retaining ring 780 is disposed in the central opening 710 of the housing 700 between the proximal end of the body 720 of the first retaining ring 480 and the bottom 820 of the housing 700 . As further detailed herein, the second retaining ring 780 is rotatable relative to the first retaining ring 480 and the housing 700, which are fixed relative to each other. The second retaining ring 780 has one or more first locking elements 840 and one or more second locking elements 860 disposed on at least a portion of the inner side wall 800. One or more first locking elements 840 and one or more second locking elements 860 are arranged in an alternating fashion such that each first locking element 840 has a second locking provided on either side of the inner sidewall 800 along the circumference thereof Element 860. In other aspects, at least one second locking element 860 is provided for the plurality of first locking elements 840 . The total number of the first locking elements 840 and the second locking elements 860 may correspond to the total number of the first recesses 600 .

One or more first locking elements 840 and one or more second locking elements 860 extend radially inward from the inner sidewall 800 of the second retaining ring 780 and are separated by one or more second recesses 880 . The one or more second recesses 880 are configured to receive the one or more lugs 340 when the insertion section of the plunger 26 is inserted through the central opening 500 of the first retaining ring 480. The one or more second recesses 880 are arranged around the circumference of the inner sidewall 800 of the second retaining ring 780 such that the one or more second recesses 880 may be selective to the one or more first recesses 600 on the first retaining ring 480 ground alignment. For example, in aspects where the first retaining ring 480 has six first recesses 600 equally spaced around the housing 700, the second retaining ring 780 may also have equally spaced adjacent second recesses 880 on either side (ie, , six second recesses 880 separated by 60 degrees).

Referring to FIG. 11B , the one or more first locking elements 840 have a first inclined surface 900 configured to engage at least the second surface 420 of the lug 340 . The first sloped surface 900 may be linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof. The one or more first locking elements 840 have a second inclined surface 920 additionally configured as at least one of the engagement point 440 of the lug 340, the first surface 400 and the second surface 420. Similarly, the one or more second locking elements 860 have a second sloped surface 920 configured for at least one of the engagement point 440 of the lug 340, the first surface 400 and the second surface 420. The second sloped surface 920 may be linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof. The second inclined surface 920 transitions to a linear top surface 940 that is substantially parallel to the top surface of the second retaining ring 780 . The angle and profile of the first inclined surfaces 900 of the one or more first locking elements 840 may be the same or different from the second inclined surfaces 920 of the locking elements 840 and 860. In some aspects, only the first sloped surface 900 may be provided as linear, segmented, curved, or a combination thereof.

With continued reference to FIG. 11B , the one or more first locking elements 840 extend higher along the inner sidewall 800 relative to the one or more second locking elements 860 . The linear top surfaces 940 of the one or more second locking elements 860 are positioned lower relative to the tops of the one or more first locking elements 840 to accommodate relative sliding movement of the one or more locking tabs 960, one or more Locking tabs 960 extend proximally from first retaining ring 480 . One or more locking tabs 960 define the 0 rotation stop surface of one or more lugs 34 . In other aspects, the one or more locking tabs 960 may be provided separately from the one or more second locking elements 860 . In some aspects, one or more locking tabs 960 may be provided on at least one of the barrel and/or lugs 340, as described herein.

Referring to FIG. 11B , the second retaining ring 780 is rotatably retained within the housing 700 . At least one guide pin 980 extends from the bottom surface of the second retaining ring 780 in the proximal direction. At least one guide pin 980 is received inside at least one guide pin slot 1010 formed on the bottom 820 of the housing 700 . At least one guide pin slot 1010 may extend over a portion of the circumference of the bottom 820 . At least one resilient resilient member 1020 (eg, a spring) is connected to or in contact with at least a portion of the second retaining ring 780 and at least a portion of the housing 700 . In one aspect, the resiliently resilient member 1020 may be connected to or contact at least one guide pin 980 at one end, and the opposite end of the resiliently resilient member 1020 may be connected to or contact one less guide pin slot 1010 . At least one resilient elastic member 1020 urges the second retaining ring 780 to the first position. By inserting the plunger 26 into the locking mechanism 350, the one or more lugs 340 engage the one or more first locking elements 840 and the one or more second locking elements 860 to rotate the second retaining ring 780 to the first two positions, and allow insertion of one or more lugs 340 into one or more second recesses 880, as described herein.

In operation, the piston 120 is releasably connectable to the plunger 26 for driving the plunger 26 through the syringe barrel 18 during an injection procedure. Initially, the piston 120 is disengaged from the plunger 26 . Piston 120 may be advanced axially until one or more engagement members 320 on plunger 26 engage within locking mechanism 350. This process is similar to the process of connecting the syringe 12 to the syringe port 16 described herein with reference to Figures 2A-2D. After locking, the piston 120 is connected to the plunger 26 so that the piston 120 can reciprocally drive the plunger 26 through the sleeve 18 . To unlock the piston 120 from the plunger 26, rotation of the syringe 12 about the longitudinal axis 15 releases the plunger 26 from the locking mechanism in a manner similar to releasing the syringe 12 from the syringe port 16 as described herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D. 350 release. In other aspects, the syringe retention member 320 may be configured similar to any aspect of the syringe retention member 32 discussed with reference to Figures 3A-5Z. In certain aspects, the plunger piston interface may be designed such that the degree of rotation required to release the plunger 26 from the plunger 120 is less than the degree of rotation required to release the syringe 12 from a locking mechanism (eg, locking mechanism 35).

Referring to Figure 12, a connection interface for connecting the pressure sheath to the fluid injector is shown. As is known in the art, syringe barrels are typically made of polymeric materials and have a certain minimum wall thickness. During an injection procedure, syringes such as syringe 12 shown in FIG. 1B are subjected to pressures of up to 1200 psi, and thus the wall thickness and elasticity of syringe 12 are important in order to ensure that syringe 12 does not burst or leak. To further counteract possible radial expansion of the barrel 12 when subjected to high pressure injections, especially barrels with thinner walls, a pressure sheath (eg, thicker and/or thinner than the barrel 12) may be employed Strong sidewall pressure sheath 3000) to enclose and retain at least a portion of the barrel 12. The pressure sheath 3000 acts to limit radial expansion of the syringe sleeve 18 during a pressurized injection procedure. That is, during an injection procedure, the outer surface 21 of the barrel 12 may expand against the inner wall of the pressure sheath 3000, thereby limiting radial expansion of the sleeve 18 that might otherwise cause bursting or leakage.

The pressure jacket 3000 may be formed from two or more spacer elements, or as a one-piece, one-piece design. The pressure sheath 3000 is held within the port on the syringe via the connection interface. Any of the interfaces described herein with reference to the syringe/syringe interface may be suitable for releasably connecting the pressure sheath to the syringe port.

In addition to the radial forces acting on the barrel and pressure sheath 3000, significant axial movement during high pressure injections is also possible due to the elastic nature of the components. For example, a single 150 ml syringe with a cross-sectional area of 1.6 ⁱⁿ² may require 2400 psi of force at 1200 psi to limit the forward movement of the syringe. 12-13, to limit this axial movement of the syringe 12, a cap 4000 may be used to at least partially enclose the distal end of the syringe and retain the syringe within the pressure sheath 3000 during an injection procedure. Cap 4000 can have an opening formed on its distal end to allow at least a portion of the neck of the syringe to protrude therethrough, thereby allowing the syringe to be fluidly connected to a fluid path assembly leading to the patient.

Due to the axial forces exerted on the barrel, it is desirable that the connection interfaces between pressure sheath 3000 and fluid injector 10 and between cap 4000 and pressure sheath 300 be sufficiently strong to resist inadvertent axial movement or accidental of removal. However, while strength is important, it is also important that the operator be able to easily remove the cap 4000 and/or the pressure sheath 3000, such as when removing or inserting the syringe 12. Therefore, it is desirable that the connection interface between the pressure sheath 3000 and the fluid injector 10 be sufficiently strong, yet allow for easy attachment and removal. Similarly, it is desirable that the connection interface between cap 400 and pressure sheath 3000 be strong, yet allow for easy attachment and removal.

To achieve these desired attributes, the connection interface of the pressure sheath 3000 may have connector features similar to those of the syringe 12 shown in Figures IB, 3A, 4A-5Z, and 10A-10H, while allowing the pressure sheath The connection interface 300 connects to port 160 may have connector features similar to those of syringe port 16 described with reference to Figures 2B-3B. That is, the connection interface of pressure sheath 300 may have one or more retention members 3200 similar to retention members 32 described with reference to IB, 3A, 4A-5Z, and 10A-10H. Similarly, the connection interface on port 160 may have a locking mechanism 3500 similar to locking mechanism 35 shown and described with respect to Figures 2B-3B.

Referring to Figure 12, the pressure sheath 3000 generally has a substantially cylindrical sleeve 3180 formed of glass, metal, or a suitable medical grade plastic. The sleeve 3180 has a proximal end 3170 and a distal end 3240 with a substantially circumferential sidewall 3190 extending therebetween along the length of a longitudinal axis 3150 extending through the center of the sleeve 3180 . Sleeve 3180 can be made of transparent or translucent material. The sleeve 3180 has an outer surface 3210 and an inner surface, the inner surface defining an inner volume configured for receiving a syringe therein.

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , the proximal end 3170 of the pressure sheath 3000 is sized and adapted to be inserted into at least one port (eg, port 160 ) of the syringe 10 . In some aspects, the proximal end 3170 of the pressure sheath 3000 defines an insertion portion 3010 that is configured to be removably inserted into the port 160 of the syringe 10 while the remainder of the pressure sheath 3000 remains outside the port 160 . As described in detail herein, in certain aspects, the proximal end 3170 of the pressure sheath 3000 includes at least one retention member 3320 adapted to form locking engagement with a corresponding locking mechanism in the port 160 of the syringe 10 , for releasably retaining pressure sheath 3000 in port 160 . The combination of pressure sheath 3000 has one or more retention members 3320, and locking mechanism 3500 defines a connection interface for loading and unloading pressure sheath 3000 to and from syringe 10.

According to certain aspects, drip flange 3360 can extend radially outward from outer surface 3210 of sleeve 3180 relative to longitudinal axis 3150 . The drip flange 3360 can extend around at least a portion of the outer circumference of the sleeve 3180 . Drip flange 3360 may be configured to prevent fluid dripping from the nozzle of the syringe from entering syringe port 160 on syringe 10 .

With continued reference to FIG. 12 , at least one retention member 3200 is provided on the proximal end 3170 of the sleeve 3180 . The at least one retention member 3200 shown in FIG. 12 may be similar to the retention member 32 shown in FIG. 3A and described herein. At least one retention member 3200 may be formed to include one or more lugs 3400 projecting radially outward from the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 relative to the longitudinal axis 3150. In some aspects, the plurality of lugs 3400 can be radially spaced around the circumference of the sleeve 3180 . In such an aspect, the lugs 3400 are separated from each other by portions of the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180. Together, each lug 3400 and the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 on one radially adjacent side (left or right) of the lug 3400 define the retention member 3200 . In aspects where two or more lugs 3400 are provided, the lugs 3400 may be uniformly or non-uniformly spaced apart in the radial direction on the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 . In one exemplary and non-limiting aspect of six retention members 3200 with equal angular separation therebetween, such as shown in Figure 12, each retention member 3200 extends 60 degrees and is thus adjacent on either side The retaining members 320 are separated by 60 degrees. In such an aspect, each lug 3400 may extend 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 3180, while the portion of the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 that defines the remaining retention member 3200 extends the remaining 30 degrees. In other aspects, each lug 3400 may extend an angle greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 3180 . Similarly, each portion of the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 between adjacent lugs 3400 may extend an angle greater or less than 30 degrees of the circumference of the sleeve 3180. In some aspects, retention members 3200 may have unequal angular extension and/or unequal angular spacing between retention members 3200 around the outer circumference of sleeve 3180 . Additionally, one or more retention members 3200 can be longitudinally aligned along longitudinal axis 3150 from proximal end 3170. In other aspects, at least one lug 3400 can be longitudinally offset relative to the remaining lugs in a direction toward the proximal end 3170 or the distal end 3240 . In aspects where one or more lugs 3400 are missing, corresponding retention members 3200 may be defined by spacer surface(s), which are the outer surfaces 3210 of the sleeve 3180 between adjacent lugs 3400 . Although aspects with each retaining member 3200 extending 60 degrees are exemplified in the figures, barrels with retaining members 3200 having other separation angles (eg, 360/x degrees, where x is a value from 1 to 36) are also within the scope of this disclosure.

With continued reference to Figure 12, each of the one or more lugs 3400 may have a generally triangular, rectangular, polygonal or arrow-shaped shape. One or more lugs 3400 project radially outward from the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the outer surface 3210 . In some aspects, the one or more lugs 3400 or portions of the lugs 3400 extend from the outer surface of the sleeve 3180 at an obtuse or acute angle between the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 and the top surface 3460 of the one or more lugs 3400 Surface 3210 projects radially outward. In some aspects, the lugs 3400 may have the same shape as each other. In other aspects, at least one of the lugs 3400 can have a different shape than the remaining lugs 3400 , eg, compare lug 3400 and lug 3370 .

12, each of the one or more lugs 3400 has a base surface 3380 that may be substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 3150 of the sleeve 3180 in a radial cross-sectional plane. In other aspects, the base surface 3380 may be angled relative to the direction of the longitudinal axis 3150 as the base surface 3380 extends in a radial cross-sectional plane about the outer circumference of the sleeve 3180 . The base surface 3380 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the base surface 3380 can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the base surface 3380 . The individual segments of the base surface 3380 can define a surface, which can be planar, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

In certain aspects, at least one first surface 3450 can extend in a direction substantially parallel to longitudinal axis 3150 on one end of base surface 3380 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 3450 can be axially tapered relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 3150 . The axial taper of the at least one first surface 3450 relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the first surface 3450 in a cylindrical plan projection view in a direction from the distal end 3240 toward the proximal end 3170 . The at least one first surface 3450 may be directly connected to the base surface 3380 . In some aspects, the at least one first surface 3450 can be separated from the base surface 3380 . The at least one first surface 3450 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one first surface 3450 can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one first surface 3450 . The plurality of individual segments of the at least one first surface 3450 can define a surface, which can be planar, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

The at least one second surface 3410 may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis 3150 on an end of the base surface 3380 opposite the first surface 3450 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 3410 can be axially tapered relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 3150 . The axial taper of the at least one second surface 3410 relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the first surface 3450 in a cylindrical plan projection view in a direction from the distal end 3240 toward the proximal end 3170 . At least one second surface 3410 can be directly connected to the base surface 3380 . In some aspects, the at least one second surface 3410 can be separated from the base surface 3380. The at least one second surface 3410 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one second surface 3410 can have multiple individual segments that together define the at least one second surface 3410 . The plurality of individual segments of the at least one second surface 3410 can define a surface, which can be planar, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

In some aspects, at least one third surface 3420 extends from one end of second surface 3410 to an end of first surface 3450 . The at least one third surface 3420 may be tapered axially relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 in a proximal or distal direction of the longitudinal axis 3150 . In some aspects, the at least one third surface 3420 can be axially tapered relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 in a proximal direction. The axial taper of the at least one third surface 3420 relative to the longitudinal axis 3150 may be defined as the angle of inclination of the at least one third surface 3420 in a cylindrical plan projection view in a direction from the distal end 3240 toward the proximal end 3170 . At least one third surface 3420 and at least one first surface 3450 may be joined together at rounded or sharp points 3440 . At least one third surface 3420 can be directly connected at point 3440 with at least one of the first surfaces 3350. In some aspects, at least one third surface 3420 can be separated from at least one of first surfaces 3450 at point 3440 . In some aspects, the point 3440 can be separated from the at least one third surface 3420 and the first surface 3450 . The at least one third surface 3420 may be planar, segmented, arcuate, curved, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the at least one third surface 3420 can have a plurality of individual segments that together define the at least one third surface 3420 . The plurality of individual segments of the at least one third surface 3420 can define a surface, which can be planar, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

Base surface 3380 and first surface 3450 , second surface 3410 , third surface 3420 define a top surface 3460 of each of one or more first lugs 3400 . In some aspects, the top surface 3460 can be shaped to correspond to the curvature of the sleeve 3180 . In other aspects, the top surface 3460 of the one or more lugs 3400 can be angled relative to the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 such that a first end of the top surface 3460 is higher than a second end of the top surface 3460 relative to the sleeve 3180 end. The top surface 3460 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be composed of multiple individual surfaces that together define the top surface 3460. Top surface 3460 may be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof.

Each of the one or more second lugs 3370 may be formed as protrusions that extend radially outward from the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180. The one or more second lugs 3370 optionally have a sloped release member 3040 extending from the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180 to the base of the at least one second lug 3370 in the direction of the circumference of the sleeve 3180 Surface 3060. If present, the angled release member 3040 may facilitate molding of the pressure jacket 3000 in a simple two-part mold. In some aspects, the base surface 3060 can be shaped to correspond to the curvature of the sleeve 3180 . In other aspects, the base surface 3060 can be angled relative to the outer surface 3210 of the sleeve 3180. The base surface 3060 may be continuous and uninterrupted, or it may be composed of multiple individual surfaces that together define the base surface 3060 . The base surface 3060 can be flat, segmented, curved, curved, and combinations thereof. Release member 3040 may be configured to engage third retention ring 108 to release pressure sheath 3000 from port 160, as described herein.

Furthermore, the corresponding engagement between the connection interface of the pressure sheath 3000 and the port 160 is not limited to the details shown and described with respect to FIG. 12 . Rather, the connection interface may employ the details of the syringe-to-syringe port engagement shown and described with respect to Figures IB, 3A-3B, 4A-5Z, and 10A-10H, respectively. For example, although locking mechanism 3500 in Figure 12 is similar to locking mechanism 35 described herein with reference to Figure 3A, in alternative aspects, locking mechanism 3500 may be similar to locking mechanism 35 as shown in Figure 2A.

To insert the pressure sheath 3000 into the syringe port 160 , the insertion section 3010 of the pressure sheath 3000 is advanced into contact with the first retaining ring 48 . If the first lug 3400 and the second lug 3370 are initially misaligned relative to the first recess 60, the guide surface 65 guides the first lug 3400 as the insertion section 3010 moves proximally relative to the first retaining ring 48 And the second lug 3370 is oriented to be self-aligned with the first recess 60 . Continued proximal movement of the pressure sheath 3000 relative to the first retaining ring 48 guides the first lugs 3400 and the second lugs 3370 within the first recesses 60 until the first lug or lugs 3400 are in the first position. At least a portion of the three surfaces 3420 are brought into contact with the inclined surfaces 116 of the one or more locking elements 112 of the third retaining ring 108 . The sloped surface 116 is configured to engage the third surface 3420 of the first lug 3400 . Continued proximal movement of the pressure sheath 3000 relative to the first retaining ring 48 causes the first lugs 3400 to act against the restoring force of the at least one resilient resilient member 102 to move the third retaining ring 108 from the first position (similar to FIG. 3D) to a second position (similar to that shown in Figure 3E). The one or more first lugs 3400 may allow the third retaining ring 108 to rotate in a first direction (eg, clockwise or counterclockwise). During proximal movement similar to the position shown within port 160, one or more of first lugs 3400 and second lugs 3370 are directed to the corresponding one or more first lugs 3400 and second lugs 3370 as third retaining ring 108 rotates Two recesses 88 until all of the base surfaces 3380 , 3060 of the first lug 3400 and the second lug 3370 pass over the bottom portion of the third retaining ring 108 . Under the restoring action of the elastic elastic member 102, the third retaining ring 108 rotates in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Rotation of the third retaining ring 108 relative to the housing 70 causes the locking element 112 to be positioned over the one or more first and second lugs 3400 and 3370, thereby preventing removal of the pressure sheath 300 in the distal direction .

To unlock the pressure sheath 3000 from the port 160, the pressure sheath 3000 is rotated in the first direction about the longitudinal axis 3150, similar to the rotation of the syringe shown in Figure 3F. The rotational movement of the pressure sheath 3000 causes the third surface 3420 of the first lug 3400 to bear against the first inclined surface 90 of the second retaining ring 78 and rotate the second retaining ring 78 against the force of its spring member 102'. After rotation (eg, about 30 degrees), the guide pins 98 on the second retaining ring 78 engage the third retaining ring 108 so that it also rotates in the first direction. After an additional rotation (eg, about an additional 30 degrees of rotation), the first lug 3400 and the second lug 3370 are flush with the first recess 80 of the first retaining ring 48 and the locking element 112 on the third retaining ring 108 Moving away to pass space away from the first recess 80 so that the at least one first recess 80 is aligned with the at least one third recess 114, similar to the position shown in Figure 3G. At this point, the component of the force in the distal direction created by the rotational movement of the third surface 3420 of the first lug 3400 against the first inclined surface 90 causes the pressure sheath 3000 to move distally and eject from the port 160, like The ejection of the syringe is shown in Figure 3H. As the pressure sheath 3000 is ejected from the port 160, the restoring force of the resilient resilient members 102 and 102' causes the third retaining ring 108 and the second retaining ring 78 to return to their respective first positions by rotation in the second direction, in preparation for subsequent insertion of a new pressure sheath 3000.

Although shown and described as being integral with the pressure sheath 3000, the one or more retention members 3200 in FIG. 12 may alternatively be formed from separate components or adapters that may or may not be removable is attached to at least a portion of the pressure sheath 3000, such as the proximal end 3170 of the pressure sheath 3000. In this way, a conventional pressure sheath can be adapted to the locking mechanism 3500 so that the pressure sheath can be fixedly connected to the port 160 having the locking mechanism 3500 described above.

According to alternative aspects of the present disclosure, the details of the connection interface between the pressure sheath 3000 and the port 160 described above may be reversed. That is, the connection interface of the pressure sheath 3000 may include, for example, a locking mechanism 3500 and corresponding features, while the connection interface on the port 160 may include one or more retention members 3200 .

13, an alternative aspect of the present disclosure is shown. There is preferably a cap 4000 disposed around the distal end of the respective pressure sheath 3000 to axially retain the respective syringe therein. As shown in Figure 13, cap 4000 preferably has a connection interface (eg, one or more retaining members 3200) for attachment to pressure sheath 3000, and an opening 4100 formed therein to allow a syringe (not shown) part of it extends through it.

To achieve a secure connection between pressure sheath 3000 and cap 4000, in some aspects, the respective interfaces between pressure sheath 3000 and cap 4000 may be configured such that the manner in which they interact is substantially similar to that of syringes 12 and 4000. The interaction between the syringe ports 16, as illustrated and described in detail herein with respect to FIGS. 1B, 3A, 4A-5Z, and 10A-10H, or similar to the interaction between the pressure sheath 3000 and the port 160, as described herein Illustrated and described in detail with respect to FIG. 12 . In an exemplary and non-limiting aspect, the distal end 3240 of the pressure sheath 3000 may have a connection interface with a locking mechanism 3500. The locking mechanism 3500 may be similar to, and contain similar or identical components to, the locking mechanism 35 described in detail herein with reference to FIGS. 2A-3B and/or the locking mechanism 3500 described in detail herein with reference to FIG. 12 . Therefore, a detailed discussion of the locking mechanism 3500 will be omitted. The connection interface on cap 4000 shown in FIG. 13 may contain one or more retention members 3200 . The one or more retention members 3200 may be similar to and include the one or more retention members 32 described in detail herein with reference to FIGS. 1B and 3A and/or the one or more retention members 3200 described in detail herein with reference to FIG. 12 . similar or identical parts. Accordingly, a detailed discussion of one or more retaining members 3200 will be omitted. The engagement between the connection interface of the pressure sheath 3000 and the connection interface of the cap 4000 may be the same as or substantially similar to that described above with respect to FIGS. 2A-3H and/or 12 . In this manner, the cap 4000 can be fixedly engaged with the distal end 3240 of the pressure sheath 3000 and easily removed therefrom.

As an alternative to a cap 4000 that is formed separately from and surrounds at least a portion of the barrel 12, the cap 4000 may be integrated with a barrel (such as the barrel 12 shown in FIGS. 1B-3B or a compressible barrel, such as a The distal end of the barrel of the rolling-diaphragm barrel) is integrally or otherwise attached to the distal end of the barrel. That is, cap 4000 may be molded or formed directly with the body of the barrel, or co-molded to the distal end of the barrel, or otherwise attached to the distal end of the barrel. At least a portion of the syringe may be accessible through opening 4100 in cap 4000 for fluid connection with various fluid circuits.

Although shown and described as being integral with the pressure sheath 3000, the locking mechanism 3500 in FIG. 12 may alternatively be formed as a separate piece attachable to at least a portion of the pressure sheath 3000 (eg, the distal end 3240 of the pressure sheath 3000). part. In this manner, a conventional pressure sheath can be adapted with the locking mechanism 3500 to enable the pressure sheath to securely interface with the cap 4000 having the one or more retention members 3200 described above.

According to alternative aspects of the present disclosure, the structural details of the connection interface between the pressure sheath 3000 and the cap 4000 described above may be reversed. That is, the connection interface of pressure sheath 3000 may include, for example, retention member 3200 and corresponding features, while the connection interface on cap 4000 may include locking mechanism 3500 .

Although, for the purpose of illustration, the present disclosure has been described in detail based on what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred aspects, it is to be understood that such details are for this purpose only and that the present disclosure is not limited to the disclosed aspects, but is, on the contrary, intended Covers improved and equivalent arrangements. For example, it is to be understood that, to the extent possible, this disclosure contemplates that one or more features of any aspect can be combined with one or more features of any other aspect.

Claims (16)

1. Pressure sheath, including: a sleeve having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially along a longitudinal axis between the proximal end and the distal end, the sleeve having a defined an inner surface of an interior volume configured to receive a syringe therein, the inner surface configured to engage an outer surface of a syringe sleeve to limit radial expansion of the syringe during an injection procedure, It is characterized in that, The pressure sheath also includes at least one pressure sheath retention member having at least one lug at the proximal end relative to the outer side of the sidewall. Surfaces project radially outward, the at least one lug having at least one tapered surface along the sidewall in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end The outer surface tapers axially, wherein the at least one lug is configured for automatic engagement with a locking mechanism on a fluid injector to releasably lock the pressure sheath with the fluid injector, and wherein the at least one tapered surface of the at least one lug is configured to (i) rotationally guiding the pressure sheath into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism by engaging at least one first surface of the locking mechanism, and (ii) axially ejecting the pressure sheath by engaging at least one second surface of the locking mechanism when the pressure sheath is rotated about the longitudinal axis. 2. The pressure sheath of claim 1, wherein the at least one tapered surface comprises a first surface along the side in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end Said outer surface of the wall is axially tapered. 3. The pressure jacket of claim 2, wherein the at least one tapered surface further comprises another surface along the sidewall in a direction opposite the first surface The outer surface tapers axially. 4. The pressure sheath of claim 3, wherein the at least one lug further comprises a base surface disposed substantially perpendicular relative to the longitudinal axis. 5. The pressure sheath of claim 4, wherein the at least one lug further comprises at least one surface connecting the first surface and the other surface to the base surface, and wherein the at least one surface One surface extends parallel to said longitudinal axis or constitutes an axially tapered portion. 6. The pressure sheath of claim 4, wherein at least one of the first surface, the other surface, and the base surface is selected from the group consisting of: a curved surface, a continuous surface, a discontinuous surface surface and flat surface. 7. The pressure jacket of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a plurality of lugs surround all of the sidewall at equal or unequal angular intervals around the outer surface of the sidewall. At least a portion of the outer surface is spaced apart. 8. The pressure sheath of claim 7, wherein the plurality of lugs are longitudinally aligned relative to the longitudinal axis at or near the proximal end. 9. The pressure sheath of claim 7, wherein at least one of the plurality of lugs is offset toward the proximal end or the distal end of the sleeve. 10. The pressure sheath of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one lug comprises at least one first lug and at least one second lug, and wherein the at least one second lug The shape of the ear is the same as or different from the shape of the at least one first lug. 11. The pressure sheath of claim 10, wherein at least one of the at least one first lug and the at least one second lug includes a sloped release member extending from the sidewall Said outer surface of said circumferentially extends in an inclined state and is connected to a top surface of at least one of said at least one first lug and said at least one second lug. 12. The pressure sheath of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one lug includes one or more locking tabs having means for preventing the pressure sheath from at least one stop surface for rotation within the locking mechanism. 13. The pressure sheath of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one lug comprises at least one radially inwardly recessed hollow portion. 14. The pressure jacket of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising at least one flange radially from the outer surface of the side wall relative to the longitudinal axis Projecting outwardly and extending circumferentially around at least a portion of the outer surface of the sidewall. 15. The pressure sheath of claim 14, further comprising a longitudinal stop surface on the at least one flange for limiting longitudinal insertion of the pressure sheath into the locking mechanism length in . 16. The pressure sheath of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one lug is in the shape of a triangular, arrow-shaped, rectangular or circular profile.

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