Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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SYRINGE ADAPTER FOR MEDICATION
Background
[0001] The present invention relates to improved apparatus for use with
medication, and method(s) of using same, particularly for higher-viscosity
medication.
[0002] Medication is needed for various purposes, including illness
treatment
and illness prevention.
Summary
[0003] The present invention is directed to improved apparatus for use
with
medication, and method(s) of using same, and is particularly useful for
medication
having a relatively high viscosity. In one aspect, a syringe adapter for
withdrawing
fluid medication from a container comprises a sidewall extending between a
proximal
end and a distal end, the sidevvall having an interior surface defining a
chamber, the
proximal end configured to be connected to a syringe while withdrawing at
least a
portion of the fluid medication from the container through the chamber and
into a barrel
of the syringe and the distal end configured for inserting into the container
for the
withdrawal, wherein an opening at the distal end is relatively large in
diameter to
facilitate withdrawing fluid medication having a relatively high viscosity and
the syringe
adapter is configured to be removed from the syringe and replaced with a
needle prior
to subsequently injecting (for example, into an animal) the fluid medication
(or at least
some portion thereof) withdrawn into the barrel. The relatively large opening
is
directed toward improved syringeability of the fluid medication. The viscosity
of the
fluid medication is preferably greater than or equal to 50 centipoise units
when a
temperature of the fluid medication is at least 5 degrees Celsius.
[0004] The syringe is preferably configured as a pistol-grip syringe or a
tab-handled syringe, and may therefore provide improved leverage for the
subsequent
injection. In an embodiment, the diameter of the opening at the distal end is
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approximately 0.10 inches and the sidewall is approximately 0.05 inches in
thickness
at the distal end. Optionally, the syringe adapter further comprises a flanged
area
that extends perpendicularly from the proximal end. Optionally, the syringe
adapter
may further comprise a radial extension member that extends perpendicularly
and
radially outward from an exterior surface of the syringe adapter. In an
embodiment,
an outer shape of the syringe adapter is generally conical in a first portion
and
generally cylindrical in a second portion. In an embodiment, an inner shape
of the
syringe adapter, for at least a portion of the proximal end, is generally
conical. In an
embodiment, the inner shape of the syringe adapter tapers from the proximal
end
toward the distal end, for at least a portion of the proximal end, at
approximately 6
percent. The syringe adapter preferably connects to the syringe using a Luer-
type
connection, the Luer-type connection selected from the group comprising a Luer-
type
lock and a Luer-type slip.
[0005] In another aspect, a method of administering fluid medication (for
example, to an animal) comprises: affixing a syringe adapter to a syringe, the
syringe
adapter comprising a sidewall extending between a proximal end and a distal
end, the
sidewall having an interior surface defining a chamber, the proximal end
configured to
be connected to a distal end of the syringe; inserting the distal end of the
syringe
adapter into a container of fluid medication having a relatively high
viscosity;
withdrawing, from the container, at least a portion of the fluid medication
through the
chamber and into a barrel of the syringe, wherein an opening at the distal end
of the
syringe adapter is relatively large in diameter to facilitate withdrawing the
relatively-high-viscosity medication; removing the syringe adapter from the
syringe
subsequent to the withdrawing; affixing a needle to the distal end of the
syringe,
subsequent to the removing; and injecting (for example, into an animal) the
fluid
medication (or at least some portion thereof) previously withdrawn into the
barrel.
[0006] In yet another aspect, the syringe adapter is configured for
receiving a
needle at its distal end, such that the needle is affixed to the distal end of
the syringe
adapter subsequent to withdrawing fluid medication into the barrel of the
syringe, and
the syringe adapter is configured to remain in place while injecting the fluid
medication
(or at least some portion thereof) into a recipient with the needle. In this
aspect,
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administering the fluid medication may be repeated (for example, for another
recipient) by removing the needle, using the in-place syringe adapter for
withdrawing
more fluid medication (from the same or a different container), re-affixing
the needle to
the syringe adapter, and then injecting this medication (or some portion
thereof). In
this aspect, the distal end of the syringe adapter preferably provides for a
Luer-type
connection with the needle, and the proximal end of the syringe adapter is
preferably
configured with a Luer-type locking member for connecting to the syringe. The
syringe adapter may further comprise an extension member that extends
perpendicularly outward from an exterior surface of the syringe adapter.
[0007] In still another aspect, a method of administering fluid medication
comprises: affixing a syringe adapter to a syringe, the syringe adapter
comprising a
sidewall extending between a proximal end and a distal end and having an
interior
surface defining a chamber, the proximal end configured to be connected to a
distal
end of the syringe; inserting the distal end of the syringe adapter into a
container of
fluid medication having a relatively high viscosity; withdrawing, from the
container, at
least a portion of the fluid medication through the chamber and into a barrel
of the
syringe, wherein an opening at the distal end of the syringe adapter is
relatively large
in diameter to facilitate withdrawing the relatively-high-viscosity
medication; affixing a
needle to the distal end of the syringe adapter, subsequent to the withdrawing
from the
container; and injecting, into a recipient with the needle, at least a portion
of the fluid
medication previously withdrawn into the barrel.
[0008] In a further aspect, a system for administering higher-viscosity
fluid
medication comprises: a syringe; a syringe adapter comprising a sidewall
extending
between a proximal end and a distal end, the sidewall having an interior
surface
defining a chamber, the proximal end configured to be connected to the syringe
while
withdrawing at least a portion of the fluid medication from a container
through the
chamber and into a barrel of the syringe and the distal end configured for
inserting into
the container for the withdrawal, wherein an opening at the distal end is
relatively large
in diameter to facilitate withdrawing the higher-viscosity fluid medication
from the
container; and a needle, the needle configured for connecting to the syringe
adapter
subsequent to use of the syringe adapter for the withdrawing and while the
syringe
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adapter remains connected to the syringe, the needle further configured for
injecting,
into a recipient, at least a portion of the fluid medication withdrawn into
the barrel.
[0009] In another aspect, the needle is removably affixed to a needle
holder
that, in turn, is removably affixed to the in-place syringe adapter for the
injection. In
an embodiment, the needle holder affixes to the syringe adapter using a Luer-
type
locking connection, and the syringe adapter is configured with a support hub
member
for removably receiving the needle holder, the support hub member radially
surrounding at least a portion of a length of a sidewall of the syringe
adapter.
Preferably, the needle remains affixed to the needle holder following an
injection,
whereby the needle may be removed from the syringe adapter (for example, in
preparation for withdrawing additional fluid medication from a container) by
removing,
as a single unit, the needle holder and the needle affixed thereto.
[0010] In an aspect, a method of administering fluid medication comprises:
inserting a distal end of a syringe adapter into a container of fluid
medication having a
relatively high viscosity, the syringe adapter being affixed to a syringe, the
syringe
adapter comprising a support hub member radially surrounding at least a
portion of a
length of a sidewall, the sidewall extending between a proximal end and a
distal end
and having an interior surface defining a chamber, the proximal end of the
sidewall
configured to be connected to a distal end of the syringe: withdrawing, from
the
container, at least a portion of the fluid medication through the chamber and
into a
barrel of the syringe, wherein an opening at the distal end of the sidewall is
relatively
large in diameter to facilitate withdrawing the relatively-high-viscosity
medication;
affixing a proximal end of a needle holder to the distal end of the support
hub member,
subsequent to the withdrawing from the container, the needle holder adapted
for
removably affixing a needle to a distal end thereof; and injecting, into a
recipient with
the needle affixed to the needle holder, at least a portion of the fluid
medication
previously withdrawn into the barrel.
[0011] Various embodiments of these and other aspects of the present
invention may be provided in view of the present disclosure. It should be
noted that
the foregoing is a summary and thus contains, by necessity, simplifications,
generalizations, and omissions of detail; consequently, those of ordinary
skill in the art
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will appreciate that the summary is illustrative only and is not intended to
be in any way
limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the present
invention,
as defined by the appended claims, will become apparent in the non-limiting
detailed
description set forth below.
Brief Description of the Several Views of the Drawings
[0012] The present invention will be described with reference to the
following
drawings, in which like reference numbers denote the same element throughout.
[0013] FIGs. 1 - 3 depict examples of prior art syringes;
[0014] FIG. 4 depicts an example of a prior art needle;
[0015] FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate bottom views showing how a proximal end
of a
needle may be configured for securable attachment to a syringe;
[0016] FIGs. 5 - 6 illustrate first and second preferred embodiments of
the
syringe adapter disclosed herein;
[0017] FIGs. 7 - 8 illustrate alternative embodiments of the syringe
adapter
disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a still further embodiment of the syringe
adapter
disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a syringe adapter placed upon a syringe, and
FIG. 11
illustrates a needle placed upon a syringe adapter;
[0020] FIGs. 12 and 13 illustrate yet other embodiments of the syringe
adapter
disclosed herein, and also illustrate placement thereof upon a syringe;
[0021] FIG. 14 illustrates a further embodiment of the disclosed syringe
adapter, showing an exterior view as well as cross-sectional views of
placement
thereof upon a syringe and as exploded;
[0022] FIG. 15 illustrates a still further embodiment of the disclosed
syringe
adapter that includes a needle holder to which a needle may be removably
affixed,
showing exterior views as well as cross-sectional views of placement thereof
upon a
syringe and as exploded;
[0023] FIGs. 16 and 17 illustrate yet other embodiments of the disclosed
syringe adapter that include a needle holder to which a needle may be
removably
affixed, showing exterior views as well as cross-sectional views of placement
thereof
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upon a syringe and as exploded, where FIG. 17 shows a syringe adapter having a
sharp tip and both figures illustrate a needle holder adapted for a locking
connection
with the needle;
[0024] FIGs. 18 and 19 illustrate embodiments of the disclosed syringe
adapter
that replace a conventional syringe tip, showing exterior views as well as
cross-sectional views of placement thereof upon a syringe and as exploded, and
FIGs.
20 - 21 illustrate alternative approaches for a portion of the syringe
adapters shown in
FIGs. 18 and 19; and
[0025] FIG. 22 presents tables containing measurements from tests
conducted
to compare use of a sample version of the disclosed syringe adapter to use of
conventional needles.
Detailed Description
[0026] As noted earlier, medication is needed for various purposes,
including
illness treatment and illness prevention. Discussions are presented herein
with
reference to medication used for animals, primarily in terms of livestock
animals; this is
by way of illustration and not of limitation, however, and it should be noted
that the
disclosed syringe adapter may be beneficial with medication used for all types
of
animal life, including humans.
[0027] Treatment of animals using medication may be desired whether the
animal is a family pet, part of a livestock operation, is the subject of
research, and so
forth. Examples of medicating animals for illness treatment will be obvious,
and may
span a wide variety of illnesses. One example of medicating an animal for
illness
prevention is a proactive vaccination; another example is to proactively
administer an
antibiotic. In a commercial livestock operation, animals may be proactively
medicated before they are introduced into another group of livestock, for
example to
guard against introducing an illness that they may carry or simply to ensure
that all
animals in the group have received an identical medication regimen. Medication
might also be administered in anticipation of, or in response to, a change in
weather
conditions or a change in geographical location for an animal (such as moving
from
one climate to another). Hereinafter, animal medications are discussed without
differentiation of the purpose for such medication.
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[0028] Medication may be found in various forms, including solid and
fluid.
Solid substances may be ingestible, for example, while fluids may be
injectable or may
be administered orally or nasally. Embodiments of the present invention are
directed
toward improved apparatus for use with medication in fluid form, and the scope
of the
present invention also includes method(s) for using such apparatus.
[0029] Medications provided in fluid form may vary widely in their
viscosity,
depending upon their chemical formulation. Viscosity is sometimes defined as
the
resistance of a substance to flow. The viscosity of water is relatively low,
for example,
while the viscosity of honey is relatively high. The viscosity of some
substances can
be changed by applying heat; for example, melting butter increases its ability
to flow.
Some fluid medications may have a viscosity that is relatively low and is
similar to that
of water, for example, and thus will flow quite easily. Other fluid
medications are
known that have a viscosity that is markedly different from water.
[0030] Fluid medications intended for use with animals are commonly
marketed
in multi-dose packaging, such as bottles that hold enough fluid for
administering
several doses. A bottle of medication might hold 500 milliliters, for example
(equivalently, 500 cubic centimeters), which is roughly equivalent to 16.9
ounces.
The bottle might be made of glass or plastic, and a container having a
configuration
other than a bottle might be used. Hereinafter, the term "bottle" is used for
ease of
reference, and by way of illustration and not of limitation, as a container
type in which
medication may be contained.
[0031] One reason for marketing animal medication in multi-dose bottles is
economic. The cost of the medication may be reduced, for example, by selling a
larger quantity container and thereby reducing the relative cost of the
packaging.
Another reason for marketing animal medication in multi-dose bottles is that
the
dosage of many (if not all) medications is prescribed with regard to the
animal's body
weight. Accordingly, the correct amount of medication to use on a particular
animal
can be calculated and then withdrawn from the multi-dose bottle, after which
it may be
injected into the animal, and the remaining medication is then available for
subsequent
use.
[0032] A multi-dose bottle of fluid medication is typically marketed with
a rubber
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membrane covering at least a portion of an opening at the top of the bottle.
Conventionally, the fluid medication is withdrawn from such bottle by placing
a needle
onto the tip of a syringe, inserting a tip of the needle into the rubber
membrane, and
withdrawing a plunger of the syringe until an appropriate amount of fluid is
pulled into
the syringe body (referred to herein as the syringe "barrel"); this same
needle is then
used for injecting the medication from the syringe into the animal. FIG. 1
shows an
example of a prior art syringe 100, and illustrates how the hollow barrel 130
of syringe
100 is commonly marked with fill lines 110 that are provided for measuring the
amount
of fluid contained therein. A needle is placed over (or inside) the tip 140,
and fluid
enters through an opening or eye of the needle and into the syringe barrel
130. The
syringe includes a retractable plunger, a terminal end of which is shown at
120. (As
will be obvious, as fluid medication is withdrawn from the bottle into the
barrel 130, the
plunger 120 movably extends outward from the proximal end of the syringe 100,
although this is not illustrated in FIG. 1.) Commonly, a syringe as
illustrated in FIG. 1
is constructed of plastic, making it relatively cheap to purchase.
[0033] A tab-shaped member 150 is also provided on syringe 100. When
administering the medication from the barrel 130, a person's index finger is
placed on
the tab-shaped member 150 at one side of barrel 130 and the person's middle
finger is
placed on the tab-shaped member 150 at the opposing side of barrel 130, and
the
person's thumb is then used to depress the terminal end of plunger 120 into
the barrel
in order to expel the medication from the barrel.
[0034] As an alternative to the syringe 100 of FIG. 1, an example of a so-
called
"pistol-grip" syringe is illustrated in FIG. 2. Fluid medication is drawn into
a syringe of
this type by pulling plunger 220 outwardly from the barrel 230. A tab-shaped
member
is not provided on a syringe of this type, as compressing or squeezing the
handles 210
serves to expel medication from the barrel of a syringe having a pistol-grip
configuration.
[0035] FIG. 3 illustrates yet another prior art syringe 300, and is
referred to
herein as a "tab-handled.' syringe. In this configuration, the syringe has a
tabbed
member 350 near the proximal end of barrel 330, and includes a handle-style
tabbed
member 320 affixed to the terminal end of the plunger. The tabbed member 350
is
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used in a similar manner to tab-shaped member 150 of FIG. 1, whereby a person
places fingers on the tabbed member 350 on opposing sides of barrel 330; the
person
then presses down on tabbed member 320 using the person's palm to depress the
terminal end of the plunger into the barrel in order to expel the medication
from the
barrel. As compared to tab-shaped member 150 and plunger end 120 of FIG. 1,
the
tabbed members 320, 350 of FIG. 3 typically provide improved comfort for the
person
using the tab-handled syringe.
[0036] The tips 240, 340 may be generally on the order of 3/8 to 7/16 inch
in
diameter and generally of similar height (and similarly, tip 140), and are
generally
constructed of metal. An interior area of this tip is intended for securably
attaching a
needle and is generally threaded for at least a portion thereof. A height of
this
threaded area is generally on the order of 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch. While not
illustrated in
detail on tips 240, 340 of FIGs. 2 and 3, the syringe tip also typically
includes a
protrusion (illustrated herein in FIGs. 14 - 17; see reference number 341)
that is
centered within the exterior wall of the tip and that provides the opening
through which
a substance enters into the syringe barrel. (Notably, tips 140, 240, 340 are
not
designed for inserting through the rubber membrane of a medicine bottle.)
[0037] Syringes 200, 300 are often constructed, at least in part, of
metal.
Glass or plastic might be used for the syringe barrel. A metal commonly used
for
syringes, by way of example, is stainless steel; another example is aluminum.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a prior art needle 400, which may
be
affixed to the distal end of syringes 100, 200, or 300. Needles are typically
sold in
standardized sizes, and thus the distal syringe ends 140, 240, 340 typically
conform to
the standard size of the proximal end of a needle. FIGs. 4A and 4B illustrate
bottom
views showing examples of how a proximal end of needle 400 may be configured
for
securable attachment to the distal end of a syringe that has an internal
threaded
portion. In an approach 410 as shown in FIG. 4A, a flanged area 420 extends
radially
outward from the proximal end of the needle (as is generally illustrated in
FIG. 4).
Reference number 440 depicts the opening in the tip of the needle, and
reference
number 430 generally depicts the sidewall of needle 400. In another approach
450
as shown in FIG. 4B, a flanged area 460 extends perpendicularly outward from
the
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proximal end of the needle, but in this configuration, is fashioned as having
side edges
that are not generally round. Reference number 480 depicts the opening in the
tip of
the needle, and reference number 470 generally depicts the sidewall of needle
400.
In either case, a flanged area 420, 460 on the proximal end of a needle is
designed to
securably attach to a corresponding receiving area on the distal end of a
syringe. In
yet another approach (not illustrated), the securable attachment of a needle
to a
syringe tip relies on friction instead of an exterior flanged area, whereby
the proximal
end of needle 400 is placed over an exterior of the distal end (e.g., tip 140
of FIG. 1) of
a syringe. These approaches are commonly referred to as a Luer-style lock
approach and a Luer-style slip approach, respectively, as is discussed in
further detail
below. (Note that if flanged area 420 is configured to extend perpendicularly
outward
as illustrated in FIG. 4A, it is preferably intended for use in a Luer-type
slip connection
rather than a Luer-type lock connection, due to the so-called "double start"
or double
helix configuration that is described for the internal threads of a Luer-type
lock hub
according to International Standard ISO 594-2:1998(E), which is discussed in
further
detail below. As an alternative, tabs may be added to the outer edge of
flanged area
420, where these tabs are configured for engaging the internal threads of the
Luer-type lock hub.)
[0039] For withdrawing fluid medication from a bottle into the barrel of
syringe
100, 200, or 300 using known techniques, the sharp tip at the distal end of
the needle
400 is inserted through the rubber membrane of the bottle. For subsequently
administering the fluid medication from the barrel of the syringe, the sharp
tip of that
same needle is inserted into an animal's body, and the person holds tab-shaped
member 150 while simultaneously depressing plunger 120 of syringe 100,
squeezes
the handles 210 of pistol-grip syringe 200, or holds tabbed member 350 while
simultaneously depressing handle-style tabbed member 320 of tab-handled
syringe
300.
[0040] This known approach of withdrawing fluid medication from a bottle
using
a needle and then administering the medication using the same needle works
well for
fluids having a low viscosity. (Consider, by way of reference, the relative
ease of
drawing a low-viscosity fluid such as water through the tip / opening of a
needle 400
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affixed to a syringe.) However, animal medications are marketed that have a
relatively high viscosity (that is, they are relatively thick in consistency),
and this higher
viscosity makes the medications very difficult to withdraw from a bottle using
a needle,
and also typically more difficult to expel from the syringe. Stated another
way, such
higher-viscosity medications are not readily "syringeable".
[0041] When a medication is not readily syringeable, it may take a
considerable
amount of time for the person tasked with withdrawing the medication from the
bottle
to withdraw even a small amount of medication. When a large amount of such
medication must be administered, and/or when the higher-viscosity medication
must
be administered to multiple animals, the person may experience frustration or
even
fatigue due to this long withdrawal time. As a result, use of the higher-
viscosity
medication by animal care-givers may be diminished, which may lead to the
medication failing to reach its potential market share. Thinning the
medication is
undesirable as an answer to improving the syringeability problem, as the
effectiveness
of the medication could be altered.
[0042] In addition to the above-described issues with withdrawing
higher-viscosity medication into a syringe, the higher viscosity of the
medication
makes the injection process more time-consuming and physically more difficult
for the
person tasked with medicating the animal. In particular, the general
configuration of a
plastic syringe as illustrated in FIG. 1 does not enable a person using the
syringe to
have sufficient leverage when attempting to inject the medication into an
animal.
Tab-shaped member 150 is known to collapse or break in some instances, due to
the
physical force that must be exerted while depressing plunger 120. The plunger
shaft
is also known to break in some instances, for example due to misalignment as
it
moves within the barrel or due to age-related brittleness. The needle may also
be
forced off the syringe when attached thereto by a friction-based Luer-type
slip
connection, which may in turn lead to leakage and/or waste of the medication
through
the now-opened end of the syringe. Additionally, the syringe tip of plastic
syringes
are known to break off while medicating an animal (for example, due to the
animal
moving or thrashing about), which can lead to waste of medication in the
syringe.
These problems are more likely to occur with the increased physical force
required for
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injecting higher-viscosity medications.
[0043] In sharp contrast to use of a plastic syringe, the syringes 200,
300 of
FIGs. 2 - 3 are better adapted for withstanding the physical force required
for expelling
a higher-viscosity medication from the syringe barrel and for allowing the
person using
the syringe to have better leverage during the injection process. (Because the
leverage is improved, the time required to complete the injection may be
shortened as
compared to use of a plastic syringe configured as shown at 100 of FIG. 1,
which
benefits the person and the animal.)
[0044] In view of the above-described issues, preferred embodiments of the
present invention are directed toward improved syringeability of medications
having a
relatively high viscosity. (The disclosed syringe adapter may function
suitably with
lower-viscosity medications as well, and is therefore not deemed to be limited
to use
with particular medications.)
[0045] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a new tip
that
operates as a syringe adapter for withdrawing medication from a bottle. This
tip is
preferably affixed to a pistol-grip syringe of the type illustrated in FIG. 2
or a
tab-handled syringe of the type illustrated in FIG. 3. The pistol-grip or tab-
handled
syringe may be formed from plastic, metal, or other substance(s), as noted
earlier.
Accordingly, use of an embodiment of the present invention addresses the issue
of
drawing a higher-viscosity fluid from a bottle as well as the issue of
providing sufficient
leverage for subsequent injection. That is, the larger opening of the
disclosed syringe
adapter addresses syringeability issues by improving draw time of higher-
viscosity
medications and, when this adapter is affixed to a pistol-grip or tab-handled
syringe,
the medication withdrawn into the pistol-grip or tab-handled syringe can be
more
easily administered from the syringe barrel (noting that, in some embodiments,
the
syringe adapter will be replaced with a needle prior to injecting the
medication).
[0046] While discussions herein refer to preferably using the disclosed
syringe
adapter with a pistol-grip or tab-handled syringe, it should be noted that the
disclosed
syringe adapter may also be used advantageously with a syringe of the type
shown in
FIG. 1 (and such usage is within the scope of the present invention).
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates one embodiment of the syringe adapter disclosed
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herein. The syringe adapter has a sidewall extending between a proximal end
and a
distal end, and the interior surface of the sidewall defines a chamber through
which
fluid medication flows. The length and shape of the syringe adapter, as well
as the
thickness of portions of the sidewall and the width of its interior chamber,
may vary
from illustrations depicted herein without deviating from the scope of the
present
invention. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 5, the shape of the syringe
adapter
500 is generally conical in an upper portion and generally cylindrical in a
lower portion.
While not illustrated in FIG. 5, an interior of at least a portion of the
lower portion is
preferably tapered, with a 6 percent taper extending from the proximal end
toward the
distal end. This tapered shape conforms the interior surface to International
Standard
ISO 594-2:1998(E) and its replacement ISO 80369-7:2016, which are directed
toward
conical fittings for health-care applications. Preferably, the overall length
of the
syringe adapter is not shorter than 3/8 to 1/2 inch, by way of illustration
but not of
limitation, as this length will enable the syringe adapter to sufficiently
extend into a
bottle of medication to be withdrawn. An upper range of the overall length,
conversely, may be on the order of 1 to 2 inches, by way of illustration but
not of
limitation.
[0048] A preferred diameter of the hole in the distal end of the tip of
the syringe
adapter is on the order of 0.10 inches, although embodiments are not limited
to this
diameter. Thickness of the sidewall of the syringe adapter is preferably on
the order
of 0.050 inches, although embodiments are not limited to this thickness. Using
a
sidewall thickness of 0.050 inches and an opening of 0.10 inches results in a
syringe
adapter having an overall diameter of 0.20 inches at the end to be inserted
into the
bottle of medication, in this example configuration.
[0049] Preferably, the proximal end of the disclosed syringe adapter
attaches to
a syringe using a Luer-type lock or a Luer-type slip. Luer-type locks and Luer-
type
slips are known approaches for making leak-free connections on fluid fittings,
and are
described in the above-cited International Standards. A Luer-type lock
provides a
threaded attachment, whereby two pieces of a configuration are held together
by
rotating a flanged area (such as flanged area 420 of FIG. 4A when augmented
with
tabs or flanged area 460 of FIG. 4B) of one piece within threads of the other
piece,
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whereas a Luer-type slip is non-threaded and provides attachment using
friction. In
one approach for securably attaching syringe adapter 500 using a Luer-type
lock, the
syringe adapter 500 as illustrated in FIG. 5 has an external flanged area 510
on the
proximal end (shown without tabs extending from the outer edge, for drafting
convenience), and a two-part connection is made by inserting this flanged end
into
corresponding internal threads on a distal end of a syringe (as discussed
above with
reference to the syringe tips illustrated at 240, 340). As noted earlier, a
conventional
height for this internal threaded portion of a pistol-grip or tab-handled
syringe tip is
approximately 1/8 inch to 1/4 inch in length, and accordingly, a flanged area
510 on
the proximal end of syringe adapter 500 is preferably on the order of at least
1/16 to
1/8 inch in height. The shape of flanged area 510 may correspond generally to
flanged area 420 or 460 (for example, by extending perpendicularly and
radially from
the proximal end of the syringe adapter, although a strictly circular shape is
not
required), although another shape providing for a securable attachment may be
used
without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0050] In another approach, the proximal end of the syringe adapter 500
may
omit the flanged area shown at 510 and is attached and held to the distal end
of the
syringe by friction in a Luer-type slip approach.
[0051] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the syringe adapter
disclosed
herein. In this embodiment, syringe adapter 600 includes a radial extension
feature
610, which is preferably configured as extending perpendicularly and radially
outward
from the body of the syringe adapter and is shown in FIG. 6 as being located
relatively
near to the proximal end of syringe adapter 600. (Alternatively, radial
extension
feature 610 may be placed at another location on the syringe adapter, for
example
being located closer to the conical portion thereof.) In addition to enabling
a person to
more easily grasp the syringe adapter 600, the radial extension feature 610
also
serves to prevent inserting the syringe into the medication bottle far enough
that the
attachment point (e.g., Luer-type slip or lock) between the syringe and the
syringe
adapter would come into contact with the medication. Accordingly, in a
preferred
embodiment, a diameter of radial extension feature 610 is sufficiently large
as to
exceed the diameter of a conventional rubber membrane on a medicine bottle.
The
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diameter of radial extension feature 610 may be, by way of example, on the
order of
twice the diameter of the cylindrical portion of syringe adapter 600.
(Syringe adapter
600 may omit the flanged area 620 when relying on a Luer-type slip attachment,
and is
depicted without tabs extending from the outer edge for drafting convenience,
as was
discussed above with reference to flanged area 510.)
[0052] An extension feature might alternatively be used that is not round,
although this has not been illustrated in FIG. 6. (For example, a hexagonal
shape
might be used for an extension feature, and thus references herein to a
"radial"
extension feature are by way of illustration but not of limitation and are not
to be
construed as requiring the extension feature to have a round outer edge.)
[0053] A preferred material for the disclosed syringe adapter is plastic,
which
will allow it to be economically produced as a disposable item, although
another
material may be used without deviating from the scope of the present
invention. As
one alternative to use of plastic, the syringe adapter or portion(s) thereof
may be
constructed from stainless steel, aluminum, or another metal (or combinations
thereof), noting that metal generally provides increased strength and
durability as
compared to plastic. Notably, the disclosed syringe adapter does not need to
come
into physical contact with a particular animal (i.e., because the physical
contact occurs
at the needle used to inject the medication), and thus re-use of the syringe
adapter for
medicating multiple animals need not introduce cross-contamination concerns.
[0054] While FIGs. 5 and 6 illustrate a syringe adapter shape that is
generally
conical in an upper portion and generally cylindrical in a lower portion, this
is by way of
illustration and not of limitation. As one alternative embodiment, an outer
shape of
the syringe adapter may be generally cylindrical while preferably having a
tapered
interior shape for at least a portion of the proximal end, noting that such
interior taper
enables the syringe adapter to comply with the above-cited International
Standards.
This alternative embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 7, where dotted lines are
used to
illustrate a general shape of the interior. FIG. 8 provides another
alternative
embodiment, where an outer shape of the syringe adapter may be generally
conical in
an upper portion and generally cylindrical in a lower portion, and in this
alternative, the
relative length of the upper and lower portions varies from the embodiments
illustrated
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in FIGs. 5 and 6 (and again, at least a portion of such configuration
preferably has a
tapered interior shape at the proximal end, as shown by the dotted lines, to
thereby
conform to the above-cited International Standards). Notably, as compared to
the
cylindrical exterior shape as illustrated in FIG. 7, the exterior taper of the
upper portion
as illustrated in FIGs. 5 - 6 and 8 may tend to provide a better seal, and
thus be less
likely to leak, during such time as the syringe adapter is inserted through
the rubber
membrane of a bottle. While not illustrated in FIGs. 7 or 8, a radial
extension member
(such as that shown at reference number 610 of FIG. 6) may be added to these
configurations if desired.
[0055] FIG. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the disclosed syringe
adapter. In this embodiment, syringe adapter 900 includes a radial extension
feature
910, similar to the previously-discussed radial extension feature 610 of FIG.
6. FIG. 9
depicts radial extension feature 910 as being located approximately midway
along the
length of the syringe adapter, by way of illustration but not of limitation.
Whereas the
radial extension feature illustrated at 610 of FIG. 6 is illustrated as having
a disk-like
shape with generally flat upper and lower surfaces, FIG. 9 illustrates an
alternative
shape where an upper surface of the radial extension feature 910 has a
somewhat
domed or tapered shape. This tapered or domed portion is shown at reference
number 920 and sits atop a disk-like portion 930. Optionally, the lower
surface of the
radial extension feature may taper in addition to, or instead of, the upper
surface
thereof, although this has not been illustrated. (Note that the particular
shape and
dimensions of portions 920, 930 may vary, and thus FIG. 9 provides one example
by
way of illustration but not of limitation.)
[0056] FIG. 9 also illustrates the upper portion 940 of the syringe
adapter 900
as having a generally conical shape which is somewhat less tapered than the
upper
portion as illustrated for the syringe adapters 500, 600 of FIGs. 5 and 6, and
having a
generally cylindrical shape for the lower portion 950.
[0057] By way of illustration but not of limitation, a length of the
conical portion
940 may be .32 inches; a length of the cylindrical portion 950 may be .48
inches; a
height or thickness of portion 930 may be .07 inches; a diameter of radial
extension
feature 910 may be .75 inches; a diameter of the distal and proximal ends of
conical
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portion 940 may be .156 inches and .174 inches, respectively; and a diameter
of
cylindrical portion 950 may be .24 inches.
[0058] FIG. 10 illustrates placement of a syringe adapter on a syringe. By
way
of illustration but not of limitation, the syringe in FIG. 10 corresponds to
the
tab-handled syringe 300 of FIG. 3 and the syringe adapter corresponds to the
embodiment shown at 900 of FIG. 9. Syringe tip 340' provides a point of
attachment
for the syringe adapter 900, and syringe tip 340' is shown as being generally
cylindrical: as contrasted with syringe tip 340 as earlier illustrated,
syringe tip 340' is
shown with a ribbed exterior mid-section 345 that may provide for a person to
securely
grip the syringe tip 340' while the syringe adapter 900 is being inserted
therein (or
removed therefrom). The connection between syringe tip 340' and syringe
adapter
900 is preferably a Luer-type lock, but a Luer-type slip may be used
alternatively
without deviating from the scope of the present invention. (It will be
understood that
in FIG. 10, a portion of the proximal end of syringe adapter 900 is located
inside the
distal end of tip 340', following the connection.)
[0059] FIG. 11 illustrates one example of placement of a needle on a
syringe
adapter, for an embodiment in which the syringe adapter remains in place while
medication is administered through an attached needle. By way of illustration
but not
of limitation, the syringe adapter in FIG. 11 corresponds to the embodiment
shown at
900 of FIG. 9, the attachment between the syringe and syringe adapter 900
corresponds to the attachment illustrated in FIG. 10, and the needle
corresponds to
the needle 400 of FIG. 4. In FIG. 11, needle 400 is shown as having its
proximal end
placed over the distal end of the syringe adapter. In this example, needle 400
includes a small flanged area 420 that enables it to securably attach to the
interior of a
Luer-type lock, although the illustrated attachment in FIG. 11 is a Luer-type
slip
connection. Accordingly, the needle 400 may be attached to, and removed from,
the
syringe adapter with relative ease (e.g., by pushing the proximal end of the
needle
onto the distal end of the syringe adapter and pulling it therefrom,
respectively). Note
that while flanged area 420 is shown as directly abutting the portion of the
syringe
adapter shown as having a domed shape, this is by way of illustration:
alternatively,
there may be a gap beneath flanged area 420.
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[0060] FIG. 12 illustrates still another embodiment of the disclosed
syringe
adapter, and its placement on a syringe. In this embodiment, syringe adapter
1200
includes a radial extension feature 1210 with a tapered or domed upper
surface,
similar to the previously-discussed radial extension feature 910 of FIG. 9. As
contrasted to syringe adapter 900, the conical portion of the syringe adapter
1200 is
somewhat longer (and it should be noted that embodiments of the present
invention
are not limited to a specific dimension, as has been discussed).
[0061] FIG. 12 also illustrates a Luer-type connecting member 1220 affixed
to
the proximal end of syringe adapter 1200 (where 2 horizontally-oriented "ribs"
are
illustrated on the surface of member 1220, by way of illustration but not of
limitation).
This connecting member 1220 is shown in FIG. 12 as connecting syringe adapter
1200 to a syringe, which may be syringe 300 of FIG. 3 (by way of illustration
but not of
limitation). The point of connection on syringe 300 is shown in FIG. 12 as
comprising
a syringe tip 340, similar to that which was discussed above with reference to
FIG. 10
by way of illustration, into which connecting member 1220 of syringe adapter
1200 is
removably inserted. In one approach, connecting member 1220 is made from metal
while remaining portions of syringe adapter 1200 are made from plastic, and a
bond is
made between the metal and plastic during manufacturing. Preferably,
connecting
member 1220 attaches to syringe tip 340' with a Luer-type lock connection
(rather
than a Luer-type slip connection). While not shown in FIG. 12, connecting
member
1220 preferably includes a flanged area at its proximal end (such as flanged
area 460
of FIG. 4B), and the Luer-type lock connection is made by inserting connecting
member 1220 into syringe tip 340' and then twisting the syringe adapter 1200
until the
flanged area locks into place in the internal threaded portion of the syringe
tip 340'.
This type of connection is deemed beneficial for providing a more secure
attachment
between the syringe and the syringe adapter.
[0062] FIG. 13 illustrates yet another embodiment of the disclosed syringe
adapter and its placement on a syringe. In this embodiment, syringe adapter
1300
differs from syringe adapter 1200 of FIG. 12 in that a Luer-type connecting
member
1320 affixed to the proximal end of syringe adapter 1300 uses a different
configuration. As shown in FIG. 13, connecting member 1320 has a multi-sided
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exterior shape, shown by way of illustration as being hexagonal in at least a
portion
thereof. More particularly, in the example shown in FIG. 13, connecting member
1320 has a hexagonal upper portion 1322 and a cylindrical lower portion 1321.
In
one approach, connecting member 1320 is made from metal while remaining
portions
of syringe adapter 1300 are made from plastic, and a bond is made between the
metal
and plastic during manufacturing. Preferably, connecting member 1320 attaches
to
syringe tip 340' with a Luer-type lock connection (rather than a Luer-type
slip
connection). While not shown in FIG. 13, connecting member 1320 preferably
includes a flanged area at its proximal end (such as flanged area 460 of FIG.
4B), and
the Luer-type lock connection is made by inserting connecting member 1320 into
syringe tip 340' and then twisting the syringe adapter 1300 until the flanged
area locks
into place in the internal threaded portion of the syringe tip 340'. As noted
above, the
Luer-type lock connection is deemed beneficial for providing a more secure
attachment between the syringe and the syringe adapter.
[0063] FIG. 14 illustrates a further embodiment of the disclosed syringe
adapter, showing an exterior view as well as cross-sectional views of
placement
thereof upon a syringe and as exploded. By way of illustration but not of
limitation,
the syringe in FIG. 14 corresponds to the tab-handled syringe 300 of FIG. 3
with its
syringe tip 340. Syringe adapter 1400, in this embodiment, includes a radial
extension member 1410 and the proximal end as denoted by reference number 1420
includes a Luer-type connecting member, where connecting member 1420 in turn
includes a flanged area 1421 at its proximal end (such as flanged area 460 of
FIG. 4B)
for removably attaching syringe adapter 1400 to the distal end of syringe 300.
The
Luer-type lock connection is made by inserting connecting member 1420 into
syringe
tip 340 and then twisting the syringe adapter 1400 until the flanged area 1421
locks
into place in the internal threaded portion of the syringe tip 340 (as
illustrated in the
non-exploded cross-sectional view) to thereby provide a secure attachment
between
the syringe and the syringe adapter.
[0064] FIG. 15 illustrates a still further embodiment of the disclosed
syringe
adapter, showing exterior views as well as cross-sectional views of placement
thereof
upon a syringe and as exploded. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 15 includes
a
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needle holder to which a needle may be removably affixed. In this embodiment,
a
needle 400' (illustrated as having an outer shape somewhat different from
needle 400,
by way of illustration but not of limitation) is removably affixed to a needle
holder 1510
that, in turn, is removably affixed to a syringe adapter 1500 that is
removably affixed to
a syringe 300 for the injection of medication into a recipient. When the
injection is
completed, the needle 400' preferably remains affixed to the needle holder
1510,
enabling needle 400 and needle holder 1510 to be removed from syringe adapter
1500 as a single unit (for example, in preparation for withdrawing additional
fluid
medication from a container). This enables the combination of needle holder
and
needle to be quickly and easily re-installed on the syringe adapter, after the
syringe
adapter is used for withdrawing a next dosage of medication, for administering
that
next dosage. (It should be noted that the cross-sectional views in FIG. 15
illustrate a
preferred interior and exterior shape of components 1500, 1510, but
embodiments are
not limited to the specific shapes and/or relative dimensions as shown except
as
otherwise noted herein.)
[0065] Preferably, syringe adapter 1500 is configured with a support hub
member 1501 that radially surrounds at least a portion of the length of the
syringe
adapter sidewall 1502. Preferably, the connection of syringe adapter 1500 to
syringe
tip 340 is made as a Luer-type lock by inserting a flanged proximal end 1504
of syringe
adapter sidewall 1502 into an internal threaded portion of syringe tip 340 and
then
twisting the syringe adapter 1500 until the flanged area locks into place in
the internal
threaded portion of the syringe tip 340. A proximal end of support hub member
1501
is preferably sized so as to slip over the exterior of syringe tip 340, while
the proximal
end of syringe adapter sidewall 1502 is sized so as to fit within the threaded
interior of
syringe tip 340 and to receive protrusion 341 of the syringe tip 340 within
the chamber
defined by the interior surface of sidewall 1502. This is illustrated in the
non-exploded
cross-sectional view.
[0066] In an embodiment, the distal end of sidewall 1502 is approximately
.10
inches in inside diameter, and this distal end of sidewall 1502 extends beyond
the
distal end of support hub member 1501 to allow the distal end of sidewall 1502
to
penetrate the rubber membrane on the medication bottle. In an embodiment, an
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outer wall of support hub member 1501 is shaped as a cylinder. In another
embodiment, by way of illustration but not of limitation, the outer wall may
be
configured to have a multi-sided exterior shape (such as, for example, a
hexagonal
shape).
[0067] A distal end of support hub member 1501 is preferably configured
with
an internal threaded portion to facilitate removably attaching needle holder
1510.
The threads are illustrated in FIG. 15 generally by small extensions 1503 on
the
interior wall of support hub member 1501, and this internal threaded portion
receives a
flanged area 1511 (similar to the above-described flanged area 460 of FIG. 4B)
that is
located at the proximal end of needle holder 1510. In an embodiment, the
threads
illustrated by extensions 1503 correspond to a double-helix configuration as
described
in the above-cited International Standards. Needle holder 1510 thereby makes a
Luer-type lock connection with syringe adapter 1500. In a configuration as
illustrated
in FIG. 15, support hub member 1501 also provides additional support for
needle
holder 1510. See the non-exploded cross-sectional view.
[0068] Needle holder 1510 preferably includes a radial extension feature
1512,
which may be located (by way of example) near the proximal end of the needle
holder.
Radial extension feature 1512 may enable a person to more easily grasp the
needle
holder 1510. In a configuration as illustrated in FIG. 15, radial extension
feature 1512
also serves to provide additional strength for the needle holder 1510, and
thus may
reduce the likelihood of a physical failure during use.
[0069] Needle holder 1510 is configured for removably attaching a needle
400',
and is illustrated in FIG. 15 as using a Luer-type slip connection that makes
the
attachment by placing the proximal end of needle 400' over the distal end of
needle
holder 1510. Needle holder 1510 may alternatively be configured to support a
Luer-type lock connection with needle 400' without deviating from the scope of
the
present invention, although this is not illustrated in FIG. 15. Such
alternative
configuration for a needle holder may be used with syringe adapter 1500, in
place of
needle holder 1510, within the scope of the present invention. (FIGs. 16- 21,
discussed below, illustrate embodiments that use Luer-type lock connections
between
a needle and needle holder.)
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[0070] Preferably, syringe adapter 1500 and needle holder 1510 are
constructed from a plastic or a composite. Syringe adapter 1500 and/or needle
holder 1510 may alternatively be constructed from another material, such as
stainless
steel, aluminum, or another metal (or a combination thereof), without
deviating from
the scope of the present invention.
[0071] Syringe adapter 1500 may optionally be configured as a permanent
attachment to (or replacement for) syringe tip 340, rather than being
removably affixed
thereto. (See the discussion of FIGs. 18- 21, below, which depict embodiments
that
replace a conventional syringe tip.) A distal end of the sidewall 1502 of
syringe
adapter 1500 may be relatively sharp, for ease of inserting this distal end
into a bottle
of medication (for example). (See the discussion of FIGs. 17 - 19, below,
which
depict embodiments having a relatively sharp tip on the distal end of a
syringe
adapter.)
[0072] In an embodiment, the opening at the distal end of needle holder
1510 is
approximately .08 inches in inside diameter, and the outside diameter conforms
to
suggested dimensions for a Luer-type tip in the above-cited International
Standards.
In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 15, an outer wall of needle holder
1510 has a
conical shape at the distal end and a similar shape at the proximal end, where
both the
proximal end and the distal end are generally conical in shape. Preferably, a
length of
an inner chamber 1513 of needle holder 1510 extends from the attachment point
in
support hub member 1501 to cover the distal end of syringe adapter 1500 (as
illustrated in the non-exploded cross-sectional view in FIG. 15). Note that
while the
needle holder 1510 and needle 400' may be removed as a unit from the syringe
adapter 1500, this is by way of example; alternatively the needle may be
removed from
the needle holder and the needle holder may then be removed from the syringe
adapter, without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0073] FIG. 16 illustrates yet another embodiment of the disclosed syringe
adapter, showing exterior views as well as cross-sectional views of placement
thereof
upon a syringe and as exploded. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 16 includes
a
needle holder to which a needle may be removably affixed. In this embodiment,
a
needle 400 is removably affixed to a needle holder 1610 that, in turn, is
removably
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affixed to a syringe adapter 1600 that is removably affixed to a syringe 300
for the
injection of medication into a recipient. When the injection is completed, the
needle
400 preferably remains affixed to the needle holder 1610, enabling needle 400
and
needle holder 1610 to be removed from syringe adapter 1600 as a single unit
(for
example, in preparation for withdrawing additional fluid medication from a
container).
This enables the combination of needle holder and needle to be quickly and
easily
re-installed on the syringe adapter, after the syringe adapter is used for
withdrawing a
next dosage of medication, for administering that next dosage. (It should be
noted
that the cross-sectional views in FIG. 16 illustrate a preferred interior and
exterior
shape of components 1600, 1610, but embodiments are not limited to the
specific
shapes and/or relative dimensions as shown except as otherwise noted herein.)
[0074] Preferably, syringe adapter 1600 is configured with a support hub
member 1601 that radially surrounds at least a portion of the length of the
syringe
adapter sidewall 1602. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 16, the
exterior of the
outer wall of support hub member 1601 has a hexagonal shape. This hexagonal
shape may enable a person to have a better grasp when connecting or
disconnecting
the syringe adapter 1600 to syringe 300 and/or needle holder 1610. (Note that
while
FIG. 16 illustrates the exterior of support hub member 1601 as being hexagonal
in
shape, this is by way of illustration but not of limitation, and the exterior
may be
configured to have a different shape without deviating from the scope of the
present
invention.)
[0075] A Luer-type lock connection between syringe adapter 1600 and
syringe
tip 340 is preferably made in the manner discussed above with reference to
FIG. 15,
and accordingly, details of the connection are not repeated here. A result of
the
connection is illustrated in the non-exploded cross-sectional view in FIG. 16.
[0076] In an embodiment, the distal end of sidewall 1602 is approximately
.10
inches in inside diameter, and this distal end of sidewall 1602 extends beyond
the
distal end of support hub member 1601 to allow the distal end of sidewall 1602
to
penetrate the rubber membrane on the medication bottle.
[0077] A distal end of support hub member 1601 is preferably configured
with
an internal threaded portion, similar to the threaded portion discussed above
with
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reference to support hub member 1501 of FIG. 15, and a Luer-type lock
connection
between syringe adapter 1600 and needle holder 1610 is preferably made using
the
threads (illustrated in FIG. 16 generally by small extensions 1603) and the
flanged
area 1611 of needle holder 1600 in the manner discussed above with reference
to
FIG. 15. See the non-exploded cross-sectional view in FIG. 16.
[0078] Needle holder 1610 is configured for removably attaching a needle
400.
Needle holder 1610 includes an internal threaded portion (see reference number
1612) on its distal end, where these threads are configured to provide a Luer-
type lock
connection with the flange 460 at the proximal end of needle 400, thus
providing a
relatively secure connection with the needle. More particularly, the
connection
between needle holder 1610 and needle 400 is preferably made by inserting the
flanged proximal end 460 into internal threaded portion 1612 and then twisting
the
needle until the flanged area locks into place in the internal threaded
portion of the
needle holder.
[0079] In an embodiment as depicted in FIG. 16, an exterior wall of needle
holder 1610 is preferably hexagonal in shape in a lower portion and
cylindrical in
shape in an upper portion, as shown in the isometric view, with exception of
the
proximal end where flange 1611 is located (and the protrusion at the distal
end). As
shown in FIG. 16, the proximal end immediately above the flange 1611 has a
conical
shape, by way of illustration but not of limitation; as one alternative, the
shape may be
cylindrical and still engage the threads on 1600 properly. Needle holder 1610
may
serve to provide additional strength for the assembly, and thus may reduce the
likelihood of a physical failure during use.
[0080] Preferably, syringe adapter 1600 and needle holder 1610 are
constructed from a plastic or a composite. Syringe adapter 1600 and/or needle
holder 1610 may alternatively be constructed from another material, such as
stainless
steel, aluminum, or another metal (or a combination thereof), without
deviating from
the scope of the present invention.
[0081] Syringe adapter 1600 may optionally be configured as a permanent
attachment to (or replacement for) syringe tip 340, rather than being
removably affixed
thereto. (See the discussion of FIGs. 18- 21, below, which depict embodiments
that
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replace a conventional syringe tip.) While not illustrated in FIG. 16, the
distal end of
the sidevvall 1602 of syringe adapter 1600 may be relatively sharp, for ease
of inserting
this distal end into a bottle of medication (for example). (See the discussion
of FIGs.
17 - 19, below, which depict embodiments having a relatively sharp tip on the
distal
end of a syringe adapter.)
[0082] Preferably, a length of an inner chamber 1613 of needle holder 1610
extends from the attachment point in support hub member 1601 to cover the
distal end
of syringe adapter 1600 (as illustrated in the non-exploded cross-sectional
view in FIG.
16). Note that while the needle holder 1610 and needle 400 may be removed as a
unit from the syringe adapter 1600, this is by way of example; alternatively
the needle
may be removed from the needle holder and the needle holder may then be
removed
from the syringe adapter, without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
[0083] FIG. 17 illustrates still another embodiment of the disclosed
syringe
adapter, showing exterior views as well as cross-sectional views of placement
thereof
upon a syringe and as exploded. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 17 includes
a
needle holder to which a needle may be removably affixed. In this embodiment,
a
needle 400 is removably affixed to a needle holder 1710 that, in turn, is
removably
affixed to a syringe adapter 1700 that is removably affixed to a syringe 300
for the
injection of medication into a recipient. When the injection is completed, the
needle
400 preferably remains affixed to the needle holder 1710, enabling needle 400
and
needle holder 1710 to be removed from syringe adapter 1700 as a single unit
(for
example, in preparation for withdrawing additional fluid medication from a
container).
This enables the combination of needle holder and needle to be quickly and
easily
re-installed on the syringe adapter, after the syringe adapter is used for
withdrawing a
next dosage of medication, for administering that next dosage. (It should be
noted
that the cross-sectional views in FIG. 17 illustrate a preferred interior and
exterior
shape of components 1700, 1710, but embodiments are not limited to the
specific
shapes and/or relative dimensions as shown except as otherwise noted herein.)
[0084] Preferably, syringe adapter 1700 is configured with a support hub
member 1701 that radially surrounds at least a portion of the length of the
syringe
adapter sidewall 1702. In an embodiment as illustrated in FIG. 17, the
exterior of the
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outer wall of support hub member 1701 has a hexagonal shape. This hexagonal
shape may enable a person to have a better grasp when connecting or
disconnecting
the syringe adapter 1700 to syringe 300 and/or needle holder 1710. (Note that
while
FIG. 17 illustrates the exterior of support hub member 1701 as being hexagonal
in
shape, this is by way of illustration but not of limitation, and the exterior
may be
configured to have a different shape without deviating from the scope of the
present
invention.)
[0085] Notably, a tip at the distal end of sidewall 1702 is shown in FIG.
17 as
having a relatively sharp point. The sharp point, or tip, is designed to
assist in
inserting the syringe adapter 1700 into the rubber membrane on a medicine
bottle.
The particular taper illustrated in FIG. 17 for this sharp point may be
adjusted, thereby
altering the degree of sharpness, without deviating from the scope of the
present
invention.
[0086] A Luer-type lock connection between syringe adapter 1700 and
syringe
tip 340 is preferably made in the manner discussed above with reference to
FIG. 15,
and accordingly, details of the connection are not repeated here. A result of
the
connection is illustrated in the non-exploded cross-sectional view in FIG. 17.
[0087] In an embodiment, the distal end of sidewall 1702 is approximately
.10
inches in inside diameter. In the illustration as shown, the distal end of
sidewall 1702
extends beyond the distal end of support hub member 1701 to allow the distal
end of
sidewall 1702 to penetrate the rubber membrane on the medication bottle.
[0088] A distal end of support hub member 1701 is preferably configured
with
an internal threaded portion, similar to the threaded portion discussed above
with
reference to support hub member 1501 of FIG. 15, and a Luer-type lock
connection
between syringe adapter 1700 and needle holder 1710 is preferably made using
the
threads (illustrated in FIG. 17 generally by small extensions 1703) and the
flanged
area 1711 of needle holder 1700 in the manner discussed above with reference
to
FIG. 15. See the non-exploded cross-sectional view in FIG. 17.
[0089] Needle holder 1710 is configured for removably attaching a needle
400.
Needle holder 1710 includes an internal threaded portion (see reference number
1712) on its distal end, where these threads are configured to provide a Luer-
type lock
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connection with the flange 460 at the proximal end of needle 400, thus
providing a
relatively secure connection with the needle. More particularly, the
connection
between needle holder 1710 and needle 400 is preferably made by inserting the
flanged proximal end 460 into internal threaded portion 1712 and then twisting
the
needle until the flanged area locks into place in the internal threaded
portion of the
needle holder.
[0090] In an embodiment as depicted in FIG. 17, an exterior wall of needle
holder 1710 is preferably hexagonal in shape in a lower portion and
cylindrical in
shape in an upper portion, as shown in the isometric view, with exception of
the
proximal end where flange 1711 is located (and the protrusion at the distal
end). As
shown in FIG. 17, the proximal end immediately above the flange 1711 has a
conical
shape, by way of illustration but not of limitation; as one alternative, the
shape may be
cylindrical and still engage the threads on 1700 properly. Needle holder 1710
may
serve to provide additional strength for the assembly, and thus may reduce the
likelihood of a physical failure during use.
[0091] As contrasted to the inner chamber 1613 of needle holder 1610, it
will be
noted that the inner chamber 1713 of needle holder 1710 is approximately twice
as
long as chamber 1613. This added length serves to accept the full length of
the
elongated tip 1702 of syringe adapter 1700, as can be seen in the non-exploded
cross-sectional view in FIG. 17, and thus the length of inner chamber 1713
extends
from the attachment point in support hub member 1701 to cover the distal end
of
syringe adapter 1700.
[0092] Preferably, syringe adapter 1700 and needle holder 1710 are
constructed from a plastic or a composite. Syringe adapter 1700 and/or needle
holder 1710 may alternatively be constructed from another material, such as
stainless
steel, aluminum, or another metal (or a combination thereof), without
deviating from
the scope of the present invention.
[0093] Syringe adapter 1700 may optionally be configured as a permanent
attachment to (or replacement for) syringe tip 340, rather than being
removably affixed
thereto. (See the discussion of FIGs. 18- 21, below, which depict embodiments
that
replace a conventional syringe tip.)
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[0094] Note that while the needle holder 1710 and needle 400 may be
removed
as a unit from the syringe adapter 1700, this is by way of example;
alternatively the
needle may be removed from the needle holder and the needle holder may then be
removed from the syringe adapter, without deviating from the scope of the
present
invention.
[0095] FIGs. 18 and 19 illustrate additional embodiments of the disclosed
syringe adapter, showing exterior views as well as cross-sectional views of
placement
thereof upon a syringe and as exploded. FIGs. 18 and 19 are similar, and thus
will be
described together. The embodiments illustrated in FIGs. 18 and 19 include a
needle
holder to which a needle may be removably affixed. In these embodiments, a
needle
400 is removably affixed to a needle holder 1810 or 1910 that, in turn, is
removably
affixed to a syringe adapter 1800 or 1900 that is removably affixed to a
syringe 300 for
the injection of medication into a recipient. When the injection is completed,
the
needle 400 preferably remains affixed to the needle holder 1810 or 1910,
enabling
needle 400 and needle holder 1810 or 1910 to be removed from syringe adapter
1800
or 1900 as a single unit (for example, in preparation for withdrawing
additional fluid
medication from a container). This enables the combination of needle holder
and
needle to be quickly and easily re-installed on the syringe adapter, after the
syringe
adapter is used for withdrawing a next dosage of medication, for administering
that
next dosage. (It should be noted that the cross-sectional views in FIGs. 18
and 19
illustrate a preferred interior and exterior shape of components 1800, 1810,
1900,
1910, but embodiments are not limited to the specific shapes and/or relative
dimensions as shown except as otherwise noted herein.)
[0096] As shown in FIGs. 18 and 19, syringe adapters 1800, 1900 are
preferably configured with a support hub member 1801, 1901 that is a solid
piece
surrounding an inner chamber, in contrast to the approach of the support hub
members shown in FIGs. 15 - 17, with an extension from the proximal end and an
extension from the distal end of this support hub member. In embodiments as
illustrated in FIGs. 18 and 19, the exterior of the support hub members 1801,
1901
have a generally hexagonal shape, although another shape (such as cylindrical)
may
be used without deviating from the scope of the present invention.
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[0097] FIGs. 18 and 19 depict a tip 1802, 1902 extending from the distal
end of
support hub members 1801, 1901, where these tips are shown as having a
relatively
sharp point. As discussed above, the sharp point is designed to assist in
inserting the
syringe adapter 1800, 1900 into the rubber membrane on a medicine bottle, and
the
particular taper may be adjusted from the angle shown in the figures, thereby
altering
the degree of sharpness, without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
(It should also be noted that the sharp point may be eliminated, using instead
a tip
generally similar to the shape illustrated in FIGs. 15- 16, and such
alternative shape is
deemed to be within the scope of the present invention. See FIGs. 20 and 21,
which
correspond to FIGs. 18 and 19, respectively, but show an alternative approach
where
the sharp point is not used.)
[0098] FIGs. 18 and 19 also depict a change to how the syringe adapter
1800,
1900 attaches to a syringe. Rather than forming a Luer-type lock connection
between syringe adapter 1800, 1900 and a syringe tip such as tip 340, the
approach
shown in FIGs. 18 and 19 is to remove the syringe tip from the syringe (or
equivalently,
to use a syringe which has not been fitted with a syringe tip). In a preferred
approach,
connection between the syringe adapter 1800, 1900 and a syringe is made by
inserting an extension 1804, 1904 at the proximal end of the syringe adapter
into a
cavity 342 where the syringe tip would have been located. Notably,
conventional
syringe tips are made to be removable in some syringes, allowing for cleaning
(for
example). Accordingly, threads into which such removable syringe tips are
connected may be leveraged for connecting the extensions 1804, 1904. The
syringe
adapters 1800, 1900 may therefore serve as a permanent attachment to a
syringe, or
as a replacement for a syringe tip. The syringe adapters 1800, 1900 may
alternatively be viewed and/or configured as a semi-permanent attachment or
replacement, in that it can be removed if desired. Preferably, syringe
adapters 1800,
1900 include a rubber gasket (or similar fitting) on an underside of the
support hub
member 1801, 1901, as shown by reference numbers 1806, 1906. A result of the
connection is illustrated in the non-exploded cross-sectional views in FIGs.
18 and 19.
[0099] Syringe adapters 1800, 1900 differ in the width of extensions 1804,
1904. A corresponding width is used for cavity 342. FIGs. 18 and 19 both
illustrate
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the exterior of support hub members 1801, 1901 as being generally hexagonal in
shape, although this is by way of illustration but not of limitation and the
exterior may
be configured to have a different shape without deviating from the scope of
the present
invention.
[0100] A distal end of support hub members 1801, 1901 is preferably
configured with an internal threaded portion, similar to the threaded portion
discussed
above with reference to support hub member 1501 of FIG. 15, and a Luer-type
lock
connection between syringe adapter 1800, 1900 and needle holder 1810, 1910 is
made using the threads (illustrated in FIGs. 18 and 19 generally by small
extensions
1803, 1903) and flanged area 1811, 1911 of needle holder 1800, 1900 in the
manner
discussed above with reference to FIG. 15. See the non-exploded cross-
sectional
views in FIGs. 18 and 19.
[0101] Needle holders 1810, 1910 are configured for removably attaching a
needle 400 using a Luer-type lock connection between an internal threaded
portion
1812, 1912 on the distal end of the needle holder and a flanged area 460 of
needle
400 in the manner discussed above with reference to FIGs. 16 and 17, and
accordingly, details of the connection are not repeated here. A result of the
connection is illustrated in the non-exploded cross-sectional views in FIGs.
18 and 19.
[0102] In embodiments as depicted in FIGs. 18 and 19, an exterior wall of
needle holders 1810, 1910 is preferably hexagonal in shape in a lower portion
and
cylindrical in shape in an upper portion, as shown in the isometric view, with
exception
of the proximal end where flange 1811, 1911 is located (and the protrusion at
the distal
end). As shown in FIGs. 18 and 19, the proximal end immediately above the
flange
1811, 1911 has a conical shape, by way of illustration but not of limitation;
as one
alternative, the shape may be cylindrical and still engage the threads on
1800, 1900
properly. Needle holder 1810, 1910 may serve to provide additional strength
for the
assembly, and thus may reduce the likelihood of a physical failure during use.
[0103] The length of inner chambers 1813, 1913 of needle holders 1810,
1910
preferably extends from the attachment point in support hub member 1801, 1901
to
cover the distal end of syringe adapter 1800, 1900, thus accepting the full
length of the
elongated tips 1802, 1902 of syringe adapters 1800, 1900, as can be seen in
the
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non-exploded cross-sectional views in FIGs. 18 and 19.
[0104] Preferably, syringe adapters 1800, 1900 and needle holders 1810,
1910
are constructed from a plastic or a composite. Syringe adapters 1800, 1900
and/or
needle holders 1810, 1910 may alternatively be constructed from another
material,
such as stainless steel, aluminum, or another metal (or a combination
thereof), without
deviating from the scope of the present invention.
[0105] Note that while the needle holders 1810, 1910 and needle 400 may be
removed as a unit from the syringe adapters 1800, 1900, this is by way of
example;
alternatively the needle may be removed from the needle holder and the needle
holder
may then be removed from the syringe adapter, without deviating from the scope
of
the present invention.
[0106] It should be noted that while discussions herein refer primarily to
making
a locking connection by twisting a first feature within a second feature, it
will be
obvious that the second feature may be twisted within the first feature or
that both
features may be twisted, without deviating from the scope of the present
invention.
[0107] Use of the disclosed syringe adapter while medicating an animal
operates, in some embodiments, as follows: the syringe adapter is affixed to a
syringe (which, as noted earlier, is preferably a pistol-grip or tab-handled
syringe); the
syringe adapter is inserted into a bottle of medication; the plunger of the
syringe is
pulled back to withdraw the desired dosage of medication from the bottle into
the
syringe barrel; the syringe adapter is removed from the bottle, while the
plunger
remains stationary; the syringe adapter is replaced with a needle; and the
medication
(or some portion thereof) is then injected by pushing the plunger forward (for
example,
by squeezing the pistol-grip handles or pressing down on the tabbed handle) to
expel
medication from the syringe barrel. If it is desired to reuse the syringe
adapter, then
the needle is removed from the syringe, after which the above process is
repeated.
(As noted earlier, the disclosed syringe adapter is not limited to use with
medication
intended for any particular type of animal life, and therefore the medication
may be
injected more generally into a "target" or a "recipient")
[0108] Use of the disclosed syringe adapter operates, in some other
embodiments, as follows: the syringe adapter is affixed to a syringe
(preferably a
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pistol-grip or tab-handled syringe); the syringe adapter is inserted into a
bottle of
medication; the plunger of the syringe is pulled back to withdraw the desired
dosage of
medication from the bottle into the syringe barrel; the syringe adapter (which
remains
attached to the syringe) is removed from the bottle, while the plunger remains
stationary; a needle is affixed to the syringe adapter (and note that the
syringe adapter
remains affixed to the syringe); and the medication (or some portion thereof)
is then
injected by pushing the plunger forward (for example, by squeezing the pistol-
grip
handles or pressing down on the tabbed handle) to expel medication from the
syringe
barrel. If it is desired to reuse the syringe adapter (for example, for
medicating
another animal), then the needle is removed from the syringe adapter, after
which the
above process of withdrawing medication using the syringe adapter, affixing a
needle
thereto, and then injecting the medication (or some portion thereof) is
repeated.
[0109] Use of the disclosed syringe adapter operates, in still other
embodiments, as follows: the syringe adapter is affixed to a syringe
(preferably a
pistol-grip or tab-handled syringe), and this attachment may be temporary
(i.e.,
removable), permanent, or semi-permanent (that is, intended as a permanent
replacement for a conventional syringe tip, although being configured to be
removable, such as for cleaning); the syringe adapter is inserted into a
bottle of
medication; the plunger of the syringe is pulled back to withdraw the desired
dosage of
medication from the bottle into the syringe barrel; the syringe adapter (which
remains
attached to the syringe) is removed from the bottle, while the plunger remains
stationary; a needle holder, to which a needle is affixed (either before or
after
connecting the needle holder and the syringe adapter), is affixed to the
syringe
adapter (and note that the syringe adapter remains affixed to the syringe);
and the
medication (or some portion thereof) is then injected by pushing the plunger
forward
(for example, by squeezing the pistol-grip handles or pressing down on the
tabbed
handle) to expel medication from the syringe barrel. If it is desired to reuse
the
syringe adapter (for example, for medicating another animal), then the needle
holder
and its affixed needle are removed from the syringe adapter (preferably as a
single
unit), after which the above process of withdrawing medication using the
syringe
adapter, affixing a needle holder with needle to the syringe adapter, and then
injecting
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the medication (or some portion thereof) is repeated.
[0110] It should be noted that while embodiments are described herein as
conforming to the above-cited International Standards and/or as using Luer-
type
connections to a syringe, this is by way of illustration but not of
limitation. It should
also be noted that the figures are directed toward illustrating aspects of the
present
invention, in combination with descriptions herein, and aspects shown therein
(for
example, length, width, and/or taper) are not necessarily drawn to scale.
[0111] Mile medications have been discussed herein as commonly being sold
in a multi-dose bottle, this is by way of illustration and not of limitation.
The disclosed
syringe adapter may be used beneficially for medication that is sold in a
single-use
dosage. Also, it should be noted that while some discussions herein refer to
expelling
the withdrawn medication" or "emptying" the syringe, this is by way of
illustration and
not of limitation: the scope of the present invention does not require
withdrawn
medication to be expelled in full nor does it require a syringe to be fully
emptied.
[0112] Advantageously, the disclosed syringe adapter may be included with
purchase (e.g., within the packaging) of a higher-viscosity medication. As one
alternative, a multi-pack of the disclosed syringe adapter may be included
with such
purchase, particularly when the medication is sold in a multi-dose bottle. The
disclosed syringe adapter may also be sold separately from medication.
[0113] Examples of higher-viscosity animal medications with which the
disclosed syringe adapter may be used beneficially include Nuflor, Nuflor Gold
, and
Resflor Gold . ("Nuflor", "Nuflor Gold", and "Resflor Gold" are registered
trademarks
of Intervet Inc. in the United States, other countries, or both. Intervet is
now known as
"Merck Animal Health".) These medications are commonly sold in 500-milliliter
multi-dose bottles and may be administered, by way of example, in dosages of
36 to
60 milliliters per animal. Accordingly, a single multi-dose bottle may be used
to treat
generally 8 to 14 animals at this dosage range.
[0114] As noted earlier, viscosity of a substance may vary with
temperature.
Viscosity is commonly measured in units termed "centipoise", which may be
abbreviated as "cP" or "cps". Water, at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, has a viscosity
of
approximately 1 cps, and by way of comparison, blood generally has a viscosity
of
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about 10 cps. By convention, a temperature of 70 degrees Fahrenheit is used as
a
reference point for measuring cps, and thus when a temperature is not
mentioned for a
particular cps measurement, it should be assumed that the temperature
associated
with the stated measurement is 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
[0115] According to a study documented in "Syringeability and Viscosity
Comparative of Different Florfenicol Formulations" by S. Colamer, et al., date
unknown, the viscosity of Nuflor at 5 degrees Celsius (which is approximately
41
degrees Fahrenheit) was 321 cps. U. S. Patent 8,034,845, titled "Compositions
and
Method for Treating Infection in Cattle and Swine", discusses a formulation
believed to
correspond to Nuflor Gold and states that formulations of the invention
disclosed
therein preferably "have a viscosity of less than about 125 cps".
[0116] An embodiment of the present invention is believed to be
advantageous
for fluid medications having a viscosity of at least 50 to 100 cps at a
temperature of at
least 5 degrees Celsius, as well as for fluid medications having a higher cps
at this
temperature (noting, as stated above, that viscosity varies with temperature).
[0117] FIG. 22 presents tables containing measurements from tests
conducted
to compare use of a sample version of the disclosed syringe adapter to use of
conventional needles. The tested medication was Resflor Gold , and a withdrawn
quantity thereof was 30 cc (computed as a desired volume for treating an
animal with a
body weight of 500 pounds). Results of these tests will now be discussed.
[0118] In a first test (denoted "Test #1" in FIG. 22), the medication was
at room
temperature. A withdrawal rate was measured using an 18-gauge needle having a
1-inch length, a 16-gauge needle having a 5/8-inch length, and the syringe
adapter.
A 16-gauge needle has a larger tip opening (i.e., a larger inside) than an 18-
gauge
needle, and will therefore withdraw a solution faster than the 18-gauge,
although the
16-gauge needle is thought to be disfavored for at least some situations
because it
may allow the (relatively expensive) medication to leak out during the
medicating
process. In addition, a 16-gauge needle is thought to be too large to use on
smaller
animals. In the sample version, the diameter of the opening in the distal end
of the
syringe adapter was approximately 0.094 inches.
[0119] In this first test, the bottle of medication was placed upon a
table and the
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syringe adapter was already mounted upon a syringe held by the tester, and the
elapsed withdrawal times include picking up the bottle and inserting the
syringe
adapter into the bottle. As shown in FIG. 22, withdrawing 30 cc of Resflor
Gold in
this test environment required 3 minutes 50.30 seconds using the 18-gauge
needle
and 35 seconds using the 16-gauge needle, as compared to 8 seconds using the
syringe adapter.
[0120] Time to expel the 30 cc of medication was also tested in this first
test.
Expelling the medication in this test environment required 35 seconds using
the
18-gauge needle and 11 seconds using the 16-gauge needle. (Time to expel the
medication was not measured using the syringe adapter, because the expel time
depends on the needle used for injecting the medication.)
[0121] In a second test (denoted "Test #2" in FIG. 22), the medication was
again at room temperature, but the bottle of medication was now held by the
tester to
eliminate time required to pick up the bottle. Accordingly, the elapsed
withdrawal
times in this test begin with inserting the syringe adapter into the bottle.
As shown in
FIG. 22, withdrawing 30 cc of Resflor Gold in this test environment required
an
average of 5.54 seconds when using the syringe adapter, where this average was
computed by taking measurements 6 times and discarding a time that appeared to
be
an outlier. (Because slightly more than 2 seconds were gained by omitting the
"pick
up' time of the bottle, this test was not performed using the needles: it may
be
assumed that the withdrawal times using needles in the first test would be
approximately 2 seconds less under the environment of this second test.)
[0122] In a third test (denoted "Test #3" in FIG. 22), the medication was
now at
a temperature of approximately 38 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit, having just been
removed from refrigeration (noting that this temperature was intended to
simulate a
cold weather environment in which the tested medication might be used). The
bottle
of medication and syringe with affixed syringe adapter were again held by the
tester
(and the elapsed times began with inserting the syringe adapter into the
bottle), as in
the second test. As shown in FIG. 22, withdrawing 30 cc of the
now-cooler-temperature Resflor Gold in this test environment required 3
minutes
42.27 seconds using the 16-gauge needle, as compared to 1 minute 1 second
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the syringe adapter. Note that this third test was not conducted using the
smaller
18-gauge needle, but by comparison to the results of the first test, it can be
seen that
the withdrawal time using the smaller needle may be expected to greatly exceed
the
nearly 4-minute withdrawal time for the 16-gauge syringe.
[0123] As has been demonstrated, an embodiment of the present invention
improves syringeability of higher-viscosity medications, allowing such
medication to
be withdrawn from a bottle in much less time as compared to the known approach
of
withdrawal using a needle. More animals may therefore be medicated in a given
period of time, leading to improved productivity of persons caring for the
animals as
well as enabling overall improved health for the animals. No longer will
higher
viscosity be a barrier to the market, and because medication of this type will
be more
readily administered when using a syringe adapter as disclosed herein,
improvement
may be expected in animal health, and market share and/or market presence for
the
medication may improve as well.
[0124] It should be noted that various features discussed herein with
reference
to "an embodiment", "one embodiment", "a preferred embodiment", and so forth
should not be construed as suggesting that each such feature is present in a
single
embodiment, or in every embodiment, of the present invention. Instead, it
should be
understood that there may be various combinations of the disclosed features
present
in any particular embodiment.
[0125] Mile embodiments of the present invention have been described,
additional variations and modifications in those embodiments may occur to
those of
ordinary skill in the art once they learn of the basic inventive concepts.
Therefore, it is
intended that the appended claims shall be construed to include the described
embodiments and all such variations and modifications as fall within the
spirit and
scope of the invention.
36
