AU9322798A

AU9322798A - Automatic veterinary medicament delivery system

Info

Publication number: AU9322798A
Application number: AU93227/98A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wilbur L. Eidson; Jon Nathisrud; Lester W. Zehner
Original assignee: Eidson Associates Inc
Current assignee: Eidson Associates Inc
Priority date: 1997-11-19
Filing date: 1998-11-18
Publication date: 1999-06-10
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-18
Also published as: NZ332852A; AU752856B2; CA2267812A1

Description

Our Ref: 702305 P/00/011 Regulation 3:2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

ORIGINAL

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Applicant(s): Address for Service: Eidson Associates, Inc PO Box 16204 Mineapolis Minnesota 55415 UNITED STATES OF AMERICA DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Trade Mark Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street SYDNEY NSW 2000 Automatic veterinary medicament delivery system 0

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*c S Invention Title: The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 5020 AUTOMATIC VETERINARY MEDICAMENT DELIVERY SYSTEM by Wilbur L. Eidson, Lester W. Zehner and Jon Mathisrud

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to veterinary delivery devices for delivering medicaments, including pharmaceuticals or vaccines, to a plurality of poultry or other animals. In particular, this invention relates to a portable, electrically powered veterinary delivery system for reliably providing a precise amount of pharmaceuticals, or vaccine, rapidly to a plurality of poultry or other animals.

Injection devices are known in the art. Numerous injection devices have been provided in prior art that are adapted to include manually operated plunger. A hand-held syringe, having a barrel 'and manually operated plunger, has been used to administer vaccines, antibiotics and other biological products. A problem with this device and method is that the accuracy of the dose is .l'dependent on the manual strength and attention of the operator.

When injecting large numbers of birds or other animals, the operator's hands become fatigued resulting in inaccurate doses 'being delivered to the bird or other animal being injected. An 'additional problem has been accidental injury to the operator as a result of either movement of the bird or other animal during the *""fTjection process or lack of lighting present at the barn or other 'i4jection locale. Keeping track of which birds or other animals have been injected within a flock or herd has also been a problem.

additional device provides a syringe having two needles to -:-tject serum and virus simultaneously.

While these units may be suitable for the particular purpose which they address, they would not be as suitable for the purposes of the present invention as hereinafter described.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to an automatic veterinary medicament delivery system that satisfies these needs for delivery of precise amounts of medicament to an individual animal or fowl.

The medicament includes any fluid products for immunizing purposes or for treatment. The system provides rapid and consistent administration of the medicament, without fatigue-affected changes in the amount of medicament delivered, to large numbers of animals and/or poultry. An automatic veterinary medicament delivery system having features of the present invention comprises a hand-held injection gun for injecting the medicament into the individual animal, a source of fluid medicament, tubing interconnecting the injection gun and the medicament, an electrically powered pump in fluid communication with both the injection gun and the medicament, and actuation means for activating a pump forcing the medicament through the tubing from medicament source to the injection gun for dispensing. Manually depressing a trigger, in conjunction with Ipushing the needle guard to the tip of needle hub, closes an electrical switch which actuates the pump causing release of fluid ,'through the hollow needle.

S! The system is enclosed in a tool box, which protects it from dirt and dust and also makes it easy to store and transport. It is the general object of the present invention to provide a novel and ,,'improved multiple dose veterinary delivery system that provides a ':precise dosage to a plurality of animals and does not require refilling between administration of medicament.

A further object is to provide an veterinary delivery system which can be manipulated with one hand.

Another object is to provide a veterinary delivery system that .4 **..'Conspicuously marks the animals receiving the medicament.

It is a further object to provide a veterinary medicament delivery system which ensures administration of a medicament to the animal.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a veterinary delivery system that uses a self-priming pump.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a veterinary delivery system that eliminates waste of medicament and that provides an accurate count of doses delivered.

Another object is to reduce the hazard of self-inoculation of the operator. A further object is to provide an easily transportable injection system.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Understanding of the invention will be enhanced by referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like numbers refer to like parts in the several views and in which: Fig. I is a side view of the medicament delivery system, with certain portions shown in cross-section to facilitate understanding; Fig. 2 is a side view of a first embodiment injection gun for use in the medicament delivery system of claim 1, the left half of the housing being removed; Fig. 3 is a side view of a second embodiment of an injection gun for use in the medicament delivery system of claim 1, the left half of the housing being removed and the right half of the housing shown in cross-section; a Fig. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a mixing chamber constructed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of control panel having a dosage selection control, a counter, three-way rocker switch and electronic dosage control in accordance with the invention; Fig. 6 is an enlarged exploded view of an electronic dosage :control for use in the veterinary medicament delivery system of Fig. 1; Fig. 7 is a top plan view of a cassette dosage control for an alternate embodiment of the automatic veterinary medicament delivery system; Fig. 8 is a side view of the medicament delivery system, with certain portions shown in cross-section to facilitate understanding incorporating a cassette dosage control and mixing chamber in accordance with the invention; Fig. 9 is a top plan view of the tray portion of a second embodiment automatic veterinary medicament delivery system; Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment utilizing a backpack to carry veterinary medicament delivery system; Fig. 11 is a side view of a third embodiment gun; and Fig. 12 is a side view of the medicament delivery system with certain portions shown in cross-section to facilitat understanding, incorporating a cassette dosage control and a single medicament container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENTLY PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Understanding of the invention will be further enhanced by referring to the following illustrative but nonlimiting example.

The term "medicaments" is intended to include serum, vaccine, antibiotics, and any other fluid products that may be used for immunizing or for treating birds or animals.

OVERVIEW

Turning now to the drawings, in which like reference characters refer to corresponding elements throughout the several views, Fig. 1 illustrates an electrically powered automatic S')"Seterinary medicament delivery system, shown generally at '.ystem 2022 is housed in a tool box 22 and includes an injection gun 50 in fluid communication by means of tubing 52 with a .'.*.medicament container 80. A peristaltic pump 100 sucks up the ':"siedicament from within container 80 and forces the fluid medicament through the tubing 52 for delivery by injection gun 50 through needle 56. A first embodiment utilizes an electronic dosage control 130. A second embodiment, Fig. 8, utilizes a cassette dosage control 120. Use of either the electronic dosage control 130 or the cassette dosage control 120 delivers a predetermined equally precise amount of medicament. Electronic dosage control 130 provides ease of changing dosage. Marking dye is delivered, by a dye nozzle 170, simultaneously with injection of medicament, marking the individual poultry or other animal injected. Fluid from more than one medicament container 80,80' can be injected simultaneously through their respective tubing 90,90', the medicaments forced by their respective pump 100, 100' through mixing tube 190 intermixing the two medicaments prior to their being injected through injection gun A first embodiment injection gun 50, Fig. 2, is of one-piece construction with a head portion 46 and a grip handle portion 48 with a hollow needle 56 housed by the head portion 46. A springloaded retractable needle guard 58 surrounds the needle and has spring 62 for urging the needle guard 58 into a first position extending longitudinally at least as far as the needle 56. Contact with the body of the animal or fowl overcomes the spring 62 permitting the needle 56 to protrude for injection of the animal or fowl.

In a second embodiment, the head portion 46' and the handle portion 48' of the injection gun 50' are formed separately and pivotally connected. The pivot 44 permits re-positioning of the handle grip portion 48' relative to the head portion 46' to enable the user to more comfortably fit the injection gun 50' to his or her hand for prolonged use.

In one embodiment, an electronic control is used to select an S appropriate and consistent dosage from an available range.

S

.Alternatively, interchangeable cassettes may be used to provide consistent delivery of a precise dose.

a a.

oo A second embodiment dosage control has interchangeable cassettes for consistent delivery of a precise amount of medicament for delivery by the injection gun.

A mixing tube, shown at Fig. 4, having a cylindrical barrel with a centrally positioned mixing member shaped as two worm gears rotating in opposite directions, is provided enabling mixing together of two fluids forced into a first end of the cylindrical tube prior to delivery by the injection gun.

A marking means is provided in the form of dye sprayed onto the subject animal or fowl at the time of injection to conspicuously mark an individual within a group that has been injected.

INJECTION GUN First embodiment injection gun 50, shown in detail in Fig. 2, has a one-piece housing with a head portion 46 and a handle grip portion 48. Handle grip portion 48 is designed in such a way to be comfortable for both right and left-handed people. Trigger 54 is extended from handle grip portion 48 to provide a gun-like grip.

Injection gun 50, and second embodiment injection gun 50', are equipped with a hollow needle 56 which is in fluid communication, through injection set tubing 52, with the liquid medicament container 80. Injection gun 50, 50' electrical wiring are connected to port 96 by a durable, water resistant electric connector 114, such an electric connector is made by Time Electronic Supply Co., 7803 Green Bay Rd. Suite 302, Bloomington, MN 55439. A quick connect fluid coupler 196, such as that made by Coulder Products Co., 1001 Westgate Dr. St. Paul, MN 55114, connects the injection set tubing 52 to tool box 22. The connector and quick connect fluid couplers enable the injection gun to be Sdisconnected from the outside of the tool box 22 and packed inside 'tool box 22. This secures the injection gun 50 50' to the tool box 22 for ease of transportation and storage. Additionally, the .".connector and quick connect fluid couplers are water proof to a submersible depth of three feet. This connector seals tightly and will prevent dirt and grime from entering the electric contacts :that they are protecting. Additional quick connect fluid couplers :also allow for the removal of pump 100, 100', from the tool box 22 without disturbing any of the fluid lines inside the tool box *,22.

S. Mounted on injection gun 50 50' is needle guard 58 which is constructed of clear tubing that has spring 62 to urge the needle guard 58 into a first position, extended at least as far as the tip of needle 56. Needle guard 58 is urged to a second position, pushed to the tip of the needle hub 57, as indicated by arrows in Fig.2, when the needle 56 comes into contact with the body of the poultry or other animal. When needle guard 58 is biased to the second position, to complete the electrical circuit and actuate the pump 100. Needle 56 is replaceable and can be changed by temporarily removing needle guard 58. When needle guard 58 reaches a second position, it actuates the switch 53 which controls administration. This switch 53 is wired in conjunction with the trigger 54 on the injection gun 50,50', making it necessary for the trigger 54 to be depressed in order for the switch at the needle guard 58 to work. This feature adds materially to the safety and reduced fatigue of the operator, as well as the speed of operation since the operator can depress the trigger 54 constantly, allowing injection to occur automatically and as quickly as needle guard 58 is depressed.

Luer lock 64 receives needle 56 and retains the needle 56 in its position of use on injection gun 50 50'. Tube 66, in actual .use of metal but other materials could be used, connects luer lock 64 to solenoid containing needle valve 68, which in turn interconnects with medicament fluid tubing 76.

'Trigger 54 is in electrical communication with pump 100, by means of trigger wiring 55, and with solenoid containing needle valve 68 by means of needle valve wiring 69 and with needle guard 58 by needle guard wiring 59. Trigger 54 must be depressed, the "Il'needle 56 must be fully inserted, indicated by arrows in Fig. 2, :and needle guard 58 must be pushed to the tip of the needle hub 57 to complete the electrical circuit in switch 53 which actuates the 100 enabling the pump 100 to inject medicament.

Injection guns 50 50' are also equipped with a light emitting diode as an illuminating work lamp 164, mounted adjacent S'needle 56. A diode such as model HLMP-1503, made by Gilway 4 manufacturer has been used and works wel although -other light emitting sources could also be used. Lamp 164, in electrical communication with battery by means of lamp wiring 162, Fig.2, provides illumination in low light areas, such as barns, and attracts attention to the needle 56 to prevent accidental selfinjection by user. Poultry are vaccinated in low light in order to keep the birds calm.

Several indicator lights are located on injection gun so50 Low serum bottle level is indicated by signal light 172 electrically connected to pressure sensitive switch 82, as shown in Fig. 1. Pressure sensitive switch 82 consists of spring 84 which pushes platform 83 upwardly which in turn pushes up medicament container 80. When a filled medicament container 80 is placed on platform 83, the weight of the container 80 plus medicament urges two ends of electric switch 85 together. Because electrical switch is wired in a normally open position, the weight of filled medicament container closes the electrical connection and prevents lighting of the signal lamp 172 on injection gun 50, 50' and control panel Fig. 5. When the fluid level of medicament within container 80 is reduced by use to a pre-determined level, spring 84 overcomes the weight of the container 80 and urges apart the two ends of electric switch 85 turning on the signal lamp 172. This feature ensures that every animal gets injected. Additional signal lights, i.e. a power signal 174, mounted on both injection gun 50' interconnected with the main power switch 156, are also located on control panel 140. Power signal 174, in electrical communication with battery 40 by means of wiring 175, glows green to indicate when the pump 100 is in the forward, delivery mode, and .glows red to indicate when the pump 100 is in the reverse mode.

reverse mode is used to retrieve unused medicament at the end 0 of each job thereby reducing waste of medicament. This feature 9:..prevents any confusion in the direction that the pump 100 is :pumping, i.e. green indicates forward while red indicates the reverse mode.

A second embodiment injection gun 50' is shown in detail in Fig. 3. The two-piece housing of injection gun 50' enables the injection gun 50' to be positioned to facilitate different types of injection gun injecting poultry ana swine.

injections, as when changing between injecting poultry and wine.

In its normal position of use, injection gun 50 is positioned with the head portion 46' at approximately 900 angle to handle grip portion 48, as shown in Fig. 3. The pivot 44 enables the user to change the angle to a desired position by loosening the attachment screw 42 and repositioning the head portion 46' relative to the handle grip portion 48. This enables the user to choose a more comfortable position or to change the position to counteract hand fatigue associated with repetitive movements. 170, A dye is simultaneously sprayed f rom noze interconnected by dye fluid tubing 168 to dye container 60, in response to manually pushing trigger 54 inwardly, to mark the animal or fowl injected.

PUMP 100 creates a vacuum within In use, a peristaltic-type pmpthe medicament container tubing that sucks up the fluid from the medicament container by repetitively compressing and expanding a section of tubinge This provides force to move the flud from the medcament contin through the system to the injection gun without introducing conta ation ito the stem. Peristaltic-type pump 100 is used contamination into the system. s as shown in in conjunction with both electronic dosage control 130 as shown in Figs. 1, 5 6 and with cassette dosage control 120, Fig. 7 8.

In actual use conditions, a peristaltic-type pump suc h as that made S by Barnant Co., 28W 092 Commercial Ave. Barrington, IL 60610, has been used although other peristaltic-tye pumps be e so that the peristaltic-type pump 100 may additinally be set so that the serum, or other fluid medicament, may be sucked up automatically from the injection gun by reversing the pump 00, to prevent waste.

Pump lead-out tubing 94 is connected by additional tubing 90 to a port 96 affixed to an end wall 34 of tool box 22. Tubing 52 attaches, at a first end, on the outside of tool box 22 to port 96.

A second end of tubing 52 attaches to injection gun Pump 00 is self-priming. The user simply continues to push trigger 54 until serum or other fluid medicament reaches injection gun 50. A second peristaltic-type pump 100' may be provided to force a second fluid medicament through the system 20 for delivery through the injection gun Pump 100 is driven by motor 104, in actual use a 12 volt motor, model 33GN2732- 2 7 6 GHS, made by Power Electric Products, 2285 Daniels St. Long Lake, MN 55315 has been used although other similar 12 volt motors could be used.

Battery 40 powers motor 104. In actual use conditions, a 12 volt, sealed, lead acid, rechargeable battery, such as model

DG

12-4.2 Guardian made by Douglas Co. has been used although other similar batteries could also be used. Gear box 106, a Boston Gear gear box has been used ans works well although other gear boxes could be used, provides a 50:1 gear ratio enabling the veterinary medicament delivery system 20, because it uses a small amount of power, will allow a user to work through two eight hour days on one battery charge. Because peristaltic pump 100 works on the premise of displacement, pump 100 accurately and consistently delivers the same dosage. The dose delivered can be formulated by multiplying the inner cross-sectional area of the tubing inside the pump 100 by the distance the tubing is compressed during one cycle of the peristaltic pump. Each time trigger 54 is manually depressed and needle guard is pushed to its second position in response to needle 56 being fully inserted, the exact dosage is dispensed by pump 100.

This increases accuracy of delivery of the dosage and eliminates user error caused by fatigue.

The veterinary medicament delivery system 20 is housed in a generally rectangular-shaped tool box 22, having a hinged lid portion 24 attached to a bottom portion 26 with a carrying handle 28 formed in the lid portion 24 thereof. Tool box 22, in actual use conditions, is sixteen inches in length and of hard plastic but metals and other resilient, light weight materials and other dimensions could be used, protects the various elements of the 'veterinary medicament delivery system 20 from dirt and dust.

Having the veterinary medicament delivery -system 20 housed in a tool box 22 enables thorough cleaning and sanitizing of the exposed portions of the system between jobs. Also, having the veterinary medicament delivery system 20 housed in tool box 22 enhances portability and storage of the system 20. Additionally, tool box 22 may be provided with a lock enabling one to secure the administration set inside the tool box 22. Additionally, dosage controls may be set to a desired dosage and the tool box 22 locked to provide a reliable count of doses administered at the end of the day. The system 20 can also be housed and transported in a backpack 210, Fig. 10, with few modifications. The components comprising the system 20 are distributed in fabric pouches attached to a webbed waist belt 212 that is further supported on the user's body by a shoulder harness 214. Dye reservoir 216, pump and control mechanism 218, medicament container 220, and battery 222 are each contained in a fabric pouch. This backpack 210 embodiment increases portability of system LOW FLUID LEVEL INDICATOR A first, U-shaped bracket 70, Fig. 1 8, is attached by fastening means, such as screws, nuts and bolts, or rivets, to an end of tool box 22. First bracket 70 receives a medicament container 80 or other fluid reservoir. A low fluid level indicator 82, including a pressure sensitive switch 84, is mounted within bracket 70 and positioned below container 80. Pressure sensitive switch 82 consists of spring 84 which pushes platform 83 upwardly which in turn pushes up medicament container 80. When a filled medicament container 80 is placed on platform 83, the weight of the container 80 plus medicament urges two ends of electric switch .'.".together. Because electrical switch 85 is wired in a normally open p:'position, the weight of filled medicament container closes the 'electrical connection and prevents lighting of the signal lamp 172 ,n injection gun 50, 50' and control panel Fig. 5. When the fluid •....level of medicament within container 80 is reduced by use to a predetermined level, spring 84 overcomes the weight of the container and urges apart the two ends of electric switch 85 turning on -he signal lamp 172 in electrical communication with battery 4 0by measn of wiring 173.

Draw-off needle 86 is held in place inside container 80 by stopper 88. Tubing 90 is attached at a first end to intake tubing 86 and at a second end to a lead-in tubing 92 for a peristaltictype pump 100.

MIXING TUBE An optional mixing tube 190, Fig. 1 4, is provided to mix together two medicaments prior to the medicaments being injected.

Mixing tube 190 consists of a chamber 192 with double helix-shaped fins 194 that, when two fluids are introduced through a T-shaped coupling 198, the are intermixed as they are pushed down mixing tube before exiting through quick connect fluid coupler 196,198.

As fluids flow through mixing tube 190, the fluids, not shown, pass over a series of stationary, helical-shaped fins 194 which causes the fluids to fold over on themselves. In this manner the fluids are completely mixed in a short distance, e.g. three inches.

DYE DISPENSER A second bracket 74, Figs. 1 8, also mounted to an end wall J4 of tool box 22, provides a receiver for a dye reservoir 60. It has been found that a two-quart semi-translucent tank of high density polyethylene works well although tanks of other sizes, appearances and materials could be used. It is envisioned that an additional low lever indicator and pressure sensitive switch, similar to those associated with the first bracket 70 could be added. A second intake tubing 168 in Fig. 1, affixed to reservoir -6b. draws up dye in response to dye pump 63 and dye is drawn into tubing 61 in fluid communication with injection gun 50. In Fig. 8, dye intake tubing 168' draws up dye in response to dye pump Dye stopper 166 is tethered to dye reservoir 60 to prevent Dye nozzle 170 is mounted on the head portion 46 of injection vfu-n 50 adjacent needle 56 and lamp 164. Dye nozzle 170 is in fluid ,cqnmunication with dye reservoir 60. It has been found that 0.3 ml of dye is shot onto the animal's coat or skin simultaneously with the injection works well, although other amounts of dye could be used. The dye marks the animal injected so that it is easy to distinguish between animals that have been vaccinated or injected and those that have not. This feature is a switched function and can be turned on or off according to the needs of the job, switch on control panel, Figs. I 8. In actual use conditions, a simple LED, such as made by model MV-1000 made by Gilway has been used and works well however other LEDs having similar features could be used.

DOSAGE CONTROL The selected dosage is administered cleanly and completely, without dripping because the pump 100 is automatically reversed at the end of each injection. This prevents serum, or other fluid medicament, from flowing out of the end of the injection guns 50 due to latent pressure. This feature quickly and completely stops the flow of serum, or other fluid medicament, with the use of an electric solenoid within needle valve 68, Fig. 2, such as a model S1 2 or 3-way valve made by FCC Engineered Concepts, 7964 Brooklyn Blvd, #124, Brooklyn Park, MN 55445. In use needle v\alve 68 is normally closed and held in position by a spring contained therein. When the needle valve 68 is activated, a magnetic field is created within the solenoid by a central bobbin that is wound with copper wire. This magnetic field attracts the steel plunger of the needle valve 68 and pulls it back from the orifice and in this way opens the needle valve 68. When the needle valve 68 is de-activated, the magnetic field is turned off and the 'spring returns the plunger of the needle valve 68 to the closed **position.

6 Electronic dosage control 130 uses a photo-optic cassette unit 2.32, shown at Fig. 6, to control the volume of medicament fluid ,pumped by pump 100. Pump 100 drive shaft 102 turns an encoder disc 0 132 that has slots 134 that are placed at a calibrated distance .'.'from one another around the perimeter of circular encoder disc 132.

the encoder disc 132 rotates in response to rotation of drive 4 t shaft 102, the slots 134 pass between an emitter 137 and a receiver 136 of a photo-optic sensor 138. The encoder disc 132 passes through the sensor 138. The sensor 138 "counts" the number of slots 134 that pass between an emitter 137 and receiver 136 inside a dark housing connected to an end of pump 100. The combination of the distance between the slots 134 and the number of slots 134 allowed to pass through the sensor 138 determines the amount of serum that is dispersed. This sensor 138 is wired into a circuit board, to dosage selection control 150 of Fig. 5, which allows selection and control of the distance the fluid travels in pump 100. This method is preferred because of the ease in changing doses. To change the dose, manipulate a switch of dosage selection control 150, 150' and select the dose from a selectable dosage LED display 152 rather than changing the entire cassette gear box 120.

Control panel 140, shown in detail at Fig. 5, has a resettable counter 142, a dosage selection control 150, 150', and three-way rocker power switch 156. Counter 142 records a dispensed dosage every time the injection gun 50 is activated. Counter 142 keeps a running total of the number of injections given while the veterinary medicament delivery system 20 is turned on. The counter 142 is reset manually by reset button 146. The total is recorded by a liquid crystal display 144 that is installed on the control p anel 140. A micro switch liquid crystal display unit, made by Curtis Instruments, Inc., 204 Kisco Ave., Mt. Kisco, NY 10549, has been used and works well although other LCD's could be used.

A pair of switches 150, 150', is used to select from a range of dose settings LED display 152, the appropriate dose, the chosen o osage setting illuminated by a light. It has been found that osage settings range between 0.5 ml and 3.5 ml works well although other dosages settings could be calibrated into the electronic 4osage control 130 to accommodate the desired dose.

Control panel 140 also has a low level battery signal light 176 to indicate when the battery power falls below a pre-determined l7ow, shown at Figs. 1,5 8.

The three-way rocker power switch 156 has power on/off and i reverse modes. The reversing of the veterinary medicament delivery system 20 enables reclaiming of the sterile serum, or other medicament, that is in the injection gun 50, line set tubing 90,92,94 and pump 100 itself. Reversing the pump 100 takes this serum and pumps it back into its original medicament container while maintaining sterility. In actual use conditions, a model SLP 130A4-16, made by Honeywell, Minneapolis, MN power switch has been used although other comparable power switches could be substituted without changing the invention.

In an alternative embodiment, illustrated at Fig. 8, a liftout tray 30, shown in detail in Fig. 9, having a handle 32, is provided for storage of an injection gun 50 and associated tubing 52. Tray 30 may be of hard plastic although other suitable materials, such as other plastics and metals, could be used. Tray can also store extra needles, gloves and other accessories, not shown. Because the electrical and mechanical components of the system are located beneath this tray 30 in this embodiment, tray also serves as a physical barrier against dirt and damage to the veterinary medicament delivery system Fig. 8 illustrates selection of dosage using an interchangeable cassette gear box 120 mounted adjacent peristaltic pump 100, the cassette gear box shown in detail in Fig. 7. In the cassette gear box 120, the amount of fluid pumped is controlled by the ratio of the switching gear 122 to pinion gear 124. In the cassette style gear box 120, these gears intermesh to work together to trip a switch 126 onto switch prong 128 mounted on micro switch 129. This controls volume of medicament fluid pumped by pump 100.

To change the dosage, exchange the entire cassette gear box 120 for different cassette gear box having switching gear and pinion gears of different sizes. Fig. 12 illustrates an additional embodiment utilizing an interchangeable cassette gear box 120 .*..:mounted adjacent a single peristaltic pump 100 that is pumping fluid from a single medicament container a *i i Veterinary medicament delivery system 20 may be cleaned by :flushing with hot, e.g. 160°F, detergent/water mixture placed in medicament container 80. Cleaning practices vary among operators.

Flushing with hot detergent water, followed by a clean rinse, is accepted by many who fear harming the vaccines with disinfectants.

Others flush with hot detergent water and follow with an alcohol rinse, which, of course, is then rinsed.

Although the primary function of the veterinary medicament delivery system 20 is to inject liquid medicaments, either subcutaneously or intra muscularly, the veterinary delivery system could also be used without a needle for delivery of a precise amount of medicament externally to the poultry or other animal, shown in Fig. 11. In Fig. 11, the needle is replaced with a bulbshaped medicament nozzle 230 for use in topically applying medicaments, including insecticides, and for use in orally dispensing medicaments.

In use, when administering a multiplicity of animals or fowl with the same dosage, the system 20 having a cassette dosage control 120, Fig. 8, can be used. The cassette dosage control unit 120 having the desired dosage is installed by de-installing wing nuts 121 and installing the correct cassette dosage control unit 120 and fastening into place by re-installing wing nuts 121. Place the medicament in the medicament container 80 and insert the drawoff needle 86 fully to the bottom of the container 80. Fill the iye reservoir 60, with FDA-approved dye if marking the bird or animal is desired, and insert the dye tubing 168. Select gun or 50" and attach to container for system 20 by means of: quick connect to port 96 to connect up the medicament(s), quick connect to dye port 98 and electrical connector 114. Dis-install ,*'peedle guard 58, install the correct size needle 56 into needle hub and re-install needle guard 58. Power switch 156 is manually turned on. Power signal 174 lights green when the pump 100 is on red when on reverse. With pump 100 powered for forward .*..obvement, the trigger 54 is depressed and needle guard 58 is repeatedly pushed inwardly to advance medicament from medicament ,',ontainer 80 to emerge from tip of needle 56. The pump 100 is .I~1lf-priming so the system 20' can be filled and ready for use by depressing trigger 54 and repeatedly pushing needle guard 58 inwardly until medicament emerges from needle 56. If marking the bird or other animal is desired, dye switch 65 is manually pressed to "on".

Because the gun 50,50',50" has two signal lights on a top surface thereof, namely low serum level signal 172 and power signal 174. Power signal 174 shines white to show when the medicament is being administered and low serum level signal 172 flashes red when medicament container 80 is nearly empty. On the front of gun 50,50',50" is dye nozzle 170 which, when powered on, marks each animal or bird to which medicament is administered.

Trigger 54 must be depressed, the needle 56 must be fully inserted into animal or fowl, indicated by arrows in Fig. 2, which pushes needle guard 58 to the tip of the needle hub 57 to complete the electrical circuit to actuate the pump 100 which accomplishes administration of medicament. This double requirement of trigger 54 being depressed and needle guard 58 pushed to a second position before medicament is administered reduces the dangers of selfinjection. And because the trigger 54 is being depressed, either serially or continually, rather than manually pushing a syringe, greatly reduces fatigue and the incidence of repetitive motion injury in the operator. Additionally, use of this system permits greater speed of administration of medicament to the multiplicity of animals or fowl sought to be medicated.

Use of the electronic dosage control 130, Figs. I 5 permits ease in changing dosage to be administered and is especially useful 4 when different dosages are to be administered in rapid succession, "'.however, it would be equally useful in situation where a multiplicity of animals or fowl were administered the same dosage of medicament.

o.:eoe Selection of injection gun so50 or injection gun 50' depends on angle that medicament is to be administered. For example, fowl are often injected on a table or other surface where injection occurs mainly in a plane approaching the horizontal. Use of injection gun which may to pivoted to a more comfortable angle, would be especially helpful. Swine, on the other hand, are generally injected downwardly so the single piece construction of injection gun 50 may be more comfortable to the operator. Comfort to the operator is the key to selecting between these two injection guns 50,50'. Gun 50" has no needle and is meant to be used in circumstances where medicament is orally or topically administered to the animals or fowl.

When it is desired that two medicaments are to be administered simultaneously, a mixing tube 190, Figs. 1,4,8 may be added. In addition to mixing tube 190, an additional pump 100' and related tubing and T-coupling 198 are used to permit mixing of the two medicaments prior to adminstration.

Veterinary medicament delivery system 20 may be cleaned by flushing with hot, e.g. 160 0 F, detergent/water mixture placed in medicament container 80. Cleaning practices vary among operators.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.

***mo .e 8 4, o a P:\WPDOCSTPAnCOMPRISE. -18/11/98 -18a- Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

.6 I I I

Claims

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the injection gun includes a housing with a head portion and a handle portion, said portions being pivotally connected.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein a hollow needle is housed within the head portion and in fluid communication with the medicament source.
4. The system of claim 2 wherein a spring-loaded retractable S needle guard surrounding said needle wherein spring biasing means urges said needle guard into a first position extending longitudinally at least as far as the tip of said needle and means for overcoming said spring biasing means, urging said needle guard into a second position wherein said needle is extended longitudinally beyond said needle guard. The system of claim 1I wherein a trigger is mounted on the housing and in electrical communication with the pump and in conjunction with the needle guard to power the injection gun to deliver medicament to the animal or fowl to be injected.
6. The system of claim 1 where electrical wiring is connected to both the medicament source and a signal light mounted on the injection gun to signal low fluid level in the medicament source.
7. The system of claim 1 wherein control means adjacent the pump permits selecting appropriate doses to be delivered by the injection gun.
8. The system of claim 1 wherein the injection gun incorporates a hollow needle in fluid connection with the medicament source, said needle being protectively surrounded by a spring-loaded retractable needle guard.
9. The system of claim 1 wherein the pump is a self-priming peristaltic pump. The system of claim 1 wherein there are separate sources for two different medicaments and means for automatically mixing said medicaments to permit a single injection procedure.
11. The injection gun of claim 2, wherein said housing with said .pivot may be adapted for a linear alignment of said housing to *facilitate different positions for delivery of medicament such that :ire-positioning said housing changes the angle of injection.
12. The injection gun of claim 2, further comprising signal lights 'imounted on said gun for indicating low medicament fluid level.
13. The injection gun of claim 2, further comprising a dye nozzle for concurrent delivery of dye to mark an individual injected.
14. The system of claim 1, further comprising means for selecting a dosage of medicament from a range of dosages. The system of claim 14 wherein the dosage control means further comprises an electronic dosage control means having a photoelectric sensor that enumerates the amount of medicament being delivered.
16. The system of claim 14 wherein the dosage control means further comprises interchangeable cassette dosage control means, each cassette delivering a different specified dose.
17. The system claim 1, further comprising illumination means positioned adjacent said needle, for providing illumination in low light areas and warning the user to avoid self-injection. i'
18. The system of claim 1 wherein said container is a tool-box. 8. The system of claim 1 wherein said container is a tool-box. The system of claim 1 wherein said container is a backpack. An electronic dosage control system, for easily selecting a dosage from a range of dosages to be delivered, for use with an 'electrically powered pump, said system comprising: an circular-shaped encoder disc having slots formed in the periphery thereof; a sensor mounted adjacent said encoder disc; and a light source mounted adjacent said encoder disc such that ight emitted from said light source shines through said slots, S"said emitted light sensed by said sensor in response to movement of "'he pump providing means for measuring amount of dose delivered by the pump.
21. A mixing tube, for mixing two fluids, comprising: two fluid sources; a T-shaped coupling interconnecting said two fluid sources; a cylinder having a first, intake end and a second exit end; and a double helix-shaped fin retained within said cylinder that, when two fluids are introduced through said T-shaped coupling, said fluids are intermixed as they are pushed down said fin before exiting said cylinder.
22. An automatic veterinary medicament delivery system, for delivery of fluid medicaments to an individual animal or fowl, comprising: a hand-held gun for dispensing the medicament; a source of medicament; tubing interconnecting said gun and source of medicament; a pump, in fluid communication with both said gun and said source of medicament, for forcing the medicament through said tubing from said medicament source to said gun for delivery; means for powering said pump; and a container for said pump, tubing, medicament source and gun, protecting said system from dirt and dust and simplifying transportation.
23. The system of claim 22 wherein said container is a tool-box.
24. The system of claim 22 wherein said container is a backpack. S 25. The system of claim 22 wherein a trigger is mounted on the housing and in electrical communication with the pump to power the gun to deliver medicament to the animal or fowl to be medicated. f* c I I II I a P:\WDIOCS\PAT\CAIMS\702305MWP 18/11/98 -23
26. A medicamient delivery system substantially as hereinibefore described with reference to the Examples. DATED this 18th day of November 1998 EIDSON ASSOCIATES INC By Its Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE *0 V ee