GB2480407A

GB2480407A - Autoinjector with locking mechanism at the injection end

Info

Publication number: GB2480407A
Application number: GB1114400A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Eric Shawn Edwards; Evan Thomas Edwards; Mark J Licata; Paul F Meyers
Original assignee: Intelliject Inc
Current assignee: Intelliject Inc
Priority date: 2006-11-21
Filing date: 2007-11-16
Publication date: 2011-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2027-11-16
Also published as: GB201114400D0; GB2480407B

Abstract

An injection device (1000, figure 1) holds a medicament container (12262, figure 16A) which is driven by an energy storage means 3560 such as a spring or a canister of pressurised gas. Operation of the device is caused by movement of a trigger member 3520 forming the base of the injector which is disposed partly within and partly outside of the device housing (1100, figure 1). A locking member 3170 is removably coupled to the bottom of the housing and has a protrusion 3174 which engages with projections 3548 on the energy storage means such as cam legs 3548. Whilst the locking member is engaged, the energy storage means cannot be triggered. In operation, the locking member is pulled away from the injector which is then pressed against the patient to trigger the injection.

Description

DEVICES, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MEDICAMENT DELIVERY (ross-Reference to Rdated Applications 110011 This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 1 1(562,06 1 entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery," filed November 21, 2006. This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/566,422 cntitlcd "Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery," filed December 4, 2006. This application claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 1 1/758,393 entitled "Devices Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery," filed June 5, 2007, which claims the benefit of and is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 11/562,061 entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery," filed November 21, 2006.

[1002J Each of U.S. Patent Applications Serial No. I 1/562,061 and 11/566,422 claim the benefit of and are continuations-in-pan of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/515,571 entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery," filed November 23, 2004, which is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/17S2004/039386, entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Mcdicament Delivery," filed November 23, 2004, and claim the benefit of and arc continuations-in-part of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 10/572,148, entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for M edicament Delivery," filed March 16, 2006, which is a national stage filing under 35 U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application No. PCT/U52006/0034 15, entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Medicament Delivery," filed February 1, 2006, which claims priority to [1.5. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/648,822, entitled "Devices, Systems and Methods for Medieament Delivery," filed February I, 2005 and U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 60/731,886, entitled "Auto-Injector with Feedback," filed October 31, 2005, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Rac/cgro and {1003j The invention relates generally to a medical device, and more particularly to a medicament delivery device for automatically injecting a medicament into a body of a patient.

110041 Exposure to certain substances, such as, for example, peanuts, shellfish, bee venom, certain drugs. toxins, and the like, can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, Such allergic reactions can, at times, lead to anaphylactic shock, which can cause a sharp drop in blood pressure, hives, and/or severe airway constriction. Accordingly, responding rapidly to mitigate the effects from such exposures can prevent injury and/or death, For example, in certain situations, an injection of epinephrine (i.e., adrenaline) can provide substantial and/or complete relief from the allergic reaction, In other situations, for example, an injection of an antidote to a toxin can greatly reduce and/or eliminate the harm potentially caused by the exposure.

110051 Because emergency medical facilities may not be available when an individual is suffering from an allergic reaction, some individuals carry an auto-injector to rapidly self-administer a medicament in response to an allergic reaction. Some known auto-injectors are cylindrical in shape and include a spring loaded needle to automatically penetrate the user's skin and inject the medicament. Such known auto-injectors can be bulky and conspicuous, which can make carrying them inconvenient and undesirable.

Moreover, some known auto-injectors do not have a retractable needle and, as such, cause a sharps hazard when injection is complete. Thus, a need exists for an auto-injector that can be more conveniently carried by a user and does not present a sharps hazard upon completion of the injection.

[1006J Some known auto-injectors include a locking cap at the proximal end of the auto-injector to prevent inadvertent actuation and a needle cover at the distal end of the auto-injector. Such a configuration can, at times, cause a user to become confined as to which end of the auto-injector is the "needle end" (i.e., the distal end) and which end of the auto-injector is the "actuation end" (i.e., the proximal end). As such, in some situations, a user may mistakenly actuate the known auto-injector away from the intended injection site. Such an error can result, for example, in the auto-injector being actuated into the user's thumb and/or finger. Furthermore, the locking cap can be removed prior to removal of the needle cover, thus allowing the auto-injector to be actuated before the needle cover has been removed. A need exists for an auto-injector that can be actuated from its distal end. A need also exists for an auto-injector that cannot be actuated until the needle cover has been removed.

110071 Some known auto-injectors include a needle cover that collapses or buckles when the auto-injector is actuated and the needle breaks through the cover. In application, this leaves the needle cover bunched around a portion of the needle, which can cause the needle cover to interfere with penetration of the needle into the user. A need exists for an auto-injector with a needle cover that will not interfere with consistent penetration of the needle, [1008! Some known auto-injectors use pressurized gas to insert a needle and/or inject a medicament into the patient. Such known auto-injectors often do not include a mechanism for completely releasing or venting the pressurized gas upon completion of the injection event. Thus, a need exists for a gas-powered auto-injector that has an improved gas release mechanism.

[i009J Manufacturing techniques of known auto-injectors require much of the manufacturing process of an auto-injector to occur in a sterile envimninent. In particular, a sterile environment is needed for tilling the auto-injector with a medicament and for assembly of the auto-injector. Providing and maintaining a sterile environment during the entire manufacturing process, however, can be quite expensive. A tbrther need exists for a more economical method of manufacturing auto-injectors.

Summary

110101 Apparatuses and methods for automatic medieament injection are described herein. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing, an injection member at least partially disposed in the housing, and an actuator configured to be disposed within the housing. The actuator is configured to move the injection member between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes an energy storage member having a first configuration and a second configuration. The energy storage member is configured to produce a force when moved from the first configuration to the second configuration to move the injection member between its first position and its second position.

Brief Description of the Drawings

110111 FIG. I is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

110121 FIG. 2 is a front view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[1013! FIG. 3 is a side view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

j1014j FIG. 4 is a cmss-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 of a system according to an embodiment of the invention in a first operative position.

110151 FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along tine A-A of FIG. 3 of a system according to an embodiment of the invention in a second operative position.

110161 FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 of a system according to an embodiment of the invention in a third operative position.

110171 FIG, 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 of a system according to an embodiment of the invcntiolt in a fourth operative position.

[1Oi8J FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 of a system according to an embodiment of the invention in a fifth operative position.

[1019j FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 of a system according to an embodiment of the invention in a sixth operative position.

1020] FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an embodiment of the invention.

[1021] FiG. ii is a perspective view of a system according to an embodiment of the invention.

[1022] FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view the system illustrated in FIG. 11 taken along line B-B of FIG. 11.

J1023J FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.

I 10241 FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a mechanism according to an embodiment of the invention taken along line A-A of FIG. 3.

[1025] FIGS. iSA and 15B are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

110261 FIGS. 16A and 168 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

[1027) FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention.

$1028) FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 1 7 in a first configuration, with at least a portion of the auto-injector illustrated in phantom lines for ease of reference.

110291 FIG. 19 is a front view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 18 in a first configuration.

[1030$ FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 17 showing an. assembly according to an embodiment of the invention being removed.

[10311 FIG. 21 is a front view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 17 showing a member according to an embodiment of the invention being removed.

11032) FIG. 22 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 20.

[10331 FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a component illustrated in FIG. 22.

[10341 FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a component illustrated in FIG. 22.

[1035] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a member of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 21.

[1036$ FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a portion of the auto-Injector illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 21.

[10371 FIG, 27 is a perspective view of a portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIGS. 17 and 26.

[10381 FIG. 28 is a partially exploded perspective view of a base of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 26.

S

110391 FIG. 29 is an exploded perspective view of a portion of the auto-injector shown in FIG. 19.

(1040f FIG. 30 is a front view of a component of ihe auto-injector shown in FIG. 29.

110411 FIG. 31 is a front view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 19 in a second configuration.

110421 FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a portion of the auto-injector shown in FIG. 31.

f1043j FIGS. 33 and 34 are perspective views of a portion of the auto-injector shown in FIG, 32.

110441 VIa 35 is a top view of the housing of the auto-injector shown in FIG. 31.

110451 FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the housing taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 35.

[1046J FIG. 37 is front view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 31 in a third configuration.

[10471 FIG. 38 is a front view of the portion of the auto-injector labeled as 38 in AG. 37.

[1048J FiG. 39 is a perspective view of a portion of the auto-injector shown in FIG. [1 049J FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the auto-injector as shown in FIG. 37.

110501 FIG. 41 is a perspective view of a portion of the auto-injector as shown in FiG.

110511 FIG. 42 is an exploded perspective view of a portion the auto-injector as shown in FIG. 37.

110521 FTC. 43 is a front view of a portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIGS. 19, 31 and 37 in a fourth configuration.

(1053j Ff0.44 is a front view of the auto-injector illustrated in FIGS. 19, 31, 37 and 43 in a filth configuration.

110541 P10.45 is a front view of the auto-injector illustrated in PIGS. 19, 31, 37,43 and 44 in a sixth configuration, [10551 FIG. 46 is a front view of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention.

(10561 FIG. 47 is a schematic illustration of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention.

110571 FIG. 48 is a schematic illustration of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention.

[1058J FIGS. 49 and 50 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration.

respectively.

110591 FIGS. 51 and 52 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

[10601 FIGS. 53-55 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration, respectively.

[10611 FIGS. 56 and 57 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

110621 FIG. 58 is a front view of a portion of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention.

(1063j FIGS, 59 -61 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration, respectively.

f1064j FIGS. 62 and 63 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

j1065J FIGS. 64 -66 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration, respectively.

[4066! FIGS. 67 and 68 are schematic illustrations of a portion of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

[t067j FIG. 69 is a schematic illustration of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration.

[1068J FIGS. 70 73 are schematic illustrations of a portion of the auto-injector in FIG. 69 in a second configuration, a third configuration, a fourth configuration and a fifth configuration, respectively.

j1069j FIG. 74 is a plot showing the pressure within the auto-injector shown in FIG. 69 as a function of the position of a portion of the auto-injector.

110701 FIGS. 75 and 76 are perspective views of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively.

[1071J FIGS. 77 -79 are front views of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration, a second configuration and third configuration, respectively.

[1072J FIG. 80 is a front view of a portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIGS. 78 and 79.

[171 FIG, 81 is an exploded perspective view of the portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 80.

tI71 FIGS. 82 and 83 are perspective views of an auto-injector according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration respectively.

110151 FIG. 84 is a front view of a portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 83.

(1076j FIG, 85 is a perspective view of the portion of the auto-injector illustrated in FIG. 83.

[1077! FIG. 86 is a flowchart illustrating a method according to an enibodirnent of the invention.

Detailed Description

110781 Apparatuses and methods for automatic medicatnent injection and methods for manufacturing automatic medicament injectors (also referred to herein as "auto-injectors") are described herein.

110791 In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, an injection member at least partially disposed in the housing, and an actuator configured to be disposed within the housing. The actuator is configured to move the iniection member between a first position and a second position. The actuator includes an energy storage member that has a first configuration and a second configuration. The energy storage member is configured to produce a force when moved from the first configuration to the second configuration to move the injection member between its first position and its second position.

[1080J In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a movable member configured to be disposed within a housing of a medical device and a gas release assembly coupled to the movable member. The movable member has a first end portion and a second end portion. A portion of the first end portion is configured to define a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber. The gas release assembly is configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber and the area outside the gas chamber.

[1OSIJ In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle at least partially disposed within the housing, and a guard removably coupled to the housing. The guard is configured to cover at least a portion of the needle.

11082! In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container disposed within the housing and an actuator. The actuator is configured to be disposed within the housing and to move the medicament container within the housing.

The actuator includes a release member and an energy storage member. The energy storage member, which can be, for example, a compressed gas container, has a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the energy storage member has a first potential energy. When in the second position the energy storage member has a second potential energy less than the first potential energy. The energy storage member is configured to convert a portion of the first potential energy into kinetic energy when moved from its first position to its second position to move the niedicament container within the housing. The energy storage member has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medieament container. The release member is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member from its first position to its second position.

[1083J In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle and an actuator. The needle has a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis, The actuator is configured to be disposed within the housing and to move the needle between a first needle position and a second needle position. When in the first needle position, the second end of the needle is within the housing. When in the second needle position, the second end of the needle is outside the housing. The actuator includes a release member and an energy storage member. The energy storage member has a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the energy storage member has a first potential energy. When in the second position the energy storage member has a second potential energy less than the first potential energy. The energy storage member is configured to convert a portion of the first potential energy into kinetic energy when moved from its first position to its second position to move the needle between the first needle position and the second needle position. The energy storage member has a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the needle, The release member is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member from its first position to its second position.

10841 In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, a medicament container and an actuator. The needle has a first end and a second end and defines a longitudinal axis. The actuator is configured to be disposed within the housing and to move the needle between a first needle position and a second needle position.

When in the first needle position, the second end of the needle is within the housing.

When in the second needle position, the second end of the needle is outside the housing.

The actuator is ffirther configured to move the medicament container between a first rnedicament container position and a second medicament container position. When in the first niedicament container position, a lumen defined by the needle is fluidically isolated from the medicament container. When in the second medicament container position, the first end of the needle is disposed within the medicanient container such that the lumen is in fluid communication with the medicament container. The actuator includes a release member and an energy storage member. The energy storage member has a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the energy storage member has a first potential energy. When in the second position the energy storage member has a second potential energy less than the first potential energy. The energy storage member is configured to convert a portion of the first potential energy into kinetic energy when moved from its first position to its second position to move the needle between the first needle position and the second needle position. The energy storage member has a longitudinal axis offset from the longitudinal axis of the needle. The release member is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member from the first position to the second position.

110851 In some embodiments, an apparatus includes an actuator disposable within a housing of an auto-injector. The actuator is configured to move a medicament container relative to the housing, and includes a gas container, a biasing member and a puncturer.

The gas container, which is configured to store a compressed gas, is movable between a first position and a second position. The biasing member has a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration. The biasing member is configured to engage the gas container such that when the biasing member moves from the retracted configuration to the expanded configuration the gas container is moved from the first position to the second position. The puncturer is configured to penetrate a portion of the gas container when the gas container moves to the second position to allow a portion of the compressed gas to be released from the gas container into a gas chamber defined within the housing adjacent the medicament container.

110861 In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, a medicament injector, an energy storage member and a retainer. The medicament injector is disposed within the housing and includes a medieament container and a needle. The energy storage member, which can be, for example, a gas container configured to contain a pressurized gas, is configured to produce a force when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration to move the medicament injector between a first position and a second position. The retainer has a first position and a second position. When the retainer is in its first position, the retainer is configured to retain the energy storage member in its first configuration. When the retainer is in its second position, the retainer is configured to allow the energy storage member to be moved from its first configuration to its second configuration. The retainer is configured to be selectively moved from its first position to its second position by manipulating an actuator adjacent the distal end portion of the housing.

I 1087f In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a movable member and a valve coupled to the movable member, The movable member is configured to be disposed within a housing of a medical device and has a first end portion and second end portion. A portion of the first end portion is configured to define a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber. The first end portion defines an opening configured to be in fluid communication between the gas chamber and an area outside the gas chamber. The second end portion is configured to be coupled to a needle configured to deliver a medicament into a body. The valve is configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber and the area outside the gas chamber through the opening defined by the first end portion of the movable member.

fW88j In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a movable member, a valve and an actuator. The valve and the actuator are each coupled to the movable member. The movable member is configured to be disposed within a housing of a medical device and has a first end portion and second end portion. A portion of the first end portion is configured to define a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber. The first end portion defines an opening configured to be in fluid communication between the gas chamber and an area outside the gas chamber. The second end portion is configured to be coupled to a needle configured to deliver a inedicament into a body. The valve is configured to selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber and the area outside the gas chamber through the opening defined by the first end portion of the movable member.

The actuator is configured to move the valve between a first position and a second position. When the valve is in the first position the gas chamber is fluid ically isolated From the area outside the gas chamber. When the valve is in [he second position the gas chamber is in fluid communication with the area outside the gas chamber.

[1089j In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, a medicament injector, an injection member and a valve. The housing defines a gas chamber. The medicament container is configured to be movably disposed within the housing and defines a portion of a boundary of the gas chamber. The medicament injector includes a seal configured to engage a portion of the housing to fluidically isolate the gas chamber from an area outside the gas chamber. A portion of the medicament injector is engaged with a medicament container that is movably disposed within the housing. The injection member, which can be, for example, a needle, defines a lumen configured to be in fluid communication with the medicament container and is configured to convey a medicament from the medicament container into a body of a patient. The medicament injector has a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the injection member is contained within the housing, When in the second position, a portion of the injection member extends from the housing. The valve, which can be disposed on the medicament injector, has a first configuration and a second configuration. When the valve is in the first configuration, the gas chamber is fluidically isolated from the area outside the gas chamber, When the valve is in the second configuration, the gas chamber is in fluid communication with the area outside the gas chamber.

(1090j In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing defining a gas chamber, a movable member and a gas release assembly. The movable member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines a portion of a boundary of the gas chamber. The second portion is configured to be coupled to a needle that can deliver a medicament into a body. The movable member is disposable within the housing in a first position and a second position. When the movable member is in the first position, the needle is disposed within the housing. When the movable member is in the second position, a portion of the needle extends outside the housing. The gas release assembly.

which can include, for example, a valve, an actuator and a passageway between the gas chamber and an area outside of the gas chamber, has a first configuration and a second configuration. When the gas release system is in its first configuration, the gas chamber is fluidically isolated from the area outside the gas chamber. When the gas release system is in its second configuration, the gas chamber is in fluid communication with the area outside the gas chamber. The gas release assembly is configured to be moved from its first configuration to its second configuration when the movable member is in its second position. The gas release system is fUrther configured to be maintained in its second configuration independent of the position of the movable member.

110911 In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing defining a gas chamber, a movable member and a valve. The movable member is configured to move longitudinally within the housing. The movable member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion defines a portion of a boundary of the gas chamber. The second portion is configured to move a plunger within a medicament container to expel a mcdicarncnt contained within the medicamcnt container. The valve defines a flow passageway between the gas chamber and an area outside the gas chamber, The flow passageway has a flow area that varies as a function of a longitudinal position of the movable member.

I 1092J In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, an energy storage member, an actuator, a locking member, and a needle guard. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The energy storage member has a first configuration and a second configuration and is configured to produce a force when moving between its first configuration and its second configuration to move the needle from its first position to its second position. The actuator is configured to move the energy storage member from its first configuration to its second configuration. The locking member is movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing such that the locking member can be moved between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the locking member is configured to engage the actuator to prevent the actuator from moving the energy storage member to the second configuration. The needle guard is removably coupled to at least one of the distal end portion of the housing or a base movably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.

[1093J In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing and a safety guard. The safety guard includes a locking portion and a needle guard portion. The locking portion is configured to inhibit actuation of a medicament delivery device. The needle guard portion is configured to substantially cover a needle of the medicament delivery device. The safety guard has a first position and a second position. In its first position, the safety guard is configured to be selectively coupled to at least one of the housing or a base movably coupled to the housing. In its second position, the safety guard is removed from the housing.

110941 l.n some embodiments, an apparatus includes a needle guard configured to covet at least a portion of a needle of a medical injector. The needle guard is configured to substantially prevent microbes from passing through the needle guard. The needle guard is configured to allow a stcrilant gas to pass through the needle guard.

[10951 In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a medicament injector, and a porous needle guard. The medicament injector is disposable within the housing and includes a needle. The needle has a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The porous needle guard is removably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing. The porous needle guard is constructed from a microbial resistant material.

[10961 A method of manufacturing an automatic medieament injector includes inserting at least a portion of a needle into a needle hub disposed in a housing. A needle cover is installed over at least a portion of the needle to substantially cover a portion of the needle extending from the needle hub, The needle is sterilized after the needle cover is installed over at least a portion of the needle.

[1097J FIG. I is a perspective view, FIG. 2 is a front view, and FIG. 3 is a side view, of a system 1000 according to the invention, which can comprise a housing 1100, which, in some embodiments, can comprise a handheld portion 1800 separated via an actuation guard 1200 from an actuation bar 1300. Actuation guard 1200 can prevent accidental activation of system 1000. Housing 1100 can be constructed of a durable material, such as stainless steel, aluminum, polycarbonate, etc., to protect a compressed gas container, medicanient, injection apparatus andlor user of system 1000. The injection apparatus can be actuated by a fluid pressure, such as pressure provided by the compressed gas, which upon completion of actuation can escape housing 1100 via gas escape opening, such as via status indicator 1400.

110981 A status of a system 1000 can be determined via status indicator 1400, which can provide a view, such as via a UV blocking, photo-sensitive, and/or translucent window, into an interior of housing 1100, Viewable through the window can be a status of medicament carried by housing 1100, a location of a needle and/or injection apparatus for the medicament, and/or art activation status of system 1000. For example, if the medicament has aged to the point of discoloration, which aging might or might not render the medication useless, harmful, etc., status indicator 1400 can allow that situation to be determined. In some embodiments, gas can escape housing 1100 via status indicator 1400 and/or another opening in housing 1100.

(1099f Some embodiments of system 1000 can provide a compact medieament delivery mechanism that can efficiently and/or rapidly deliver a prescribed dose. The length (L) and width (W) of system 1000 can be similar to that of a credit card, and the thickness (T) can be less than one inch. Thus, some embodiments of system 1000 can provide a conveniently carried, easy-to-use, easy to activate drug delivery apparatus that can require little to no training to safely carry, use, and/or dispose of.

lii QOJ To assist a user in positioning system 1000 in a correct orientation for injection, system 1000 and/or housing 1100 can provide various tactile clues. For example, a top 1110 of housing 1100 can be rounded, and a bottom 1120 of actuation bar 1300 of housing 1100 can be flat. Other tactile clues are also possible, such as bulges, ribs, grooves, gaps, roughened surfaces, indentations, etc. 111011 FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 3 of an embodiment of a system 1000 in a first operative position. FIGS. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 show system 1000 of FIG. 4 in second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth operative positions, respectively.

11 102j System 1000 can comprise a housing I 100, handheld portion 1800, actuation guard 1200, and/or actuation bar 1300. System 1000 can comprise system actuator 2000, gas reservoirs 3000, medicament actuator 4000, medicament storage assembly 5000, medicament carrier 9000, needle assembly 6000, use indicator 7000, and/or gas vent mechanism 8000, etc. 111031 Upon removal, release, rotation, and/or relocation of actuation guard 1200, system actuator 2000 can be adapted to rapidly discharge an actuating portion of a contents of a compress gas container. For example, systcm actuator 2000 can comprise a compressed gas container 2400, which initially can contain a compressed gas 2500, an actuating portion of which can be released from container 2400 by penetration of a gas port 2600 via a point of a puncturer 2700. Upon removal and/or relocation of actuation guard 1200, actuation bar 1300 can be moved closer to and/or in contact with handhcld portion 1800, Upon removal and/or relocation of actuation guard 1200, gas container 2400 can be brought into contact with puncturer 2700 via extension of a precompressed spring 2300 and/or movement of an actuation stick 2200. Thus, actuation guard 1200 can prevent accidental activation of system 1000 and/or unintended discharge of an actuating portion of the contents 2500 of gas container 2400.

111041 Once gas port 2600 has been punctured, an actuating portion of compressed gas 2500 can escape fmm container 2400 and flow via gas reservoirs 3000, such as gas channel 3100. The flowing gas can meet and/or apply gas pressure to medicament actuator 4000, which can comprise a pusher 4100, which can travel within a sleeve 1500 defined by walls 1520. Sleeve 1500 can be constructed of metal, stainless steel, aluminum, plastic, polycarbonate, etc. Seals 4200, such as o-rings, can resist gas leakage, such as past pusher 4100 and/or out of housing 1100. Thus, pusher 4100 can function as a piston traveling within a cylinder, although it is not necessarily required that the cross-sectional shape of sleeve 1500 be round.

[11051 Medicament actuator 4000 can interface with medieament storage assembly 5000. For example, mediearnent actuator 4000 can comprise a plurality of plungers 4300, each of which can be capped with a piston 4400 which can sealingly slide and/or move within a corresponding vial 5100 containing a liquid niedicament 5200. For example, in response to pressure applied by an actuating portion of the contents 2500 of compressed gas container 2400, pusher 4100 can cause plungers 4300 and/or pistons 4400 to simultaneously move. The number of corresponding sets of plungers 4300. pistons 4400, and/or vials 5100 can he 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more. Pistons 4400 can be constructed of a resilient, durable, and/or sealing material, such as a rubber. Each plunger 4300 from the plurality of plungers can define a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes (e.g., axes 4310, 4320, 4330, 4340) of the plurality of plungers can be parallel, non-coaxial, and/or co-planar.

111061 Each vial 5100 from the plurality of vials can be substantially cylindrical with a substantially round and/or substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape. Thus, each vial 5100 can define a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axes of the plurality of vials can be parallel, non-coaxial, and/or co-planar, the longitudinal axis of each vial can be co-axial with the longitudinal axis of its corresponding plunger.

(1107J Each vial can be capped at one end with a frangible seal 5300, which can be burst whcn piston 4400 generates sufficicnt pressure upon medicament 5200, thereby allowing at least a portion of medicatnent 5200 to flow out of vial 5100 and into medicament carrier 9000. Thus, the plurality of vials can be fluidly coupleable to the actuating portion of the contents 2500 of gas container 2400.

111081 Medicament carrier 9000 can hold each of vials 5100 and can travel within sleeve 1500. Med icarnent carrier 9000 can comprise a plurality of channels 9200 adapted to receive medicanient 5200 as it exits its respective vial 5100, and direct medicarnent 5200 to a common conduit 9300. Nedicament carrier 9000 can interface with needle assembly 6000 and/or use indicator 7000.

11109) From common conduit 9300, medicament 5200 can enter needle assembly 6000, such as into a single needle 6100 via which medieanient can approach needle tip 6200. As medicament actuator 4000 and/or medicamcnt carrier 9000 are driven toward actuator bar 1300, needle tip 6200 can penetrate an end 6400 of needle sheath 6300 and exit actuator bar 1300 at needle port 1340.

jii 101 Referring to FIG. 5, upon movement of actuation bar 1300 closer to handheld portion 1800, sheath scat 1330 can come in contact with sheath tip 6400, thereby causing sheath 6300 to buckle and/or crumble. As actuator bar 1300 comes in contact with handhcld portion 1800, bar stop 1320 can approach medicament carrier stop 9400, while carrier spring 1600 is compressed.

UI! tJ Referring to FIG. 6, as at least a portion of contents 2500 of gas container 2400 escapes, it can flow thmugh channel 3100, The gas, which can still be relatively pressurized, can begin to accumulate behind pusher 4100 to form an expanding gas chamber 3200 and to cause medicament actuator 4000, medicament storage assembly 5000, and medicament carrier 9000 to slide together within sleeve 1500. As medicament actuator 4000. medicamcnt storage assembly 5000, and medicament carrier 9000 slide closer to actuator bar 1300, spring 1600 becomes increasingly compressed between bar stop 1320 and medicament carrier stop 9400. As medicament actuator 4000, medicarnent storage assembly 5000, and medicament carrier 9000 slide closer to actuator bar 1300, needle tip 6200 can extend further from actuator bar 1300 and sheath 6300 can become further compressed and/or deformed. At its ultimate extension point, needle tip 6200 can extend from housing 1100 from approximately 0.25 millimeters to approximately 20 millimeters, including all values and subranges therebetween, such as up to approximately 2 millimeters, greater than approximately 5 millimeters, from approximately 5,13 millimeters to approximately 9.98 millimeters, etc. [ii 12J Referring to FIG, 7. as gas chamber 3200 continues to expand, medicament carrier 9000 can be driven until medieament carrier stop 9400 contacts actuator bar stop 1300 thereby resisting further travel of medicament carrier 9000. At that point, additional expansion of gas chamber 3200 can cause medicament actuator 4000, pusher 4100, plungers 4300, and/or pistons 4400 to initiate travel with respect to medicament storage assembly 5000, thereby generating an expulsion pressure in vials 5100, and/or thereby rupturing frangible seals 5300 and allowing medieament 5200 to enter medicament carrier 9000, and begin flowing through medicament channels 9200, medicament conduit 9300, needle 6100, and/or out needle tip 6200 and into a patient. Alternatively, frangible seals 5300 can be replaced and/or augmented by a frangible seal located at or near where medicament conduit 9300 couples to needle 6100. Frangible seals 5300 can be constructed of a thin, taught, resilient, durable, and/or sealing material potentially having a predetermined yield strength, such as a rubber, such as chrorno butyl rubber, and/or of a relatively brittle material potentially having a predetermined yield strength, such as ceramic, certain plastics, such as polystyrene, etc. [11131 As medicament carrier stop 9400 contacts actuator bar stop 1320, medicament carrier hooks 9600 can engage with engagement receivers 7100 in use indicator 7000.

(11141: Referring to FIG. 8, as gas chamber 3200 continues to expand4 niedieament actuator 4000, pusher 4100, plungers 4300, and/or pistons 4400 can continue moving until they complete their travel within medicament storage assembly 5000, thereby expelling a predetermined dose of niedicanient 5200 from vials 5100, out of needle assembly 6000, external to housing 1100. and/or into the patient. As gas chamber 3200 reaches its maximum size, medicamcnt actuator 4000, pusher 4100, plungers 4300, and/or pistons 4400 can continue moving. until they complete their travel with respect to medicament carrier 9000, thereby causing gas release actuator 9700 to engage with gas relief valve 8200. Engagement of gas release actuator 9700 with gas relief valve 8200 can cause gas within gas chamber 3200 to exit gas chamber 3200, discharge away from pistons 4400, and/or exhaust from system 1000 and/or housing 1100, such as via status indicator 1400 and/or a gas escape port located on housing 1100).

111151 Referring to FIG 8 and FIG, 9, as sufficient gas is vented from gas chamber 3200, the pressure applied by the gas in gas chamber 3200 can decrease until the force applied by the gas on medicam.ent actuator 4000 is less than the force of compressed spring 1600. Thus, spring(s) 1600 can begin to expand, thereby moving mcdicamcnt carrier 9000, vial assembly 5000, and medicament actuator 4000 away from actuator bar 1300 and helping to exhaust gas from gas chamber 3200. As medicament carrier 9000 moves, use in.dicator 7000 can travel with it, due to the engaged relationship of medicamcnt carrier hooks 9600 and engagement receivers 7100 and/or engagement catches 7200 in use indicator 7000, As use indicator 7000 moves away from actuation bar 1300, sheath 6300 can travel with it, thereby creating a gap between sheath tip 6400 and needle port 1340, and thereby exposing a previously non-visible colored portion 1350 of actuation bar 1300 and/or pmviding an indication that system 1000 has been used (and likely substantially exhausted of its medicament), thereby discouraging any further attempts to use system 1000.

111161 As medicament carrier 9000 moves away from actuator bar 1300, needle 6100 can refract into sheath 6300 which un-buckles and/or un-deforms towards its original shape. Eventually, needle 6100 can refract completely within the boundaries of housing 1100, thereby tending to prevent accidental needle sticks afler the initial injection and/or potentially reducing and/or eliminating a sharps hazard.

11 17f In some embodiments, system actuator 2000 can comprise a finger triggered.

twistable, pivotable, and/or lever-operated mechanism. For example, system actuator 2000 can comprise a twistable handle that can screw into gas port 2600. In some embodiments, system actuator 2000 can be a finger trigger located on a side of the housing.

[III8J FIG. 10 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 10000 for operating a medicament delivery apparatus. At activity 10100, an actuation lock for the apparatus is released. At activity 10200, an actuating portion of the contents of a compressed gas container are released. At activity 10300, via pressure provided by the released gas, a needle is extended from the apparatus. At activity 10400, via pressure provided by the released gas, a piston applies pressure to a medicament stored in one of a plurality of vials.

At activity 10500, a Frangible seal containing the medicament in the vial is burst. At activity 10600, the medicament flows from the vial, through the needle, and into a patient.

At activity 10700, once a predetermined dose is expelled and/or injected, the needle is withdrawn from the patient and/or retracted into the pre-use bounds of the apparatus. At activity 10800, the apparatus is rendered unusable for additional injections and/or indicated as previously utilized, 111 19J FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an embodiment of system 1000, showing actuation guard 1200 removed from housing 1100, so that actuation guard 1200 no longer separates actuator bar 1300 from handheld portion 1800. Actuation guard 1200 can comprise a grippable portion 1220 that can be gripped by a user to pull actuation guard 1200 away from housing 1100, thereby allowing system 1000 to be activated, such as via slapping actuator bar 1300 against a thigh of the user. Actuation guard 1200 can comprise an actuation stick separator portion 1240, that can keep separate actuation stick prongs 2240 when actuation guard 1200 is installed on housing 1100. Actuation guard 1200 can comprise a guard portion 1260 that can separate actuator bar 1300 from handheld portion 1800 when system 1000 is not in use and/or when system 1000 has not been used.

f1120J FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 11, and FIG, 13 is a perspective view of an embodiment of actuation stick 2200. Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, system 1000 can comprise housing 1100, actuation bar 1300, and system actuator 2000, which can comprise prong squcezer 1390, actuation stick 2200, prong retainer 2100, spring 2300, upper spring retainer 22604 gas container 2400, gas port 2600, and/or puncturer 2700. When actuation bar 1300 is pressed firmly against a user's body, such as via slapping housing actuation bar against the user's thigh, buttocks, and/or arm, prong squeezer 1390 can urge prong tips 2220 of prongs 2240 of actuation stick 2200 toward one another, Note that. prong tips 2200 can have a triangular, wedge, angular, and/or frusto-conical shape. As prongs tips 2220 slide along the angled V-groove of prong squeezer 1390, prong catches 2230 can substantially lose contact with prong retainer 2100.

This can allow compressed spring 2300 to rapidly urge actuation stick 2200 and gas container 2400 toward puncturer 2700, which can penetrate gas port 2600, thereby allowing gas to escape from gas container 2400. Although any of many different types of gas containers can be utilized, an example of a suitable gas container can be obtained from

Leland Limited, Inc. of South Plainfield, NJ.

111211 FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of gas venting mechanism 8000 of system 1000 taken along line A-A of FIG. 3. System 1000 can comprise handhcld portion 1800, actuator bar 1300, sleeve 1500. As pistons 4440 near the limit of their travels, medicament 5200 can he expelled along medicament path 5900, which can extend past frangible seal 5300, through medicarnent channels 9200, medicament conduit 9300, and needle 6100, and into the body of a user, such as subcutaneously4 intramuscularly, and/or at a depth of from approximately 0.25 millimeters to approximately 20 millimeters4 including all values and subranges therebetween, such as up to 2 millimeters, greater than millimeters, etc. (1122] As pistons 4440 near the limit of their travels, engagement of gas release actuator 9700 with gas relief valve 8200 can cause compressed spring 8300 to move valve arm such that 0-ring 8400 is urged away from its seat 8500. This movement can reveal a passage 8600, via which gas can exit gas chamber 3200 along gas exhaust path 8900, which can extend between sleeve inner walls 1520 and outer walls 9100 of medicament carrier 9000. Eventually, gas exhaust path 8900 can extend between handheld portion 1800 and actuator bar 1300. Likewise, an alternative embodiment of valve 8200, made of rubber or any other resilient material, can be placed across scat $500 to provide a seal that, once gas release actuator 9700 interacts with valve 8200, allows valve 8200 to bend or flap upwards away from seat 8500, causing the gas to escape via passage 8600.

111231 FIGS. ISA and 1513 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 2002 according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 2002 includes a housing 2110, a medicament container 2262, a movable member 2312, a gas relief valve 2328 and a compressed gas source 2412, The medicament container 2262, which can be, for example, a preJilled cartridge, a vial, an ampule or the like, is fixedly disposed within the housing 2110 and defines a longitudinal axis Lm. The medieament container 2262 contains a medicarnent 2268, such as, 11w example, epinephrine.

111241 The movable member 2322 includes a proximal end portion 2316 and a distal end portion 2318. The proximal end portion 2316 includes a surface 2322 that, together with the housing 2110, defines a gas chamber 2120. Said another way, the surface 2322 defines a portion of a boundary of the gas chamber 2120. The proximal end portion 2316 defines an opening 2326 therethrough, which is in fluid communication between the gas chamber 2120 and an area outside of the gas chamber 2128. The distal end portion 2318 is movably disposed within the medicament container 2262 along the longitudinal axis Lm, as shown by the arrow A. A needle 2212 is coupled to the distal end 2318 of the movable member 2312. The needle 2212 defines a lumen (not shown) and a side opening 2225.

I 125j The gas relief valve 2328 is coupled to the movable member 2312 such that it can selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber 2120 and the area outside of the gas chamber 2128. The gas relief valve 2328 can include, for example, a movable membrane, a frangible seal, a spring-loaded gas relief valve body or the like.

11 126J In use, when the auto-injector 2002 is actuated, the gas chamber 2120 is placed in fluid communication with the compressed gas source 2412, thereby allowing a pressurized gas to flow into the gas chamber 2120. In response to a force produced by the pressurized gas on the surface 2322 of the movable member 2312, the movable member 2312 moves within the housing 2110 and the medicament container 2262, as indicated by arrow A. As a result, as shown in FIG. 15B, the needle 2212 is extended through the housing 2110. The movement of the movable member 2312 also forces the medieament 2268 through the side opening 2215 and into the lumen (not shown) defined by the needle 2212. In this manner, the medicament injection occurs while the needle 2212 is being extended from the housing 2110 (i.e., while the needle 2212 is being inserted into the body).

111271 in use, the pressure of the pressurized gas within the gas chamber 2120 can be controlled by the gas relief valve 2328. As shown in FIG. 158, the gas relief valve 2328 is actuated as indicated by the arrow 8, thereby allowing pressurized gas to flow from the gas chamber 2120 to the area outside o the gas chamher 2128 through the opening 2326, as shown by the arrows g. Although the gas relief valve 2328 is shown as being actuated after substantially all of the medieament 2268 has been injected, in other embodiments, the gas relief valve 2328 can be actuated at any time during the injection event, For example, in some embodiments, the gas relief valve 2328 can be actuated as the injection event is beginning to control the rate of needle insertion and/or medicament injection. In other embodiments, the gas relief valve 2328 can be actuated at the end of the injection event to allow the needle 2212 to be retracted to a position within the housing 2110. In yet other embodiments, the gas relief valve 2328 can be actuated upon completion of the injection event to prevent residual gas from undesirably building up within the gas chamber 2120.

111281 FIGS. 16A and 168 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 12002 according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 12002 includes a housing 12110 that contains a medicament container 12262, an energy storage member 12410, a release member 12540 and an injection member 12212. The medicament container 12262, which can be, for example, a pre-filled cartridge, a vial, an ampule or the like, is movably disposed within the housing 12110. The medicament container 12262 contains a medicament 12268, such as, for example, epinephrine. As illustrated, the medicament container 12262 can be moved, as indicated by arrow B in FIG. 168, along its longitudinal axis Lm between a first position (FIG. 16A) and a second position (FIG. 168). When the medicament container 12262 is in its first (or retracted) position, the medicament container 12262 is spaced apart from the injection member 12212. When the medicament container 12262 is in the second (or advanced) position, the medicament container 12262 is placed in fluid communication with the injection member 12212. In this manner, when the medicament container 12262 is in the second (or advanced) position, the medicament 12268 can be conveyed via the injection member 12212 from the medicament container 12262 into a body of a patient. The injection member 12212 can be, for example, a needle, a nozzle or the like.

111291 The energy storage member 12410, which can be any suitable device for storing energy, such as, for exampte, a spring, a battery, a compressed gas cylinder or the like, is also movably disposed within the housing 12110. As shown, the energy storage member 12410 defines a longitudinal axis Le that is offset from the longitudinal axis Lm of the medicament container 12262. The energy storage member 12410 can be moved, as indicated by arrow A in FIG. 168, within the housing 12110 along its (ongitudinal axis Le between a first position (FIG. 16A) and a second position (FIG. 168). When the energy storage member 12410 is in its first position, the energy storage member 12410 has a first potential energy. When the energy storage member 12410 is in its second position, the energy storage member 12410 has a second potential energy that is less than the first potential energy. When the energy storage member 12410 moves from its first position to its second position, it converts at least a portion of its first potential energy into kinetic energy to move the medicament container 12262 between its first position and its second position.

[1130J Said another way, the movement of the energy storage member 12410 from its first position to its second position results in the production of a force that acts upon the medicament container 12262 to move the medieament container 12262 between its first position and its second position. The non-coaxial relationship between the longitudinal axis Lm of the medicament container 12262 and the longitudinal axis Le of the energy storage member 12410 allows the medicament container 12262 and the energy storage member 12410 to be arranged within the housing 12110 in any number of different configurations. In this manner, the auto-injector 12002 can have any number of different sizes and shapes, such as, for example, a substantially rectangular shape.

ft 13ff The release member 12540 is disposed within the housing 12110 and is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member 12410 from its first position to its second position. The release member 12540 can be any suitable mechanism for moving the energy storage member 12410, such as, for example, a mechanical linkage, a spring-loaded rod or the like. In this manner, a user can actuate the auto-injector by manipulating a portion of the release member 12540, 1132J FIG. 17 is a perspective view of an auto-injector 3002 according to an embodiment of the invention in a first configuration. The auto-injector 3002 includes a housing 3110 having a proximal end portion 3112 and a distal end portion 3114. The distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110 includes a protrusion 3142 to help a user grasp and retain the housing 3110 when using the auto-injector 3002. Said another way, the protrusion 3142 is configured to prevent the auto-injector 3002 from slipping from the user's grasp during use. A base 3520 is movably coupled to the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110. A needle guard assembly 3810 is removably coupled to the base 3520.

Similarly, a safety lock 3710 is removably coupled to the base 3520. To inject a mcdicamcnt into the body, the distal end portion 3114 of the housing is oriented towards the user such that the base 3520 is in contact with the portion of the body where the injection is to be made. The base 3520 is then moved towards the proximal end 3112 of the housing 3110 to actuate the auto-injector 3002. The housing 3110 also includes a transparent status window 3118 (see FIG. 36) to allow a user to determine the status of the auto-injector 3002 or the medicament contained therein.

[11331 FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the auth-injector 3002 showing the housing 3110 in phantom lines so that the components contained within the housing 3110 can he more clearly seen. For clarity, HG. 18 shows the auto-injector 3002 without the needle guard assembly 3810 and the safety lock 3710. Similarly, FIG. 19 is a front view of the auto-injector 3002 showing the housing 3110 in phantom lines. The auto-injector 3002 includes a medicament injector 3210 and a movable member 3312 engaged with the medicament injector 3210, each of which are disposed within the housing 3110. The auto-injector 3002 also includes a system actuator 3510, a compressed gas container 3412 and a gas release mechanism 3612.

11134) The medicarnent injector 3210 includes a carrier 3250 that is movable within the housing 31 10, a inedicament container 3262 and a needle 3212. The mcdicarnent container 3262 is coupled to the carrier 3250. The needle 3212 is disposed within a needle hub portion 3223 (see FIG. 22) of the carrier to allow the needle 3212 to be placed in fluid communication with the medicament container 3262 during an injection event.

(31 The movable member 3312 includes a proximal end portion 3316 and a distal end portion 3318. The proximal end portion 3316 includes a surface 3322 that, together with the housing 3110, defines a gas chamber 3120. Said another way, the surface 3322 defines a portion of a boundary of the gas chamber 3120. The distal end portion 3318 is disposed within the medicament container 3262, In use, the movable member 3312 moves towards the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110. as indicated by arrow C, in response to a force produced by a pressurized gas on the surface 3322 of the movable member 3312. As a result, the movable member 3312 and the medicament injector 3250 are moved towards the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110, thereby exposing the needle 3212 from the housing 3110. The movable member 3312 then continues to move within the medicament container 3262 to expel a medicament from the medicament container 3262 through the needle 3212.

J1136j The auto-injector 3002 is actuated by the system actuator 3510, which is configured to move the compressed gas container 3412 into contact with the gas release mechanism 3612. The gas release mechanism 3612 punctures a portion of the compressed gas container 3412 to release the pressurized gas contained therein into the gas chamber 3120 defined by the housing 3110.

[11371 The system actuator 3510 includes a rod 3540, a spring 3560 and a spring retainer 3570. The rod 3540 has a proximal end portion 3542 and a distal end portion 3544. The proximal end portion 3542 of the rod 3540 is coupled to the compressed gas container 3412, The distal end portion 3544 of the rod 3540 is coupled to the spring retainer 3570 by two projections 3548, which can be moved inwardly towards each other to decouple the rod 3540 from the spring retainer 3570, as discussed below.

11 138j The spring 3560 is disposed about the rod 3540 in a compressed state such that the spring 3560 is retained by the proximal end portion 3542 of the rod 3540 and the spring retainer 3570. In this manner, the rod 3540 is spring-loaded such that when the distal end portion 3544 of the rod 3540 is decoupled from the spring retainer 3570, the force of the spring 3560 causes the rod 3540, and therefore the compressed gas container 3412, to move proximally as indicated by arrow 0 and into contact with the gas release mechanism 3612.

(1139J The base 3520 defines an opening 3522 (shown in FIG. 26) configured to receive a portion of the projections 3548 when the base is moved towards the proximal end 3112 of the housing 3110, as indicated by arrow E, When the projections 3548 are received within the opening 3522, they are moved together causing the distal end portion 3544 of the rod 3540 to be released from the spring retainer 3570. In some embodiments, the opening 3522 extends though at least a portion of the base 3520. In some embodiments, the opening 3522 extends completely through the base 3520, for example, such that a locking portion of a safety guard (discussed in detail below) can be inserted through the opening.

(1140j As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the medicament injector 3210 defines a longitudinal axis Lm that is non-coaxial with the longitudinal axis Le defined by the compressed gas container 3412. Accordingly, the medicament injector 3210, the compressed gas container 3412 and the system actuator 3510 are arranged within the housing 3110 such that the housing has a substantially rectangular shape. Moreover, the non-coaxial relationship between the medicament injector 3210 and the compressed gas container 3412 allows the auto-injector 3002 to be actuated by manipulating the base 3520, which is located at the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110.

[I 141j As discussed above, the use and actuation of the auto-injector 3002 includes several discrete operations. First, the auto-injector 3002 is enabled by removing the needle guard 3810 and the safety lock 3710 (see FIGS. 20 and 21). Second, the auto-injector 3002 is actuated by moving the base 3520 proximally towards the housing 3110.

Third, when actuated, the compressed gas container 3412 engages the gas release mechanism 3612, which causes the pressurized gas to be released into the gas chamber 3120 (see FIG. 31). Fourth, the pressurized gas produces a force that causes the movable member 3312 and the medicament injector 3210 to move distally within the housing 3110 (see FIG. 37). The movement of the medicament injector 3210 causes the needle 3212 to extend from distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110 and the base 3520. This operation can be referred to as the "needle insertion" operation. Fifth, when the medicament injector 3210 has completed its movement (i.e., the needle insertion operation is complete), the movable member 3312 continues to move the inedicament container 3262 distally within the carrier 3250. The continued movement of the medicament container 3262 places the needle 3212 in fluid communication with the medieament container 3262, thereby allowing the medicament to be injected (see FIG. 43). Sixth, the force from the pressurized gas causes the movable member 3312 to move within the medicainent container 3262, thereby expelling the medicament through the needle 3212 (see FIG, 44). This operation can be referred to as the Injection operation." Seventh, upon completion of the injection, the pressurized gas is released from the gas chamber 3120, thereby allowing the medicament injector 3210 and the movable member 3312 to be moved proximally within the housing. This operation can be referred to as the "retraction operation" (see FIG. 45). A detailed description of the components contained in the auto-injector 3002 and how they cooperate to perform each of these operations is discussed below.

[11421 Prior to use, the auto-injector 3002 must first be enabled by first removing the needle guard 3810 and then removing the safety lock, or locking member, 37th. As illustrated by arrow G in FIG. 20, the needle guard 3810 is removed by pulling it distally.

Similarly, as illustrated by arrow H in FIG. 21, the safety lock 3710 is removed by pulling it substantially normal to the longitudinal axis Le of the compressed gas container 3412.

Said another way, the safety lock 3710 is removed by moving it in a direction substantially normal to the direction that the needle guard 3810 moved or to the longitudinal axis Lm of the needle (as shown in FIG. 20) is moved. As described in more detail herein, in some embodiments, the needle guard 3810 and the safety lock 3710 are cooperatively arranged to prevent the safety lock 3710 from being removed before the needle guard 3810 has been removed. Such an arrangement prevents the auto-injector 3002 from being actuated while the needle guard 3810 is in place.

j11433 As illustrated in FIG. 22, the needle guard 3810 includes a sheath 3820 and a sheath retainer 3840. The sheath 3820 has a proximal end portion 3822 and a distal end portion 3824 and defines an opening 3826 configured to receive a portion of the needle 3212 when the needle guard 3810 is in a first (or installed) position. Said another way, the sheath 3820 is an inner member of the needle guard 3S10 configured to substantially cover at least a portion of the needle 3212 when the needle guard is in a first position, and the sheath retainer 3840 is an outer member of the needle guard.

111441 As illustrated in FIG. 23, the sheath 3820 further defines a recessed portion 3828 within the opening 3826 that engages a corresponding protrusion 3238 defined by an outer surface 3236 of the needle hub 3223 In this manner, when the needle guard 3810 is in its first position, the sheath 3820 is removably coupled to the needle hub 3223. In some embodiments, the recessed portion 3828 and the protrusion 3238 form a seal that is resistant to microbial penetration.

tll4Sl The sheath 3820 can be constructed from any suitable material. For example the sheath can be constructed from polyethylene, including high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polytctrafluoroethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber or any other clastomcr or polymer. In some embodiments, the sheath 3820 is constructed from a rigid material. A rigid needle sheath can reduce the likelihood of needle sticks during the manufacturing process and can inhibit crumpling of the sheath around the needle during insertion of the needle into bodily tissue. In other embodiments, the sheath can be constructed from a flexible material. In some embodiments, the sheath 3820 is constructed from a material configured to resist or substantially prevent microbial penetration thercthrough, and thus can maintain sterility of a needle received therein.

1.1 146j The sheath 3820 can be configured for use with one or more sterilization methods. In other words, the sheath can be configured to allow sterilization of the needle when the sheath is disposed over the needle and coupled to the needle hub, In some cmbodiments, the sheath 3820 is configured to allow a sterilant gas or other sterilizing agent to pass thercthrough. For example, the sheath can include a valve configured to allow passage of the sterilant gas. In another example, the sheath is constructed of a porous material, such as a porous material configured to allow passage of the sterilant gas through the material while preventing microbes from passing th.crcthrough.

1147J The sheath retainer 3840 has a proximal portion 3842 and a distal portion 3844.

The proximal portion 3842 of the sheath retainer 3840 includes a protrusion 3856 that engages a corresponding recess 3526 in the base 3520 (see FIG. 28) to removably couple the sheath retainer 3840 to the base 3520. The distal portion 3844 of the sheath retainer 3840 defines an opening 3846 through which the distal end portion 3824 of the sheath 3820 is disposed. The distal portion 3844 of the sheath retainer 3840 includes a series of retaining tabs 3852 that engage the distal end portion 3824 of the sheath 3820 to couple the sheath 3820 to the sheath retainer 3840. In this manner, when the sheath retainer 3840 is moved distally away from the base 3520 into a second (or removed) position, as shown in FIG, 20, the sheath 3820 is removed from the needle 3212. Moreover, this arrangement allows the sheath 3820 to be disposed about the needle 3212 independently from when the sheath retainer 3840 is coupled to the sheath 3820. As such, the two-piece construction of the needle guard provides flexibility during manufacturing, for example, because the sheath retainer can be installed after the sheath has been disposed about the needle and the needle sterilized. The distal portion 3844 of the sheath retainer 3840 also includes a protrusion 3848 to aid the user when grasping the needle guard 3810.

[11481 When the needle guard 3810 is in its first (or installed) position, the sheath retainer 3840 is disposed within a recess 3720 defined by one of the extended portions 3716 of the safety lock 3710 (see FIG. 25). This arrangement prevents the safety lock 3710 from being removed when the needle guard 3810 is in its first position, which in turn, prevents the auto-injector 3002 from being actuated when the needle guard 3810 is in its first position.

[1149j The outer surface of the needle guard 3810 (or sheath retainer 3840 specifically) includes an indieia 3850 to instruct the user in operating the auto-injector 3002. As shown in FiG. 24, the indicia 3850 includes a numeral to indicate the order of operation and an arrow to indicate the direction in which the needle guard 3810 should be moved. In some embodiments, the indicia 3850 can include different colors, detailed instructions or any other suitable indicia to instruct the user. In other embodiments, the indicia 3850 can protrude from the sheath retainer 3840 to aid the user when grasping the needle guard 3810.

11150) After the needle guard 3810 is removed, the user must then remove the safety lock 3710, as indicated in FiG, 21. As shown in FIG. 25, the safety lock 3710 is a U-shaped member having a first end 3712 and a second end 3714. The second end 3714 of the safety lock 3710 includes two extended portions 3716, each of which includes an inwardly facing protrusion 3718. When the safety lock 3710 is in its first (or locked) position, the extended portions 3716 extend around a portion of the base 3520 to space the base 3520 apart from the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110. As shown in FIG. 26, the protrusions 3718 are configured engage a portion of the base 3520 to removably couple the safety lock 3710 in its first position.

111511 One of the extended portions 3716 defines a recess 3720 that receives the sheath retainer 3840 when the needle guard 3810 is in its first position, as discussed above.

Although only one extended portion 3716 is shown as including a recess 3720, in some embodiments both extended portions 3716 can include a recess 3720 to receive the sheath retainer 3840. The safety lock 3710 can be engaged with the needle guard 3810 to prevent movement of the safety lock 3710 when the needle guard 3810 is in place in any suitable manner. For example, in some embodiments, the sheath retainer includes protrusions that are received within corresponding openings defined by the safety lock, In some embodiments, the safety lock includes protrusions that are received within corresponding openings defined by the sheath retainer.

111521 The first end 3712 of the safety lock 3710 includes a locking protrusion 3722 that extends inwardly. As shown in FIG. 26, when the safety lock 3710 is in its first position, the locking protrusion 3722 extends between the projections 3548 of the rod 3540 and obstructs an opening 3522 of the base 3520. In this manner, when the safety lock 3710 is in its first position, the base 3520 cannot be moved proximally to allow the projections 3548 to be received within the opening 3522. The arrangement of the locking protrusion 3722 also prevents the projections 3548 from being moved inwardly towards each other. Accordingly, when the safety lock 3710 is in its first position, the auto-injector 3002 cannot be actuated, 111531 The outer surface 3724 of the first end 3712 of the safety lock 3710 includes a series of ridges 3726 to allow the user to more easily grip the safety lock 3710. The outer surface 3724 of the first end 3712 of the safety lock 3710 also includes an indicia 3728 to instruct the user in operating the auto-injector 3002. As shown in FIG. 25, the indicia 3728 includes a numeral to indicate the order of operation and an arrow to indicate the direction in which the safety lock 3710 should be moved, in some embodiments, the indicia 3728 can include different colors, detailed instructions or any other suitable indicia to instruct the user. In other embodiments, the indicia 3728 can protrude from the safety lock 3710 to aid the user when grasping the safety lock 3710.

fI 154j After being enabled, the auto-injector 3002 can then be actuated by moving the base 3520 proximally towards the housing 3110, as indicated by arrow I in FIG. 27. As shown in FIGS. 28 and 36, the base 3520 defines two openings 3536 that receive corresponding attachment protrusions 3150 disposed on the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110. In. this manner, the movement andlor alignment of the base 3520 relative to the housing 3110 is guided by the attachment protrusions 3150 and the openings 3536 (see FIG. 36) (1155J Each attachment protrusion 3150 is secured within its corresponding opening 3536 by a lock washer 3534. The lock washers 3534 each define an opening 3535 that receives a portion of the attachment protrusion 3150. The lock washers 3534 ate disposed within slots 3533 defined by the base 3520 so that the openings 3535 are aligned with the attachment protrusions 3150. The openings 3535 are configured to allow the lock washers 3534 to move proximally relative to the attachment protrusions 3150, but to prevent movement of the lock washers 3534 distally relative to the attachment protrusions 3150.

In this manner, when the attachment protrusions 3150 are disposed within the openings 3535 of the lock washers 3534, the base 3520 becomes fixedly coupled to the housing 3110. Moreover, after the base 3520 is moved proximally relative to the housing 3110, the lock washers 3534 prevent the base 3520 from retuming to its initial position. Said another way, the arrangement of the lock washers 3534 prevents the base 3520 from bcing "kicked back" after the autoinjector 3002 has been actuated, (11561 The base 3520 also defines a needle opening 3532, a recess 3526 and two retraction spring pockets 3531. The needle opening 3532 receives a portion of the needle guard 3810 when the needle guard is in its first position. Additionally, when the auto-injector is in its third configuration (see FIG. 37), the needle 3212 extends through the needle opening 3532.. As described above, the recess 3526 receives the corresponding protrusion 3856 on the sheath retainer 3840 to removably couple the needle guard 3810 to the base 3520. As will be described in more detail herein, the refraction spring pockets 3531 receive a portion of the refraction springs 3350.

11 157j As shown in FIG. 28, the base 3520 includes two opposing tapered surfaces 3524 that define an opening 3522 configured to receive a corresponding tapered surface 3550 of the projections 3548 when the base is moved proximally towards the housing 3110. The opening 3522 can extend through the base 3520 or through at least a portion of the base. When the projections 3548 are received within the tapered opening 3522, they are moved together as indicated by arrows J in PIG. 27. The inward movement of the projections 3548 causes the rod 3540 to become disengaged from the spring retainer 3570, thereby allowing the rod 3540 to be moved proximally along its longitudinal axis as the spring 3560 expands. A more detailed description of the components included in the system actuator 3510 is provided below with reference to FIGS. 29 and 30.

[1158J The system actuator 3510 includes a rod 3540, a spring 3560 disposed about the rod 3540 and a spring retainer 3570. As described in more detail herein, the spring retainer 3570 retains both the spring 3560 and the rod 3540. The spring retainer 3570 includes a first surface 3572, a second surface 3574 and a series of outwardly extending engagement tabs 3576. The spring retainer 3570 is disposed within the gas container opening 3124 defined by the housing 3110 (see FIG. 36) such that the engagement tabs 3576 engage the interior surface 3123 of the housing 3110 to produce an interference fit.

In this manner, the spring retainer 3570 is fixedly disposed within the housing 3110.

[11591 The rod 3540 has a proximal end portion 3542 and a distal end portion 3544.

The distal cud portion 3544 of the rod 3540 includes two extensions 3552 disposed apart from each other to define an opening 3554 therebetween. Each extension 3552 includes a projection 3548 having a tapered surface 3550 and an engagement surface 3549. When the rod 3540 is in its first (or engaged) position, the engagement surfaces 3549 engage the second surface 3574 of the spring retainer 3570 to prevent the rod 3540 from moving proximally along its longitudinal axis. As described above, when the base 3520 is moved proximally towards the housing 3110, the tapered surfaces 3550 of the projections 3548 cooperate with the corresponding tapered surfaces 3524 of the base 3520 to move the extensions 3552 inwardly towards each other, The inward motion of the extensions 3552 causes the engagement surfaces 3549 to become disengaged from the second surface 3574 of the spring retainer 3570, thereby allowing the rod 3540 to move between its first position to a second (or actuated) position.

[1160J The proximal end portion 3542 of the rod 3540 includes a retention portion 3545 having a first surface 3547 and a second surface 3546. The first surface 3547 of the retention portion 3545 engages the distal portion 3416 of the compressed gas container 3412. The second surface 3546 of the retention portion 3545 engages a proximal end 3562 of the spring 3560. Similarly, the first surface 3572 of the spring retainer 3570 engages a distal end 3564 of the spring 3560. In this manner, when the rod 3540 is in its first position, the spring 3560 can be compressed between the spring retainer 3570 and the retention portion 3545 of the rod 3540. Accordingly, when the rod 3540 i.s disengaged from the spring retainer 3570. the force imparted by the spring 3560 on the retention portion 3545 of the rod 3540 causes the rod 3540 to move proximally into its second position.

(1161j The proximal end portion 3542 of the rod 3540 is coupled to the compressed gas container 3412 by a connector 3580, which is secured to the distal end portion 3416 of the compressed gas container 3412 by a securing member 3588. The connector 3580 includes a proximal end portion 3582 and a distal end portion 3584. The distal end portion 3584 of the connector 3580 is disposed within the opening 3554 defined between the extensions 3552. In this manner, the connector 3580 is retained by the proximal end portion 3542 of the rod 3540. As will be described in more detail, the distal end portion 3584 of the connector 3580 includes locking tabs 3587.

[11621 The proximal end portion 3582 of the connector 3580 includes engagement portions 3586 that engage the distal end portion 3416 of the compressed gas container 3412. The engagement portions 3586 are coupled to the compressed gas container 3412 by the securing member 3588, which can be, for example, a shrink wrap, an elastic band or the like. In other embodiments, the engagement portions 3586 can produce an interference fit with the compressed gas container 3412, thereby eliminating the need for a securing member 3588.

fi 163J Because the rod 3540 is coupled to the compressed gas container 3412, when the rod 3540 is moved from its first (engaged) position to its second (actuated) position, the compressed gas container 3412 is moved proximally within the housing 3110 into engagement with the gas release mechanism 3612. FIG. 31 shows the auto-injector in a second configuration, in which the compressed gas container 3412 is engaged with the gas release mechanism 3612. When in the second configuration, the compressed gas contained within the compressed gas container 3412 is released to actuate the medicament injector 3210. A more detailed description of the gas release process is provided below with reference to FIGS. 32 through 36.

111 64J Ff13. 32 shows an exploded view of the system actuator 3510, the compressed gas container 3412 and the gas release mechanism 3612, each of which are disposed within the gas container opening 3124 defined by the housing 3110 (see FIG. 36). As shown, the compressed gas container 3412, the system actuator 3510 and the gas release mechanism 3612 are arranged substantially coaxial with each other. As previously discussed, when the autoinjector 3002 is actuated, the compressed gas container 3412 is moved proximally within the gas container opening 3124 defined by the housing 31 10, as indicated by the arrow K in FIG. 32, until the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412 engages the gas release mechanism 3612.

[14653 As shown in FIGS. 33 and 34, the gas release mechanism 3612 includes a cap 3630 and a puncturing element 3620 coupled to and disposed within the cap 3630. The puncturing element has a proximal end 3622 and a distal end 3624. The distal end 3624 of the puncturing element 3620 defines a sharp point 3626 configured to puncture the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412. The puncturing element 3620 defines an opening 3627 extending from its distal end 3624 to its proximal end 3622.

[11661 The cap 3630 has a proximal end 3632, an outer surface 3635 and an inner surface 3636. The inner surface 3636 of the cap 3630 defines an opening 3634 that receives the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412 when the auto-injector 3002 is in its second configuration. The proximal end 3632 of the cap 3630 defines an opening 3638 therethrough and a channel 3640 in fluid communication with the opening 3638. The opening 3638 receives the proximal end 3622 of the puncturing element 3620 to couple the puncturing element 3620 to the cap 3630. The puncturing element 3620 is disposed within the cap 3630 such that when the compressed gas container 3412 is moved into the opening 3634, the distal end 3624 of the puncturing element 3620 punctures the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412.

[I 167j The cap 3630 is disposed within the gas container opening 3124 such that the outer surface 3635 of the cap 3630 engages the inner surface 3123 of the housing 3110. In some embodiments, the outer surface 3635 of the cap 3630 can be sized to produce an interference fit with the inner surface 3123 of the housing 3110. In other embodiments, the cap 3630 can be fixedly coupled within the gas container opening 3124 using an adhesive or any other suitable attachment mechanism.

[1168} The cap 3630 is oriented within the gas container opening 3124 so that the channel 3640 is aligned with and in fluid communication with the gas passageway 3126 defined by the housing 3110. Moreover, when oriented in this manner, the protrusion 3642 on the proximal end 3632 of the cap 3630 obstructs a portion of the gas passageway 3126. which can be manufactured as a through-hole, to fluidically isolate the gas passageway 3126 from an area outside of the housing 3110. After the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412 has been punctured, pressurized gas flows from the compressed gas container 3412 into the gas passageway 3126 through the opening 3627 defined by the puncturing element 3620 and the channel 3640 defined by the proximal end 3632 of the cap 3630.

[1 169$ The inner surface 3636 of the cap 3630 is configured to hermetically seat the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412 within the opening 3638. This arrangement prevents pressurized gas from leaking around the compressed gas container 3412 to an area outside of the housing 3110 after the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412 has been punctured. In some embodiments, the inner surface 3636 is sized to produce an interference fit with the compressed gas container 341 2 In other embodiments, the cap 3630 includes a separate sealing member, such as, for example, an o-ring, to seal the proximal end 3414 of the compressed gas container 3412 within the opening 3638, [11701 After the compressed gas container 3412 is moved into engagement with the gas release mechanism 3612, the position of the compressed gas container 3412 within the gas container opening 3124 is maintained by the locking tabs 3587 on the connector 3580.

As shown in FIG. 29, each locking tab 3587 includes a pointed portion that is angled outwardly from the connector 3580. This arrangement allows the connector 3580 to move proximally within the gas container opening 3124 of the housing 3110, but prevents the connector 3580 from moving distally within the gas container opening 3124 of the housing 3110. Said another way, the arrangement of the locking tabs 3587 prevents the compressed gas container 3412 from being kicked back" when exposed to the force produced by the pressurized gas as the pressurized gas is released.

[1 171J As previously discussed, the pressurized gas released from the compressed gas container 3412 produces a force on the boundary of the gas chamber 3120, including the surface 3322 of the movable member 3312. This force causes the movable member 3312 and the medicament injector 3210 move together distally within the housing 3110, as shown by arrow L, placing the auto-injector 3002 in a third configuration, as shown in FIG. 37. When in the third configuration, the distal end 3214 of the needle 3212 is disposed through the opening 3532 defined by the base 3520 to an area outside of the auto-injector 3002. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 38, when the auto-injector 3002 is in the third configuration, the proximal end 3216 of the needle 3212 remains spaced apart from the di.stal end 3266 of the medicament container 3210. ensuring that the needle 3212 remains fluidically isolated from the medicament container 3210. In this manner, the needle 3212 can be inserted into a patient as the auto-injector 3002 moves between its second configuration (FIG. 31) and its third configuration (FIG. 37) without injecting the medicament until after insertion is completed. A more detailed description of the medicament injector 3210 and the movable member 3312 is provided below with reference to FiGS. 37 through 42.

[1 172J As previously described, the med icament injector 3210 includes a carrier 3250, a medicament container 3262 and a needle 3212, The carrier 3250 has a tower portion 3222 and an upper portion 3252. The lower portion 3222 of the carrier 3250 includes a needle hub 3223, which contains the needle 3212. The lower portion 3222 of the carrier 3250 also defines an opening 3224 configured to receive a distal portion 3266 the medicament container 3262. As shown in FIG. 39, the needle 3212 is coupled to the needle hub 3223 such that the proximal end 3216 of the needle 3212 is disposed within the opening 3224 and the distal end 3214 of the needle 3212 extends distally outside of the needle hub 3223.

[I 173j The inner surface 3228 of the lower portion 3222 defining the opening 3224 includes a protrusion 3226. The protrusion 3226 is configured to engage a corresponding recess 3272 defined by a sealing cap 3270 disposed at the distal portion 3266 of the medicatnent container 3262 (see FIG. 42) to secure the medicament container 3262 within the opening 3224 such that the proximal end 3216 of the needle 3212 is spaced apart from the distal end 3266 of the medicament container 3210. The protrusion 3226 and the recess 3272 are configured such that the protrusion 3226 will become disengaged from the recess 3272 when the force applied exceeds a predetermined value. Said another way, the protrusion 3226 and the recess 3272 collectively form a removable snap-fit that allows the medicament container 3262 to be moved within the opening 3224 when the force applied to the medicament container 3262 exceeds a predetermined value. This arrangement ensures that the needle 3212 remains Iluidically isolated from the medicament container 3262 during the insertion operation.

[1 174 The outer surface 3236 of the lower portion 3222 includes a protrusion 3238.

As previously described, the protrusion 3238 is configured to cngage a corresponding recess portion 3828 within the opening 3826 of the sheath 3820 (see FIG. 23) to removably couple the sheath 3820 to the needle hub 3223, 117Sf The lower portion 3222 of the carrier 3250 also defines two retraction spring pockets 3242 each receiving the proximal end 3352 of a retraction spring 3350. As previously discussed, the distal end 3354 of each retraction spring 3350 is retained within the retraction spring pockets 3531 defined by the base 3520. As shown in FIG. 38, when the carrier 3250 moves distally within the housing 3110, the refraction springs 3350 are compressed and therefore bias the carrier 3250 towards the proximal portion 3112 of the housing 3110.

1 11761 The upper portion 3252 of the carrier 3250 defines an opening 3256 configured to receive a proximal portion 3264 of the medicarnent container 3262 and includes two valve actuators 3254. As described in more detail herein, the valve actuators 3254 are configured to engage a gas relief valve 3328 to allow the pressurized gas contained within the gas chamber 3120 to escape when the injection event is complete.

111771 The upper portion 3252 of the carrier 3250 defines four gas relief passageways 3258. Similarly, the lower portion 3222 of the carrier 3250 defines four gas relief passagcways 3244. When the pressurized gas is released from the gas chamber 3120, the gas relief passageways 3258, 3244 provide a fluid path to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the gas chamber 3120 to an area outside of the housing 3110.

117Sf As described above, the movable member 3312 includes a proximal end portion 3316 and a distal end portion 3318. The distal end portion 3318 includes a piston 3324 disposed within the proximal portion 3264 of the medicament container 3262, such that the piston engages a plunger 3284 contained within the medicament container 3262, as shown in FIG. 42.

[1179j The proximal end portion 3316 includes a surface 3322 that defines a portion of a boundary of the gas chamber 3120. As shown in FIG. 41, the proximal end portion 3316 defines two openings 3326 therethrough, each of which are in fluid communication between the gas chamber 3120 and the interior of the housing 3110 outside the gas chamber 3120. The proximal end portion 3316 further defines a slot 3330 that receives a gas relief valve 3328, which can he, for example, a flexible rubber member. The gas relief valve 3328 is positioned within the slot 3330 and adjacent the openings 3326 to selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber 3120 and the area outside the gas chamber 3120 through the openings 3326. The operation of the gas relief valve 3328 is discussed in more detail herein.

L11801 The proximal end portion 3316 of the movable member 3312 also includes a seal 3314 that engages a portion the inner surface 3122 of the housing 3110 (sec FIG. 36) to fluidically isolate the gas chamber 3120. Although the seal 3314 is shown as being an 0-ring seal, in some embodiments, the seal need not be a separate component, but can rather be a portion of the proximal end portion 3316 of the movable member 3312, [1181j When the needle insertion operation is completed, the lower portion 3222 of the carder 3250 engages the base 3520, preventing further distal movement of the carrier 3250 within the housing. Because the distal motion of the carrier 3250 is opposed, the force exerted by the pressurized gas on the surface 3322 of the movable member 3312 increases until the protrusion 3226 of the lower portion 3222 of the carrier 3250 and the recess 3272 defined by sealing cap 3270 of the medicament container 3262 become disengaged. Accordingly, the mcdicament container 3262 to moves distally relative to the carrier 3250. placing the auto-injector 3002 in a fourth configuration, as shown in FIG. 43.

When moving between the third configuration (FIG. 38) and the fourth configuration (FIG. 43), the proximal end 3216 of the needle 3212 pierces the sealing cap 3270 and the liner 3271 disposed at the distal portion 3266 of the medieament container 3262. As such, when in the fourth configuration, the proximal end 3216 of the needle 3212 is in fluid communication with the medieament container 3262, thereby allowing the medicament to be injected.

[1 182J Once the needle 3212 is in fluid communication with the medicament container 3262, the force from the pressurized gas causes the piston 3324 of the movable member 3312 to move the plunger 3284 within the medicament container 3262, as shown by arrow M, thereby expelling the medicament through the needle 3212. The piston 3324 and the plunger 3284 move a predetermined distance within the medicament container 3262, placing the auto-injector 3002 in a fifth configuration, as shown in FIG. 44. When the auto-injector 3002 is in the fifth configuration, the injection of medicament is complete.

[1183J When the auto-injector 3002 is in its fifth configuration, proximal portion 3316 of the movable member 3312 is in contact with the upper portion 3252 of the carrier 3250, thereby preventing further movement of the piston 3324 within the medicament container 3262, In this manner, the distance through which the piston 3324 travels, and therefore the amount of medicament injected, can be controlled.

111841 Additionally, when the auto-injector 3002 is in its fifth configuration, the valve actuators 3254 are disposed within the openings 3326 such that the valve actuators 3254 displace the gas relief valve 3328. Accordingly, the pressurized gas contained within the gas chamber 3120 can flow from the gas chamber 3120 to the area within the housing 3310 outside of the gas chamber 3310, As previously discussed, the gas relief passageways 3258, 3244 provide a fluid path to allow the pressurized gas to flow from the gas chamber 3120, through the opening 3532 defined by the base 3520 and to an area outside of the housing 3110.

1 185J When the pressurized gas flows out of the gas chamber 3120, the pressure exerted on the surface 3322 of the movable member 3312 decreases. Accordingly, the force exerted by the retraction springs 3350 is sufficient to move the medicament injector 3210 and the movable member 3312 proximally within the housing 31 10, as shown by arrow N, into a sixth (or retracted) configuration as shown in FIG. 45. Because the medicament injector 3210 and the movable member 3312 move together, the valve actuators 3254 remain disposed within the openings 3326 as the auto-injector 3002 moves into the sixth configuration. In this manner, the gas relief valve 3328 remains displaced and the openings 3326 remain in fluid communication with the gas chamber 3120 and the area within the housing 33 10 outside of the gas chamber 3310 independent of the position of the movable member 3312. Such an arrangement ensures that all of the pressurized gas flows out of the gas chamber 3120, theitby ensuring that the medicament injector 3210 and the movable member 3312 return to the sixth configuration and do not oscillate between the sixth configuration and the fifth configuration, which could lead to the needle 3212 not being fully retracted into the housing 3 10, [1186) Although the auto-injector 3002 has been shown an.d described having a housing 3110 having a substantially rectangular shape, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can have a housing having any shape. In some embodiments, for example, an auto-injector can have a substantially cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, for example, the auto-injector can have an irregular andior asymmetrical shape.

11187) Although the auto-injector 3002 has been shown and described as including a protrusion 3142 disposed at the distal end portion 31 14 of the housing 3110 to help a user grasp and retain the housing 3110, in some embodiments, a protrusion can be disposed anywhere along the housing. In other embodiments1 a protrusion can symmetrically surround the distal portion of the housing. In yet other embodiments, the housing of an auto-injector can include a gripping portion configured to help a user grasp and retain the housing. The gripping portion can include, for example, a textured surface, a contoured surface, a surface having an adhesive that forms a tacky surface to adhere to the user's hand or the like. For example, FIG. 46 shows an auto-injector 4002 according to an embodiment of the invention having a housing 4110, The housing 4110 includes a proximal end portion 4112, a distal end portion 4114 and a gripping portion 4140. The distal end portion 4114 of the housing 4110 includes a protrusion 4142 to prevent the user's hand from slipping off of the distal end portion 4114 of the housing 4110 when using the auto-injector 4002. Similarly, the gripping portion 4140 includes a series of contours 4144 that engage the user's fingers to help the user grasp and retain the housing 4110 when the auto-injector 4002 is in use.

[11881 The distal end portion 4114 of the housing 4110 also includes two alignment marks 4146 to guide the user when placing the auto-injector 4002 against the body.

Although the alignment marks 4146 are shown as markings on the housing 4110, in other embodiments, the alignment marks can include protrusions, openings or the like.

111891 Certain components of the auto-injector 3002 are shown and described as being coupled together via protrusions and mating recesses. The protrusions andlor recesses can be disposed on any of the components to be coupled together and need not be limited to only a certain component For example, the base 3520 is shown as defining two openings 3536 that receive corresponding attachment protrusions 3150 on the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 31 10. In some embodiments, however, the protrusions can be disposed on the base and the mating recesses can be defined by the distal end portion of the housing. In other embodiments, two or more components can be coupled together in any suitable way, which need not include protrusions and mating recesses. For example, in sonic embodiments, two or more components can be coupled together via mating shoulders, clips, adhesive and the like.

[11901 Similarly, although certain components of the auto-injector 3002 are shown and described as being constructed from multiple separate components, in some embodiments, such components can be monolithically constructed. For example, the carrier 3250 is shown and described as including an upper portion 3252 and a lower portion 3222 that are constructed separately and then coupled together. In other embodiments, a carrier can be constructed monolithically.

111911 Although the sheath retainer 3840 of the auto-injector 3002 has been shown and described as including a protrusion 3856 that engages a corresponding recess 3526 in the base 3520 to removably couple the sheath retainer 3840 to the base 3520, in some embodiments, the sheath retainer can include a protrusion configured to engage a different corresponding recess on the auto-injector 3002. For example, the sheath retainer can include a protrusion configured to engage a corresponding recess in the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110.

JI 192J Although the safety lock (or locking member) 3710 of the auto-injector 3002 has been shown and described as including a protrusion 3718 configured to engage a base 3520 movably coupled to the housing 3110, in some embodiments, the safety lock can include a protrusion configured to engage a different portion of the auto-injector 3002.

For example, the safety rock can include a protrusion configured to engage a portion of the housing 3110, such as the distal end portion 3114 of the housing 3110, to removably couple the safety lock in its first position.

11 193J Although the base 3520 of the auto-injector 3002 has been shown and described covering almost the entire distal end portion 31 14 of the housing 3110, in some embodiments, a base configured to actuate the auto-injector can be disposed about only a portion of the distal end of the housing. For example, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a button extending from the distal end portion of the housing configured to engage and release the system actuator.

(11941 Although the rod 3540 is shown and described as being an clongated member that is released by being elastically deformed, in some embodiments, a rod can be of any suitable shape and in any suitable orientation within the housing. Moreover, in some embodiments, a rod can be released by being plastically deformed. For example, in some embodiments, a rod can be disposed along an axis that is offset from the longitudinal axis of the encrgy storage member, In some embodiments, the rod can be configured to break upon actuation.

(1195J Although the gas release mechanism 3612 is shown and described as including a puncturing clement 3620 to puncture a portion of the compressed gas container 32623 the gas release mechanism 3612 need not include a puncturing element 3620. For example, in some embodiments, the gas release mechanism can include an actuator configured to actuate a valve that controls the flow of gas out of the compressed gas container. For example, in some embodiments, a compressed gas container can include a spring loaded check ball and the gas release mechanism can include an actuator configured to engage and depress the check ball to release pressurized gas from the compressed gas container.

11 196J Although the distance through which the piston 3324 travels, and therefore the amount of medieament injected, is shown and described as being controlled by configuring the movable member 3312 such that it is in contact with the upper portion 3252 of the carrier 3250 when the autoinjector 3002 is in its fifth configuration, in other embodiments, any suitable method of controlling the piston travel can be employed. For example, in some embodiments, piston travel can be limited by including a protrusion within the medicament container, such as a necked portion, that limits the motion of the piston within the medicament container. In other embodiments, the housing can include a protrusion to limit the motion of the movable member, In yet other embodiments, the valve actuator can be configured to actuate the gas relief valve when the piston has moved a predetermined distance within the medicament container, In yet other embodiments, a combination of each of the above methods for controlling the piston travel can be employed.

[1.1971 Although the auto-injector 3002 is shown and described as having six different configurations that are different 1mm each other, in some embodiments, a certain configuration of an auto-injector can be the same as another configuration. For example, in some embodiments, a "pre-aetuation" configuration can be the same as a "retracted" configuration. In other embodiments, any of the functions described above can be accomplished when an auto-injector is moved between any number of different configurations.

[11981 Although the auto-injector 3002 is shown and described as including a compressed gas cylinder 3412, in other embodiments an auto-injector can include any suitable energy storage member. For example, in som.e embodiments, an auto-injector can include a mechanical energy storage member, such as a spring, an electrical energy storage member, such as a battery or a capacitor, a chemical energy storage member, such as a container containing two substances that can react to produce energy, a magnetic energy storage member or the like. Similarly, although the auto-injector 3002 is shown and described as including a gas release mechanism 3612, in other embodiments an auto-injector can include any suitable energy release mechanism. Such energy release mechanism can include, for example, an electrical circuit, a mechanical spring retainer, a fluid control valve or the like.

[i199j For example, FIG. 47 shows a schematic illustration of an auto-injector 5002 that includes a mechanical energy storage member 5410. The auto-injector 5002 includes a housing 5110 that contains a medicament container 5262, an energy storage member 5410, a release member 5540. The medicament container 5262 is movably disposed within the housing 5110 and includes a needle 5212 through which a medieament 5268 can be injected. As illustrated, the medicament container 5262 can be moved along its longitudinal axis Lm between a first position (FIG. 47) and a second position (not shown), in which the needle 5212 extends from the housing 5110.

j1200J The energy storage member 5410 includes a spring 5420 that is disposed about a rod 5422. The rod 5422 has a proximal end 5424 and a distal end 5426. The proximal end 5424 of the rod 5422 includes a plunger 5428 that retains the spring 5420 such that the spring 5420 can be compressed when the auto-injector 5002 is in a first configuration.

The plunger is also disposed within a working fluid chamber 5430. The working fluid chamber 5430 can be, for example, a hydraulic cylinder filled with a hydraulic fluid. The distal end 5426 of the rod 5422 engages the release member 5540, as discussed below.

112011 In use, the spring 5420 can be moved within the housing 5110 along its longitudinal axis Le between a first position and a second position. When the spring 5420 moves between its fit-st position to its second position, the plunger 5428 moves proximally within the working fluid chamber 5430, causing the working fluid 5431 to be forced through a valve 5434 and into contact with the medicament container 5262. Through the kinetic energy produced by the spring 5420, the working fluid 5431 produces a force that acts upon the medicament container 5262 to move the medicament container 5262 between its first position and its second position.

12021 The arrangement of a mechanical energy storage member, such as a spring, and a fluidic circuit allows the direction and/or magnitude of the force produced by the energy storage member to be changed. In this manner, as shown in FiG. 47, the longitudinal axis Le of the energy storage member can be offset from the longitudinal axis Lm of the medicament container 5262, thereby allowing the medicament container 5262 and the energy storage member 5410 to be arranged within the housing 5110 in any number of different configurations.

(12031 The release member 5540 is disposed adjacent a distal end portion 5114 of the housing 5110 and is configured to selectively deploy the spring 5420 from its first position to its second position. The release member 5540 can be any suitable mechanism of the types described above for moving the spring 5420. In this manner, a user can actuate the auto-injector by manipulating the distal end portion 5114 of the housing 5110.

112043 FIG. 48 shows a schematic illustration of an auto-injector 6002 that includes an electrical energy storage member 6410, such as, for example a battery. The auto-injector 6002 includes a housing 6110 that contains a medieament container 6262, an energy storage member 6410, a system actuator 6510 and an energy release mechanism 6610, The medicament container 6262 is movably disposed within the housing 6110 and includes a needle 6212 through which a medicament 6268 can be injected. As illustrated, the medicament container 6262 can be moved along its longitudinal axis Lm between a first position (FIG. 48) and a second position (not shown), in which the needle 6212 extends from the housing 6110.

1205j The energy storage member 6410 is also movably disposed within the housing 6110 along its longitudinal axis Le, which is offset from the longitudinal axis Lm of the medicament container 6262. When the energy storage member 6410 is in its first position (FIG. 48), it is spaced apart from the electrical contact 6650 of the energy release mechanism 6610. When the energy storage member 6410 is in its second position, it is in contact with the electrical contact 6650, thereby allowing current to flow from the energy storage member 6410 to an actuator 6654 via a circuit 6652. The actuator 6654 converts the electrical energy into a force that acts upon the rncdicament container 6262 to move the medicament container 6262 between its first position and its second position.

j1206j The system actuator 6510 includes a release member 6540 coupLed to the energy storage member 6410, a spring 6560 and an actuator button 6520. The spring 6560 is disposed about the release member 6540 in a compressed configuration. The release member 6540 is removably coupled to the actuator button 6520, which is disposed at the distal end of the housing 6110. When the actuator button 6520 is manipulated, the release member 6540 is dc-coupled from the actuator button 6520, thereby allowing the force from the spring 6560 to move the release member 6540. In this manner, the energy storage member 6410 is moved proximally within the housing 6110 into its second configuration. In some embodiments, the components included in the system actuator 6510 can be electrically coupled to the energy storage member 6410.

I 1207J Although the auto-injectors shown and described include a medicament container and an energy storage member that are substantially parallel, in some embodiments, the medicament container and the energy storage member can be angularly offset from each other. For example, FIGS. 49 and 50 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 7002 in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively, Similar to the auto-injectors described above, the auto-injector 7002 includes a housing 7110 that contains a medicament container 7262, an energy storage member 7410, a release member 7540 and an energy release mechanism 7610, The medieament container 7262, which includes a needle 7212, is disposed within the housing such that it can be moved along its longitudinal axis Lm as indicated by arrow P between a first position (FIG. 49) and a second position (FIG. 50).

[1208j The energy storage member 7410 is also movably disposed within the housing 7110 along its longitudinal axis Le, as shown by arrow Q. As shown, the longitudinal axis Le is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis Lm of the medicament container 7262. When the energy storage member 7410 is in its first position (FiG, 49), it is spaced apart from the energy release mechanism 7610. When the energy storage member 7410 is in its second position (FIG. 50), it is in contact with the energy release mechanism 7610, thereby releasing energy to produce a force on the medicament container 7262 in a mariner as described above.

112091 As described above, the release member 7540 can be any suitable mechanism configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member 7410 from its first position to its second position.

(12101 Although the auto-injectors shown and described above include a medicament container configured to move within the housing, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can be configured to move a needle within a stationary mcdicament container. For example, FIGS, 51 and 52 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 8002 in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 8002 includes a housing 8110 that contains a medieament container 8262, a movable member 8312, an energy storage nicmber 8410, an energy release mechanism 8610 and a release member 8540. The rnedicament container 8262 is fixedly disposed within the housing and defines a longitudinal axis Lm.

112111 The movable member 8312 includes a proximal end 8316 and a distal end 8318. The distal end 8318 of the movable member 8312 is disposed within and movable within the medicament container 8262 along the longitudinal axis Lm, as shown by the arrow R. A needle 8212 is coupled to the distal end 8318 of the movable member 8312, 112121 The energy storage member 8410 is also movably disposed within the housing 8110 along its longitudinal axis Le, as shown by arrow S. As shown, the longitudinal axis Le is offset from the longitudinal axis Lot of the medicament container 8262. When the energy storage member 8410 is in its first position (FIG. 51), it is spaced apart from the energy release mechanism 8610. When the energy storage member 8410 is in its second position (FIG. 52), it is in contact with the energy release mechanism 8610, thereby producing a force on the proximal end 8316 of the movable member 8312. The force causes the movable member 8312 to be moved within the medicament container 8262. In this manner, the needle 8212 is extended through the housing 8110 as the medicarnent is being injected.

[1213j As described above, the release member 8540 can be any suitable mechanism configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member 8410 from its first position to its second position.

112141 Although the auto-injector 3002 is shown and described as including a comprossed gas container 3412 disposed non-coaxially with a medicament container 3262, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a compressed gas container that is coaxial with a mcdicamcnr container, For example, PIGS. 53-55 arc schcmatic illustrations of an auto-injector 9002 in a first configuration, a second configuration, and a third configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 9002 includes a housing 9110 that contains a medicament container 9262, a movable member 9312, a compressed gas container 9412 and a puncturer 9612. The mcdicament container 9262 is movably disposed within the housing 9110 and includes a needle 9212 through which a medieament 9268 can be injected. As illustrated, the medicament container 9262 can be moved along its longitudinal axis Lm between the first configuration (FIG, 53) and the second configuration (FIG. 54).

112151 The compressed gas container 9412 is also movably disposed within the housing 9110 along its longitudinal axis Le, which is coaxial with the longitudinal axis Lm of the niedicanient container 9262. A biasing member 9560, such as, for example, a spring, is engaged with the compressed gas container 9412 to bias the compressed gas container 9412 distally towards the puncturer 9612. As showi in FIG. 53, when the auto-injector 9002 is in the first configuration, a retainer 9540 retains the compressed gas container 9412 in the proximal portion 9112 of the housing spaced apart from the puncturer 9612.

112161 The movable member 9312 includes a proximal end portion 9316 and a distal end portion 9318. The proximal end portion 9316 includes a surface 9322 that, together with the housing 9110, defines a gas chamber 9120. The distal end portion 9318 is disposed within the medieament container 9262. The movable member 9312 is configured to move the medicament container 9262 within the housing 911 0 and inject the medicament 9268.

[1217J In use, the auto..injector 9002 is actuated by manipulating the proximal portion 9112 of the housing 9110 to move the retainer 9540, thereby allowing thc compressed gas container 9412 to he moved distally until it engages the puncturer 9612. as shown in FIG. 54. As described above, the puncturer 9612 punctures a portion of the compressed gas container 9412 thereby releasing the pressurized gas contained therein into the gas chamber 9120. The pressurized gas produces a force on the movable member 9312, which causes the movable member 9312 and the medicament container 9262 to move distally into the second configuration, as shown by the arrow T in FIG. 54, When in the second configuration, the needle 9212 is extended outside of the housing 9110. The movable member 9312 then continues to move distally within the medicament container 9262, as shown by the arrow U in FIG, 55. In this manner, the medicament is injected through the needle 9212.

11218! Although the autoinjectors are shown and described as being actuated from the distal end and including an energy storage member 3412 disposed non-coaxially with a medicament container 3262, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can be actuated from its distal end and include an cnergy storage member that is coaxial with a medicament container. For example, FIGS. 56 and 57 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 10002 in a first and a second configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 10002 includes a housing 10110 that contains a medicament container 10262, an energy storage member 10410 and a system actuator 10510.

jI2l9j The rnedicament container 10262 defines a longitudinal axis Lm that is coaxial with a longitudinal axis of the energy storage member 10410. The medicament container 10262 includes a needle 10212 through which a medicament can be injected. The medicament container 10262 is movable within the housing along its longitudinal axis Lm between a first position (FIGS. 56 and 57) and a second position (not shown), in which the needle I 0212 extends outside of the housing lOll o. As described above, the medicament container 10262 is moved by a force produced by the energy storage member 10410.

j1220J The energy storage member 10410 is also movably disposed within the housing 10110 along its longitudinal axis Le, as shown by arrow V in FIG. 57. When the energy storage member 10410 moves between a first position (FIG. 56) and a second position (FiG. 57), it produces a force on the medicament container 10262.

112211 The system actuator 10510 includes a release member 10540 and an actuator button 10520. The release member 10540 is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member 10410 from its first position to its second position. The release member 10540 can be, for example, a spring-loaded rod, a retainer or the like. The actuator button 10520 is coupled to the release member 10540 such that when the actuator button 10520 is manipulated, the release member 10540 can deploy the energy storage member 10410 from its first position to its second position. A portion of the actuator button 10520 extends outside of the distal end portion 10114 of the housing 10110 such that the user can actuate the auto-injector 10002 by manipulating the distal end portion 10114 of the housing 10110.

11 222J FIG. 58 shows a portion of a distally actuated system actuator 11510 according to an embodiment of the invention. Similar to the system actuators shown and described above, the system actuator 11510 is configured to selectively move an energy storage member (not shown) into contact with an energy release mechanism (not shown). The system actuator 11510 includes a rod 11540, a spring 11560 and a spring retainer 11570.

A proximal portion 11542 of the rod 11540 is coupled to the spring retainer 11570 by two prolections 11548, which can be moved inwardly towards each other to decouple the rod 11540 from the spring retainer 11570, as previously discussed.

12231 The spring 11560 is disposed about the rod 11540 in a compressed state such that the spring 11560 is retained by a distal end portion (not shown) of the rod 11540 and the spring retainer 11570. In this manner, the rod 11540 is spring-loaded, similar to the rod 3540 discussed above.

112241 The system actuator 11510 also includes an actuator button 11520 that is coupled via a flexible member 11525 to a pair of pivoting members 11523. A portion of the actuator button 11520 extends outside of the distal end portion of the housing (not shown). In use, the user can actuate the auto-injector by manipulating the distal end portion of the housing, for example. by pressing the actuator button 11520 inwardly as indicated by the arrow W. The inward movement of the actuator hutton 11520 causes the flexible member 11525, which can he, for example, a thin cable, to move as indicated by the arrow X. The movement of the flexible member 11525 causes the pivoting members 11523 to pivot as indicated by the arrows Y, which then causes the projections 11548 to move together, thereby releasing the rod 11 540 from the spring retainer 11570.

112251 Although the compressed gas container 3412 is shown and described above as a single-use compressed gas container disposed within the housing 31 10, in some embodiments, a compressed gas container can be a multi-use container. Moreover, the compressed gas container need not be contained within the housing. For example, in some embodiments, the compressed gas container can be a container disposed outside of the housing. Additionally, the compressed gas container can be any source of pressurized gas.

For example, in some embodiments, the compressed gas source can be a container having two or more chemicals formulated to produce a pressurized gas when mixed, In other embodiments, the compressed gas source can be any reservoir that can supply a gas at pressures greater than atmospheric pressure.

12261 Although the auto-injectors shown and described above include a gas relief valve coupled to a movable member and configured to selectively allow fluid flow through an opening defined by the movable member, in some embodiments, the gas relief valve and/or the opening can be disposed apart from the movable member. For example, FIGS, 59 -61 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 14002 in a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 14002 includes a housing 14110, a medieament container 14262, a movable member 14312, a gas relief valve 14328 and a compressed gas source 14412.

112271 The medicamerit container 14262 is movably disposed within the housing 141W and defines a longitudinal axis Lm. An injection member 14212 is coupled to and can be placed in fluid communication with the medicament container 14262. The injection member 14212 can be, for example, a needle, a nozzle or the like. As illustrated, the medicament container 14262 can be moved along its longitudinal axis Lm between a first position (FIG. 59) and a second position (FIG. 60). When the medicatnent container 14262 is in its first (or retracted) position, the injection member 14212 is disposed within the housing 14110. When the medicament container 14262 is in the second (or advanced) position (FIG. 60), a portion of the injection member 14212 is disposed outside of the housing 14110 and is placed in fluid communication with the medicament container 14262. In this manner, when the medicament container 14262 is in the second (or advanced) position, a medieament 14268 can be conveyed via the injection member 14212 from the medicament container 14262 into a body of a patient. in some embodiments, the injection member 14212 is disposed adjacent an outer surface of the housing, but can be able to deliver a medicament into a body.

(12281 The movable member 14312 includes a proximal end portion 14316 and a distal end portion 14318. As described above, the proximal end portion 14316 includes a surface 14322 that, together with the housing 141 30, defines a gas chamber 14120. The proximal end portion 14316 also includes a seal 14314 that engages a portion of the housing to Iluidically isolate the gas chamber 14120 from an area 14128 within the housing 14110. The distal end portion 14318 is disposed within and movable within the medicament container 14262 along the longitudinal axis Lm.

112291 The housing 14110 includes a side wall 14122 that defines a portion of the gas chamber 14120, The side waIl 34122 defines an opening 14152, which can be in fluid communication between the gas chamber 14120 and an area outside of the housing 14129.

The gas relief valve 14328 is coupled to the housing 14110 such that it can selectively allow fluid communication between the gas chamber 14120 and the area outside of the housing 14129 through the opening 14152.

(1230J Similar to the operation described above, when the auto-injector 14002 is actuated, a pressurized gas flows from the compressed gas source 14412 into the gas chamber 14120. In response to a force produced by the pressurized gas, the movable member 14312 moves within the housing 14110 thereby placing the medicament container 14262 in its second position (FIG. 60), The movable member 14312 continues to move within the medicament container 14262, as indicated by arrow P in FIG. 61, to expel a medicament 14268 through the injection member 14212. When the medicament container 14262 is in is second position, the gas relief valve 14328 is actuated as indicated by the arrow Q in FIG. 61, thereby allowing pressurized gas to flow from the gas chamber 14120 to the area outside of the housing 14129 through the opening 14152. The gas relief valve 14328 can be actuated by any suitable valve actuator. For example, in some embodiments the auto-injector 14002 can include a mechanical valve actuator (not shown) that the user manually depresses to actuate the valve 14328.

[12311 PIGS. 62 and 63 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 15002 in a first configuration and a second configuration, respectively. The auto-injector 15002 includes a housing 151 10, a medicament container 15262. a movable member 15312, a compressed gas source 154 2 and a gas release assembly 15325. As described above, the medicament container 15262 is fixedly disposed within the housing 15110 and defines a longitudinal axis Un.

112321 The movable member 15312 includes a proximal end portion 15316 and a distal end portion 15318. The proximal end portion 15316 includes a surface 15322 that defines a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber 15120. The distal end portion 15318 is movably disposed within the medicament container 15262 along the longitudinal axis Lm, as shown by the arrow S. A needle 15212 defining a lumen and a side opening (not shown) is coupled to the distal end 15318 of the movable member 15312.

112331 The gas release assembly 15325 includes a gas relief valve 15328, a flexible member 15329 and an opening 15152. The opening 15152 is defined by a side waIl 15122 of the housing 15110 that defines a portion of the gas chamber 15120. in this manner, the opening 15152 can provide fluid communication between the gas chamber 15120 and an area outside of the housing 15129. the housing 15110 includes a covering portion 15154 disposed adjacent the opening 15152 to prevent the opening 15152 from becoming obstructed, to prevent the gas relief valve 15328 from being inadvertently actuated or the like.

(12341 The gas relief valve 15328 is removably disposed within the opening 15152 and has a first configuration (HG. 62) and a second configuration (FIG. 63). When the gas relief valve 15328 is iii its first configuration, it is disposed within the opening 15152 such that it fluidieally isolates the gas chamber 15120 from the area outside of the housing 15129. When the gas relief valve 15328 is in its second configuration, it is removed from the opening 15152, thereby p facing the gas chamber 15120 in fluid communication with the area outside of the housing 15129. The gas relief valve 15328 can be, for example, a rigid member that is press fit within the opening 15152, a flexible member that is secured about the opening 15152 by an adhesive, a frangible sealing member or any other suitable device that can be removably disposed within and/or about the opening 15152.

(1235J The gas relief valve 15328 is coupled to the movable member 15312 by a flexible member 15329. By coupling the gas relief valve 15328 to the movable member 15312, the gas relief valve 15328 can he moved from its first configuration to its second configuration when the movable member 15312 reaches a predetermined position within the housing 15110. Moreover, after the gas relief valve 15328 has been actuated, this arrangement allows the gas relief valve 15328 to remain in its second configuration independent of the position of the movable member 15312. The flexible member 15329 can be any suitable structure for coupling the gas relief valve 15328 to the movable member 15312. For example, the flexible member can be a string, an elastic member, a biasing member or the like.

[1236j ln use, when the auto-injector 15002 is actuated, a pressurized gas flows from the compressed gas source 15412 into the gas chamber 15120. In response to a force produced by the pressurized gas, the movable member 15312 moves within the housing 15110 and the medicament container 15262. As a result, the needle 15212 is extended through the housing 15110 and the medicament is injected via the needle 15212. When the movablc member 15312 reaches a predetermined position within the housing 15110, the flexible member 15329 moves the gas relief valve 15328 into its second configuration, as shown by the arrow T in FlU. 63. In this manner, pressurized gas flows from the gas chamber 15120 to the area outside of the housing 15129 through the opening 15152, as shown by the arrows g. As the pressure in the gas chamber 15120 is reduced, the movable member 15312 and the needle 15212 can be retracted into the housing 15110, as described above.

I 1237J Although the auto-injector 3002 is shown and described as including a gas relief valve 3328 that is automatically actuated by a valve actuator 3254 disposed on the carrier 3250, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve that is automatically actuated by any type of valve actuator, For example, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve that is actuated electronically, magnetically, hydraulically, pneumatically or by any other suitable mechanism. In other embodiments, an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve that is manually actuated by the user, for example, by a push button that extends within the housing.

[1238j Although the auto-injector 3002 shown and described above includes an valve actuator 3254 coupled to the carrier 3250, in sonic embodiments, an auto-injector can include a valve actuator disposed anywhere within the auto-injector. For example, FIGS. 64 -66 are schematic illustrations of an auto-injector 16002 in a first configuration, a second configuration and a third configuration, respectively, in which a valve actuator 16254 is coupled to a housing 16110. The auto-injector 16002 includes the housing 16110, a medicament container 16262, a movable member 16312, a gas relief valve 16328, the valve actuator 16254 and a compressed gas source 16412. A.s described above, the medicament container 16262 is fixedly disposed within the housing 16110 and defines a longitudinal axis Lni, [l239 The movable member 16312 includes a proximal end portion 16316 and a distal end portion 16318. The proximal end portion 16316 includes a surface 16322 that defines a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber 16120. The proximal end portion 16316 defines an opening 16326 therethrough, which can be selectively placed in fluid communication between the gas chamber 16120 and an area outside of the gas chamber 16128. The distal end portion 16318 is movably disposed within the medicament container 16262 along the longitudinal axis Lm, as shown by the arrow U. A needle 16212 defining a lumen and a side opening (not shown) is coupled to the distal end 16318 of the movable member 16312.

f124O A biasing member 16350 extends between the proximal end portion 16316 of the movable member 16312 and the housing 16110. The biasing member, which can be, for example, a spring, an elastic member or the like, is configured to bias the movable member 16312 towards the proximal portion 16112 of the housing 16110.

[12411 The gas relief valve 16328 is coupled to the movable member 16312 adjacent the opening 16326 and has a first configuration (FIG. 64) and a second configuration (FiGS, 65-66). When the gas relief valve 16328 is in its first configuration, it is disposed within the opening 16326 such that it fluidically isolates the gas chamber 16120 from the area outside of the gas chamber 16128. When the gas relief valve 16328 is in its second configuration, it is moved or punctured, thereby placing the gas chamber 16120 in fluid communication with the area outside of the gas chamber 16128.

112421 The valve actuator 16254 has a proximal end 16253 and a distal end 16255 and defines a lumen therethrough (not shown). The proximal end 16253 of the valve actuator 1.6254 is configured to move or puncture the gas relief valve 16328 to move the gas relief valve 16328 between its first configuration and its second configuration. The distal end 16255 of the valve actuator 16254 is coupled to the housing 161 10. In use, when the auto-injector 16002 is actuated, the gas chamber 16120 is placed in fluid communication with the compressed gas source 16412, thereby allowing a pressurized gas to flow into the gas chamber 16120. The force produced by the pressurized gas on the surface 16322 of the movable member 16312 causes the movable member 16312 to move within the housing 16110 and the medicament container 16262, as shown in FIG, 65. As a result, the needle 16212 is extended through the housing 16110 and the mcdican'icnt is injected via the needle 16212.

112431 When the movable member 16312 reaches a predetermined position within the housing 161 10, the proximal end 16253 of the valve actuator 16254 punctures the gas relief valve 16328, thereby causing the gas relief valve 16328 to move irreversibly into its second configuration. In this manner, pressurized gas flows from the gas chamber 16120 to the area outside of the gas chamber 161 28 through the opening 16326, as shown by the arrows g. The pressurized gas also flows from the area outside of the gas chamber 16128 to an area outside of the housing 16129 through the lumen defined by the valve actuator 16254. In this manner, the valve actuator 16254 defines a portion of the gas release path.

[1244J As shown in FIG. 66. when the pressurized gas flows out of the gas chamber 16120, the pressure exerted on the surface 16322 of the movable member 16312 decreases. Accordingly, the force exerted by the biasing member 16350 is sufficient to move the movable member 16312 proximally within the housing 16110, as indicated by arrow V, such that the needle 16212 is retracted into the housing 16110. Because the gas relief valve 16328 remains in its second configuration during retraction, the opening 16326 remains in fluid communication with the gas chamber 16120 and the area outside of the gas chamber 16128 independent of the position of the movable member 16312.

J12451 Additionally, the arrangement of the valve actuator 16254 can control the distance through which the movable member 16312 moves within the medieamcnt container 16262 (i.e., the stroke of the movable member), and therefore the amount of medicament injected. As shown in FIG. 64, the stroke of the movable member 163 12 is a function of the distance between the length LI of the valve actuator 16254 and the length L2 of the movable member 16312 in its initial position. Accordingly, the stroke of the movable member 16312 can be controlled by vazying the length LI of the valve actuator 16254 and/or the length L2 of the movable member 16312 in its initial position.

(12461 The proximal end portion 16316 and the distal end portion 16318 are shown in FIGS. 64 66 as being separate components that are coupled together to form the movable member 16312. Such construction allows flexibility during manufacturing. For example.

in some embodiments, the medicament container 16262 and the distal end portion 16318 are assembled in a sterile environment and later coupled to the proximal end portion 16316 in a non-sterile environment. In other embodiments, the two-piece arrangement of the movable member 16312 provides flexibility in setting the length L2. For example, when a greater dosage of medicament is required, a shim or spacer (not shown) can be placed in the assembly joint between the proximal end portion 16316 and the distal end portion 16318 to increase the length L2.

E12471 Although the stroke of the movable member 16312, and therefore the amount of medieament injected, is shown and described as being controlled by configuring the valve actuator 16254 to actuate the gas relief valve 16328 when the movable member 16312 has moved a predetermined distance within the medicament container 16262, in other embodiments, any suitable mechanism for controlling the stroke of the movable member can be used. For example, the auto-injector 3002 shown and described above is configured so that the movable member 3312 contacts the cart-icr 3250 to limit the stroke of the movable member 3312. In other embodiments, the stroke of the movable member can be limited by including a protrusion within the medicament container, such as a necked portion, that limits the motion of the piston within the medicament container. In other embodiments, the housing can include a protrusion to limit the stroke of the movable member. In yet other embodiments, a combination of each of the above methods for controlling the stroke of the movable member can be employed.

I 1248j As discussed above, the valve actuator need not mechanically actuate the gas relief valve. For example, FIGS, 67 and 68 are schematic illustrations of a portion of an auto-injector 17002 having a pneumatically actuated gas relief valve 17328. Because the auto-injector 17002 is similar to the auto-injectors described above, only the gas relief mechanism is discussed iii detail. The auto-injector 17002 includes a housing 17110, a movable member 17312 and a gas relief valve 17328. As described above, the movable member 17312 includes a proximal end portion 17316 that includes a surface 17322 that defines a portion of a boundary of a gas chamber 17120. The proximal end portion 17316 also includes a seal 17314 that engages a portion the housing 17110 to fluidically isolate the gas chamber 17120.

112491 The housing 17110 includes a side wall 17122 that defines a portionof the gas chamber 17120. The side waIl 17122 defines a first passageway 17152, which can he selectively placed in fluid communication between the gas chamber 17120 and an area outside of the housing 17129. The first passageway 17152 includes an opening 17153 into the gas chamber 1 7120 that is defined proximal to the movable member 17312. The side waIl 17122 defines a second passageway 17156 that is substantially parallel to the side wall 17122 and intersects the first passageway 17152. The second passageway 17156 includes an opening 17157 selectively disposable within the gas chamber 17120 depending on the position of the movable member 17312. The opening 17 157 is defined distally from the opening 17153.

112501 The gas relief valve 17328 includes a valve body 17360, a spring 17368 and a spring retainer 17370. The valve body 17360 is movably disposed within the second passageway 17156 and has a first position (FIG, 67) and a second position (FIG. 68). The spring retainer 17370 is disposed within the second passageway 17156 and engages one end of the spring 17368. The second end of the spring 17368 engages a proximal end portion 17362 of the valve body 17360. Tn this manner, the valve body 17360 is biased in its first position, such that a distal end portion 17364 of the valve body 17360 engages a shoulder 17158 defined by the second passageway 17156.

f!251j When the valve body 17360 is in its first position, the valve body 17360 obstructs the first passageway 17152, thereby fluidieally isolating the gas chamber 17120 from the area outside of the housing 17129, As the movable member 17312 moves distally within the housing 17110, as shown by arrow W, the seal 173 14 uncovers the opening 17157 of the second passageway 17156. This allows pressurized gas from the gas chamber 17120 to flow into the second passageway 17156 and exert a force on the distal end portion 17364 of the valve body 17360. When force produced by the pressurized gas exceeds the force produced by the spring 17368, the valve body 17360 moves proximally within the second passageway 17156. as shown by arrow X. In this manner, the opening 1 71 53 of the first passageway 17152 is uncovered, thereby allowing fluid communication between the gas chamber 17120 and the area outside of the housing 17129.

(1252j The proximal end portion 17362 of the valve body 17360 includes a projection 17366 designed to engage the spring retainer 17370 thereby maintaining the valve body 17360 in its second position. Accordingly, when the movable member 17312 moves proximally within the housing 171 10 (i.e., the retraction operation) and the opening 17157 is covered by the seal 17314, the valve body 17360 will not return to its first configuration. In this manner, the gas chamber 17120 remains in fluid communication with the area outside of the housing 17129 regardless of the position of the movable member 17312, thereby ensuring that the gas chamber 17120 is fully exhausted.

112531 Although the auto-injectors shown and described above include a gas relief valve having a first configuration in which the gas chamber is fluidically isolated and a second configuration in which the gas chamber is in fluid communication with an area outside the gas chamber, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve having more than two configurations. For example, in some configurations, an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve having a fully closed configuration, a fully opened configuration and a partially opened configuration. In this manner, the gas relief valve can be used to regulate the pressure within the gas chamber and/or the flow of the pressurized gas from the gas chamber. Such regulation can be tailored to optimize the needle insertion and/or the medicament injection operations (i.e., to ensure that the needle insertion is as painless as possible, that the medicament absorption profile is optimal, etc.).

[1254j Although the auto-injectors shown and described above include a gas relief valve that irreversibly changes from a first configuration in which the gas chamber is fluidieally isolated to a second configuration in which the gas chamber is in fluid communication with an area outside the gas chamber, in some embodiments an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve configured to irreversibly change between the first configuration and the second configuration throughout the insertion and/or injection cycle.

For example, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a gas relief valve that repeatedly cycles between its fully opened and its fully closed configurations during a single injection event. Such an arrangement also allows the gas relief valve to be used to regulate the pressure within the gas chamber andlor the flow of the pressurized gas from the gas chamber.

112551 FIG. 69 is a schematic illustration of an auto-injector 18002 in which the gas rdief valve 18328 has multiple different configurations, the gas relief valve 18328 being shown in a first configuration. FIGS. 70-73 are schematic illustrations of a portion of the auto-injector I $002 in which the gas relief valve 18328 is in a second through a fifth configuration, respectively. Because the auto-injector 18002 is similar to the auto-injectors described above, on'y the gas relief mechanism is discussed in detail.

1256j The auto-injector 18002 includes a housing 18110, a movable member 18312, a medicament container 18262 and a gas relief valve 18328. The medicament container 18262 is movably disposed within the housing 18110 and defines a longitudinal axis Lm, A needle 18212 is coupled to and can be placed in fluid communication with the medicament container 18262. As described above, the medicanient container 18262 can be moved along its longitudinal axis Lm between a first position (FIG. 69) and a second position. When the medicament container 1 8262 is in its first (or retracted) position, the needle 182 12 is disposed within the housing 18110. When the rnedicamcnt container 18262 is in the second position, at least a portion of the needle 18212 extends outside of the housing 18110.

f1257J The movable member 18312 includes a proximal end portion 18316 and a distal end portion 18318. As described above, the proximal end portion 18316 includes a surface 18322 that, together with the housing 18110, defines a gas chamber 18120. The proximal end portion 18316 also defines an opening 18326 therethrough, which can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the gas chamber 18120 and an area outside of the gas chamber 18128. The distal end portion 18318 is movably disposed within the medicament container 18262.

[1258J The gas relief valve 18328 includes a frangible seal 18361 and a valve body 18360. The frangible scat 18361 is coupled to the movable member 18312 adjacent the opening 18326. When the gas relief valve 18328 is in its first configuration (FIG. 69) the frangible seal 18361 fluidically isolates the gas chamber 18120 from the area outside of the gas chamber 18128. When gas relief valve 18328 is in its second through fifth configurations (FiGS, 70 -73), the frangible seal 18361 is moved or punctured, which as described below, can allow fluid communication between the gas chamber 18120 and the area outside the gas chamber 18128 via the opening 18326. The valve body 18360 is coupled to the housing 18110 and is configured to be disposed within the opening 18326 when the movable member 18312 moves distally within the housing 18110. The valve body includes a first portion)8362, a second portion 18364, a third portion 18366 and a fourth portion 18367.

[1259j The operation of the auto-injector 18002 and the various configurations of the gas relief valve 18128 are discussed with reference to FIG. 74, which shows a plot of the pressure within the gas chamber 18120 as a function of the position of the movable member 18312. In FIG. 74, the position of the movable member 18312, which also corresponds to the configuration of the gas relief valve, is represented on the x-axis. The pressure within the gas chamber 18120 is represented on the y-axis.

I 1260j In use, when the auto-injector 18002 is actuated, a pressurized gas flows from a compressed gas source 18412 (see FIG. 69) into the gas chamber 18120, causing the movable member 18312 to move distally within the housing. The movable member 18312 moves the medicarnent container 18262 between its first and its second position (the "needle insertion" operation). The needle insertion operation is shown in FiG. 74 as region AA. As shown in FIG. 70, towards the end of the needle insertion operation, the movable member 18312 is positioned such that the first portion 18362 of the valve body 18360 moves or punctures the frangible seal 18361, thereby placing the gas relief valve 18128 in its second configuration (point CC on the plot in FIG. 74) When the gas relief valve is in its second configuration, the gas chamber 18120 is in fluid communication with the area outside the gas chamber 18128 via the opening 18326. Accordingly, the pressure within the gas chamber 18120 is reduced, as indicated in FIG. 74. Reducing the pressure during the needle insertion operation can, for example, reduce patient discomfort during the needle insertion operation.

112611 When the medicament container 18262 reaches its second position, the movable member 18312 continues to move distally within the medicament container 18262, as shown by arrow Y, to inject the medicament through the needle 18212. The mcdicarnent injection operation is shown in FIG. 74 as region RB. As shown in FIG. 71, during the beginning of the injection operation, the movable member 18312 is positioned such that the second portion 18364 of the valve body 18360 is disposed within the opening 18326, placing the gas relief valve 18128 in its third configuration (point DD on the plot in FIG. 74). The second portion 18364 of the valve body 18360 is configured to fit within the opening 18326 such that the gas chamber 18120 is substantially fluidically isolated from the area outside of the gas chamber 1 81 28. Because pressurized gas continues to flow from the compressed gas source (not shown) into the gas chamber 18120, by fluidically isolating the gas chamber 18120, the pressure within the gas chamber 18120 will no longer decrease, but will instead remain constant or increase slightly.

(1262j During the middle portion of the injection operation, the movable member I 8312 is positioned such that the third portion 18366 of the valve body 18360 is disposed within the opening 18326, placing the gas relief valve 18128 in its fourth configuration (point EE on the plot in FIG, 74). The third portion 18366 of the valve body 18360 is shaped to allow a controlled amount of pressurized gas to flow from the gas chamber 18120 to the area outside the gas chamber 18128 via the opening 18326. Said another way, the third portion 18366 of the valve body 18360 and the opening 18326 define a flow passageway between the gas chamber 18120 and the an area outside the gas chamber 18 128. The flow passageway varies based on the shape of the third portion 18366 of the valve body 18360. For example, a narrow shaped third portion 18364 results in a larger flow area, whereas a larger shaped third portion 18366 results in a smaller flow area. In this manner, the flow area can be varied as a function of a longitudinal position of the movable member 18312. The third portion 18366 can be shaped such that the pressurized gas entering the gas chamber 18120 from the compressed gas source (not shown) is equal to the pressurized gas exiting the gas chamber 18120. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 74, the pressure within the gas chamber 18120 can be substantially constant throughout the injection operation.

I 1263j At the end of the injection operation, the movable member 18312 is positioned such that the fourth portion 18367 of the valve body 18360 is disposed within the opening 18326, placing the gas relief valve 18128 in its fifth configuration (point FF on the plot in FIG. 74). The fourth portion 18367 of the valve body 18360 is considerably smaller than the third portion 18366, thereby allowing a significant amount of pressurized gas to flow from the gas chamber 18120 to the area outside the gas chamber 18128 via the opening 18326. Said another way, when the fourth portion 18367 of the valve body 18360 is within the opening 18326, (he valve 18128 is fully opened:' Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 74, the pressure within the gas chamber 18120 decreases rapidly. In some embodiments, the rapid drop in pressure allows the movable member 18312 to be retracted by a biasing member, in this manner, the needle 18212 is also refracted into the housing 1 81 10, thereby minimizing post-injection hazards.

[1264j Although the gas relief valve 18128 is described as being a mechanical component that varies a flow area as a firnction of the movable member, in other embodiments, the gas relief valve can be any suitable type of variable area valve. For example, in some embodiments, a gas relief valve can be an electrically operated spool valve.

112651 While the valve body 18360 is shown as having four distinct regions corresponding to four variably Functional positions, in other embodiments, the valve body can have fewer or greater distinct regions corresponding to a different number of functional positions. Additionally, the shapes and sizes of the illustrated valve body portions 18362, 18364, 18366 and 18367 are shown by way of example only. In some embodiments, the valve body can be shaped according to a desired pressure and/or injection profile.

112661 Although the auto-injectors are shown and described above as having a single gas chamber and a single gas relief valve, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include any number of gas chambers and/or gas relief valves. For example, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a compressed gas source, an auxiliary gas chamber and a primary gas chamber. In a similar manner as described above, the compressed gas source can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the auxiliary gas chamber, thereby allowing the auxiliary gas chamber to be filled with a pressurized gas. The auto-injector can include a first gas relief valve configured to selectively place the auxiliary gas chamber in fluid communication with the primary gas chamber. When pressurized gas is conveyed from the auxiliary gas chamber into the primary gas chamber via the first gas relief valve, the gas pressure within the primary gas chamber causes an injection event, as described above. The auto-injector can also include a second gas relief valve configured to selectively place the primary gas chamber in fluid communication with an area outside of the auto-injector housing. By including an auxiliary gas chamber, which can be vented independently from the primary gas chamber, the auto-injector can be configured as a multiple-use injector.

112671 Similarly, while the auto-injectors are shown and described above as having an area outside of the gas chamber that is in fluid communication with an area outside of the housing, in some embodiments, the area outside of the gas chamber need not be vented to the atmosphere. For example, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include an area outside of the gas chamber that is in fluid communication with a secondary gas chamber.

[1268J Although the ncedle guard auto-injector 3002 is illustrated and described above as including a needle guard that coveni or is disposed on a portion of the distal end 3114 of the housing 3110, in some embodiments, an auto-injector 3004 includes a housing 3140 and a needle guard 3812 removably coupled to the distal end portion 3144 of the housing 3140, as illustrated in FIGS. 75-76. The needle guard 3812 includes a sheath 3111 and a sheath retaining portion 3113. The needle guard 3812 has a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle guard 3812 is coupled to the housing 3140. For example, the sheath retaining portion 3113 of the needle guard 3812 is configured to substantially cover or eneasc the distal end portion 3144 of the housing 3140 when the needle guard is in its first position. In its second position, the needle guard 3812 is removed from the housing 3140. The sheath 3111 is coupled to the sheath retaining portion 3113 similar to the coupling of the sheath 3820 and sheath retainer 3840 as described in detail above with reference to FIG. 22, As such, as the sheath retaining portion 3113 is moved distally in the direction of arrow P. the sheath 31 TI is also moved distally and removed from the housing 3140. Once the needle guard 3812 is moved to its second (or removed) position, the safety lock 3730 is accessible. The safety lock 3730 is removed from the housing 3140 by pulling the safety lock in a direction that is substantially normal to the direction in which the needle guard 3812 is removed, such as in the direction of arrow Q as illustrated in FIG. 76.

112691 In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 77 -79, an auto-injector 3006 includes a housing 3116, a safety guard 3130, and a distal end cap 3160. The distal end cap 3160 is configured to selectively engage or be coupled to the housing 3116. The distal end cap 3160 prevents inadvertent actuation of the auto-injector 3006 by substantially covering at least a portion of the safety guard 3130 when the distal end cap 3160 is engaged with or coupled to the housing 3116.

[1270] The distal end cap 3160 has a first position and a second position. In its first position, illustrated in FIG. 77, the distal end cap 3160 is removably coupled to or engaged with the distal end portion 3156 of the housing 3 116. In its secon.d position, illustrated in FIG. 78, the distal end cap 3160 is removed from the housing 3116. The distal end cap 3160 must be removed from the auto-injector 3006 before the auto-injector can be enabled for use, thus preventing inadvertent actuation of the device, Furthermore, the distal end cap 3160 provides an additional barrier to contamination of the needle and the medicament disposed therein, The distal end cap 3160 can have a series of ridges or other tactile mechanism for assisting a user in gripping and/or removing the distal end cap. The distal end cap 3160 is replaceable. As such, if the distal end cap 3160 is removed before a user intends to use the auto-injector 3006, the user can put the distal end cap back in its first position without actuating orjeopardizing the sterility of the device.

[1271] Once the distal end cap 3160 is removed, the safety guard 3130 is exposed and can be removed. With the safety guard 3130 in place, the auto-injector 3006 can not be actuated. The safety guard 3130, illustrated in FIGS. 80 -81, includes a base portion 3132, a locking portion 3134, and a needle guard portion 3136. The locking portion 3134 and needle guard portion 3136 extend proximally from the base portion 3132. The base includes a first end 3146 and a second end 3148. The locking portion 3134 is disposed adjacent the first end 3146 and includes a first engagement portion 3128. A second engagement portion 313 S is disposed adjacent the second end 3148 of the base portion 3132.

I 1272] The needle guard portion 3136 of the safety guard 3130 includes a sheath 3152 and a sheath retaining portion 3154. The sheath 3152, which is similar to sheath 3820 discussed in detail above, defines an opening configured to receive at least a portion of a needle of the auto-injector and is removably coupled to the sheath retaining portion 3154.

The sheath retaining portion 3154 is couplable to the housing 3116 or to the base 3158 which is coupled to the housing.

112731 The safety guard 3130 has a first position and a second position. in its first position, illustrated in FIG. 78, the safety guard 3130 is coupled to the distal end 3156 of the housing 3116. For example, the safety guard 3130 can be coupled to a base 3 12R movably coupled to the distal end 3156 of the housing 31 16. In its second position, shown in FIG. 79, the safety guard 3130 is removed from the housing 31! 6. The safety guard 3130 is removed from the housing 3116 by pulling the safety guard distally in the direction of arrow R. j1274j When the safety guard 3130 is in its first position, the locking portion 3134 inhibits or prevents actuation of the auto-injector 3006. Referring to FIG. 78, the locking portion 3134 includes a first engagement portion 3128, or protrusion, that extends at least partially into the housing 31 16 of the auto-injector 3006 (shown in dashed lines). In some embodiments, the locking portion 3134 extends through an opening (not shown in FIG. 78) of the base 3158 movably coupled to the distal end portion 3156 of the housing 3116, similar to the opening 3522 defined by base 3520 as illustrated in FIG. 28. The locking portion 3134 is configured to keep separate the projections of the actuator, similar to projections 3548 of actuator 3510 illustrated in FIG. 27, when the safety guard 3130 is in its first position. As the safety guard 3 1 30 is moved from its first position to its second position, the locking portion 3134 is removed from between the projections 3548. Thus, the projections can be moved to actuate the auto-injector as previously described.

112751 When the safety guard 3130 is in its first position, the needle guard portion 3136 substantially covers the needle (not shown) of the auto-injector 3006. As the safety guard 3130 is moved to its second position, the sheath retaining portion 3154 remains coupled to the sheath 3152, and thus sheath is removed from its position covering the needle.

j1276J The second engagement portion 3138 of the safety guard 3130 is configured to be selectively coupled to at least a portion of the housing 3116 when the safety guard 3130 is in its first position. The second engagement portion 3138, for example, can assist in guiding and removing the safety guard 3130 by balancing the safety guard relative to the housing 3116. In other words, as the safety guard 3 130 is moved to its second (or removed) position, the second engagement portion 3138 inhibits the safety guard 3130 from becoming skewed, and restricting movement of the first engagement portion 3128.

In some embodiments, the second engagement portion 3138 can be coupled to the housing 3116 to prevent unwanted movement of the safety guard 3130 away from t.he housing.

such as via a resistance fit with the housing.

[1277) In some embodiments, the safety guard 3130 is constructed monolithically. In other embodiments, the safety guard can be constructed from separate components. For example, one or more of the base portion, locking portion and/or needle guard portion can be constructed separately and then coupled to the other portions. Although the illustrated embodiment shows the second engagement portion 3138 as being disposed at or proximate to an edge of the base portion 3132, in some embodiments, the second engagement portion 3138 can be disposed elsewhere on the base portion. Although the first engagement portion 3128, or locking member, is illustrated as being at or proximate to an edge of the base portion 3132, in some embodiments, the first engagement portion 3128 can extend from another portion of the base portion.

[12781 In some embodiments, a sleeve covers all or at least a substantial portion of the auto-injector. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 82, the sleeve 3180 covers substantially all of the safety guard (not shown) and the housing 3182 of the auto-injector 3007. The sleeve 3180 can be configured for use in an embodiment having only a safety lock or a separate needle guard and safety lock. The sleeve 3180 has a first position in which the sleeve is configured to substantially cover the housing 3182, as illustrated in FIG. 82, and a second position in which the sleeve is configured to be removed from the housing 3182 by pulling the sleeve distally in the direction of arrow S. as illustrated in FIG. 83.

[1279J Although the safety lock is described as having a first engagement portion and a second engagement portion, in some embodiments, the safety lock has only a first engagement portion, For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 84 and 85, a safety lock 3170 includes a locking portion 3174 and a needle guard portion 3176. The locking portion 3174 has a first engagement portion 3178 disposed on the base portion 3172 of the safety lock. The first engagement portion 3178 extends proximally from the base portion 3172.

The needle guard portion 3176 includes a sheath 3192 and a sheath retaining portion 3194.

The sheath retaining portion 3194 extends proximally from the base portion 3172 and is coupled to the sheath 31924. The sheath retaining portion 3194 is coupled to the sheath 3192 similar to the coupling of the sheath 3820 and sheath retainer 3840 as described in detail above with reference to FIG. 22. The safety lock 3170 is removed by pulling the safety lock distally in the direction of arrow S as shown in FIG. 83, away from housing 3182. When the safety lock 3170 is in its second (or removed) position, the first engagement portion 3178 is removed from between the projections of the system actuator rod (not shown in FIG. 83), and thus the auto-injector 3007 can be actuated.

112801 In some embodiments, the locking member, distal end cap, safety guard, or sleeve are configured to mate or otherwise interface with the housing to prevent actuation of the auto-injector. The connection between the housing and the sleeve, for example, can he a snug fit and can be an interlocking connection. For example, in some embodiments, some force must be applied to remove the distal end cap, safety guard, or sleeve from the housing.

[1281J FIG. 86 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 20000 for manufacturing a medicament delivery apparatus. At 20100, a medicament container is filled with a predetermined amount of medicament. For example. the mcdicament container can be filled with a predetermined amount of epinephrine. As used herein, filling the medicament container includes putting medicament into the container, not necessarily filling the container to capacity. The filling of the medicament container occurs in a sterile environment. In some embodiments, the container can be filled with a second medicament. In such an embodiment, the second medieament can be any constituent of a medicatnent, including water. Once the medicament container is filled, a seal can be placed on the container to prevent leakage andIor contamination of the medicament. At activity 20200, the mcdieament container is removed from the sterile environment. For example, the medicament container can be filled in a first sterile manufacturing facility, and then the filled containers can be transported to a second facility, which is not necessarily a sterile facility, to continue assembly of the apparatus.

[12821 At 20300, at least a portion of a needle is inserted into a needle hub disposed in or on a housing. At 20400, a needle cover, or sheath, is installed over at least a portion of the needle so that the needle cover substantially covers the portion of the needle extending from the needle hub. For example, a needle cover constructed of at least one of polyethylene, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene, thermoplastic polyurethane, rubber, a polymer, or an elastomer can be installed to cover at least a portion of the needle extending from the needle hub, When the needle cover is installed, the needle cover can also be coupled to the needle hub. For example, in some embodiments the needle cover includes a recessed portion configured to be coupled to a corresponding protrusion on the needle hub. In some embodiments, the recessed portion and the protrusion forms a seal that is resistant to microbial penetration. One or both of the inserting the needle into the needle hub 20300 and installing the needle cover 20400 can occur in a non-sterile environment.

112831 At 20500, the needle is sterilized. Various sterilization techniques may be utilized, In some embodiments, a suitable sterilization technique includes the use of one or more of ethylene oxide, gamma radiation, c-beam radiation, ultraviolet radiation, steam, plasma, or hydrogen peroxide. In some embodiments, the needle is sterilized prior to installing the needle cover. In some embodiments, the needle is sterilized after the needle cover is installed. For example, in some embodiments, the needle cover is installed and then a gas sterilant is conveyed through at least a portion of the needle cover. The needle is sterilized using a gas sterilization technique that can penetrate one or more pores of a porous needle cover. In some embodiments, the needle can be sterilized using a gas sterilization technique that can penetrate one or more pores of a porous needle cover, but that will not react with a medieament in a medicament container disposed in the housing.

112841 In some embodiments, the gas sterilant is conveyed through a valve disposed on the needle cover. For example, the valve may be a one-way check valve, a spring-loaded valve, a self-sealing membrane, or the like.

112851 At 20600, the medicament container is disposed in the housing. At 20700, a needle guard assembly is coupled to at least one of a distal end portion of the housing or an actuator (or base portion) coupled to the housing. In some embodiments, the coupling includes coupling a one piece safety guard that is configured to prevent actuation of the apparatus and to receive at least a portion of the needle cover, in some embodiments, the coupling includes first coupling an actuation guard, or locking member, configured to prevent actuation of the apparatus, and then coupling a needle guard configured to receive at least a portion of the needle cover and to prevent movement of the locking member when the needle guard is coupled to the housing or the base portion.

[1286) Although disposing the medicament container in the housing is illustrated and described as occurring after the needle cover is installed over at least a portion of the needle, in some embodiments, the inedicament container is attached to the needle hub when the needle cover is installed over at least a portion of the needle.

[1287) Although only the needle is illustrated and described as being sterilized, in some embodiments, one or more of the needle hub, needle cover, and medicament container are sterilized in addition to the needle being sterilized. The sterilization of the needle hub, needle cover, medicament container and needle can occur substantially simultaneously or at different times.

112881 Although the flowchart in FIG. 86 presents each activity for manufacturing an auto-injector in a particular order, the various activities can occur in a different order. For example, the medieanient container can be tilled with medicament after the needle has been sterilized. In another example, the medicament container can be disposed in the housing prior to inserting the portion of the needle into the needle hub.

112891 While various embodiments of the invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Where methods described above indicate certain events occurring in certain order, the ordering of certain events may be modified. Additionally, certain of the events may be performed concurrently in a parallel pmeess when possible, as well as performed sequentially as described above.

112901 Although various embodiments have been described as having particular features and/or combinations of components, other embodiments are possible having a combination of any features and/or components from any of embodiments where appropriate. For example, in some embodiments, an auto-injector can include a fluidic circuit to change the direction and/or magnitude of the force produced by the energy storage member and a fluid relief valve to relieve the pressure within the fluidie circuit to assist in the retraction of the needle. In another example, in some embodiments, a gas relief mechanism can include an first opening defined by the movable member that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the gas chamber and an area outside of the gas chamber and a second opening defined by the housing that can be selectively placed in fluid communication with the gas chamber and an area outside of the housing. In still another example, in some embodiments, the sleeve 3 180 illustrated in FiG. 82 can be used in connection with the auto-injector 3002, 3004, 3006, Additionally, any of the components of the needle guard and safety lock can be interchanged with similar components in similar embodiments.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion including a distal end surface; a medicament container having a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a needle, the medicament container configured to move within the housing between a first position and a second position, the needle disposed within the housing when the medicament container is in the first position, at least a portion of the needle extending from the distal end portion of the housing when the medicament container is in the second position; an energy storage member configured to produce a force to move the medicament container between the first position and the second position when the energy storage member is actuated; an actuator configured to actuate the energy storage member when the actuator is moved from a first actuator position to a second actuator position, a first portion of the actuator disposed within the housing, a second portion of the actuator disposed outside of the housing; and a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing, a protrusion of the locking member disposed within an opening defined by the distal end surface of the housing such that the protrusion engages the actuator to limit movement of the actuator when the locking member is coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the medicament container is offset from a longitudinal axis of the energy storage member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy storage member is a gas container configured to contain a pressurized gas, the apparatus further comprising: a puncturer configured to penetrate a portion of the gas container when the gas container is actuated.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy storage member is a spring.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the actuator is operably coupled to the energy storage member.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the medicament container moves in a first direction when moved from the first position to the second position; and the actuator moves in a second direction when moved from the first actuator position to the second actuator position, the second direction substantially opposite the first direction.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a biasing member configured to bias the actuator towards the second actuator position.
8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a retraction spring operably coupled to the medicament container, the retraction spring configured to bias the medicament container in the first position.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a longitudinal axis of the retraction spring being is from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a needle guard configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the needle when the locking member is coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows:CLAIMS1. An apparatus, comprising: a housing having a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion including a distal end surface; a medicament container having a distal end portion configured to be coupled to a needle, the medicament container configured to move within the housing between a first position and a second position, the needle disposed within the housing when the medicament container is in the first position, at least a portion of the needle extending from the distal end portion of the housing when the medicament container is in the second position; an energy storage member configured to produce a force to move the medicament container between the first position and the second position when the energy storage member is actuated; an actuator configured to actuate the energy storage member when the actuator is moved from a first actuator position to a second actuator position, a first Q portion of the actuator disposed within the housing, a second portion of the actuator disposed outside of the housing; and a locking member configured to be removably coupled to the distal end portion of the housing, a protrusion of the locking member disposed within an opening defined by the distal end surface of the housing such that the protrusion engages the actuator to limit movement of the actuator when the locking member is coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a longitudinal axis of the medicament container is offset from a longitudinal axis of the energy storage member.3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy storage member is a gas container configured to contain a pressurized gas, the apparatus further comprising: a puncturer configured to penetrate a portion of the gas container when the gas container is actuated.4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the energy storage member is a spring.5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the actuator is operably coupled to the energy storage member.6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein: the medicament container moves in a first direction when moved from the first position to the second position; and the actuator moves in a second direction when moved from the first actuator position to the second actuator position, the second direction substantially opposite the first direction.7. The apparatus of claim 5, further comprising: a biasing member configured to bias the actuator towards the second actuator r position. C)O 8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: 0) a retraction spring operably coupled to the medicament container, the 1"' retraction spring configured to bias the medicament container in the first position.9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein a longitudinal axis of the retraction spring is offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container.10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the locking member includes a needle guard configured to be disposed about at least a portion of the needle when the locking member is coupled to the distal end portion of the housing.