MXPA00002270A - Dental anesthetic and delivery injection unit - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention is an improved injection device (11) including a pump, a pump control circuitry, a handpiece unit (15) with a needle for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient, a cartridge (21) holding the agent, and a tube (19) for delivering the agent from the cartridge (21) to the handpiece (15). Preferably the cartridge (21) is disposed in a cartridge holder (17) coupled to the tube (19). A quick disconnect coupling (25) is provided between the cartridge holder (17), and the housing (33) so that it can be easily mounted thereon. The housing (33) further has a receptacle (27) for receiving, and storing the tip of the handpiece (15).

Description

ANESTHETIC DENTAL AND INJECTION UNIT TO SUPPLY IT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This application relates to a dental anesthetic injection delivery system, and more particularly to a system for injecting anesthetic safely and painlessly during a dental procedure.

While local anesthesia eliminates the often severe pain that would otherwise be experienced during dental extractions, perforations and reconstructions, the dental patient is still subject to pain from the hypodermic injection of the anesthetic into the local dental area of the mouth. It is well established that more than 50% of adult patients fear injections in general, and even more are especially afraid of injections in the mouth during a dental procedure. Accordingly, it would be desirable to provide a dental anesthetic injection delivery system, which substantially eliminates the pain suffered by a patient during the injection of the anesthetic into the gum or other dental tissue.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Generally speaking, according to the invention, a system of supply of dental anesthetic is provided, which disables the bundles of nerves, which supply the dental support structures and teeth in the area of the injection and in the trajectory of the needle before a sensation of pain is perceived by the dental patient. The system comprises a handling unit for selectively delivering the anesthetic through a controllable handpiece unit, which carries a needle for tissue penetration. The operation of the operating unit can be controlled selectively, so that different amounts of anesthesia can be delivered through the needle, depending on whether the dental practitioner is either penetrating the dental tissue or has otherwise reached the location within the buccal tissue where the inhibition of the nerves is required. The inventive system uses a linear activator to deliver a controlled amount of anesthetic from a cartridge that is enclosed in the handling unit. The operating unit is operated by a skin pedal, which is selectively depressed in order to supply anesthetic through the handpiece unit. The system of the invention can be used to admire any fluid in dental tissue and is designed to accommodate a local anesthetic cartridge and a variety of needle sizes. The system management unit includes a motor and a board microprocessor to facilitate anesthetic flow control. The management unit, which uses the technology described in US Pat. Nos. 4,747, 824 and 5, 1 80,371, and which is incorporated herein by reference, allows the delivery of an anesthetic solution at a constant pressure and volume, without considering variations in tissue strength. At the needle delivery end, the system delivers a minute amount of the anesthetic that precedes the needle during injection into the dental tissue, creating the effect of an anesthetic trajectory. The combination of a trajectory and the controlled pressure and volume (flow rate), result in an effective and pain-free injection. The assembly of the handpiece, which carries the supply needle, allows an unprecedented level of visibility and digital control. The hand piece assembly is linked to the selected anesthetic cartridge by plastic microtube. The control unit controls the reciprocating movement of a piston, which selectively and controllably dispenses anesthetic from the anesthetic cartridge and through the hand piece assembly into a predetermined flow profile. Accordingly, an object of the invention is to provide a dental anesthetic supply injection system, which can be used for the best known dental injection procedures. Still another object of the invention is to provide a dental anesthetic supply injection system, which provides the dentist with acute tactile response during the operation. A further objective of the invention is to provide a dental anesthetic supply injection system, which selectively controls the amount of anesthetic being delivered through the dental procedure. Still another object of the invention is to provide a dental anesthetic injection delivery system, which enhances the precision and accuracy of the anesthetic supply.

Still other objects and advantages of the invention will be partly obvious and will be evident in part from the following description.

Brief description of the drawings 5 For a more complete understanding of the invention reference is made to the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a dental anesthetic injection delivery system made in accordance with the invention; 10 FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of the management unit of the inventive inventive dental anesthetic injection delivery system, and the component parts thereof; FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the placement of the selected anesthetic cartridge and a cartridge holder of the inventive system 15 in the appropriate position in the operating unit for the purpose of dispensing the anesthetic solution; The FI G. 4 is a side view, in partial cross-section, showing the cartridge carrier disposed above the receptacle of the drive unit specially designed to accommodate the carrier; 20 FIG. 5 is a top plan view, in partial cross section, illustrating the coupling of the cartridge holder in the receptacle of the handling unit; FIG. 6 is a top plan view, in partial cross section, similar to FIG. 5, in which the cartridge carrier has been rotated within the drive unit receptacle, in order to secure the carrier and anesthetic cartridge retained in place; The FI G. 6A details the front end of the cartridge carrier, taken along line 6A-6A in the FI G. 7; 5 FIG 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6; FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the handpiece unit of the inventive system, in which the handle thereof is shown in a bent condition, in order to properly orient the needle during the injection of anesthetic; • FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of the handle of the handpiece unit in an unfolded condition; FIG. 1 0 is a cross-sectional side view of the handle shown in FIG. 9 and which illustrates in detail a tapered portion of the same along which the handle can be bent, as shown in FIG. 8; FIG. 1 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 1 1 -1 1 of FIG. 1 0; • FIG. 1 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1 2-12 of FI G. 9; FIG. 1 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1 3-1 3 of FIG. 9; FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 9; FIG. 15 is a perspective view illustrating an embodiment of the needle assembly of the handpiece unit as it is being placed in a specially designed storage container of the handling unit; FIG. 16 is a side elevational view, in partial cross-section, showing in more detail the placement of the needle assembly in the handling unit receptacle; FIG. 1 7 is a top view, in partial cross-section, showing the final engagement of the needle assembly in the drive unit receptacle, said needle assembly having a first configuration; FIG. 18 is similar to FIG. 17, but illustrating the coupling of a needle assembly in the handling unit receptacle, said needle assembly having a second configuration; FIG. 1 9 shows a block diagram for the various electl elements of the system; and The FI G. 20 shows a flow diagram illustrating the operational sequence of the supply system of the IF GS. 1 -1 8.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiment Starting with FIG. 1, a system for the supply of dental anesthetic injection is described, made in accordance with the invention, and is generally indicated as 1 1. The system 1 1 includes a handling unit, generally indicated as 1 3, a foot pedal 29 cooperatively connected to the operating unit 1 3 by means of an air hose 31, an anesthetic cartridge carrier generally indicated as 1 7 for selectively retaining a cartridge 21 of a desired anesthetic, and a handpiece unit generally indicated as 1 5, cooperatively connected to the anesthetic cartridge carrier 1 7 by means of a predetermined length of microtube 1 9 The handling unit 1 3 comprises a substantially rectangular housing 33 having a bottom or base 32, sides 34, upper part 35, front portion 38 and rear portion 40. The housing 33 is defined by two mating and attachable halves 35. and 37, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The housing 33 further includes a pair of hubs (wheels) 24 arranged on the sides 34 of each housing half 35 and 37 along the bottom thereof to stabilize the steering unit 1 3 as it stops. on a support surface. The housing 33 of the operating unit 1 3 includes a power switch 1 52 (shown in FIG.19) in the rear portion 40 and a resetting or suction device with other controls, is selectively depressed for the purpose to operate system 1 1 in three different modes of operation, as described below. The front portion 37 of the housing 33 further includes a series of lighter volume indicators of the cartridge 61, a power indicator light 62 and a suction indicator light 64, as shown in FI G. 1. Preferably, the lights 61, 62, 62 are LED's. The reset button 63 and lights 61, 62 and 64 are mounted on the printed circuit board 59 installed inside the unit 1 3 (see FI G. 2). As described in more detail below, the power indicator light 62 is illuminated when the power switch is on; the aspiration indicator light 64 is illuminated when the reset button 63 has been depressed and the aspirator function of the system is activated; and the volume indicating lights 61 are illuminated selectively in order to show the volume of anesthetic solution remaining in the cartridge 21 during the operation of the system 1 1. Continuing now with the FI G. 1, the pedal 29 is preferably a round air bellows device and functions as an air-activated control element to selectively control the operation of the system 1 1. The pedal 29 is operatively connected to the hose of • air 31, which in turn is coupled to a pressure sensor 64 located inside the unit 1 3. In the operation of the system 1 1, the pressure change of the pedal 29 is detected by the sensor 64. The sensor 64 then generates a corresponding control signal used to control the flow of the anesthetic solution. In the preferred embodiment, as described in more detail below, when the pedal 2 is lightly or partially depressed, the system 1 1 operates at a low speed. When the pedal 20 is pressed hard or completely, the system 1 1 operates at a • fast speed. 20 Moving on now to FIGS. 3-7, the cartridge carrier 1 7 of the system 11 is now described. The cartridge holder 1 7 is used to hold the anesthetic cartridge 21 in an appropriate coupled position in the handling unit 1 3, in order to allow controlled delivery of anesthetic solution to the handpiece unit 1 5 for supply of it. The cartridge carrier 1 7 comprises an elongated plastic transparent cylindrical tube 71, having a leading end 94 and a trailing end 96, as best shown in the FI G. 7. The front end 94 includes a supply hose that projects outwards • 93 and a projection or projection that projects inwards 83, serving both to define an exit path 90 or lumen through the end 94 of the carrier 17. The sleeve 93 is coupled to, and paired with, one microtube end 1 9. The nose 83 is preferably designed with a cutting surface at an angle of about 30 degrees and is used to drill a diaphragm of sealing of anesthetic cartridge 21, when said cartridge 21 is loaded on the carrier 17, as described below. The trailing end 96 of the cartridge carrier 1 7 includes a pair of radially opposing projecting wings 73, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. The wings 73 are used to couple and form an adjustment of interference between the end 96 of the cartridge carrier 1 7 and a receptacle 25 in the housing 1 3. Preferably, the receptacle 25 is formed together with the upper portion of the housing 13, as best shown in FIGS. 1 and 3. The cartridge holder receptacle 25, as best seen in the FIGS. 3-5, it is formed with a generally round opening 75 having a pair of opposed slots 75A which are sized to receive and accommodate the wings 73 of the cartridge carrier 1 7 (see FIG. 5). The receptacle further includes a pair of tongues 77 formed in each half 35 and 37 of the housing 33 by below the slots 75A, as well as a pair of corresponding cam members 79, disposed above each tab 77. Each set of corresponding tabs 77 and cam members 79 define a lock notch 78 therebetween, as shown in FIG. FIG. 4. Referring now to FIG. 6A, the front end of the carrier 17 is provided with a plurality of holes 88. These holes can be used to assist in the removal of spent cartridges 21, as discussed below. Between these holes, there is a plurality of radial ribs 92 disposed within the carrier 1 7, used to stabilize the cartridge 17 after said cartridge is fully inserted in the carrier 1 7, in the position shown in the FI G. 7. Returning again to FI G. 7, the introduction and use of a normal anesthetic cartridge 21 is now described. The anesthetic cartridge 21 comprises a plastic or glass tube 91 which defines an interior storage chamber 22 containing a desired anesthetic. The tube 91 has a front portion 92 and a rear portion 98. The front portion 92 is formed with a neck region 89 and an extension mouth 88 in which a diaphragm 85 is fitted., adapted to be maintained in position within the mouth 88 by means of a lid 87. The back portion 98 has an end wall 85A which acts as a piston to express the anesthetic of the cartridge 21, in conjunction with the piston 23. With the In order to load the anesthetic cartridge 21 into the carrier 1 7, the front portion 92 of the cartridge 21 is inserted through the rear end 96 of the carrier 17 until approximately 0.635 cm of the cartridge 21 extends below the end 96 of the carrier 17 .

Then, the rear portion 98 of the cartridge 21 and, more particularly, the end wall 85A, is in contact with the piston 23 of the unit 13, which is capable of selectively passing through the receptacle 25 during the operation of the system 1 1. Once the piston 23 is properly aligned with respect to the cartridge 21, the end 96 of the carrier 17 sits inside the holder of the carrier 25, as shown in FIG. 5, so that the wings 73 are disposed within the corresponding slot 75. In order to secure the carrier 1 7 within the receptacle 25, the end 96 of the carrier 1 7 is rotated a quarter of a turn in a counter-clockwise direction. of the watch (see FIG 6), so that each of the wings 73 passes through or clicks a locking notch 78 and between the corresponding tongue 77 and cam member 79. The piston 23 is secured to the motor 39 by standard right-hand steering threads (not shown). Accordingly, as the receptacle 25 is secured in the anti-clockwise direction, it does not cause the piston 23 to be released. The distance between each tongue 77 and cam member 79 is slightly less than the thickness of the wings 73. As each wing 73 rotates and passes through one of the notches 78, the respective tongue 77 bends slightly downwardly. Once the wing 73 passes through the notch 78, the tongue 77 clicks again, thereby securing the respective wing 73 in place. The rotation of the carrier 17 is terminated when the wings 73 strike with the stops 78A. Preferably, the receptacle 25 with its opening 75, grooves 75A, tabs 77, cam members 79 and stops 78A are formed within a bulged portion 26 of the top 36 as shown. The bottom of the chamber 25A is defined by transverse walls 1 1 0, 1 12. The walls 1 1 0, 1 12 have corresponding holes 1 14, 1 16 coaxial with the opening 75, which allow the piston 23 to reciprocate inside and outside the housing 13, as described more fully below.

Significantly, during loading the anesthetic cartridge 21 in the operating unit 1 1, as described above, is pushed forward towards the end 94 and as a result, the rim 83 of the carrier 1 7 pierces the diaphragm 85 of the cartridge 21. This action provides a path or lumen between the inner chamber 22 of the cartridge 21 and an exit path 90 of the carrier 1 7, so that the anesthetic can flow through the microtube 1 9 and the handpiece unit 1 5 ( see FIG 8). Preferably, the carrier 1 7 had an outer surface 1 8, which is not cylindrical but polygonal, as best seen in FIG. 5. The surface 1 8 can have, for example, eight sides, that is, it is octagonal in cross section. At the rear end 96 of the carrier 1 7, the surface 1 8 is provided with a plurality of axial ribs 20 extending forward, which facilitate the coupling and uncoupling of the carrier 1 7 from the housing 1 3. The octagonal shape of the carrier 1 7 is provided to facilitate the handling of the carrier by the dentist or dental assistant, especially when gloves are worn. Referring now to FIGS. 8-14, the handpiece unit 15 is further described. The handpiece unit 1 5 comprises a co-extruded handle member 101 of a substantially elongated design and a needle assembly 103 selectively coupled to one end of the member. handle 101. Handle member 101, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, is defined by a body 115 and has a bulbous front end or head 105 and a rear end 107. The end 105 is formed with an inwardly disposed Luer thread 113 and an expander plug 109, both used to selectively couple the needle assembly 103, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 8. The body 115 of the handle member 101 defines an elongated U-shaped path or conduit 113., in which the microtube 19 is selectively seated, starting at the front end 105 and ending at the rear end 107 (see FIGS 9 and 10). During assembly, one end of the microtube 19 is screwed first into the plug 109 of the end 105, after which the remainder of the line 19 is adjusted by pressure in the path 113. A solvent, such as, MEK (methylethyl ketone) it is then used to permanently join the pipeline 19 in its place. The body 115 of the handle member 101 further includes a longitudinal groove 108, which cooperates with the path 113 to enhance the user's ability to grasp the handle member 101. Significantly, the handle 101 is formed with a pair of cuts 111 adjacent the leading end 105 in order to define a tapered weak area in the body 115. As a result, and as best shown in FIG. 8, the handle 101 can be bent (with some modest stress) and plastically deformed at the location of cuts 111 in order to properly orient the needle assembly 103 during the operation of the system 11. Returning to a consideration of FIGS. 8A, 15 and 16, the needle assembly 103 is now described. The needle assembly 103 includes a needle cover 121 having a series of longitudinally extending ribs 123 formed along the outer surface thereof and a Luer lock needle 102. The needle cover 121 has a leading end 125 designed for selective reception by the handpiece receptacle 27 formed from the top 36 of the handling unit 13, and a rear end for selectively engaging the end 105 of the handle member 101, thereby covering the needle 102, which is permanently attached to the sleeve 104 (FIG. 8A). The sleeve 104 is coupled, in turn, to the head 105 by the Luer connection. The hand piece receptacle 27 of the handling unit 11 is designed to hold the needle cover 121 firmly in place for storage, while the hand piece 15 is in use, i.e., when the cover 121 is removed from the container. handle member 101. It is also designed to store the cover 121 with the needle assembly 103 captured therein until the user is ready to operate the system 11. The handpiece receptacle 27 is defined by an annular opening 129 which it has four outward curved projections 131 along the circumference thereof. In order to secure the needle cover 121 in the receptacle 27, the cover 125 is placed in the opening 129, so that the ribs 1 23 are received within projections 1 31, as best shown in FIG. 1 7. Of course, the size of the needle and its cover can change. If f the water container 1 21 is of a smaller size, then its ribs are simply held tightly along the ring defined by the opening 1 29 (see FIG.1-8). Thus, the receptacle 27 is adapted to accommodate needle assemblies of various sizes. The entire system 1 1 is electrically energized, with several actions occurring under the control of an operator that activates the appropriate control functions of the system. To illustrate how this is achieved, FIG. 1 9 shows a schematic diagram of the various electrical elements of the system. These elements combine to define the control circuit of the system. The system includes a microprocessor 1 50. This microprocessor 1 50 receives the inputs of the power switch 1 52, pressure sensor 65, reset button 63 and a cartridge sensor 1 54 used to detect when the cartridge 21 is in place as discussed above. The microprocessor 1 50, in response to the signals received from these input members, activates the lights 61, 62 and 64, as well as an audio beeper 1 60, as discussed further. ahead. The microprocessor 1 50 further operates a motor 1 56. The motor activates a driving mechanism 1 58 used to reciprocate the piston 23. The operating sequence of the present injection device is illustrated by the flow chart of Figure 20. I niciando with step 200, the energy for the injection device is turned on for activate switch 1 52. In step 202, the power indicator light 62 is turned on, followed by step 204, when a check is made to determine whether the reset button 63 is depressed. If not, then in In step 206, the piston 23 is retracted towards the housing 1 3 and P the device waits for a cartridge 21 to be installed. In step 210, a check is made to determine if the cartridge 21 has been installed via the sensor 1 54 and if the pedal 29 has been depressed. Both conditions are met, then in step 21 2 the lights are activated 61 Initially, because the cartridge 21 is full, all the lights 61 are on. As the process of By dispersing the anesthetic solution, the microprocessor maintains a current count of how much of the cartridge solution is expressed by the position of the piston 23 and activates the indicator lights 61 to show the remaining volume. After step 21 2, in step 214, the piston 23 is advanced from which comes into contact with, and in effect, intertwines with, the rear end 85A of the cartridge 21 in a manner well known in the syringe art. Therefore, as the piston is reciprocated, end 85A moves, which acts as a plunger as previously discussed. The piston continues to advance by an amount predetermined at a low injection speed. The piston is advanced until sufficient solution of the cartridge 21 has been expressed to fill the microtube 1 9 and the needle 1 02. In this way, the system is automatically purged of any air bubble. In step 216, the pedal 29 is checked again to see if is still activated. More specifically, in step 218, a check is made to determine whether the pedal 29 is in its first position. If not, then in step 220 a check is made to determine if the pedal 29 is in its second position. If the pedal is not in the first or second position, then it is inactive and the system expects the pedal to be activated again (step 216). If in step 21 8 it is determined that the pedal 29 is in the first position, then in step 222, a slow supply subroutine is started. During this subroutine, the piston 29 is advanced slowly, the beeper 160 (controlled by the microprocessor 1 50) sounds at a relatively slow first speed, and the lights 61 are also flashing all at a low speed, for example in synchrony with the beep As part of this subroutine in step 224, a check is made to determine if the cartridge 21 is already empty. If not, then in step 226, the pedal is checked to see if it has been released. If the pedal 29 is not released, then the piston 23 continues to advance at a slow speed (step 222). If the pedal 29 is released, then in step 227 a check is made to see if the aspiration function has been enabled via the crossbar 63. If so, then the LED 64 is turned on and the process continues to step 228. If the suction mode has not been enabled, then in step 227A the piston is stopped and the process continues in step 21 6 to wait for the next activation of the pedal 29. In step 228 a check is made to determine whether the slow supply has been activated for a predetermined duration, for example, four seconds. After four seconds of slow supply, during step 228, the reset button 63 is checked to see, in this case, whether the user has requested the aspiration. In this way, the user can request an aspiration after four seconds of slow supply. If the user has requested the suction, then the piston 23 is returned by a predetermined distance, for a programmable period (for example, 2 seconds) and then advances back to its original position (ie to the position of the piston in the moment when the reset button was pressed). Subsequently, the device returns to step 216 and waits for the activation of the pedal 29. Returning to step 224, the cartridge 21 is emptied, as determined by the microprocessor, then in step 230 all lights 61 are deactivated and emitted a rapid series of beeps through the pager 1 60. During these beeps, the step 232 requires a check to be made to determine if the reset button 63 has been depressed. When the button 63 is pressed, the device returns to step 206, where the piston 23 retracts and the device is ready for a new cartridge 21.

An alternating sequence starts with step 220 if it is found that the pedal 29 is in the second position, causing a rapid supply subroutine to be initiated. More specifically, in step 234, the piston is advanced at a higher speed, and simulta- neously, the lights 61 and the beeper are activated at a higher speed than in step 222. For example, at the slower speed, the The device can deliver anesthetic at 1 drop / s (or usually about 0.002 ml / sec), while at the higher rate, the anesthetic can be supplied at 0.04 ml / sec.

Meanwhile, in step 236, a check is made to determine if the cartridge 21 is empty. If so, then steps 230 and 232 are performed as discussed above. But if the cartridge 21 is not empty, then in step 238 a test is performed to determine if the pedal 29 has been released. If the pedal is released, then the device returns to step 21 6 and waits for pedal activation; however, if the pedal is not released (step 238), then the supply of anesthetic continues at higher speed. Returning to the early step 204, if the reset button 63 was pressed at the same time as the energy button, then the cleaning subroutine is started. As part of this subroutine, the piston 23 is fully extended and remains in that position, so that it can be prevented and / or replaced. When the reset button 63 is depressed (as determined in step 242), the piston retracts (step 206) and normal operation is resumed. In summary, the reset button 63, the pedal 29 and the switch 152 of the operating unit 1 3 are used to define three different modes of operation of the system 1 1. In the first mode of operation, when the reset button 63 is held down continuously for approximately two seconds, the piston 23 is fully retracted into the interior of the handling unit 1 3 ("home" position). In the second mode of operation, the reset button is pressed and then the pedal 29 is pressed lightly and held by four audible beeps and then it is removed. This activates the system 1 1 vacuum mode, as described.

In the third mode of operation, when the reset button 63 is pressed and held down, and when the switch 1 52 is activated, the cleaning of the system 1 1 is started and the piston 23 is extended f complemente for easy removal. in order to clean it or replace it.

In order to remove the cartridge 21 from the handling unit 1 3 after use, the cartridge holder 1 7 is first released from the receptacle 25 by turning the end 96 a quarter of an opposite turn. Then, the operator places the tip of a suitable puff instrument in the holes 88 (see FIG 6A) formed along the end ^ Front 10 of the cartridge carrier 1 7, in order to push the cartridge 1 7 outside the carrier 1 7. Now that the elements and components of the present invention have been described in more detail, a normal operation is provided for a better understanding of its advantages. The system is started when the power button is turned on. Once it is on, the piston 23 retracts to a "home" position and the power light 62 is turned on. The dentist or dental assistant then inserts a cartridge 21 into the cartridge holder 1 7 and places the piston head 23 on the bottom of the cartridge holder 1 7, so that its head rests on the piston 85A. The cartridge carrier is then secured to the housing 13 by pressing it into the receptacle 25 and twisting it in the clockwise direction for approximately 90 ° (see Figures 1, 3-6). This movement also forces the cartridge holder 1 7 to slide on the piston 23. This movement causes, a In turn, the recess 83 is moved downwardly and broken by the seal 92, thereby opening the cartridge 21. In this way, in one movement, the cartridge carrier 17 is mounted in the housing 1 3 and, at the same time, the cartridge 21 is uncovered. Next, the pedal 29 is depressed at one time, causing the piston 23 to advance upward by a predetermined amount, thereby forcing the anesthetic of the cartridge 21 to flood the microtube 1 9 through the handle 1 5 a the needle 1 02 until a small amount comes out. In this manner, air is purged from the micro tube 1 9 and the needle 1 02. After this automatic purge, the lights 61 are turned on, indicating that the cartridge is full and that the entire system is now ready for operation. In order to start the infusion of the anesthetic, the dentist first takes the handle 1 5, removes the lid 1 21 and inserts the needle 1 02 into the appropriate tissue. Advantageously, the lid 121 can be stored in the receptacle 27. If necessary, the dentist can bend the handle 1 5 as shown in Figure 8. The anesthetic supply is started by pressing and holding the pedal 29 in the first position , which causes the piston 23 to move upward at a constant first speed. Whenever the pedal 29 is held in the first position, a stable beep is issued at approximately 1 second intervals and the level 61 gauge lights flash at the same speed. If the dentist wants to dispense the anesthetic at the higher speed, press the pedal 29 to the second position. The piston 23 then moves faster. This mode of operation is indicated by the lights 61 that flash faster, and the beeper 1 60 that also emits sounds at a higher speed. To stop the anesthetic supply, the dentist removes his foot from the pedal 29. This action causes the piston 23 to stop. The lights 61 stop blinking and remain and beeper 1 60 also stops beeps. Before going to another procedure, the dentist installs the cap 1 21 on the needle 1 02 and then rests the handle 1 5 on the receptacle 27 with the cap 1 21 extending into the receptacle 27. As the anesthetic is being dispensed, the position of the piston 23 is continuously monitored to determine the amount of anesthetic remaining in the cartridge 21. When the cartridge 21 is emptied, the piston 23 stops, the lights 61 turn off and a series of rapid beeps is emitted by the pager 160 to indicate that the cartridge 21 needs to be replaced. If aspiration is desired, the dentist first operates the pedal in the first position for at least four seconds (ie, four beeps). Then it activates the reset / aspirate button 63. This action causes the light 64 to turn on and the piston 23 to reverse its movement forward by a predetermined distance, thereby causing the anesthetic (and occasionally body fluids) to be withdrawn towards the microtube 21. After returning, the piston 23 stops for two seconds (to allow the dentist to visually inspect the contents of the microtube 1 9 inside the handle 15) and then advance back to its original position. If the pedal 29 is still depressed, the piston 23 then continues its forward movement. At the end of a procedure, the dentist presses the 63 button for two seconds. This action causes the piston 23 to return to its original position, thereby allowing the cartridge 21 to be removed and discarded. Preferably, for a new patient, all disposable elements of the system are discarded. This can be achieved by turning on the power button 1 52 and the reset button simultaneously. These actions initiate the cleaning mode during which the piston is fully extended, so that it can be removed and discarded, together with the cartridge holder 1 7, microtube 1 9 and handle 1 5. The system of the invention, under the control of m icroprocessor, supplies precise pressure and volume proportions of anesthetic. Still in tissue - dental resilient, such as, palate and periodontal ligament, the inventive system injects a drop of anesthetic that precedes the entry of the needle, effectively creating a path of anesthetic. This combination of anesthetic trajectory and controlled flow velocity results in a virtually imperceptible injection and rapid onset of deep anesthesia, all for the comfort and relief of the patient. In addition, the inventive system provides greater tactile control than traditional dental syringe units, and therefore accurate placement of the needle is ensured. In this way, it will be seen that the objectives set forth above, among those that evolve from the preceding description, are achieved efficiently, and because changes can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is understood that the The foregoing description is merely illustrative and does not otherwise limit the scope of the invention. The following claims define the inventive scope.

Claims (58)

1. CLAIMS 1 . An injection device comprising: P a housing having a pump arranged in said housing, 5 having a housing thereon a first receptacle and a second receptacle; and a disposable delivery system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient, said delivery system including a delivery end, a delivery end with a handle having a needle fc 10 for selective injection of said agent into said patient and a flexible tube extending between said supply end and said delivery end; wherein said supply end is constructed and arranged to be coupled to said first receptacle, said supply end and said pump cooperating to force said agent to flow from said supply end to said delivery end; and said second receptacle is constructed and arranged to receive said handle for storage.
2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said delivery end includes a cartridge carrying said therapeutic agent. The device of claim 1, wherein said supply end includes a cartridge carrier having a leading and a trailing end, wherein said device further comprises a cartridge for storing said agent. 4. The device of claim 1, wherein said pump includes a piston and a reciprocating controller of said piston through said cartridge to control the flow of said therapeutic agent. The device of claim 1, further comprising a quick disconnect coupling for coupling said supply end to said housing. 6. The device of claim 5, wherein said coupling includes a tongue disposed within said first receptacle and wherein said supply end has a wing, said end of supply being rotatable between a first position in which said end is rotatable. The supply end is retractable from, and insertable into, one receptacle and a second position in which said wing and tongue form a recess. 7. The device of claim 6 further comprising a reciprocating piston within said first receptacle, wherein said tongue and flange cooperate to maintain said supply end in said second position in axial alignment with said piston. 8. An injection device comprising: a housing having a pump disposed in said housing, said housing having a receptacle thereon; a disposable dispensing system for supplying a therapeutic agent to a patient, said delivery system including a supply end and a handle having a needle for selective injection of said agent into said patient, a flexible tube extending between said supply end and said handle, and a replaceable cartridge carrying said agent, said cartridge being disposed at said supply end; and a quick disconnect coupling member for selectively mounting and removing said supply end and said housing. The device of claim 8, wherein said supply end is constructed and arranged to couple said receptacle, said supply end and said pump cooperating to force said agent to flow from said supply end to said syringe. The device of claim 8, wherein said supply end includes a tubular cartridge carrier having a front end adapted to connect said flexible tube and a rear end adapted to engage said receptacle, said cartridge being disposed in said cartridge carrier and having a diaphragm that seals an agent within said cartridge. eleven . The device of claim 1, wherein said cartridge carrier further includes a piercing member for piercing said diaphragm when said cartridge is inserted into said cartridge holder. The device of claim 1, wherein said piercing member is disposed at said leading end. The device of claim 10, wherein said tubular cartridge has a longitudinal axis and an outlet disposed at said leading end along said longitudinal axis. 14. The device of claim 1, further comprising a piercing member for piercing said diaphragm, said piercing member being disposed at said leading end. «P 1 5. The device of claim 14, wherein said output and said 5 piercing members define the lumen through which said agent is expressed. The device of claim 10, wherein said cartridge carrier has a final wall, said final wall being provided with a stabilizing element to stabilize said cartridge after which ^ 10 said cartridge has been inserted into a cartridge holder. The device of claim 10, wherein said cartridge carrier has a final wall, said end wall having access holes, said orifices being adapted to receive an external tool to selectively remove said cartridge. The device of claim 1, wherein said outer wall defines an octagon. The device of claim 1 8, wherein said cartridge carrier has an exterior longitudinal wall, defining said wall > longitudinal exterior a polygon of cross section. The device of claim 10, wherein said cartridge carrier has a trailing end and an outer surface, said outer surface being provided with a plurality of ribs extending longitudinally adjacent said trailing end, said ribs to facilitate the manipulation of 25 said cartridge carrier along its length inal length. twenty-one . An injection device comprising: a source of a therapeutic agent; a handle for supplying said agent to a patient; and a tube connecting said handle to said patient; said handle including a longitudinal tubular body having a first end and a second end and a circumferential surface extending between said first and second ends, said first end adapted to receive an injection needle, said body having an opening long itudinal accessible from said surface and formed to accept said tube; wherein said tube has a distal end coupled to said syringe for supplying said agent and a portion of tube inserted in said opening and extends between said first and second ends. 22. The device of claim 21, wherein said opening is a first notch. 23. The device of claim 22, wherein said first notch has a U-shaped cross section. The device of claim 23, wherein said first notch has a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said tube. 25. The device of claim 24, wherein said body further includes a second longitudinally extending notch. 26. The device of claim 25, wherein said second notch is disposed diametrically opposite said first notch. 27. The device of claim 26, wherein said handle includes a head integrally formed in said body, said head having a central hole coaxial with said opening. • The device of claim 27, wherein said orifice is adapted to couple said tube. 29. The device of claim 27, wherein said head includes an integral female Luer connector provided for receiving said needle. The device of claim 21, wherein said outer surface is provided with a weakened zone arranged and constructed 10 to allow said body to fold plastically away from said longitudinal axis. 31 The device of claim 30, wherein said weakened zone includes a first cut formed in said surface. 32. The device of claim 31, wherein said weakened zone 15 includes two diametrically opposed cuts in said surface. 33. The device of claim 32, wherein said weakened zone is disposed adjacent said first end. 34. An injection system for supplying a therapeutic agent to a patient, said system comprising: a source of therapeutic agent; a delivery member adapted to deliver said agent to said patient; a pump for selectively pumping said agent from said source to said supply member; 25 an automatic controller for controlling said pump; and a first and a second control switch for operation by a user, said first and second switches cooperating to define a first and a second operating mode for said controller; wherein in said first mode of operation said controller operates said pump to cause said agent to flow forward to said patient; and wherein in said second mode of operation, said controller operates said pump to cause said agent to flow backward, away from said patient, the second mode of operation being allowed only for a predetermined time after said first has been active. operation mode . 35. The injection system of claim 34, wherein said first control switch has a first and a second position, and wherein in said first mode of operation, in response to said first switch that is in said first position, said controller operates said pump to deliver said agent at a first speed, and wherein, in response to said switch that is in said second position, said controller operates said pump to supply said agent at a second speed. 36. The injection system of claim 34 further comprising a capability indicator for indicating the amount of agent in said source, said capacity indicator being activated by said controller. 37. The injection system of claim 34 further comprising a visual mode indicator and a sound device for indicating the mode of operation of said controller. 38. The system of claim 34 further comprising a power switch for selectively providing power to said system. 39. The system of claim 38, wherein said first, second and power switches cooperate to define a third mode of operation for said controller, said third mode of operation for cleaning and maintaining said pump. 40. The system of claim 34, wherein said first switch is a foot switch. 41 The system of claim 40, wherein said foot switch is coupled to said controller by an air hose and wherein said controller includes a pressure sensor. 42. The system of claim 41, wherein said pressure sensor generates a signal for said controller, said signal being independent of the position of said foot switch. 43. The device of claim 34 further comprising a housing, said pump being disposed in said housing and having a piston adapted to reciprocate in response to signals from said controller. 44. The device of claim 43, wherein said piston has a first position in which the piston is disposed in said housing and a second position in which the piston is disposed outside said housing for easy removal and replacement. 45. A cartridge carrier for an injection device comprising: a tubular body having a leading and a trailing end and adapted to carry a cartridge, said tubular body having at said trailing end a quick connecting member for connecting said body to said injection device. 46. The carrier of claim 45 wherein said cartridge has a diaphragm and said carrier comprises a piercing member arranged within said carrier for penetrating said diaphragm when said cartridge is inserted into said carrier. 47. The carrier of claim 46, wherein said tubular body has a longitudinal axis and an opening disposed on said longitudinal axis for dispensing the contents of said cartridge, said penetrating member being adjacent said opening. 48. The bearer of claim 47 wherein said opening and said piercing member cooperate to define a lumen through which an agent contained in said cartridge is expressed. 49. The carrier of claim 45, wherein said tubular body includes a final wall at said leading end, said end wall having an inner surface with stabilizing elements for stabilizing said cartridge within said carrier. 50. The carrier of claim 49, wherein said end wall is provided with an access hole contracted and arranged to allow the removal tool to be inserted under said tubular member to remove said cartridge. 51 The carrier of claim 45, wherein said tubular body has an outer surface defining a polygraph of cross section. 52. The carrier of claim 45, wherein said tubular body has an exterior longitudinal surface with a plurality of longitudinal ribs disposed adjacent said posterior end, said ribs forming a grip for said carrier. 53. A handle associated with an injection device for introducing a therapeutic agent into a patient, said handle comprising an elongate body having a first end, a second end and a circumferential surface extending between said first and second ends, said first end adapted to receive an injection needle and said second end adapted to be coupled with a source for said agent; wherein said elongated body includes a deformation zone to allow said body to be bent from a longitudinal axis. 54. The handle of claim 53, wherein said deformation zone is constructed and arranged to allow a plastic deformation of said elongate body. 55. The handle of claim 53 further comprising a head disposed at said front end. 56. The handle of claim 55, wherein said head includes a luer connection integrally formed for said ejection needle. 57. The handle of claim 53, wherein said outer surface includes at least one longitudinal notch extending substantially along a length of said body. 58. The handle of claim 53, wherein said body is formed with a long opening, said opening being arranged to accept a tube that supplies said agent.