WO2000029052A1 - Dual function syringe - Google Patents

Dual function syringe Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2000029052A1
WO2000029052A1 PCT/US1999/023831 US9923831W WO0029052A1 WO 2000029052 A1 WO2000029052 A1 WO 2000029052A1 US 9923831 W US9923831 W US 9923831W WO 0029052 A1 WO0029052 A1 WO 0029052A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid volume
plunger assembly
maximum
syringe
volume position
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1999/023831
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Thomas James Mccall, Jr.
Marvin Leroy Ledtje
Haim Cezana
Original Assignee
Thermo Separation Products
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Thermo Separation Products filed Critical Thermo Separation Products
Publication of WO2000029052A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000029052A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/153—Devices specially adapted for taking samples of venous or arterial blood, e.g. with syringes
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150015—Source of blood
    • A61B5/15003—Source of blood for venous or arterial blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150213—Venting means
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150236—Pistons, i.e. cylindrical bodies that sit inside the syringe barrel, typically with an air tight seal, and slide in the barrel to create a vacuum or to expel blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150244—Rods for actuating or driving the piston, i.e. the cylindrical body that sits inside the syringe barrel, typically with an air tight seal, and slides in the barrel to create a vacuum or to expel blood
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150206—Construction or design features not otherwise provided for; manufacturing or production; packages; sterilisation of piercing element, piercing device or sampling device
    • A61B5/150251—Collection chamber divided into at least two compartments, e.g. for division of samples
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150351—Caps, stoppers or lids for sealing or closing a blood collection vessel or container, e.g. a test-tube or syringe barrel
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61B—DIAGNOSIS; SURGERY; IDENTIFICATION
    • A61B5/00—Measuring for diagnostic purposes; Identification of persons
    • A61B5/15—Devices for taking samples of blood
    • A61B5/150007—Details
    • A61B5/150755—Blood sample preparation for further analysis, e.g. by separating blood components or by mixing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31525—Dosing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31533—Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose
    • A61M5/31545—Setting modes for dosing
    • A61M5/31548—Mechanically operated dose setting member
    • A61M5/31555—Mechanically operated dose setting member by purely axial movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
    • G01N30/16—Injection
    • G01N30/18—Injection using a septum or microsyringe
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/3148—Means for causing or aiding aspiration or plunger retraction
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31533—Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose
    • A61M5/31545—Setting modes for dosing
    • A61M5/31548—Mechanically operated dose setting member
    • A61M5/31561—Mechanically operated dose setting member using freely adjustable volume steps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a syringe for use in sample introduction, and more particularly, to a syringe that enables precise sampling, followed by a fast flush, with a single syringe drive.
  • sample introduction utilizes a syringe to transport a sample into a valve for delivery into a pressurized LC column.
  • a syringe to transport a sample into a valve for delivery into a pressurized LC column.
  • HPLC high pressure liquid chromatography
  • a syringe is used to draw a precise amount of fluid from a small vial (0.1 ⁇ l to 250 ⁇ l) and to inject that fluid into the valve tubing of an autosampler.
  • the internal walls of the tubing must be flushed or washed with a relatively large quantity of solvent (approximately 400 ⁇ l to 800 ⁇ l) to remove residual sample fluid from the tubing.
  • solvent approximately 400 ⁇ l to 800 ⁇ l
  • Conventional autosamplers use a small syringe to ensure accurate sampling.
  • the small syringe is not well suited for the flushing cycle because of its small capacity (250 ⁇ l).
  • a syringe comprising first and second concentric syringe bodies and first and second, separately dispensable, fluid volumes.
  • a dual function syringe comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member.
  • the first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein.
  • the first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body.
  • the first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the second syringe body is located in the first plunger assembly.
  • the second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body.
  • the second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position and defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position to the minimum first fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member is arranged such that it defines (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position.
  • the second plunger assembly may be arranged such that movement of the second plunger assembly in the direction of the minimum second volume position is initiated upon application of a characteristic motive force to the syringe control member, and wherein a biasing force of the spring member is greater than the characteristic motive force, whereby the second plunger assembly is movable between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly.
  • a maximum of the first variable fluid volume is preferably substantially larger, e.g., at least about 1.5 times larger, than a maximum of the second variable fluid volume.
  • the first syringe body may include a plunger stop mechanism arranged to inhibit movement of the first plunger assembly beyond the maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the plunger stop mechanism comprises a set screw positioned in a bore provided in an end cap of the first syringe body.
  • the first plunger assembly may include a sleeve positioned to engage the plunger stop mechanism to define the maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the first syringe body preferably includes a spring guide provided on an end of the syringe body opposite the first intake/exhaust port, wherein the spring member is compressed between the spring guide and a spring retainer coupled to the first plunger assembly.
  • the control member is preferably arranged to engage the spring retainer to initiate the spring member compression stroke.
  • the second syringe body preferably comprises a longitudinal bore formed in the first plunger assembly.
  • the second plunger seal is movable back and forth along a surface of the bore upon application of a characteristic motive force to the syringe control member and the first plunger assembly is movable back and forth between the minimum first fluid volume position and the maximum first fluid volume position upon application of a compressive force to the syringe control member.
  • a biasing force of the spring member is greater than the characteristic motive force, whereby the second plunger assembly is movable between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly.
  • a dual function syringe comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member.
  • the first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein.
  • the first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body.
  • the first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the second syringe body defines a second intake/exhaust port in fluid communication with at least one of the first variable fluid volume and the first intake/exhaust port.
  • the second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body.
  • the second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position to the minimum first fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member is arranged such that it defines (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member may be arranged such that it defines: (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and wherein the second intake/exhaust port is in fluid communication with the first variable fluid volume; (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and wherein the second intake/exhaust port is in fluid communication with the first variable fluid volume; and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and wherein the second intake/exhaust port is isolated from the first fluid volume and is in fluid communication with the first intake exhaust port.
  • a dual function syringe comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member.
  • the first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein.
  • the first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body.
  • the first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position and is arranged such that it defines a fully compressed state corresponding to the minimum first fluid volume position and an expanded state corresponding to the maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the second syringe body is located in the first plunger assembly.
  • the second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body, and wherein the second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position.
  • the syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position, wherein the syringe control member is arranged such that it defines: (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and the spring member lies in the expanded state, (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and, second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and the spring member lies in the expanded state, and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and the spring member lies in the fully compressed state.
  • a syringe comprising first and second concentric syringe bodies and first and second, separately dispensable, fluid volumes, whereby precise low volume samples may be dispensed with high volume samples in a convenient and efficient manner.
  • Other objects of the present invention will be apparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein.
  • Fig. 1 is an illustration, partially in cross section, of a dual function syringe according to the present invention in a maximum capacity position
  • Fig. 2 is an illustration, partially in cross section, of a dual function syringe according to the present invention in a neutral or partially dispensed position
  • Fig. 3 is an illustration, partially in cross section, of a dual function syringe according to the present invention in a minimum capacity position
  • Fig. 4 is an illustration, in cross section, of a plunger seal according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 is a view of the plunger seal illustrated in Fig. 4, taken along view lines 5-5 in Fig. 4.
  • a dual function syringe 10 according to the present invention is illustrated.
  • Fig. 1 is an illustration of the syringe 10 in a maximum capacity position
  • Fig. 2 is an illustration of the syringe 10 in a neutral or partially dispensed position
  • Fig. 3 is an illustration of the syringe 10 in a minimum capacity position.
  • the dual function syringe 10 comprises a first syringe body 20, a first plunger assembly 30, a spring member 40, a second syringe body 50, a second plunger assembly 60, and syringe control member 70.
  • the first syringe body 20 defines a first intake/exhaust port 22 therein in fluid communication with the ambient or an external device, e.g., a sampling needle or valve column.
  • the first intake/exhaust port 22 is formed through a sealing plug 23, preferably formed of Teflon®.
  • the first plunger assembly 30 includes a first plunger seal 32.
  • the first plunger seal 32 comprises an annular shaped seal including an open central portion 37 and a circumferential sealing portion 38 that engages an inner surface 21 of the first syringe body 20.
  • the first plunger assembly 30 and the first syringe body 20 define a first variable fluid volume 24 within the first syringe body 20 and the first plunger assembly 30 is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position (see Fig. 3) and a maximum first fluid volume position (see Figs. 1 and 2).
  • the spring member 40 is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly 30 in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position. Specifically, as is illustrated in Fig. 3, an end cap 27 is provided on an end of the first syringe body 20 opposite the first intake/exhaust port 22. A spring guide 28 abuts the end cap 27. The spring member 40 is compressed between the spring guide 28 and a spring retainer 36 coupled to the first plunger assembly 30. The spring member 40 must be compressed to move the first plunger assembly 30 in the direction of the minimum first fluid volume position.
  • the control member 70 is arranged to engage the spring retainer 36 to initiate the spring member compression stroke.
  • the first syringe body 20 includes a plunger stop mechanism 25 arranged to inhibit movement of the first plunger assembly 30 beyond the maximum first fluid volume position.
  • the plunger stop mechanism 25 comprises a set screw 26 positioned in a threaded bore provided in an end cap 27 of the first syringe body 20.
  • the first plunger assembly 30 includes a sleeve 34 secured thereto.
  • the sleeve 34 is positioned to engage the set screw 26 to define the maximum first fluid volume position. It is contemplated by the present invention that means other than a sleeve may be provided to define the maximum first fluid volume position, e.g., a cut-out in the first plunger assembly.
  • the second syringe body 50 is located in the first plunger assembly 30 and defines a second intake/exhaust port 56 in fluid communication with the first variable fluid volume 24 and the first intake/exhaust port 22.
  • the second plunger assembly 60 and the second syringe body 50 define a second variable fluid volume 52 in fluid communication with the second intake/exhaust port 56.
  • the second syringe body 50 comprises a longitudinal bore 54, i.e., a passage, formed in the first plunger assembly 30.
  • the passage or bore 54 terminates at the second intake/exhaust port 56.
  • the second plunger assembly 60 includes a second plunger seal 62 that is movable back and forth along a surface of the bore 54 upon application of a characteristic motive force F 1 to the syringe control member 70.
  • the characteristic motive force F 1 is the amount of force necessary to overcome the static friction of the second plunger assembly 60 within the second syringe body 50.
  • the first plunger assembly is movable back and forth between the minimum first fluid volume position and the maximum first fluid volume position upon application of a compressive or spring biasing force F 2 to the syringe control member 70.
  • the spring biasing force F 2 of the spring member 40 is greater than the characteristic motive force F Accordingly, the second plunger assembly 60 may be moved between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly to ensure precise, low volume fluid metering.
  • the second plunger assembly 60 is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position (see Figs. 2 and 3) and a maximum second fluid volume position (see Fig. 1 ).
  • the maximum of the first variable fluid volume 24 is about 1 ml and the maximum of the second variable fluid volume 52 is about 100 ⁇ l to about 500 ⁇ l.
  • the syringe control member 70 is coupled to the second plunger assembly 60 so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly 60 between the minimum second fluid volume position (see Figs. 2 and 3) and the maximum second fluid volume position (see Fig. 1 ). Further, the syringe control member 70 defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position (see Figs. 1 and 2) to the minimum first fluid volume position (see Fig. 3).
  • the syringe control member 70 is arranged such that it defines: (i) a neutral position (see Fig. 2) wherein the first plunger assembly 30 lies in the maximum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly 60 lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and the spring member 40 lies in an expanded state; (ii) a maximum capacity position (see Fig. 1 ) wherein the first plunger assembly 30 lies in the maximum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly 60 lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and the spring member 40 lies in an expanded state; and (iii) a minimum capacity position (see Fig.
  • the syringe 10 enables precise sampling followed by a fast flush with a single syringe drive.
  • a precise sampling cycle is effected by moving the syringe control member 70 between the neutral position (see Fig. 2) and the maximum capacity position (see Fig. 1) so that the second plunger seal moves along the longitudinal bore 54.
  • the fast flush cycle is effected by moving the control member 70 beyond neutral position of Fig. 2 towards the minimum capacity position of Fig. 3 so as to compress the spring member 40.
  • Each of these cycles may be effected with a single stroke of the control member 70 along the longitudinal axis of the syringe 10.
  • An additional benefit of the syringe 10 according to the present invention is that it is easily primed and, once primed, does not draw bubbles into the longitudinal bore 54.
  • any air bubbles may be pushed out of the smaller longitudinal bore 54 into the large first variable fluid volume 24 where they may be easily encouraged to rise towards the first intake/exhaust port 22 for expulsion therefrom.
  • any bubbles drawn into the large first fluid volume 24 via the first intake/exhaust port 22 are easily contained at the top of the first fluid volume 24 and are not likely to be pulled into the longitudinal bore 54.
  • the first plunger seal 32 comprises a spring energized polymeric seal including a polymeric sealing portion 39 defining the circumferential sealing portion 38 and the open central portion 37.
  • a series of spring elements 35 are provided in an annular cavity 33 formed in the polymeric sealing portion 39 to urge the circumferential sealing portion 38 in the direction of the inner surface 21 of the first syringe body 20 (see Fig. 1 ). It is contemplated by the present invention that any one of a variety of specific sealing structures may be utilized for the first plunger seal 32.
  • a seal available from Unimetrics Corporation, Joliet, Illinois, under the product designation Triple Seal Plunger Tip may be modified to include the open central portion 37 and incorporated into a syringe according to the present invention.
  • the second plunger seal 62 may be any suitable commercially available seal suitable for use in a syringe according to the present invention.
  • a syringe according to the present invention may be utilized in any number of applications, including those in medical fields, liquid metering, sample treatment, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc.
  • different volume capacities for the first and second fluid volumes 24, 52 may be achieved by simply modifying the dimensions (length and diameter) of the volume defining hardware.

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Abstract

A dual function syringe is provided comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member. The first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein. The first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body. The first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position. The spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position. The second syringe body is located in the first plunger assembly. The second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body. The second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position. The syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position and defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position to the minimum first fluid volume position.

Description

DUAL FUNCTION SYRINGE
The present invention relates to a syringe for use in sample introduction, and more particularly, to a syringe that enables precise sampling, followed by a fast flush, with a single syringe drive.
An important factor in obtaining good performance in liquid chromatography is proper introduction of a sample into the LC column. The simplest form of sample introduction utilizes a syringe to transport a sample into a valve for delivery into a pressurized LC column. However, in many applications, it is necessary to introduce a precise, low volume sample, followed by a high volume flush or purge sample. For example, in HPLC (high pressure liquid chromatography) a syringe is used to draw a precise amount of fluid from a small vial (0.1 μl to 250 μl) and to inject that fluid into the valve tubing of an autosampler. Following introduction of the fluid into the tubing of the autosampler, the internal walls of the tubing must be flushed or washed with a relatively large quantity of solvent (approximately 400 μl to 800 μl) to remove residual sample fluid from the tubing. Conventional autosamplers use a small syringe to ensure accurate sampling. However, the small syringe is not well suited for the flushing cycle because of its small capacity (250 μl).
Thus, conventional syringe injection systems are not well suited for applications requiring precise, relatively small volume doses and high volume flushing doses. Syringe sampling applications outside the field of liquid chromatography face similar shortcomings. Accordingly, there is a need for a syringe that is capable of providing both a precise low volume sample and a high volume solvent flush, or other high volume sample, in a convenient and efficient manner.
This need is met by the present invention wherein a syringe is provided comprising first and second concentric syringe bodies and first and second, separately dispensable, fluid volumes. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a dual function syringe is provided comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member. The first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein. The first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body. The first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position. The spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position. The second syringe body is located in the first plunger assembly. The second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body. The second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position. The syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position and defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position to the minimum first fluid volume position. The syringe control member is arranged such that it defines (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position.
The second plunger assembly may be arranged such that movement of the second plunger assembly in the direction of the minimum second volume position is initiated upon application of a characteristic motive force to the syringe control member, and wherein a biasing force of the spring member is greater than the characteristic motive force, whereby the second plunger assembly is movable between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly. A maximum of the first variable fluid volume is preferably substantially larger, e.g., at least about 1.5 times larger, than a maximum of the second variable fluid volume.
The first syringe body may include a plunger stop mechanism arranged to inhibit movement of the first plunger assembly beyond the maximum first fluid volume position. The plunger stop mechanism comprises a set screw positioned in a bore provided in an end cap of the first syringe body. The first plunger assembly may include a sleeve positioned to engage the plunger stop mechanism to define the maximum first fluid volume position. The first syringe body preferably includes a spring guide provided on an end of the syringe body opposite the first intake/exhaust port, wherein the spring member is compressed between the spring guide and a spring retainer coupled to the first plunger assembly. The control member is preferably arranged to engage the spring retainer to initiate the spring member compression stroke. The second syringe body preferably comprises a longitudinal bore formed in the first plunger assembly. The second plunger seal is movable back and forth along a surface of the bore upon application of a characteristic motive force to the syringe control member and the first plunger assembly is movable back and forth between the minimum first fluid volume position and the maximum first fluid volume position upon application of a compressive force to the syringe control member. Preferably, a biasing force of the spring member is greater than the characteristic motive force, whereby the second plunger assembly is movable between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, a dual function syringe is provided comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member. The first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein. The first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body. The first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position. The spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position. The second syringe body defines a second intake/exhaust port in fluid communication with at least one of the first variable fluid volume and the first intake/exhaust port. The second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body. The second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position. The syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position. The syringe control member defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position to the minimum first fluid volume position.
Preferably the syringe control member is arranged such that it defines (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position.
Alternatively, the syringe control member may be arranged such that it defines: (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and wherein the second intake/exhaust port is in fluid communication with the first variable fluid volume; (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and wherein the second intake/exhaust port is in fluid communication with the first variable fluid volume; and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position and the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and wherein the second intake/exhaust port is isolated from the first fluid volume and is in fluid communication with the first intake exhaust port.
In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a dual function syringe is provided comprising a first syringe body, a first plunger assembly, a spring member, a second syringe body, a second plunger assembly, and a syringe control member. The first syringe body defines a first intake/exhaust port therein. The first plunger assembly and the first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within the first syringe body. The first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position. The spring member is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position and is arranged such that it defines a fully compressed state corresponding to the minimum first fluid volume position and an expanded state corresponding to the maximum first fluid volume position. The second syringe body is located in the first plunger assembly. The second plunger assembly and the second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within the second syringe body, and wherein the second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position. The syringe control member is coupled to the second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position, wherein the syringe control member is arranged such that it defines: (i) a neutral position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and the spring member lies in the expanded state, (ii) a maximum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the maximum first fluid volume position and, second plunger assembly lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and the spring member lies in the expanded state, and (iii) a minimum capacity position wherein the first plunger assembly lies in the minimum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and the spring member lies in the fully compressed state.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a syringe comprising first and second concentric syringe bodies and first and second, separately dispensable, fluid volumes, whereby precise low volume samples may be dispensed with high volume samples in a convenient and efficient manner. Other objects of the present invention will be apparent in light of the description of the invention embodied herein.
The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention can be best understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: Fig. 1 is an illustration, partially in cross section, of a dual function syringe according to the present invention in a maximum capacity position; Fig. 2 is an illustration, partially in cross section, of a dual function syringe according to the present invention in a neutral or partially dispensed position;
Fig. 3 is an illustration, partially in cross section, of a dual function syringe according to the present invention in a minimum capacity position; Fig. 4 is an illustration, in cross section, of a plunger seal according to the present invention; and
Fig. 5, is a view of the plunger seal illustrated in Fig. 4, taken along view lines 5-5 in Fig. 4.
Referring to Figs. 1-3, a dual function syringe 10 according to the present invention is illustrated. As will be described in detail below, Fig. 1 is an illustration of the syringe 10 in a maximum capacity position, Fig. 2 is an illustration of the syringe 10 in a neutral or partially dispensed position, and Fig. 3 is an illustration of the syringe 10 in a minimum capacity position. The dual function syringe 10 comprises a first syringe body 20, a first plunger assembly 30, a spring member 40, a second syringe body 50, a second plunger assembly 60, and syringe control member 70. The first syringe body 20 defines a first intake/exhaust port 22 therein in fluid communication with the ambient or an external device, e.g., a sampling needle or valve column. The first intake/exhaust port 22 is formed through a sealing plug 23, preferably formed of Teflon®. The first plunger assembly 30 includes a first plunger seal 32. The first plunger seal 32 comprises an annular shaped seal including an open central portion 37 and a circumferential sealing portion 38 that engages an inner surface 21 of the first syringe body 20. The first plunger assembly 30 and the first syringe body 20 define a first variable fluid volume 24 within the first syringe body 20 and the first plunger assembly 30 is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position (see Fig. 3) and a maximum first fluid volume position (see Figs. 1 and 2).
The spring member 40 is positioned to bias the first plunger assembly 30 in the direction of the maximum first fluid volume position. Specifically, as is illustrated in Fig. 3, an end cap 27 is provided on an end of the first syringe body 20 opposite the first intake/exhaust port 22. A spring guide 28 abuts the end cap 27. The spring member 40 is compressed between the spring guide 28 and a spring retainer 36 coupled to the first plunger assembly 30. The spring member 40 must be compressed to move the first plunger assembly 30 in the direction of the minimum first fluid volume position. The control member 70 is arranged to engage the spring retainer 36 to initiate the spring member compression stroke.
The first syringe body 20 includes a plunger stop mechanism 25 arranged to inhibit movement of the first plunger assembly 30 beyond the maximum first fluid volume position. Specifically, the plunger stop mechanism 25 comprises a set screw 26 positioned in a threaded bore provided in an end cap 27 of the first syringe body 20. The first plunger assembly 30 includes a sleeve 34 secured thereto. The sleeve 34 is positioned to engage the set screw 26 to define the maximum first fluid volume position. It is contemplated by the present invention that means other than a sleeve may be provided to define the maximum first fluid volume position, e.g., a cut-out in the first plunger assembly.
The second syringe body 50 is located in the first plunger assembly 30 and defines a second intake/exhaust port 56 in fluid communication with the first variable fluid volume 24 and the first intake/exhaust port 22. The second plunger assembly 60 and the second syringe body 50 define a second variable fluid volume 52 in fluid communication with the second intake/exhaust port 56. Specifically, the second syringe body 50 comprises a longitudinal bore 54, i.e., a passage, formed in the first plunger assembly 30. The passage or bore 54 terminates at the second intake/exhaust port 56. The second plunger assembly 60 includes a second plunger seal 62 that is movable back and forth along a surface of the bore 54 upon application of a characteristic motive force F1 to the syringe control member 70. Stated differently, the characteristic motive force F1 is the amount of force necessary to overcome the static friction of the second plunger assembly 60 within the second syringe body 50. The first plunger assembly is movable back and forth between the minimum first fluid volume position and the maximum first fluid volume position upon application of a compressive or spring biasing force F2 to the syringe control member 70. The spring biasing force F2 of the spring member 40 is greater than the characteristic motive force F Accordingly, the second plunger assembly 60 may be moved between the minimum second fluid volume position and the maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly to ensure precise, low volume fluid metering.
The second plunger assembly 60 is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position (see Figs. 2 and 3) and a maximum second fluid volume position (see Fig. 1 ). The maximum of the first variable fluid volume 24 is about 1 ml and the maximum of the second variable fluid volume 52 is about 100 μl to about 500 μl. The syringe control member 70 is coupled to the second plunger assembly 60 so as to facilitate movement of the second plunger assembly 60 between the minimum second fluid volume position (see Figs. 2 and 3) and the maximum second fluid volume position (see Fig. 1 ). Further, the syringe control member 70 defines a spring member compression stroke extending from the maximum first fluid volume position (see Figs. 1 and 2) to the minimum first fluid volume position (see Fig. 3).
The syringe control member 70 is arranged such that it defines: (i) a neutral position (see Fig. 2) wherein the first plunger assembly 30 lies in the maximum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly 60 lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, and the spring member 40 lies in an expanded state; (ii) a maximum capacity position (see Fig. 1 ) wherein the first plunger assembly 30 lies in the maximum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly 60 lies in the maximum second fluid volume position, and the spring member 40 lies in an expanded state; and (iii) a minimum capacity position (see Fig. 3) wherein the first plunger assembly 30 lies in the minimum first fluid volume position, the second plunger assembly 60 lies in the minimum second fluid volume position, the spring member 40 lies in a compressed state, and the second intake/exhaust port 56 is isolated from the first fluid volume 24 and is in fluid communication with the first intake exhaust port 22.
The syringe 10 according to the present invention enables precise sampling followed by a fast flush with a single syringe drive. Specifically, a precise sampling cycle is effected by moving the syringe control member 70 between the neutral position (see Fig. 2) and the maximum capacity position (see Fig. 1) so that the second plunger seal moves along the longitudinal bore 54. The fast flush cycle is effected by moving the control member 70 beyond neutral position of Fig. 2 towards the minimum capacity position of Fig. 3 so as to compress the spring member 40. Each of these cycles may be effected with a single stroke of the control member 70 along the longitudinal axis of the syringe 10.
An additional benefit of the syringe 10 according to the present invention is that it is easily primed and, once primed, does not draw bubbles into the longitudinal bore 54. Specifically, with the configuration of the dual syringe of the present invention, any air bubbles may be pushed out of the smaller longitudinal bore 54 into the large first variable fluid volume 24 where they may be easily encouraged to rise towards the first intake/exhaust port 22 for expulsion therefrom. Similarly, any bubbles drawn into the large first fluid volume 24 via the first intake/exhaust port 22 are easily contained at the top of the first fluid volume 24 and are not likely to be pulled into the longitudinal bore 54.
Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, the structure of the first plunger seal 32 according to one embodiment of the present invention, is illustrated. The first plunger seal 32 comprises a spring energized polymeric seal including a polymeric sealing portion 39 defining the circumferential sealing portion 38 and the open central portion 37. A series of spring elements 35 are provided in an annular cavity 33 formed in the polymeric sealing portion 39 to urge the circumferential sealing portion 38 in the direction of the inner surface 21 of the first syringe body 20 (see Fig. 1 ). It is contemplated by the present invention that any one of a variety of specific sealing structures may be utilized for the first plunger seal 32. For example, a seal available from Unimetrics Corporation, Joliet, Illinois, under the product designation Triple Seal Plunger Tip, may be modified to include the open central portion 37 and incorporated into a syringe according to the present invention. Similarly, the second plunger seal 62 may be any suitable commercially available seal suitable for use in a syringe according to the present invention.
Having described the invention in detail and by reference to preferred embodiments thereof, it will be apparent that modifications and variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention defined in the appended claims. For example, it is contemplated by the present invention that a syringe according to the present invention may be utilized in any number of applications, including those in medical fields, liquid metering, sample treatment, liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, etc. Further, it is also contemplated by the present invention that different volume capacities for the first and second fluid volumes 24, 52 may be achieved by simply modifying the dimensions (length and diameter) of the volume defining hardware.

Claims

1. A dual function syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first intake/exhaust port therein; a first plunger assembly including a first plunger seal, wherein said first plunger assembly and said first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within said first syringe body, and wherein said first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position; a spring member positioned to bias said first plunger assembly in the direction of said maximum first fluid volume position; a second syringe body located in said first plunger assembly; a second plunger assembly including a second plunger seal, wherein said second plunger assembly and said second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within said second syringe body, and wherein said second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position; and a syringe control member coupled to said second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of said second plunger assembly between said minimum second fluid volume position and said maximum second fluid volume position, said syringe control member defining a spring member compression stroke extending from said maximum first fluid volume position to said minimum first fluid volume position.
2. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said syringe control member is arranged such that it defines a neutral position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position, a maximum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said maximum second fluid volume position, and a minimum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said minimum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position.
3. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second plunger assembly is arranged such that movement of said second plunger assembly in the direction of said minimum second volume position is initiated upon application of a characteristic motive force to said syringe control member, and wherein a biasing force of said spring member is greater than said characteristic motive force, whereby said second plunger assembly is movable between said minimum second fluid volume position and said maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of the first plunger assembly.
4. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first plunger seal engages an inner surface of said first syringe body.
5. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first plunger seal comprises a spring energized polymeric seal.
6. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first plunger seal comprises an annular shaped seal including an open central portion and a circumferential sealing portion.
7. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein a maximum of said first variable fluid volume is substantially larger than a maximum of said second variable fluid volume.
8. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 7 wherein said maximum of said first variable fluid volume is at least about 1.5 times larger than said maximum of said second variable fluid volume.
9. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 7 wherein said maximum of said first variable fluid volume is about 1 ml and said maximum of said second variable fluid volume is about 100 μl to about 500 μl.
10. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first syringe body includes a plunger stop mechanism arranged to inhibit movement of said first plunger assembly beyond said maximum first fluid volume position.
11. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 10 wherein said plunger stop mechanism comprises a set screw provided in said first syringe body.
12. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 11 wherein said set screw is positioned in a bore provided in an end cap of said first syringe body.
13. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 10 wherein said first plunger assembly includes a sleeve positioned to engage said plunger stop mechanism to define said maximum first fluid volume position.
14. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first syringe body includes a spring guide provided on an end of said syringe body opposite said first intake/exhaust port, and wherein said spring member is compressed between said spring guide and a spring retainer coupled to said first plunger assembly.
15. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 14 wherein said control member is arranged to engage said spring retainer to initiate said spring member compression stroke.
16. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 1 wherein said second syringe body comprises a longitudinal bore formed in said first plunger assembly, said second plunger seal is movable back and forth along a surface of said bore upon application of a characteristic motive force to said syringe control member, and wherein said first plunger assembly is movable back and forth between said minimum first fluid volume position and said maximum first fluid volume position upon application of a compressive force to said syringe control member.
17. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 16 wherein a biasing force of said spring member is greater than said characteristic motive force, whereby said second plunger assembly is movable between said minimum second fluid volume position and said maximum second fluid volume position independent of movement of said first plunger assembly.
18. A dual function syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first intake/exhaust port therein; a first plunger assembly including a first plunger seal, wherein said first plunger assembly and said first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within said first syringe body, wherein said first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position; a spring member positioned to bias said first plunger assembly in the direction of said maximum first fluid volume position; a second syringe body defining a second intake/exhaust port in fluid communication with at least one of said first variable fluid volume and said first intake/exhaust port; a second plunger assembly including a second plunger seal, wherein said second plunger assembly and said second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within said second syringe body, wherein said second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position; and a syringe control member coupled to said second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of said second plunger assembly between said minimum second fluid volume position and said maximum second fluid volume position, said syringe control member defining a spring member compression stroke extending from said maximum first fluid volume position to said minimum first fluid volume position.
19. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 18 wherein said syringe control member is arranged such that it defines a neutral position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position, a maximum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said maximum second fluid volume position, and a minimum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said minimum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position.
20. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 18 wherein said syringe control member is arranged such that it defines: a neutral position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position, and wherein said second intake/exhaust port is in fluid communication with said first variable fluid volume; a maximum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said maximum second fluid volume position, and wherein said second intake/exhaust port is in fluid communication with said first variable fluid volume; and a minimum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said minimum first fluid volume position and said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position, and wherein said second intake/exhaust port is isolated from said first fluid volume and is in fluid communication with said first intake exhaust port.
21. A dual function syringe as claimed in claim 18 wherein said first plunger seal comprises an annular shaped seal including an open central portion and a circumferential sealing portion, and wherein said open central portion accommodates said second intake/exhaust port.
22. A dual function syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first intake/exhaust port therein; a first plunger assembly including a first plunger seal, wherein said first plunger assembly and said first syringe body define a first variable fluid volume within said first syringe body, and wherein said first plunger assembly is movable between a minimum first fluid volume position and a maximum first fluid volume position; a spring member positioned to bias said first plunger assembly in the direction of said maximum first fluid volume position, wherein said spring member is arranged such that it defines a compressed state corresponding to said minimum first fluid volume position and an expanded state corresponding to said maximum first fluid volume position; a second syringe body located in said first plunger assembly; a second plunger assembly including a second plunger seal, wherein said second plunger assembly and said second syringe body define a second variable fluid volume within said second syringe body, and wherein said second plunger assembly is movable between a minimum second fluid volume position and a maximum second fluid volume position; and a syringe control member coupled to said second plunger assembly so as to facilitate movement of said second plunger assembly between said minimum second fluid volume position and said maximum second fluid volume position, wherein said syringe control member is arranged such that it defines a neutral position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position, said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position, and said spring member lies in said expanded state, a maximum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said maximum first fluid volume position and, second plunger assembly lies in said maximum second fluid volume position, and said spring member lies in said expanded state, and a minimum capacity position wherein said first plunger assembly lies in said minimum first fluid volume position, said second plunger assembly lies in said minimum second fluid volume position, and said spring member lies in said compressed state.
PCT/US1999/023831 1998-11-16 1999-10-14 Dual function syringe WO2000029052A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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US19260498A 1998-11-16 1998-11-16
US09/192,604 1998-11-16

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EP2090218A1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2009-08-19 Fujifilm Corporation Automatic retractable syringe

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EP0115931A1 (en) * 1983-01-23 1984-08-15 Amir Porat Syringe
US4476866A (en) * 1982-08-06 1984-10-16 Thomas J. Fogarty Combined large and small bore syringe
EP0248760A2 (en) * 1986-06-05 1987-12-09 FOGARTY, Thomas J. Refillable injection device
US5395345A (en) * 1994-01-27 1995-03-07 The Kendall Company Aspirating syringe

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4313440A (en) * 1980-09-08 1982-02-02 Ashley Sheldon J Multipurpose double barrel syringe and method of manufacture of same
US4476866A (en) * 1982-08-06 1984-10-16 Thomas J. Fogarty Combined large and small bore syringe
EP0115931A1 (en) * 1983-01-23 1984-08-15 Amir Porat Syringe
EP0248760A2 (en) * 1986-06-05 1987-12-09 FOGARTY, Thomas J. Refillable injection device
US5395345A (en) * 1994-01-27 1995-03-07 The Kendall Company Aspirating syringe

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2090218A1 (en) * 2008-02-18 2009-08-19 Fujifilm Corporation Automatic retractable syringe
US8696553B2 (en) 2008-02-18 2014-04-15 Fujifilm Corporation Automatic retractable syringe

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