WO2021211403A1

WO2021211403A1 - Single needle sequential injection systems and methods

Info

Publication number: WO2021211403A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/026783
Authority: WO
Inventors: Scott C. Johnson; Eric A. HILLESHEIM; Dominic OERTER
Original assignee: Nova-Tech Engineering, Llc
Priority date: 2020-04-14
Filing date: 2021-04-12
Publication date: 2021-10-21
Also published as: CN113521447A; CN215083481U

Abstract

The single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein enable sequential delivery of two or more different liquids through a single lumen in a single needle. Sequentially injecting two or more different liquids through a single lumen needle may be useful in situations in which only one needle is used to inject two different liquids through a single lumen in that needle.

Description

SINGLE NEEDLE SEQUENTIAL INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63/009,554, filed April 14, 2020, and titled SINGLE NEEDLE SEQUENTIAL INJECTION SYSTEMS AND METHODS, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Single needle sequential injection systems and methods are described herein for the sequential delivery of two or more different liquids through a single lumen needle.

BACKGROUND

Injection of liquids through needles having lumens is typically limited to the delivery of one liquid through the needle due to limitations in the liquid delivery equipment. Systems developed for the delivery of two or more different liquids through needles typically employ different needles for each liquid to be delivered. Some examples of such systems may be described in, for example, International Publication WO 2018/204572 (Eid et al.) and US Patent 4,758,227 (Lancaster, Jr. et al.).

SUMMARY

The single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein for the sequential delivery of two or more different liquids through a single lumen in a single needle.

Sequentially injecting two or more different liquids through a single lumen needle may be useful in situations in which it is preferred to use only one needle to inject two different liquids through a single lumen in that needle. In the case of delivery of different liquids to animals (including humans) through subcutaneous (or other) needle-based injection, delivery of two liquids having significantly different properties may require that those liquids be delivered at different pressures, temperatures, etc. Delivering different liquids at different pressures, temperatures, etc. may, for example, ensure the delivery of proper volumes of the liquids, improve the effectiveness of the delivery, etc.

Different liquids delivered using the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may have different properties such as, for example, viscosity, density, different carrier liquids (e.g., oils versus water-based carriers), etc. Those different properties may or may not result in liquids that are immiscible in each other. Liquids that have different properties and/or are immiscible in each other can enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein to deliver separate and discrete boluses of the different liquids.

The use of a single needle to deliver two or more different liquids may be desirable because only one injection site is created/used as compared to systems/methods that use two or more different needles to deliver to or more different liquids. In the case of delivering liquids to animals, any potential bleeding or other tissue damage associated with the use of multiple needles can be avoided using the single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein.

The use of a single needle having only a single lumen may be desirable because the size of the needle may be smaller than a needle incorporating two or more different lumens. A smaller needle may reduce the size of the opening made during the injection process. In the case of delivering liquids to animals, any potential bleeding or other tissue damage associated with a larger needle can be avoided using the single needle sequential injection systems and methods described herein.

In a first aspect, one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein includes: a needle carriage configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising: a delivery chamber defined in the needle carriage, the delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber, a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port, a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port, a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port, and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between the retracted position and the injection position; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the needle carriage actuator, the first liquid delivery actuator, and the second liquid delivery actuator. The controller may be configured to: operate the carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, operate the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port after operating the carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port, and operate the second liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the second liquid to the second inlet port after operating the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port after the first bolus of the first liquid. In a second aspect, one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein includes: a delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber; a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port; a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port; a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the first liquid delivery actuator and the second liquid delivery actuator. The controller may be configured to: operate the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port, and operate the second liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the second liquid to the second inlet port after operating the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port after the first bolus of the first liquid. In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first bolus volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port. Providing a bolus volume that is larger than the needle lumen volume improves the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because, for example, liquid in the bolus volume would replace all of the liquid in the needle lumen during delivery of a bolus of a selected liquid.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times of a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port. Providing a bolus volume that is significantly larger than the needle lumen volume further enhances the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because, for example, liquid in the bolus volume would replace all of the liquid in the needle lumen during delivery of a bolus of a selected liquid.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

In one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system including a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume. Providing a first branch volume that is greater than the delivery branch volume can improve the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because all liquid in the delivery branch would be replaced by the liquid in the first branch during delivery through the first branch.

In one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system including a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume. Providing a first branch volume that is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume can improve the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because all liquid in the delivery branch and the needle lumen would be replaced by the liquid from the first branch during delivery through the first branch.

In one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system including a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume. Providing a second branch volume that is greater than the delivery branch volume can improve the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because all liquid in the delivery branch would be replaced by the liquid in the second branch during delivery through the second branch.

In one or more embodiments, the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume. Providing a first liquid bolus volume that is greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume can improve the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because all liquid in the first branch and the delivery branch would be replaced by the liquid from the first bolus.

In one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system including a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume. Providing a first liquid bolus volume that is significantly greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume can further enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially because all liquid in the first branch and the delivery branch would be replaced by the liquid from the first bolus.

In one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system including a delivery chamber comprising a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch meeting at a junction, the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form a V-shape having an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less. Limiting the angle formed by the first and second flow axes may, in one or more embodiments, limit unwanted or undesirable mixing of fluids delivered to the junction along the different branches.

In one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of first liquid and the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of second liquid, wherein, optionally, the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water. Liquids that have different properties and/or are immiscible in each other can enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein to deliver separate and discrete boluses of the different liquids.

In a third aspect, one or more embodiments of methods of delivering a first liquid and a second liquid through a single lumen injection needle include: delivering a first bolus of a first liquid to a first branch port of a delivery chamber at a first liquid pressure, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a second branch port and an outlet port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber; delivering a first bolus of a second liquid to a second branch port of the deliver chamber after delivering the first bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at a second liquid pressure; delivering a second bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at the first liquid pressure after delivering the first bolus of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber; and delivering a second bolus of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at the second liquid pressure after delivering the second bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber; wherein the first bolus of the first liquid is delivered to a single lumen of an injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber; wherein at least a portion of the first bolus of the second liquid is delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber after the first liquid is delivered to the single lumen such that at least a portion of the first bolus of the first liquid is forced out of the single lumen through a needle opening distal from the outlet port of the delivery chamber.

In one or more embodiments of the methods described herein, the first liquid pressure is independent of the second liquid pressure.

In one or more embodiments of the methods described herein, the first liquid pressure is different than the second liquid pressure.

In a fourth aspect, one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system comprises a needle carriage configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising: a delivery chamber defined in the needle carriage, the delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber, a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port, a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port, a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port, and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port. The system further comprises an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a single lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the single lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between the retracted position and the injection position; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a bolus of a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a bolus of a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure.

If used herein, relational terms such as above, below, top, bottom, etc. are (unless otherwise specified in this description and/or the claims) used only to facilitate description of the various features of the systems and methods described herein and should not be construed to require any specific orientation of the systems and/or the methods described herein.

If used herein, the term “substantially” has the same meaning as “significantly,” and can be understood to modify the term that follows by at least about 75%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 98%. The term "not substantially" as used herein has the same meaning as “not significantly,” and can be understood to have the inverse meaning of "substantially," i.e., modifying the term that follows by not more than 25%, not more than 10%, not more than 5%, or not more than 2%.

Numeric values used herein include normal variations in measurements as expected by persons skilled in the art and should be understood to have the same meaning as “approximately” and to cover a typical margin of error, such as ±5 % of the stated value.

Terms such as “a,” “an,” and “the” are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” are used interchangeably with the term “at least one.” The phrases “at least one of’ and “comprises at least one of’ followed by a list refers to any one of the items in the list and any combination of two or more items in the list.

As used here, the term “or” is generally employed in its usual sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The term “and/or” means one or all of the listed elements or a combination of any two or more of the listed elements.

The recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc. or 10 or less includes 10, 9.4, 7.6, 5, 4.3, 2.9, 1.62, 0.3, etc.). Where a range of values is “up to” or “at least” a particular value, that value is included within the range.

The words “preferred” and “preferably” refer to embodiments that may afford certain benefits, under certain circumstances. However, other embodiments may also be preferred, under the same or other circumstances. Furthermore, the recitation of one or more preferred embodiments does not imply that other embodiments are not useful and is not intended to exclude other embodiments from the scope of the disclosure, including the claims.

The above summary of the invention is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the systems and methods described herein. Rather, a more complete understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by reference to the following description of illustrative embodiments and claims in view of the accompanying figures of the drawing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 is schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber that may be used in one or more embodiments of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of one illustrative embodiment of a processing system incorporating one illustrative embodiment of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system depicted in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a side view of one needle carriage and associated components of the illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system depicted in FIGS. 3- 4, with the needle carriage in a retracted position.

FIG. 5B is a side view of the needle carriage and associated components of FIG. 5 A with the needle carriage in an injection position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber as depicted in the single needle sequential injection system depicted in FIGS. 3-5B.

FIG. 7 is a top view of the delivery chamber depicted in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the delivery chamber of FIGS. 6-7 taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the illustrative embodiment of a piston pump as depicted in the single needle sequential injection system depicted in FIGS. 3-5B.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the piston pump of FIG. 9 in a ready configuration.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the piston pump of FIGS. 9-10 taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the piston pump of FIG. 9 at the midpoint of a delivery cycle.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the piston pump of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 12.

While the above-identified figures (which may or may not be drawn to scale) set forth embodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents the invention by way of representation and not limitation. It should be understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art, which fall within the scope of this invention. DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying figures of the drawing which form a part hereof, and in which are shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

FIG. l is a schematic diagram of one illustrative embodiment of a single needle sequential injection system 10 as described herein. In one or more embodiments, a single needle sequential injection system 10 may include a needle carriage 20 used to carry an injection needle 60. The needle carriage 20 may be configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position. Examples of some potentially useful needle carriage designs that may be used in connection with the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be found in, for example, International Publication WO 2018/204572 (Eid et al.).

In one or more embodiments, the single needle sequential injection system may include a controller 12 operably connected to a carriage actuator 22 that is, in turn, operably connected to the needle carriage 20 to move the needle carriage 20 between its retracted and injection positions. Again, examples of some potentially useful carriage actuators may be used in connection with the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be found in, for example, International Publication WO 2018/204572 (Eid et al.).

The controllers used in one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems as described herein may be provided in any suitable form and may, for example, include memory and a controller. The controller may, for example, be in the form of one or more microprocessors, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), Digital Signal Processors (DSP), microcontrollers, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) state machines, etc. The controllers may include one or more of any suitable input devices configured to allow a user to operate the apparatus (e.g., keyboards, touchscreens, mice, trackballs, etc.), as well as display devices configured to convey information to a user (e.g., monitors (which may or may not be touchscreens), indicator lights, etc.). The illustrative embodiment of needle carriage 20 includes a delivery chamber 40, with the delivery chamber including an outlet port 50 to which the injection needle 60 is connected such that liquids exiting the delivery chamber 40 through the outlet port 50 pass into a lumen of the injection needle 60 for delivery. In one or more embodiments, the injection needle 60 includes a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port 50, the lumen terminating in a needle opening distal from the outlet port 50. Liquid delivered from the single needle sequential injection system exits the system at the needle opening as is consistent with conventional needles. As described herein, the injection needles used in sequential injection systems as described herein typically include only a single lumen.

Delivery of liquids into the delivery chamber 40 involves, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, moving a first liquid through an inlet port 30, flow restrictor 32, and branch port 34. Branch port 34 is in fluid communication with the delivery chamber 40. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, a second liquid moves through an inlet port 30’, flow restrictor 32’, and branch port 34’. Branch port 34’ is also in fluid communication with the delivery chamber 40.

Delivery of the first and second liquids to the delivery chamber 40 through separate and independent flow paths maintains the integrity of the first and second liquids and prevents their mixing up to the delivery chamber 40. In one or more embodiments, those separate flow paths may be beneficial in providing accurate and acceptable delivery of the different liquids through a single lumen injection needle 60 as described herein.

The first liquid is, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, delivered to inlet port 30 using liquid delivery apparatus 70 in fluid communication with the inlet port 30. The second liquid is, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, delivered to inlet port 30’ using liquid delivery apparatus 70’ in fluid communication with the inlet port 30’. The liquid delivery apparatus 70 and 70’ may, in one or more embodiments, include a liquid delivery actuator 80 and 80’ (respectively) as well as a liquid source 90 and 90’ (respectively). The liquid delivery actuators 80 and 80’ may, in one or more embodiments, be operably connected to the controller 12 to effect delivery of the first and second liquids to, respectively, inlet ports 30 and 30’. In one or more embodiments, the first liquid source 90 and the second liquid source 90’ may possess at least one set of different properties. Some potential different properties of the first and second liquids include, but are not limited to: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water. Liquids that have different properties and/or are immiscible in each other can enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein to deliver separate and discrete boluses of the different liquids.

In one or more embodiments, the controller 12 may be configured to operate the carriage actuator 22 to move the needle carriage 20 from its retracted position to its injection position. The controller 12 may further be configured to operate the first liquid delivery actuator 80 to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the inlet port 30 after operating the carriage actuator 22 to move the needle carriage 20 from its retracted position to its injection position. The first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle 60 through the outlet port 50 after passing through the intervening fluid path between liquid delivery actuator 80 and outlet port 50.

The controller 12 may still further be configured to operate the second liquid delivery actuator 80’ to deliver a first bolus of a second liquid to the inlet port 30’ after operating the liquid delivery actuator 80 to deliver the first bolus of the first liquid to the inlet port 30. The first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle 60 through outlet port 50 after passing through the intervening fluid path between liquid delivery actuator 80’ and outlet port 50.

In one or more embodiments, the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle 60 through the outlet port 50 after the first bolus of the first liquid due, for example, to the order in which the boluses of the first and second liquids are delivered to the outlet port 50.

As described herein, the liquid delivery actuators 80 and 80’ are configured to deliver liquids to their respective inlet ports 30 and 30’ at a liquid pressure. In one or more embodiments, the pressure of liquid delivered through the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be the same or different for the two or more liquids delivered using the single needle sequential injection systems described herein. In particular, it may be beneficial to deliver a first liquid at a first liquid pressure that is different than a second liquid pressure at which the second liquid is delivered.

Delivering different liquids at different liquid pressures may be beneficial, as described herein, to, for example, ensure the delivery of proper volumes of the liquids, improve the effectiveness of the delivery, etc. moreover, the composition of the different liquids may affect or drive the pressures at which the liquids should be delivered for maximum effectiveness. For example, it may be beneficial to deliver oil-based liquids at higher pressures than aqueous based liquids or vice versa.

In one or more embodiments, the flow restrictors 32 and 32’ located between the inlet ports 30 and 30’ and branch ports 34 and 34’ may take the form of check valves that allow liquids to pass from the inlet ports 30 and 30’ to the branch ports 34 and 34’ while also preventing the reverse flow, that is, preventing liquids from passing to the inlet ports 30 and 30’ from the branch ports 34 and 34’. In general, a check valve can be considered a passive flow control device that does not require active control or operation to perform the functions of allowing forward flow while preventing reverse flow as described herein.

In one or more alternative embodiments, however, the flow restrictors 32 and 32’ may be in the form of valves or other fluid control devices that either restrict flow or allow flow therethrough based on the open or closed state of the flow restrictors 32 and 32’. In such an embodiment, the flow restrictors 32 and 32’ may be operably connected to the controller 12 which may be configured to open and close the flow restrictors 32 and 32’ to allow or prevent flow therethrough as needed to deliver liquids to the delivery chamber from the first and second liquid delivery apparatus 70 and 70’ as described herein.

In one or more embodiments, the first bolus of the first liquid (and/or the first bolus of the second liquid) delivered to the injection needle 60 may have a first bolus volume equal to or greater than the needle lumen volume of a lumen through which the liquid passes in the injection needle 60. That needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle 60 as measured from a junction of the outlet port 50 and the lumen in the needle 60 to the needle opening distal from the outlet port 50 (a better understanding of the needle lumen volume may be had with reference to the illustrative embodiment of needle 160 depicted in FIG. 7 below).

In one or more embodiments of sequential injection systems as described herein, the first bolus of the first and/or second liquid may have a bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, greater than 4 times, greater than 6 times, greater than 8 times, or even greater than 10 times of a needle lumen volume. Providing a bolus volume that is significantly larger than the needle volume may enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially.

The bolus volumes of the different liquids delivered using one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be the same or different. For example, the volume of the first bolus of the first liquid may be the same as or different than the volume of the first bolus of the second liquid.

Some exemplary volumes that may be used in connection with one or more embodiments of sequential injection systems described may, for example, include first bolus volumes of either or both of the first and second liquids of 0.15 milliliters to 0.5 milliliters. In one or more embodiments, the needle lumen volume may be, for example, 0.01 milliliters.

Although the delivery chambers used in one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may take many different forms, one illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber 40 may be used in one or more embodiments of sequential injection systems described herein is schematically depicted in FIG. 2. In the depicted embodiment, delivery chamber 40 includes a first branch 42 in fluid communication with the branch port 34 and a second branch 42’ in fluid communication with the branch port 34’ of the single needle sequential injection system depicted in FIG. 1.

Branches 42 and 42’ of delivery chamber 40 are in fluid communication with a junction 44 which is, in turn, in fluid communication with a delivery branch 46 of the delivery chamber 40. Outlet port 50 is in fluid communication with that delivery branch 46 as depicted in FIG. 2.

As a result, liquids delivered to the delivery chamber 40 through first and second branches 42 and 42’ meet at the junction 44, with both liquids being moved through the delivery branch 46 to the outlet port 50 where they can be delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle 60 as described herein.

In addition to being larger than the needle lumen volume, one or more embodiments of sequential injection systems as described herein may provide a first bolus of the first and/or second liquid with a bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times of a sum of the needle lumen volume and the delivery branch volume where the delivery branch volume is the volume of the delivery branch as measured from the junction 44 to the outlet port 50. Providing a bolus volume that is significantly larger than a sum of the needle lumen volume and the delivery branch volume may further enhance the ability of the single needle sequential injection system to deliver discrete boluses of the different liquids sequentially.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the volume of one or both of the first and second branches 42 and 42’ is greater than the volume of the delivery branch 46.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the volume of one or both of the first and second branches 42 and 42’ is greater than a sum of the volume of the delivery branch 46 and the volume of the lumen of the needle 60.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the bolus of the first liquid delivered to the first branch port 34 has a first liquid bolus volume that is equal to or greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume (the volume of the delivery branch 46) and the volume of the first branch 42.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the bolus of the second liquid delivered to the second branch port 34’ has a second liquid bolus volume that is equal to or greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume (the volume of the delivery branch 46) and the volume of the second branch 42’.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the bolus of the first liquid delivered to the branch port 34 has a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the volume of the first branch 42, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the volume of the first branch 42.

In one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, the bolus of the second liquid delivered to the second branch port 34’ has a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the volume of the second branch 42’, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the volume of the second branch 42’.

One or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be incorporated into systems designed to deliver liquids to, for example, poultry. One example of such a system is partially depicted in FIGS. 3-5B and the specific illustrative embodiments of the components of a single needle sequential injection system as used in such an environment will be described with respect to FIGS. 3-12.

With reference to FIG. 3, the system 100 includes a rotating platform 102 configured to rotate in the direction depicted by arrows located outside the periphery of the rotating platform 102. That rotation is used to move poultry into position at each of the single needle sequential injection systems depicted in FIGS. 3-4. Similar rotating platforms and associated equipment for poultry processing may be described in a variety of documents such as, for example, U.S. Patent 5,651,731 (Gorans et al.) and U.S. Patent 7,232,450 (Gorans et al.).

Although the depicted illustrative system 100 includes a rotating platform, the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be used in systems that do not involve rotary movement of the single needle sequential injection systems and/or bird restraint apparatus. For example, the injection systems described herein may be used in any suitable processing system and/or method such as those described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,284 (Gorans), titled AUTOMATED POULTRY PROCESSING METHOD AND SYSTEM. The injection systems and methods described herein may also be used in other systems or environments where transport and/or processing of birds is performed and the birds are restrained in a bird restraint suitable to allow for injections to occur using the single needle sequential injection systems described herein.

The single needle sequential injection system components depicted in connection with FIGS. 3-4 include a set of needle carriages 120, each of which carries a delivery chamber 140. As described herein, the needle carriages 120 of one or more embodiments of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein move between a retracted position and an injection position. FIGS. 5A-5B are side views of one of the needle carriages 120 and associated components in the retracted position (see, FIG. 5 A) and an injection position (see, FIG. 5B). In each of FIGS.5A-5B, the needle carriage 120 includes a delivery chamber 140 and attached needle 160 mounted thereon. The needle carriage 120 is supported on arms 124 that extend from a base 126 attached to stationary platform 104. Stationary platform 104 is positioned above rotating platform 102 used, in the depicted illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein, to move bird carriers 106 into position relative to each of the needle carriage is 120.

Movement of the needle carriage is 120 between their retracted positions as seen in, for example, FIG. 5 A and their injection positions as seen in, for example, FIG. 5B, is accomplished by rotating the needle carriage 120 about axis 121 extending through arms 124. The rotation of needle carriage 120 about axis 121 is, in the depicted illustrative embodiment performed using carriage actuators 122. Carriage actuators 122 may take a variety of forms as described herein. Examples of some potentially useful carriage actuators may be used in connection with the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be found in, for example, International Publication WO 2018/204572 (Eid et al.).

The exemplary needle carriage 120 is depicted in the retracted position in FIG. 5A , with the retracted position allowing for, in the depicted illustrative embodiment, movement of a carrier 106 into a position relative to the needle carriage 120 that allows for placement of the injection needle 160 on a bird or other intended recipient of liquids to be delivered through the injection needle 160.

As depicted in FIG. 5B, the needle carriage 120 is in the injection position on a bird or other intended recipient after rotation about axis 121. Advancement of the injection needle 160 in this configuration preferably provides for delivery of liquids through the injection needle 160 into the bird or other intended recipient. Following delivery of the liquids, the needle carriage 120 can be rotated about axis 121 so that the needle carriage 120 returns to its retracted position as depicted in FIG. 5 A. Also depicted in FIGS. 3-4 are two sets of liquid delivery actuators 180 and 180’ provided with a pair of liquid delivery apparatus 170/170’ mounted on the platform 102. The liquid delivery apparatus 170/170’ and their associated liquid delivery actuators 180/180’ are used to deliver two different liquids to each of the delivery chambers 140 on the needle carriages 120 of the system 100 as depicted in FIGS. 3-4.

The liquid delivery apparatus 170/170’ are, more particularly, mounted on a base 172. The base 172 carries the liquid delivery actuators 180 and 180’ which in the depicted illustrative embodiment are in the form of piston pumps. Each of the piston pumps 180/180’ is driven by a piston driver 174 also located in the base 172. As depicted in FIG. 3, each of the piston drivers 174 is aligned with one of the piston pumps 180/180’ so that actuation of the piston drivers 174 towards the associated piston pump 180/180’ forces liquid out of the piston pumps 180/180’ as will be described herein.

With reference to FIG. 4, the piston drivers 174 may be pneumatically driven. Pneumatically driving the piston drivers 174 may provide a convenient manner of controlling the pressure at which the piston pumps 180/180’ deliver liquids to the injection needles of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein. In particular, the depicted embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system includes a pair of regulators 175 and 175’ used to control the air pressure used to drive the piston drivers 174. Gauges 176 and 176’ may be provided on the base 172 to provide for a convenient manner of monitoring the different air pressures used to drive the different sets of piston pumps 180/180’. Adjustment of the regulators 175 and 175’ to deliver two different air pressures to the piston drivers 174 aligned with the different sets of piston pumps 180/180’ can be used to deliver the two different liquids at two different pressures as described herein.

Although the depicted illustrative embodiment of the single needle sequential injection system uses pneumatically driven piston drivers 174, many other alternative mechanisms or techniques may be used to drive the piston pumps 180/180’ including, but not limited to, solenoids, hydraulic pressure, cams driven by rotating motors (electric, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc.), etc.

The forces applied by the piston drivers 174 to the piston pumps 180/180’can be directly correlated into fluid pressure at the needle opening where liquids exit the injection needle of the single needle sequential injection systems described herein. As described herein, the single needle sequential injection systems may provide the ability to deliver different liquids at different pressures. For example, it may be beneficial to deliver liquids that consist primarily of oil at a higher pressure than water-based liquids. In one or more embodiments, the single needle sequential injection systems described herein may be configured to provide fluid pressure differentials between at least two liquids delivered through the needles of the systems at a ratio of at least 2 to 1. In other words, the pressure at which a first liquid is delivered may be two or more times the pressure at which a second liquid is delivered through the single needle sequential injection system. The exact pressures at which the different liquids are delivered may be individually adjusted or controlled to both minimum and maximum levels to assist with adequate delivery of one of the liquids and to avoid over pressure in the delivery of the other liquid.

One illustrative embodiment of a delivery chamber 140 included in the single needle sequential injection systems depicted in FIGS. 3-5B is isolated in FIGS. 6-8. The delivery chamber 140 includes inlet ports 130 and 130’ along with outlet port 150.

As seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 8, delivery chamber 140 includes flow restrictors 132 and 132’ in the form of check valves. The flow restrictors 132 and 132’ are located between inlet ports 130 and 130’ and branch ports 134 and 134’. Branch ports 134 and 134’ are located at (in the depicted view) the upper ends of branches 142 and 142’ that lead to junction 144. Delivery branch 146 leads away from junction one and 44 to outlet port 150. As a result, branches 142 and 142’ can be described as meeting at junction 144 with a first branch 142 extending from branch port 134 to junction 144 and a second branch 142’ extending from branch port 134’ to junction 144. In the depicted illustrative embodiment in which flow restrictors 132 and 132’ are in the form of ball valves, branches 142 and 142’ extend from the junctions between the balls of the ball valves and their respective seals to the junction 144.

In the depicted illustrative embodiment, the delivery branch 146 can be described as extending from the junction 144 to outlet port 150.

Also depicted in FIG. 8 is one illustrative embodiment of a single lumen injection needle 160 attached to the outlet port 150 of the delivery branch 140. The injection needle 160 includes a body 162 having a single lumen 164 extending from the outlet port to a needle opening 166 distal from the outlet port 150.

In one or more embodiments, the branches 142/142’ can each be described as having a branch volume while the delivery branch 146 can be described as having a delivery branch volume. In one or more embodiments, one or both of the volumes of branches 142/142’ may be greater than the delivery branch volume. In one exemplary embodiment, the branch volumes may be, for example, 0.13 milliliters while the delivery branch volume is 0.03 milliliters.

The lumen 164 of the injection needle 160 attached to the outlet 150 may have a needle lumen volume measured from the junction of the lumen 164 with the outlet port 150 to the needle opening 166 distal from the outlet port 150. The branch volume of one or both of the branches 142/142’ can, in one or more embodiments, be described as being greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume. In one exemplary embodiment, the delivery branch volume may be 0.03 milliliters and the needle lumen volume may be 0.01 milliliters, while each of the branch volumes may be, for example, 0.13 milliliters.

In one or more embodiments of delivery branches that may be used in one or more embodiments of sequential injection systems described herein, the direction of flows within the delivery branch may be useful to provide control over the discrete bolus delivery of different fluids delivered to the junctions of the delivery branches. In the depicted illustrative embodiment, liquid flowing through branch 142 of delivery chamber 140 can be described as flowing into the junction 144 along a first flow axis, while liquid flowing through branch 142’ of delivery chamber 140 can be described as flowing into the junction 144 along a second flow axis. Although not specifically depicted in FIG. 8, the flow axes can be described as extending through a center of each of the branches 142/142’.

In one or more embodiments, the first and second flow axes intersect in the junction 144 to form a V-shape having an angle of less than 90°, 80° or less, 70° or less, 60° or less or 50° or less. Limiting the angle formed by the first and second flow axes may, in one or more embodiments, limit unwanted or undesirable mixing of fluids delivered to the junction 144 along the different branches 142/142’. The illustrative embodiment of a liquid delivery actuator in the form of a piston pump as depicted in connection with the single needle sequential injection systems of FIGS. 3-5B is depicted in greater detail in FIGS. 9-13. The piston pump 180 includes a body 182 along with an inlet 181 and an outlet 183. Piston pump 180 also includes a piston 186 along with a return spring 187 used to return the piston 186 to its ready position after the piston 186 is been advanced to pump liquid through the piston pump 180. Outlet 183 of piston pump 180 will typically be connected to one inlet port of the delivery chamber of a single needle sequential injection system as described herein.

With reference to FIGS. 10-13, the piston pump 180 is depicted in its ready position in which a piston driver 174 is not in contact with the piston 186 to provide a pump volume 184 within a piston bore 185 as seen in FIG. 11. Piston pump 180 also includes a check valve 189 located between the inlet 181 and the piston 186 as well as between the inlet 181 and the outlet 183. The check valve 189 prevents the flow of liquid out of the piston pump 180 through inlet 181 during the pumping caused by movement of the piston 186.

Liquid located within the pump chamber 184 is driven out of the outlet 183 when piston driver 174 moves piston 186 towards check valve 189. Movement of the piston 186 towards check valve 189 reduces or eliminates the volume of the pump chamber 184 as seen in FIG. 13, with the volume of liquid located within pump chamber 184 being driven out of the piston pump 180 through outlet 183. Liquid driven through outlet 183 is, as described herein, delivered to an attached inlet port of a delivery chamber for eventual delivery to an injection needle described herein. The volume of the pump chamber 184 will typically be the same as the bolus volume delivered using the piston pump 180 (assuming incompressible liquids are delivered using the pump). Moreover, adjustment of the position of the piston 186 in the piston bore 185 when the piston pump is in the ready position can be used to adjust the bolus volume as needed (to, for example, achieve a desired bolus volume).

Movement of the piston driver 174 away from piston 186 results, in the depicted illustrative embodiment of piston pump 180 in movement of the piston 186 away from the check valve 189. That movement allows liquid to flow into pump chamber 184 after the piston has been advanced to pump a bolus of liquid out of the pump 180 through outlet 183, with the additional liquid being provided through inlet 181 and check valve 189. Although the depicted embodiment of a liquid delivery actuator is in the form of a piston pump, it will be understood that any suitable liquid delivery actuation mechanism could be used in place of a piston pump. Examples of potentially useful alternative liquid delivery actuators that may be adapted to delivery of discrete boluses of liquids may include, but are not limited to, diaphragm pumps, peristaltic pumps, etc.

Although it may be beneficial to use liquid delivery actuators that are specifically designed to deliver discrete boluses of liquids, bolus delivery of any liquid may be accomplished using liquid delivery actuators that may provide relatively constant pressure in a liquid with bolus delivery being effected by opening and closing one or more valves or other flow restriction devices (e.g. clamps, etc.). Examples may include, but are not limited to, pressurized bladders containing liquids, screw pumps, etc. with one or more valves being sequentially opened and closed to provide discrete boluses of liquids.

Although the illustrative embodiments of sequential injection systems described herein involve the delivery of two different liquids, sequential injection systems of the present invention may be configured to deliver three or more different liquids through a single lumen injection needle with the addition of appropriate equipment and control systems.

ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Following are some illustrative embodiments of the systems and methods described herein.

Embodiment 1. A single needle sequential injection system comprising: a needle carriage configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising: a delivery chamber defined in the needle carriage, the delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber, a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port, a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port, a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port, and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between the retracted position and the injection position; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the needle carriage actuator, the first liquid delivery actuator, and the second liquid delivery actuator, the controller configured to: operate the carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, operate the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port after operating the carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port, and operate the second liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the second liquid to the second inlet port after operating the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port after the first bolus of the first liquid.

Embodiment 2. A single needle sequential injection system comprising: a delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber; a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port; a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port; a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the first liquid delivery actuator and the second liquid delivery actuator, the controller configured to: operate the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port, and operate the second liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the second liquid to the second inlet port after operating the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port after the first bolus of the first liquid.

Embodiment 3. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first bolus volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

Embodiment 4. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times of a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port. Embodiment 5. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 1 and 2, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

Embodiment 6. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 5, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 7. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 5 to 6, wherein the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 8. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 5 to 7, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 9. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 5 to 8, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume. Embodiment 10. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 9, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 11. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 5 to 10, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

Embodiment 12. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 11, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

Embodiment 13. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 5 to 12, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form a V-shape having an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

Embodiment 14. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and, optionally, wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

Embodiment 15. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 14, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure, and, optionally, wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 16. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 15, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein a pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

Embodiment 17. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 16, wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of first liquid and the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of second liquid, wherein, optionally, the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water.

Embodiment 18. A method of delivering a first liquid and a second liquid through a single lumen injection needle, the method comprising: delivering a first bolus of a first liquid to a first branch port of a delivery chamber at a first liquid pressure, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a second branch port and an outlet port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber; delivering a first bolus of a second liquid to a second branch port of the deliver chamber after delivering the first bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at a second liquid pressure; delivering a second bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at the first liquid pressure after delivering the first bolus of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber; and delivering a second bolus of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at the second liquid pressure after delivering the second bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber; wherein the first bolus of the first liquid is delivered to a single lumen of an injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber; wherein at least a portion of the first bolus of the second liquid is delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber after the first liquid is delivered to the single lumen such that at least a portion of the first bolus of the first liquid is forced out of the single lumen through a needle opening distal from the outlet port of the delivery chamber.

Embodiment 19. A method according to embodiment 18, wherein the first liquid pressure is independent of the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 20. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 19, wherein the first liquid pressure is different than the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 21. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the one of the first liquid pressure and the second liquid pressure is 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more times the other of the first liquid pressure and the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 22. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 21, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

Embodiment 23. A method according to embodiment 22, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 24. A method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 23, wherein the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 25. A method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 24, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 26. A method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 25, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume

Embodiment 27. A method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 26, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 28. A method according to embodiment 27, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 29. A method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 28, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume. Embodiment 30. A method according to embodiment 29, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

Embodiment 31. A method according to any one of embodiments 22 to 30, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

Embodiment 32. A method according to any one of embodiments 18 to 31, wherein the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water.

Embodiment 33. A single needle sequential injection system comprising: a needle carriage configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising: a delivery chamber defined in the needle carriage, the delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber, a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port, a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port, a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port, and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a single lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the single lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between the retracted position and the injection position; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a bolus of a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a bolus of a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure.

Embodiment 34. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 33, wherein the bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the single lumen needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port. Embodiment 35. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 33, wherein the bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times of a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the single lumen needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

Embodiment 36. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 33, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the single lumen needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

Embodiment 37. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 36, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 38. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 36 to 37, wherein the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

Embodiment 39. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 38, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume Embodiment 40. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 36 to 39, wherein the bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 41. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment 40, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

Embodiment 42. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 36 to 41, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

Embodiment 43. A single needle sequential inj ection system according to embodiment 42, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

Embodiment 44. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 36 to 43, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

Embodiment 45. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 33 to 44, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and, optionally, wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve. Embodiment 46. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 33 to 45, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure.

Embodiment 47. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment

46, wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

Embodiment 48. A single needle sequential injection system according to embodiment

47, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein a pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

Embodiment 49. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of embodiments 33 to 48, wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of first liquid and the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of second liquid, wherein, optionally, the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water. All references and publications cited herein are expressly incorporated herein by reference in their entirety into this disclosure, except to the extent they may directly contradict this disclosure. Although specific illustrative embodiments have been described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations can be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. It should be understood that this disclosure is not intended to be unduly limited by the illustrative embodiments and examples set forth herein and that such examples and embodiments are presented by way of example only with the scope of the disclosure intended to be limited only by the claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A single needle sequential injection system comprising: a needle carriage configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising: a delivery chamber defined in the needle carriage, the delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber, a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port, a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port, a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port, and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between the retracted position and the injection position; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the needle carriage actuator, the first liquid delivery actuator, and the second liquid delivery actuator, the controller configured to: operate the carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, operate the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port after operating the carriage actuator to move the needle carriage from the retracted position to the injection position, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port, and operate the second liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the second liquid to the second inlet port after operating the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port after the first bolus of the first liquid.

2. A single needle sequential injection system comprising: a delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber; a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port; a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port; a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port; a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure; and a controller operably connected to the first liquid delivery actuator and the second liquid delivery actuator, the controller configured to: operate the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port, and operate the second liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the second liquid to the second inlet port after operating the first liquid delivery actuator to deliver a first bolus of the first liquid to the first inlet port, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid passes into the injection needle through the outlet port after the first bolus of the first liquid.

3. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first bolus volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

4. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times of a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

5. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

6. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 5, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

7. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 5 to 6, wherein the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

8. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

9. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

10. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 9, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

11. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

12. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 11, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

13. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 5 to 12, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

14. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and, optionally, wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

15. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure, and, optionally, wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

16. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 15, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein a pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

17. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of first liquid and the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of second liquid, wherein, optionally, the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water.

18. A method of delivering a first liquid and a second liquid through a single lumen injection needle, the method comprising: delivering a first bolus of a first liquid to a first branch port of a delivery chamber at a first liquid pressure, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a second branch port and an outlet port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber; delivering a first bolus of a second liquid to a second branch port of the deliver chamber after delivering the first bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at a second liquid pressure; delivering a second bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber at the first liquid pressure after delivering the first bolus of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber; and delivering a second bolus of the second liquid to the second branch port of the delivery chamber at the second liquid pressure after delivering the second bolus of the first liquid to the first branch port of the delivery chamber; wherein the first bolus of the first liquid is delivered to a single lumen of an injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber; wherein at least a portion of the first bolus of the second liquid is delivered to the single lumen of the injection needle in liquid communication with the outlet port of the delivery chamber after the first liquid is delivered to the single lumen such that at least a portion of the first bolus of the first liquid is forced out of the single lumen through a needle opening distal from the outlet port of the delivery chamber.

19. A method according to claim 18, wherein the first liquid pressure is independent of the second liquid pressure.

20. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 19, wherein the first liquid pressure is different than the second liquid pressure.

21. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the one of the first liquid pressure and the second liquid pressure is 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, or 5 or more times the other of the first liquid pressure and the second liquid pressure.

22. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

23. A method according to claim 22, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

24. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 23, wherein the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

25. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

26. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume

27. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 26, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

28. A method according to claim 27, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

29. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 28, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

30. A method according to claim 29, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

31. A method according to any one of claims 22 to 30, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

32. A method according to any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water.

33. A single needle sequential injection system comprising: a needle carriage configured for movement between a retracted position and an injection position, the needle carriage comprising: a delivery chamber defined in the needle carriage, the delivery chamber comprising an outlet port, a first branch port, and a second branch port, wherein the first branch port, the second branch port, and the outlet port are in fluid communication with each other through the delivery chamber, a first flow restrictor in liquid communication with the first branch port, the first flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the first branch port, a first inlet port in liquid communication with the first flow restrictor such liquid passing into the first inlet port flows through the first flow restrictor before reaching the first branch port, a second flow restrictor in liquid communication with the second branch port, the second flow restrictor preventing liquid flow out of the delivery chamber through the second branch port, and a second inlet port in liquid communication with the second flow restrictor such liquid passing into the second inlet port flows through the second flow restrictor before reaching the second branch port; an injection needle attached to the outlet port, the injection needle comprising a single lumen in liquid communication with the outlet port, the single lumen terminating in needle opening distal from the outlet port; a carriage actuator operably connected to the needle carriage, the carriage actuator configured to move the needle carriage between the retracted position and the injection position; a first liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the first inlet port, the first liquid delivery apparatus comprising a first liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a bolus of a first liquid to the first inlet port at a first liquid pressure; and a second liquid delivery apparatus in liquid communication with the second inlet port, the second liquid delivery apparatus comprising a second liquid delivery actuator configured to deliver a bolus of a second liquid to the first inlet port at a second liquid pressure, wherein the second liquid pressure is independent of the first liquid pressure.

34. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 33, wherein the bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the single lumen needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

35. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 33, wherein the bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than 2 times, 4 times, 6 times, 8 times, or even 10 times of a needle lumen volume, wherein the needle lumen volume is the volume of the lumen in the single lumen needle as measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

36. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 33, wherein the delivery chamber comprises a first branch, a second branch, and a delivery branch, wherein the first branch, second branch, and delivery branch meet at a junction, wherein the first branch extends from the first branch port to the junction and the second branch extends from the second branch port to the junction, wherein the delivery branch extends from the junction to the outlet port, wherein the first branch comprises a first branch volume, the second branch comprises a second branch volume, the delivery branch comprises a delivery branch volume, and the lumen in the single lumen needle comprises a needle lumen volume measured from a junction of the outlet port and the lumen to the needle opening distal from the outlet port.

37. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 36, wherein the first branch volume is greater than the delivery branch volume.

38. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 36 to 37, wherein the first branch volume is greater than a sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume.

39. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 38, wherein the second branch volume is greater than the sum of the delivery branch volume and the needle lumen volume

40. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 36 to 39, wherein the bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of the first branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

41. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 40, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than a sum of second branch volume and the delivery branch volume.

42. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 36 to 41, wherein the first bolus of the first liquid comprises a first liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the first branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the first branch volume.

43. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 42, wherein the first bolus of the second liquid comprises a second liquid bolus volume equal to or greater than the second branch volume, and, optionally, at least 2 times, at least 4 times, at least 6 times, at least 8 times, or at least 10 times the second branch volume.

44. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 36 to 43, wherein the first liquid flows into the junction along a first flow axis and the second liquid flows into the junction along a second flow axis, wherein the first flow axis and the second flow axis intersect in the junction to form an angle of less than 90 degrees, 80 degrees or less, 70 degrees or less, 60 degrees or less, or 50 degrees or less.

45. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 33 to 44, wherein the first flow restrictor comprises a check valve and, optionally, wherein the second flow restrictor comprises a check valve.

46. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 33 to 45, wherein the first liquid delivery actuator comprises a first piston pump, and wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a first piston driver configured to drive a piston of the first piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the first piston pump delivers the first liquid from a piston chamber of the first piston pump to the first inlet port at the first liquid pressure.

47. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 46, wherein the second liquid delivery actuator comprises a second piston pump, and wherein the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a second piston driver configured to drive a piston of the second piston pump, wherein driving the piston of the second piston pump delivers the second liquid from a piston chamber of the second piston pump to the second inlet port at the second liquid pressure.

48. A single needle sequential injection system according to claim 47, wherein the first piston driver is driven using a first pneumatic source and the second piston driver is driven using a second pneumatic source, wherein a pressure of the first pneumatic source is independent of the pressure of the second pneumatic source.

49. A single needle sequential injection system according to any one of claims 33 to 48, wherein the first liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of first liquid and the second liquid delivery apparatus comprises a source of second liquid, wherein, optionally, the first liquid and the second liquid possess at least one set of different properties selected from the following group: the first liquid is immiscible in the second liquid at 20 degrees Celsius and atmospheric pressure of 1013 millibars, the first liquid has a higher viscosity than the second liquid, a density of the first liquid is less than a density of the second liquid, a majority of the first liquid (by volume) comprises mineral oil and a majority of the second liquid (by volume) comprises water.