WO2004101060A2

WO2004101060A2 - Automatic injector for mass injections

Info

Publication number: WO2004101060A2
Application number: PCT/IL2004/000408
Authority: WO
Inventors: Menachem Hartman
Original assignee: Menachem Hartman
Priority date: 2003-05-18
Filing date: 2004-05-12
Publication date: 2004-11-25
Also published as: WO2004101060A3; IL155967A0

Abstract

The present invention provides an injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material. The assembly comprises dosing unit ( 100.1) adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material, propelling means adapted to actuate the dosing unit, means for supplying the medical material, controller (200), and automatic injector (500) that comprises housing, movable needle that can be housed or protruded so as to discharge the medical material received from the housing unit. Contact sensor and positioning sensor delivers information to the controller (200) and the controller (200) orders the propelling means as well as the dosing unit (100.1) and the needle to automatically push the medical material. The assembly can be provided with means for supplying antiseptic material in order to disinfect the needle between injections and in case of injecting humans, the assembly comprises a needle magazine so as to change the needles. The apparatus can be provided with electronically or physical marker for recording.

Description

AUTOMATIC INJECTOR FOR MASS INJECTIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to automatic injector for mass vaccination. More particularly, the present invention relates to fully automated injection assembly and a method of using the same that address effective vaccination of domestic animals or humans in relatively short time.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

One of the major time consuming and exhausting actions that has to be taken when treating farm animals such as cows, sheep, poultry etc. is medication and vaccination. Medication by injections is commonly given to animals in order to improve their health, control diseases or increase productivity. Regarding vaccination in particular, one of the problems with mass vaccination is that the whole herd or flock has to be vaccinated in a very short time so as to stop an outburst of an epidemic, for example. The fast reaction has to be performed while taking all necessary measures so as to maintain adequate treatment standards such as accuracy, sterilization, needle replacement and so on. Unfortunately, in the last years there are threats of using non- conventional weapons from terrorist groups or regimes. This brought about an additional need to develop an automatic injector that corresponds also to mass injections or mass vaccination of humans in case of a terrorist act. This apparatus can also serve for incidents of epidemics. Vaccination and injections may be administered through three routes: into the muscle (intramuscular); under the skin (subcutaneous); or into the bloodstream (intravenously). The volume of drug administered at an injection site depends on the dosage as well as on the route of administration and the maximum volume recommended per site.

When an injection is administered, clean and sharp needle should be rapidly inserted into the site, then the required dose is administered and the needle is quickly removed. In intramuscular injections, it is important to avoid injecting into the bloodstream and before administering the dose, the syringe has to be withdrawn back in order to assure that no blood is withdrawn. In prior art automatic injectors used for animals, it is quit often that needles break down in the animals body and must be removed, sometimes by surgery. Subcutaneous injections should be given at a base of a "tented" fold of loose skin lifted away from the animal with the free hand. This "tenting" method minimizes the risk of injecting into the muscle.

After injecting the animals with the required dosage, the syringes must be disinfected. The syringes have to be disassembled and washed with hot water and detergent, then rinsed with alcohol and dried before assembling. In the case of injecting vaccination, the syringe has to go through a sterilization process so that the active agents in the vaccine will not be inactivated by the remains of the detergent or alcohol. In cases there is a need to rinse out a syringe during use, and then sterile saline or sterile water should be drawn into and out of the syringe several times.

From the injection process described herein, it is obvious that mass injection of farm animals is time consuming and bothersome procedure. In order to save time and money, farmers use the same needle for medicate more than one animal without sterilizing the needle between injections. This practice, although common, is risky since transmitting diseases in this way is markedly increased. In humans, using the same needle for more than one person is totally unacceptable.

There are available several automatic or semi-automatic syringes that are adequate solely for animals, A safety syringe that is manufactured by New Medical Technologies ltd that resides in the UK and the USA uses an automatic needle retraction technology. The needle retraction is activated as a user fully depresses a plunger in order to inject the medication. The needle is safely stored in a barrel after use so that the risk of needle-stick injury is eliminated. There are several other syringes having safety features such as sheathed or hinged-cover devices that require the user to take additional steps so as to activate the safety feature. None of the available syringes is fully automated.

The inventor of the present invention had developed an automated injector that is disclosed in IL patent no. 87559 "Injection Apparatus for

Veterinary Use". This patent addresses only several of the problems that are encountered with mass injection and is totally not suitable for humans. Usually, vaccination and medication of farm animals such as cattle, pigs, poultry, or humans involve mass injections in relatively short time. The available automatic syringes do not facilitate the owners of the farm or the veterinarian in shortening the time that takes to administer the whole herd with the desired medication. Moreover, the physical effort required by the user is immense when he has to depress a plunger over and over again. It is needed a fully automated syringe or an injecting apparatus that facilitates the user to easily inject medication or vaccination to animals or humans in masses. Moreover, there is a need to inject the medication while keeping the health of the animals and especially humans, hence, changing the needle from animal and animal and providing an accurate dosage in each injection.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic injector adapted especially for mass vaccination that is operated easily and safely.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a new and unique automatic injector in which the medication is accurately administered and injection parameters such as amount of medication, depth of needle, administration rate, etc. are controlled by the injection apparatus rather than by the operator. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a new and unique automatic injector in which needles are automatically replaced or disinfected between injections.

It is an additional object of the present invention to provide a new and unique automatic injector by which the whole amount of medication is administered automatically without the need of the operator to manually squeeze a plunger or a trigger.

Yet, it is another object of the present invention to provide a new and unique automatic injector especially adapted for mass vaccination that enables full operator mobility among the animals to be vaccinated so that the vaccination can be performed without interrupting regular daily procedures in the farm such as milking cows. In cases of humans, the operator can go carrying the apparatus to centres of population rather than using medical facilities. Additionally, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and unique method of mass vaccination using an automatic injector that controls parameters such as amount of medication, depth of needle, administration rate, etc.

It is therefore provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention an injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material, said assembly comprising: a dosing unit adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material; a propelling means adapted to actuate said dosing unit; a means for supplying the medical material; an automatic injector comprising: a housing provided with a handgrip portion; a needle adapted to discharge the medical material received from said dosing unit, wherein said needle is movable between a first position in which said needle is housed within said housing and a second position in which said needle protrudes outwardly through a bore provided in a contact surface provided on said housing; a first sensor responsive to contact provided in said contact surface adapted to deliver a first signal to said controller; a second sensor responsive to said needle's position provided in said housing and adapted to deliver a second signal to said controller; a controller adapted to receive said first signal and said second signal and deliver signals indicating a transition between said first position and said second position indicating operation of said dosing unit; whereby when a signal indicating contact is received by said controller from said first sensor, said controller delivers a signal ordering a movement of said needle from the first position to the second position and when a signal from said second sensor indicating said needle is fully outwardly protruded is received by said controller, the controller orders said propelling means to actuate dosing unit so as to push a dose through said needle and withdraw said needle to the first position. Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said assembly further provided with a bag adapted to be carried by the user and accommodate said controller, said dosing unit and said means for supplying the medical material.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said assembly further comprises a means for supplying antiseptic material and a nozzle provided in said housing wherein said nozzle is adapted to spray the antiseptic material onto said needle when a signal is received from said controller.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said needle is connected to a syringe that receives the predetermined dose before it is injected through said needle and wherein said syringe moves with the needle from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said automatic injector is further provided with an adjusting means adapted to allow adjustment of the needle's outmost position.

Furthermore, in . accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw partially housed within said housing, an adjusting knob outwardly provided on said adjusting screw for screwing said adjusting screw inwardly and outwardly through a bore in said housing, and a stopper provided on said adjusting screw in said housing and wherein said stopper prevents said needle from further outwardly protruding.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said first sensor is a contact sensor selected from a group of sensors such as an optical sensor, an inductive sensor or magnetic sensor.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said housing is further provided with an electromagnetic coil activated by said controller upon receiving a signal from said first sensor and wherein when said electromagnetic coil is activated, it drives a rod that pushes said needle foreword from said first position to said second position.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said propelling means is an electrical propelling system coupled to said dosing unit and wherein said electrical propelling means is provided with a clutch that activates said dosing unit for one cycle when a signal is received by said controller from said second sensor.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said contact surface is further provided with a flexible cap adapted to contiguously connect to an egg so that when said needle is in the second position it penetrates said egg. It is thus provided in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention an injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material, said assembly comprising: a dosing unit adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material; a propelling means adapted to actuate said dosing unit; a means for supplying the medical material; an automatic injector comprising: a housing provided with a handgrip portion; at least one needle of . a plurality of needles adapted to discharge the medical material received from said dosing unit, wherein each one of said plurality of needles is fluidically connected to said dosing unit and is adapted to move between a first position in which said needle is housed within said housing and a second position in which said needle protrudes outwardly from said housing when positioned opposite a bore provided in a contact surface on said housing; a first sensor responsive to contact provided in said contact surface adapted to deliver a first signal to said controller; a second sensor responsive to said needle's position provided in said housing and adapted to deliver a second signal to said controller; a controller adapted to receive said first signal and said second signal and deliver signals indicating a transition between said first position and said second position indicating operation of said dosing unit; whereby when a signal indicating contact is received by said controller from said first sensor, said controller delivers a signal ordering a movement of said needle from the first position to the second position and when a signal from said second sensor indicating said needle is fully outwardly protruded is received by said controller, the controller orders said propelling means to actuate dosing unit so as to push a dose through said needle, withdraw said needle to the first position and provide another needle from said plurality of needles opposite said bore. Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said assembly further provided with a bag adapted to be carried by the user and accommodate said controller, said dosing unit and said means for supplying the medical material.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, each one of said plurality of needles is adapted in turn to connect to a syringe that receives one of the predetermined doses before it is injected through the needle and wherein said is adapted to fluidically connect to the needle and to move with the needle from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said housing is further provided with an electromagnetic coil activated by said controller upon receiving a signal from said first sensor and wherein when said electromagnetic coil is activated, it drives a rod that pushes said syringe foreword so as to connect to the needle and to push the needle from said first position to said second position.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw partially housed within said housing, an adjusting knob outwardly provided on said adjusting screw for screwing said adjusting screw inwardly and outwardly through a bore in said housing, and a stopper provided on said adjusting screw in said housing and wherein said stopper prevents the needle from further outwardly protruding.

Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said first sensor is a contact sensor selected from a group of sensors such as an optical sensor, an inductive sensor or magnetic sensor. Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, said plurality of needles are chained in a magazine wherein a magazine index is in one position at a time and is maintained in a specific spot by a spring. Furthermore, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a third sensor is provided in said housing wherein said third sensor is adapted to trigger a solenoid to rotate and index a drive wheel of said magazine so as to position another needle opposite said bore.

Additional preferred embodiment of an injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material comprises: a dosing unit adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material; a propelling means adapted to actuate said dosing unit; a means for supplying the medical material; an automatic injector comprising: a housing provided with a handgrip portion; a needle adapted to discharge the medical material received from said dosing unit, wherein said needle is movable between a first position in which said needle is housed within said housing and a second position in which said needle protrudes outwardly through a bore provided in a contact surface provided on said housing; a flexible cap circumscribing said bore; an adjusting means adapted to allow adjustment of the needle's outmost position.; a controller adapted to control the transition between said first position and said second position and control the injection of medical material; whereby said controller is adapted to indicate a movement of said needle from the first position to the second position and when said needle is fully outwardly protruded, said controller is adapted to indicate said propelling means to actuate dosing unit so as to push a dose through said needle and withdraw said needle to the first position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to better understand the present invention and appreciate its practical applications, the following Figures are attached and references herein. Like components are denoted by like reference numerals. It should be noted that the figures are given as examples and preferred embodiments only and in no way limit the scope of the present invention as defined in the appending Description and Claims.

Figures 1a, b illustrate front and back views, respectively, of a back pack provided with an injection assembly in accordance .with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2a, b illustrate back and side cross-sectional views, respectively, of the back pack provided with the injection assembly shown in Figure 1 ; the side cross sectional view illustrates a connected automatic injector.

Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged side cross sectional view of the dosing unit and the dosing unit propelling system shown in Figure 2a.

Figure 4 illustrates a side cross sectional view of an automatic injector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5a illustrates a side cross sectional view of an automatic injector in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided with needle changer. Figure 5b illustrates an enlarged view of a portion of the automatic injector shown and indicated in Figure 5a.

Figure 5c illustrates a frontal view of the needle changer provided in the automatic injector shown in Figure 5a.

Figure 5d illustrates the automatic injector shown in figure 5a in an injection state.

Figure 5e illustrates the automatic injector shown in Figure 5a in an open state.

Figure 6 illustrates an automatic injector in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, adapted for vaccination of hen eggs.

Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a user carrying the back pack (shown in a cross-sectional view) and ready for injecting.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE FIGRES

The present invention provides a new and unique injection assembly especially adapted for mass vaccination of animals or people. The automatic injector of the present invention addresses and overcomes many of the disadvantages and weaknesses of the available automatic injector apparatii as will be comprehensively explained herein after.

In general, the present invention provides an injection assembly that is packed in a back pack that is adapted to be carried by the user so as to facilitate the user in the mass injection procedure. The back pack contains the mechanism that actuates the automatic injector so that the user does not have to make any actions between administrations; moreover, in accordance with the method of the present invention, the user only brings the automatic injector close to the injection spot. In prior art automatic injectors, there is a need to squeeze the trigger of the automatic injector in order to administer the material to the animal (the available injectors are adapted solely for animals).

This action, when done very frequently, is exhausting. Moreover, in available automatic injectors, changing the needle takes time and users are avoiding from changing the needle so that many animals are injected using the same needle. This can cause tremendous problems to the herds and is totally inapplicable for people. In one of the embodiments of the present invention, there is a possibility to automatically change the needle before every injection so as to keep sterilization conditions even when performing mass injections.

Reference is now made to Figures 1a and b illustrating front and back views, respectively, of a back pack provided with an injection assembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The main body of the back pack is a bag 1 provided with a cover 1.1 , a neck supporting pad 1.2 and a lower back supporting pad 1.3. The supporting pads are adapted to facilitate carrying bag 1. A waist strap 2 and two shoulder straps 3 are also provided so as to carry the assembly. Preferably two chambers are provided on top of bag 1 in which bottles of the liquid materials for the injection are provided. A first bottle 4 is provided with the vaccination material and a second bottle 5 is provided with antiseptic liquid. Reserve bottles 7 are preferably provided on waist strap 2.

One of shoulder straps 3 is provided with a clasp 3.1 in which a controller panel 201 is held. The user of the assembly of the present invention can activate the automatic injector (not shown in Figure 1 ) through a controller panel 201 that is connected to the injection assembly packed within bag 1 by a first communication cable 202.

Reference is now made to Figure 2a illustrating back cross-sectional view of the bag pack provided with the injection assembly shown in Figure 1. The interior of bag 1 is shown wherein the parts of the injection assembly that are packed in bag 1 are a dosing unit 100.1 and a dosing unit propelling system 100.2. Both systems will be comprehensively discussed herein after. Bag 1 is also provided with a controller 200 coupled to I/O connections 210 and a power supply 200.

Reference is now made to Figure 2b illustrating side cross-sectional view of the back pack provided with the injection assembly shown in Figure 1 connected to an automatic injector. Dosing unit 100.1 and dosing unit propelling system 100.2 are shown in bag 1 connected to a platform provided to the side wall of the bag by screws 1.5. Dosing unit 100.1 is provided with two ports wherein the first one is provided with a first flexible tube 105 connected to first bottle 4 that contains a vaccination material and a second flexible tube 104 connected to automatic injector 500. First flexible tube 105 is adapted to transfer vaccination material withdrawn from first bottle 4 to the dosing unit while second flexible tube 104 is adapted to transfer the vaccination material from the dosing unit to automatic injector 500. A third flexible tube 108b is connected between automatic injector 500 and an antiseptic spraying pump 170, which is connected to bottle 5 via tube 108a. Bottle 5 contains the antiseptic liquid so as to transfer the antiseptic material to the injector. A second communication cable 107 communicates automatic injector 500 and controller 200. Reference is now made to Figure 3 illustrating an enlarged side cross sectional view of the dosing unit and the dosing unit propelling system shown in Figure 2a. Dosing unit 100.1 and dosing unit propelling system 100.2 and spraying pump 170 actuates the transfer of vaccination liquid and antiseptic liquid to the spot to be injected through automatic injector 500 (the injector is shown in Figure 2b). Dosing chamber 112 is provided in dosing pump 106 wherein a predetermined volume of vaccination liquid is transferred to dosing chamber 112 through first flexible tube 105 and further transferred to the injector through second flexible tube 104. Piston 118 is provided inside dosing chamber 112 and is connected to a piston rod 118a. When piston 118 moves foreword, it pushes liquid from the chamber to second flexible tube 104 through a check valve 109. Piston rod 118a that is positioned in dosing chamber 112 is provided with a size determining sleeve 111 that is designated for determining the volume of liquid to be discharged from the chamber.

When piston 118 is withdrawn backwardly, it allows liquid to enter dosing chamber 112 from first flexible tube 105 through another check valve 110. Piston 118 moves alternately forward and backward while sucking vaccination liquid coming through first flexible tube 105 and pushing it through second flexible tube 104 in substantially exact doses. Dosing pump 106 is provided with a back nut 117 that stabilizes piston 118 so as to allow straight movements. Piston rod 118a is connected by a quick connector 119 to a push rod 126 that slides within a bearing 124 supported by a seating 123 connected to the bearing by screw 125. In order to assure linear movements of piston 118, seating 123 as well as another seating 120 supporting dosing pump 106 are fastened to a platform 116 by screws 114 and screw 115, respectively. The propelling system described herein is an electrical motor; however, any other propelling system can be cooperated in the assembly and still be covered by the scope of the present invention. Push rod 126 is connected to a flexible reciprocating joint that converts rotating movements into linear movements. The joint comprises a link rod 129a and a second link fork-like bar 129. The connection to link rod 129a is performed by a connecting pin 127 and a closure 128 shown better in Fig. 3a. The connection between the two linkages, rod and fork, is closed by a bolt 130 and a nut 131. The whole joint assembly 129 rotates by means of an electromagnetic clutch 134 and a motor 140 shown in Fig. 3b. The joint 129 is fixed to clutch output shaft by securing nut 133. A belt pulley 135 is connected to income shaft on the clutch .Pulley 135 is driven by an electric motor 140 having a driving wheel 138 that drives wheel 135 by a belt 137. Electric motor 140 is mounted on a seating 139 supported on platform 116. Clutch 134 is connected to platform 116 by a support 136. Electric motor 140 is continuously operated. All other parts of dosing unit are stationary. When dosing is needed, clutch 134 engages by an electromagnetic device which allows the shaft to engage for one revolution (cycle). The dosing unit will perform a push-pull action causing delivery of vaccine and refilling of chamber 112 with new dose for the next injection.

Reference is now made to Figure 4 illustrating an automatic injector in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Automatic injector 500 comprises a handgrip portion 520 and an injector body 504.

Injector body 504 is provided with a cover 513 that covers the face of automatic injector 500 that faces the spot to be injected. As mentioned herein before, automatic injector 500 receives fluids through two tubes that are fluidically connected to it. Second flexible tube 104 that transfers vaccination material from dosing chamber 112 and third flexible tube 108a that transfers antiseptic fluid from second bottle 5 (the dosing chamber, the spraying pump, and the bottle are not shown in the Figure). Second flexible tube 104 as well as third flexible tube 108a passes through handgrip 520. Second flexible tube 104 is fluidically connected to a supply tube 506 that is partially pass through injector body 504 and is further fluidically connected to a syringe 508 provided with a needle 511. Third flexible tube 108a is fluidically connected to a rigid supply tube 505 that is partially passing through injector body 504 and is provided with a nozzle 510 that is directed towards needle 511. Antiseptic fluid is adapted to be sprayed from nozzle 510 onto needle 511 between injections so as to prevent infection of the living matter to be injected.

Syringe 508 is adapted to move between two positions; a first position in which the needle is housed within cover 513 and a second position in which the needle is protruded outwardly from cover 513 through a bore 521 in the cover. Syringe 508 slides within a guide 509. Cover 513 is provided with a sensor 512 responsive to contact. Sensor 512 can be an optical sensor, an inductive sensor, a magnetic sensor or any type of sensor that is responsive to a surface that is placed adjacent to the sensor, hence adjacent to bore 521. Sensor 512 responds when a surface such as living matter is placed adjacent to bore 521. It starts a series of actions by which eventually the needle is pushed through the bore into the living matter. The depth of injection can be predetermined so that the injector can be adapted to all types of animals that are vaccinated as well as the tissues that have to receive the injection, The depth of injection can be different in hens, cows or other animals. The injection depth is determined preferably by using an adjusting screw 502 provided partially within injector body 504 and protruded outwardly through a bore in the body. An adjusting knob 501 is provided at the end of adjusting screw 502 so as to facilitate the adjustment of the screw and a fastening nut 503 is also provided. Adjusting screw 502 is further provided with a stopper 522 at the other end that is positioned inside injector body 504. Stopper 522 is adapted to prevent syringe 508 that is provided with a plug 507 from advancing further towards cover 513 after plug

507 is stopped by the stopper. In order to establish a deep injection, adjusting screw is inwardly screwed and for shallow injection, the screw is outwardly withdrawn.

Plug 507 of syringe 508 is connected to a rod 515 onto which an electromagnetic coil and preferably a solenoid 516 is provided. Upon a signal received by solenoid 516 from the assembly's controller (shown in Figure 2a), rod 515 is driven forwardly while pushing plug 707 foreword with syringe 508 and needle 511. As mentioned herein before, contact sensor 512 is provided close to bore 521 in cover 513. When sensor 512 senses living matter adjacent bore 521 , it transfers a signal to the controller of the assembly to activate solenoid 516 so as to push outwardly and insert needle 511 to the adjacent living matter. A sensor 514 that is further provided in injector body 504 senses the advanced plug 507 and sends a feedback to the controller so as to activate injection of vaccination material into the living matter. The controller sends a signal to dosing unit propelling system to push plunger 118 forewords so as to push a dose of vaccination material provided in dosing chamber 112 to needle 115 through second flexible tube 104 (the dosing unit is shown in Figure 3).

After the vaccination material is injected into the desired spot, solenoid 516 returns to its original state by a resilient member such as spring 517. All communication and power needed to activate the electrical elements in the automatic injector are transferred through communication cable 107 that passes through handgrip 520. Trigger 518 is adapted to connect the communication between the controller of the assembly and the electrical elements in injector body 504, Trigger 518 is pushes so as to enable communication through communication cable 107 when the user starts to inject vaccination material. When vaccination is finishes, the user disables trigger 518 so as to stop communication. The automatic injector is in a disable state when the user does not inject so as to prevent injection to the user or other people by mistake.

Reference is now made to Figure 5a-e illustrating an automatic injector in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention, provided with needle changer. The portion indicated by the letter I in Figure 5a and is provided with the needle changer is enlarged in Figure 5b. Generally, automatic injector 800 is similar to automatic injector 500. The cover through which the needle is forwardly driven that covers the injector's body is modified so as to enable needle changing between injections. This embodiment is adapted for mass vaccination of human population as well as animals since the needles are sterile in each injection and not only disinfected. Syringe 508 is provided with a connector 811 that pass through the syringe and is fluidically connected to supply tube 506. Connector 811 protrudes beyond syringe 506 and is adapted to receive a seat 813/2 that fluidically connects connector 811 and needle 813/1.

When vaccination is needed, solenoid 516 pushes forward stopper 507, connector 811 is connected to needle seat 813\2 (shown clearly in Figure 5b). Following that, the needle is pushed out of its capsule 813/3 (used to store new and used .needles). Needle 813/1 moves forward and the injection process proceeds as mention herein before. This situation is shown in Figure 5d. During that, action pin 838 disconnects needle magazine 816 from engagement by pushing shaft 836 against spring 819, washer 817, and back plate 817, which works as a clutch that is pressed down. Immediately after that, sensor 514 feels stroke end, solenoid 516 retracts, connector 811 allows the used needle to get back into capsule 813/3. Sensor 833 triggers solenoid 824 to rotate and index drive wheel 822 and driven wheel 820 that indexes needle magazine 816 one step. A new needle comes into position.

Figure 5c illustrates a frontal view of the needle magazine. Needle capsules are chained in a magazine 834. Magazine index 817 is in one position at a time and stay in a specific spot by spring 822 that is preferably a ratchet. Each capsule is held down by spring loaded shoe 830 and 831. In Figure 5d, automatic injector is shown in a state of injection. Needle seat 813/2 seats on connector 811 and needle 813/1 protrude outwardly through bore 521. Plug 507 that is forwardly positioned is stopped by stopper

522. Figure 5e illustrates automatic injector 800 in an open state in which new capsules can be loaded onto magazine 834.

Reference is now made to Figure 6 illustrating an automatic injector in accordance with yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention, adapted for vaccination of hen eggs or other types of eggs. Basically there are similarities to the previous injectors shown herein, however, there are some modifications in order to accord automatic injector 600 for vaccination of eggs. Flexible tube 104 passes through automatic injector 600 in which it transfer the vaccinating material to a needle 609. Flexible tube 104 passes through a handgrip 611 of automatic injector 600. The face of the automatic injector that comes into contact with the egg is provided with a flexible cap 610 adapted to receive a portion of the egg (the egg is not shown in the Figure) and to contiguously connect with the egg. Upon receiving an indication, needle 609 protrudes forward and is positioned within flexible cap 610. The state in which the needle is protruded outwardly and ready for injection is shown in the separated illustration. Needle 609 moves from an inwardly position to an outwardly position by spring 613 that is held between member 614 and member 612. When spring 613 is released, needle 609 is within the body of the injector. When spring 613 is charged, needle 609 protrudes and is positioned within cap 610, ready for injection of vaccination material. An additional spring 606 is provided within the injector's body 605 by which the depth of injection can be determined by adjustable screw 602 that can be adjusted manually by knob 601 ,

Reference is now made to figure 7 illustrating a side view of a user carrying the back pack (shown in a cross-sectional view) and ready for injecting. Bag 1 is carried on the user's back so that he is stable and has free hands for injection. Bag 1 is provided with the dosing unit and the propelling system wherein bottles 4 and 5 are also provided to bag 1. The user holds automatic injector 500 in his hand wherein the injector is electronically and fluidically connected to the systems and bottles provided to bag 1. In order to inject, the user has to advance automatic injector foreword towards the spot to be vaccinated and the whole process of injection is automatically performed upon signal received by the contact sensor provided in the automatic injector. This fact facilitates the user to inject in masses. In available automatic injectors, the user has to inject by pushing a trigger which is an action that after a while causes fatigue.

The advantages of the new injection device are obvious from the explanations provided herein, however it should be emphasized that the apparatus of the present invention is highly accurate in dosage so that it is reliable for injection in humans. The automation of the apparatus is full so as to enable mass injection in short time. Since the apparatus is fully automated, the mass injection can be performed by personnel that are not necessarily medical forces. The human factor is almost excluded since there is no dependence on the users ability, skinless, knowledge or fatigue as mentioned herein before.

It should be noted also that the depth control as shown herein is partially manual controlled using the adjusting screw and the knob, however, it is optional to provide a full automatic setup for the depth control as well. The apparatus of the present invention is provided also with disinfectant in cases of vaccination of humans or animals and is sterile in embodiment that incorporates needle changer, It should be mentioned that animal vaccination is almost always in masses, however, there are many cases in which mass vaccination is needed in humans and this need is growing due to usage of biological or chemical weapons and also due to distribution of diseases mare rapidly all over the world. The apparatus of the present invention is mobile so that it can be used in any area which may be also a temporary hospital or treatment zone.

It should be clear that the description of the embodiments and attached Figures set forth in this specification serves only for a better understanding of the invention, without limiting its scope as covered by the following Claims. It should also be clear that a person skilled in the art, after reading the present specification can make adjustments or amendments to the attached

Figures and above described embodiments that would still be covered by the following Claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. An injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material, said assembly comprising: a dosing unit adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material; a propelling means adapted to actuate said dosing unit; a means for supplying the medical material; an automatic injector comprising: a housing provided with a handgrip portion; a needle adapted to discharge the medical material received from said dosing unit, wherein said needle is movable between a first position in which said needle is housed within said housing and a second position in which said needle protrudes outwardly through a bore provided in a contact surface provided on said housing; a first sensor responsive to contact provided in said contact surface adapted to deliver a first signal to said controller; a second sensor responsive to said needle's position provided in said housing and adapted to deliver a second signal to said controller; a controller adapted to receive said first signal and said second signal and deliver signals indicating a transition between said first position and said second position indicating operation of said dosing unit; whereby when a signal indicating contact is received by said controller from said first sensor, said controller delivers a signal ordering a movement of said needle from the first position to the second position and when a signal from said second sensor indicating said needle is fully outwardly protruded is received by said controller, the controller orders said propelling means to actuate dosing unit so as to push a dose through said needle and withdraw said needle to the first position.

2. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said assembly further provided with a bag adapted to be carried by the user and accommodate said controller, said dosing unit and said means for supplying the medical material.

3. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , further comprising a means for supplying antiseptic material and a nozzle provided in said housing wherein said nozzle is adapted to spray the antiseptic material onto said needle when a signal is received from said controller.

4. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said needle is connected to a syringe that receives the predetermined dose before it is injected through said needle and wherein said syringe moves with the needle from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

5. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said automatic injector is further provided with an adjusting means adapted to allow adjustment of the needle's outmost position.

6. The assembly as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw partially housed within said housing, an adjusting knob outwardly provided on said adjusting screw for screwing said adjusting screw inwardly and outwardly through a bore in said housing, and a stopper provided on said adjusting screw in said housing and wherein said stopper prevents said needle from further outwardly protruding.

7. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said first sensor is a contact sensor selected from a group of sensors such as an optical sensor, an inductive sensor or magnetic sensor.

8. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said housing is further provided with an electromagnetic coil activated by said controller upon receiving a signal from said first sensor and wherein when said electromagnetic coil is activated, it drives a rod that pushes said needle foreword from said first position to said second position.

9. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1 , wherein said propelling means is an electrical propelling system coupled to said dosing unit and wherein said electrical propelling means is provided with a clutch that activates said dosing unit for one cycle when a signal is received by said controller from said second sensor.

10. The assembly as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said contact surface is further provided with a flexible cap adapted to contiguously connect to an egg so that when said needle is in the second position it penetrates said egg.

11. An injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material, said assembly comprising: a dosing unit adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material; a propelling means adapted to actuate said dosing unit; a means for supplying the medical material; an automatic injector comprising: a housing provided with a handgrip portion; at least one needle of a plurality of needles adapted to discharge the medical material received from said dosing unit, wherein each one of said plurality of needles is fluidically connected to said dosing unit and is adapted to move between a first position in which said needle is housed within said housing and a second position in which said needle protrudes outwardly from said housing when positioned opposite a bore provided in a contact surface on said housing; a first sensor responsive to contact provided in said contact surface adapted to deliver a first signal to said controller; a second sensor responsive to said needle's position provided in said housing and adapted to deliver a second signal to said controller; a controller adapted to receive said first signal and said second signal and deliver signals indicating a transition between said first position and said second position indicating operation of said dosing unit; whereby when a signal indicating contact is received by said controller from said first sensor, said controller delivers a signal ordering a movement of said needle from the first position to the second position and when a signal from said second sensor indicating said needle is fully outwardly protruded is received by said controller, the controller orders said propelling means to actuate dosing unit so as to push a dose through said needle, withdraw said needle to the first position and provide another needle from said plurality of needles opposite said bore.

12. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said assembly further provided with a bag adapted to be carried by the user and accommodate said controller, said dosing unit and said means for supplying the medical material.

13. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein each one of said plurality of needles is adapted in turn to connect to a syringe that receives one of the predetermined doses before it is injected through the needle and wherein said is adapted to fluidically connect to the needle and to move with the needle from the first position to the second position and vice versa.

14. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said housing is further provided with an electromagnetic coil activated by said controller upon receiving a signal from said first sensor and wherein when said electromagnetic coil is activated, it drives a rod that pushes said syringe foreword so as to connect, to the needle and to push the needle from said first position to said second position.

15. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said automatic injector is further provided with an adjusting means adapted to allow adjustment of the needle's outmost position.

16. The assembly as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said adjusting means comprises an adjusting screw partially housed within said housing, an adjusting knob outwardly provided on said adjusting screw for screwing said adjusting screw inwardly and outwardly through a bore in said housing, and a stopper provided on said adjusting screw in said housing and wherein said stopper prevents the needle from further outwardly protruding.

17. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said first sensor is a contact sensor selected from a group of sensors such as an optical sensor, an inductive sensor or magnetic sensor.

18. The assembly as claimed in Claim 11 , wherein said plurality of needles are chained in a magazine wherein a magazine index is in one position at a time and is maintained in a specific spot by a spring.

19. The assembly as claimed in Claim 18, wherein a third sensor is provided in said housing wherein said third sensor is adapted to trigger a solenoid to rotate and index a drive wheel of said magazine so as to position another needle opposite said bore.

20. An injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material, said assembly comprising: a dosing unit adapted to push predetermined doses of the medical material; a propelling means adapted to actuate said dosing unit; a means for supplying the medical material; an automatic injector comprising: a housing provided with a handgrip portion; a needle adapted to discharge the medical material received from said dosing unit, wherein said needle is movable between a first position in which said needle is housed within said housing and a second position in which said needle protrudes outwardly through a bore provided in a contact surface provided on said housing; a flexible cap circumscribing said bore; an adjusting means adapted to allow adjustment of the needle's outmost position.; a controller adapted to control the transition between said first position and said second position and control the injection of medical material; whereby said controller is adapted to indicate a movement of said needle from the first position to the second position and when said needle is fully outwardly protruded, said controller is adapted to indicate said propelling means to actuate dosing unit so as to push a dose through said needle and withdraw said needle to the first position.

21. An injection assembly adapted to be carried by a user for mass injection of a medical material substantially as described in the appended Specification and Figures and claimed in the appended Claims.