Patent ID: 7338469
Filing Date: 2008-03-04
Classification: A61M

Abstract:
1. A vial injector, comprising: a housing having an open end opposite from a forward end; a vial comprising a fluid container and a plug in sealing engagement with an open end of the fluid container, wherein a portion of the fluid container is positioned in the housing with the open end of the fluid container oriented toward the forward end of the housing, and a needle having a forward tip movable between a projecting position in which the forward tip projects forwardly from the housing and a retracted position in which the forward tip of the needle is within the housing, wherein a rearward tip is opposite from the forward tip; a biasing element biasing the forward tip toward the retracted position; and a needle retainer which releasably engages the housing, wherein the needle retainer is operable between a locked position in which the needle retainer releasably retains the needle such that the forward tip is in the projecting position against the bias of the biasing element and an unlocked position for permitting movement of the forward tip into the retracted position; wherein displacement of the fluid container toward the needle retainer operates to displace the needle retainer into the unlocked position for permitting retraction of the forward tip to the retracted position; and wherein the plug has a septum which is pierced to provide fluid communication between the needle and the fluid container and wherein the plug and the needle retainer are coupled so that the plug remains stationary while the fluid container is axially advanced after the septum has been pierced by the rearward tip of the needle; and wherein the plug and the needle retainer are configured for one-way engagement to prevent subsequent separation of the plug and the needle retainer.