Patent ID: 7097631
Filing Date: 2006-08-29
Classification: A61B,A61M

Abstract:
1. A device for impacting a microprojection member against the stratum corneum of a patient, comprising: a housing having a first and second end, said first end of said housing being adapted to receive said microprojection member; a cap that is adapted to move from a primary position to a pre-set position relative to said housing; a piston slideably disposed within said housing for impacting said microprojection member against the stratum corneum, said piston being adapted to move from said pre-set position to an activated position; an impact spring in communication with said cap and said piston, said impact spring being adapted to provide and an impact force to said piston and bias said piston out of said first end of said housing toward an activated position proximate the stratum corneum, wherein said impact spring is energized when said cap and said piston are in said pre-set position; a pre-setting spring in communication with said cap and said housing, said pre-setting spring being adapted to provide a pre-setting force to said cap and bias said cap from said pre-set position to said primary position, wherein said pre-setting spring is energized when said piston is in said activated position; a first latching assembly in communication with said cap and said piston, said first latching assembly being adapted to cooperate with said cap and said pre-setting spring to return said piston to said primary position when said cap is moved from said pre-set position to said primary position; a second latching assembly in communication with said housing and said piston to position said piston in said pre-set position; and a releasing member in communication with said cap, said releasing member being adapted to communicate with said second latching assembly when said cap is moved from said primary position to said pre-set position, wherein said impact spring is energized and said second latching assembly disengages, whereby said piston moves from said pre-set position to said activated position and forces said microprojection member into the stratum corneum.