Abstract:
A fluid dispensing device, particularly suited to medicine but also having many other applications. The device selectively dispenses any of one or more fluids contained within the device. Adapters on the dispensing end of the unit permit the device to be effectively used for intra-venous, intra-dermal or intra-muscular injections, gasses, colloids, gels, liquids or other fluids. Adapters on the head of the unit permit the device to be used with or without electrical power and to varying degrees of automatic control for timing, sequence, volume of fluid dispensed and other features.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to a fluid dispenser, and more particularly, to a fluid dispenser that, in one of the preferred embodiments, is suited to dispense drugs. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Several designs for fluid dispensers have been designed in the past. None of them, however, includes a means to selectively dispense fluids in a precise volume. 
     Applicant believes that the closest reference corresponds to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/156,575 by inventor Wesley Verkaart. However, it differs from the present invention because the Verkaart invention does not provide a means to precisely dispense liquids, does not have a triggering mechanism, does not provide a means to reduce mixing of the dispensed fluids, has no automatic or electrical features, requires greater user skill when used to deliver drugs and does not provide a means to inject at a specific needle depth, all of which are provided for in the present invention. 
     Other patents describing the closest subject matter provide for a number of more or less complicated features that fail to solve the problem in an efficient and economical way. None of these patents suggest the novel features of the present invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is one of the main objects of the present invention to provide a device that contains fluid that can be dispensed quickly. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a device that can reduce human error in the dispensing of fluid. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a compact and efficient fluid dispensing device. 
     It is an object of this invention to reduce waste and costs associated with storage and disposal of waste. 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a device that permits a reduced time to change between fluids dispensed. 
     It is an object of this invention to permit rapid re-loading of fluid in a safe and efficient manner. 
     It is an object of this invention to have a device that can dispense various fluids common to a particular application of use. 
     It is still another object of the present invention to provide a device that can be used effectively and safely, in certain embodiments, for emergency medicine, combat medicine, first responders, anesthesiology, dentistry, veterinary medicine and many medical situations. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide such a device that is inexpensive to manufacture and maintain while retaining its effectiveness. 
     Further objects of the invention will be brought out in the following part of the specification, wherein detailed description is for the purpose of fully disclosing the invention without placing limitations thereon. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       With the above and other related objects in view, the invention consists in the details of construction and combination of parts as will be more fully understood from the following description, when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
         FIG. 1  represents a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a manual head assembly. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge assembly nested inside a case assembly. 
         FIG. 4  is a representation of a perspective view of an embodiment of a case assembly. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge assembly. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of an apical cartridge assembly nested inside an apical assembly. 
         FIG. 7  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an apical assembly without a cartridge assembly. 
         FIG. 8  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an apical cartridge assembly. 
         FIG. 9  is a representation of a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a manual head assembly. 
         FIG. 10  is a partial cross-sectional view showing an embodiment of case assembly. 
         FIG. 11  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a thumb lock. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a thumb lock assembly. 
         FIG. 13  is a representation of a perspective view of an embodiment of an apical cap. 
         FIG. 14  shows an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of an apical cartridge assembly. 
         FIG. 15  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a guide assembly. 
         FIG. 16  is a representation of a perspective view of an embodiment of a pneumatic powered head assembly. 
         FIG. 17  shows a perspective view of a partial cross-section of an embodiment of a pneumatic head assembly. 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of an electronic head assembly. 
         FIG. 19  shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention with an electronic head assembly. 
         FIG. 20  is an example of a circuit diagram of an electrical head assembly. 
         FIG. 21  is an example of a circuit diagram of a pneumatic head assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Referring now to the drawings, where the present invention is generally referred to with numeral  10 , it can be observed in  FIG. 1  that in this embodiment it basically includes a manual head assembly  100 , a case assembly  500  and an apical assembly  600 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 1  an embodiment of said manual head assembly  100  is shown to comprise, inter alia, a handle assembly  152  and a head cap assembly  154 . Said handle assembly  152 , comprises, inter alia, a handle  102 , a cocking lever  104 , a trigger  106 , a trigger guard  108 , an indicator  110 . 
     Said cocking lever  104  is drawn away from said manual head assembly  100  to input energy into the invention to be subsequently used to dispense fluid from the device. Said trigger  106  is depressed to activate the dispensing of a fluid. The trigger  106  is protected from inadvertent activation by the protective trigger guard  108 . 
     Said handle  102  generally conforms to the shape of a human hand to facilitate ergonomic use of the device. As an optional feature, said handle  102  may be open to form a loop that can be used to lighten the device as well as provide a feature to secure the device in storage or while in use. For example, the invention could be hung onto a hook through the handle  102  for storage. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 1 , said head cap assembly  154  is comprised of, inter alia, a crown  116  with a knurled grip  112 . The handle assembly  152  is rotatably connected to the head cap assembly  154 . As described in more detail below, a fluid contained inside the device can be selected for output by applying force to the handle assembly  152  through the handle  102  effecting rotation of the handle assembly  152  relative to the head cap assembly  154 . An indicator  110  affixed to a turntable  114  that is part of the handle assembly  152  provides an aid to determine which fluid is selected for dispensing. The knurled grip  112  of the head cap assembly  154  aids the user assemble the device by providing a gripping surface to thread the manual head assembly  100  onto said case assembly  500  thus forming a unitary body. 
     Yet referring to  FIG. 1 , said case assembly  500  is comprised of, inter alia, a case  502 , one or more viewing ports  504  and a thumb lock assembly  548  that is further comprised of, inter alia, a thumb lock  508 , an indicator  510  and a guide  512 , each described in more detail below. In one contemplated embodiment, the case assembly  500  contains a vessel  514  that can be partially seen in  FIG. 1  through one or more viewing ports  504  to show graduations  506  to determine the volume of fluid contained in the vessel(s)  514 . 
     Again referring to  FIG. 1 , exterior portions of one of several contemplated embodiments of an apical assembly  600  is shown to comprise, inter alia, an apical cap  602 , a fluid port  604 , a knurled grip  606  and another fluid port  608 , each described in more detail below. 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2  where the underside of the manual head assembly  100  is shown in more detail. In this embodiment of the device the handle assembly  152  is affixed to the turntable  114  by means of a bolt  136 , but other means could similarly be used. For example, the handle assembly  152  could be welded to the turntable  114  or be formed from the same unitary material as the turntable  114 . 
     Also shown in  FIG. 2  is a knurled grip  112  to provide greater grip when the user assembles or disassembles the device. Threads  118  provide a means to connect the manual head assembly  100  to the case assembly  500 . Other means to connect the manual head assembly (or the other head assemblies described below) could include, inter alia, any of a wide variety of known and commonly used clips, snaps, brackets, straps, adhesives, welds, rivets, screws or other similar means. A key  126  is located in a predetermined position superior to the threads  118  and engages into a key slot  530  (shown on  FIG. 4 ) on the case assembly  500  to ensure that the mechanics of the mechanical head assembly  100  align with the case assembly  500  with adequate precision. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 2 , a plunger  120  affixed to a shaft  122  is shown. The shaft  122  is movable axially through the turntable  114 . Said shaft  122  and plunger  120  are part of the handle assembly  152 . One of the handle assembly&#39;s  152  functions is to provide a means to move the shaft  122 , and thereby the plunger  120 , axially through the turntable  114 . In this embodiment the shaft  122  also has a stop  124  that interacts with the thumb lock assembly  548  (shown in more detail in  FIG. 10  and described below) as one of the contemplated means to regulate the volume of fluid dispensed. 
     Yet referring to  FIG. 2 , a spring button  128  and a notch  132 , among other components, interact to provide a means to affirmatively select the rotational position of the turntable  114 , and thereby the handle assembly  152 , relative to the key  126  on the crown  116 . As the turntable  114  rotates relative to the crown  116  the spring button  128  encounters and frictionally engages a notch  132 . One or more notches  132  are arranged at predetermined positions on the turntable  114  to provide precise alignment of the plunger  120  relative to the key  126 . This is but one way to affirmatively select a position. Other suitable means to affirmatively select a position are commonly used in industry. 
       FIG. 3  illustrates one embodiment of the case assembly  500  with a cartridge assembly  522  fitted inside the case assembly  500 . In this view of the cartridge assembly a vessel  514 , a piston  524  and a key  518  are visible. The vessel  514  is generally cylindrical and is seen through a viewing port  504  on the side of the case assembly  500 . The piston  524  is generally cylindrical and slidably engaged inside of the vessel  514 . The vessel  514  is sealed by the piston  524 . In one contemplated embodiment the vessel  514  and piston  524  is similar to a commonly used medical syringe. When the device is dispensing fluid the plunger  120  (illustrated in  FIG. 2 ) applies force to the surface of the piston  524  and the piston  524  is forced downward axially along the interior of the vessel  514 . The key  518  on the cartridge assembly  522  mates with a key slot  530  of the case assembly  500  to ensure proper orientation of the cartridge assembly  522  to the case assembly  500 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 3 , some features of the case assembly are visible including, inter alia, the case  502 , a seat  526 , threads  520 , a key slot  530 , an indicator  510 , a thumb lock  508 , a guide  512  and threads  516 . The threads  520  engage the threads on the manual head assembly  100  or other embodiments of various head assemblies, infra. Said manual head assembly  100  contacts the case assembly at said seat  526 . The threads  516  engage the threads  616  on the apical assembly  600  (shown in  FIG. 6 ) or other embodiments of various apical assemblies, infra. 
       FIG. 4  depicts the case assembly  500  without the cartridge assembly  522  as is present in  FIG. 3 . With the cartridge assembly removed the viewing ports  504  are shown around the periphery of the case assembly  500 . The number of viewing ports  504  would typically be commensurate with the number of vessels  514  (absent in  FIG. 4  and shown in  FIG. 5 ). 
       FIG. 5  is an illustration of one contemplated embodiment of a cartridge assembly  522  that comprises, inter alia, a frame  528 , a vessel  514 , graduations  506 , piston  524 , vessel port  532  and key  518 . Said frame  528  provides the structure to hold one or more vessels  514  fixed relative to one another. Said key  518  is positioned at a predetermined location on the frame  528  and is dimensioned to engage the key slot  530  on the cartridge assembly  522  (shown on  FIG. 4 ) at a precise relative orientation. An optional, but desirable, feature on each vessel  514  are graduations  506  to aid the user to more precisely measure the volume of fluid dispensed. Generally, the graduations  506  are readable through a viewing port  504  (as shown in  FIG. 3 ). The graduations  506  would typically show the remaining volume of fluid contained in the vessel  514  in milliliters or cubic centimeters as indicated by reading the position of the bottom of the piston  524  relative to the graduations  506 . Said vessel port  532  is the path by which the fluid contained in the vessel  514  exits the vessel  514  during dispensing. Vessel port  532  can also be where fluid is drawn back into the vessel  514  when refilling the vessel  514 . In one of the preferred embodiments the vessel  514  is a common syringe and the vessel port  532  is a common hypodermic needle affixed to the lower end of the vessel  514 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6  where one of the embodiments of an apical assembly  600  is shown that is comprised of, inter alia, an apical cap  602 , a fluid port  604 , a knurled grip  606 , a fluid port  608 , a key slot  610 , a septum  614 , threads  616 , a seat  618  and an apical cartridge assembly  612 . When in typical use said apical assembly  600  is threaded onto the case assembly  500  by means of threads  616  on the apical assembly  600  engaging the threads  516  on the case assembly  500  and rests on the seat  618 . A knurled grip  606  aids the user when threading the pieces together. Other contemplated means to secure the case assembly  500  to the apical assembly  600  (or other embodiments of apical assemblies) could include, inter alia, any of a wide variety of known and commonly used clips, snaps, brackets, straps, adhesives, welds, rivets, screws or other similar means. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 6 , the apical cartridge assembly  612  is nested in the apical assembly  600 . The orientation of the apical cartridge assembly  612  with the apical cap  602  is maintained by aligning a key  628  on the apical cartridge assembly  612  in the key slot  610  on the apical assembly  600 . The top of the apical cartridge assembly  612  may have a septum  614  capable of receiving said vessel port  532  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) and making a leak resistant union. For example, if the vessel port  532  was similar in form to a common hypodermic needle then the septum  614  could be made of a rubber-like material that a hypodermic needle could readily puncture and maintain a leak-resistant seal. Other means to connect the apical cartridge assembly  612  to cartridge assembly can be easily improvised from a wide variety of medical and industrial connectors readily available. 
       FIG. 7  shows an embodiment of the apical assembly  600  without the apical cartridge assembly  612 . Shown in this view is, inter alia, the knurled grip  606  to give the user better grip when attaching the apical assembly  600  to the case assembly  500  by means of the threads  616  on the apical assembly  600  and the threads on the case assembly  516 . Other contemplated means to secure the case assembly  500  to the apical assembly  600  (or other embodiments of an apical assembly) could include, inter alia, any of a wide variety of known and commonly used clips, snaps, brackets, straps, adhesives, welds, rivets, screws or other similar means. A seat  618  provides a stable surface for the case assembly  500  to contact the apical assembly  600 . 
       FIG. 8  is an illustration of one embodiment of an apical cartridge assembly  612  removed from the apical cap  602  (shown in  FIG. 7 ). The structure of the apical cartridge assembly  612  is supported by a frame  622 . On the superior side of said frame is one or more septa  614 . Typically, one septum  614  would be provided for each vessel  514  (shown on  FIG. 5 ). Each vessel port  532  on the cartridge assembly  522  mates with the corresponding septum  614  on the apical cartridge assembly  612  to form a pressure-resistant seal. In one embodiment the vessel port  532  is similar to a hypodermic needle and the septum  614  is a rubber-like material and when the vessel port  532  is mated with the septum  614  the hypodermic needle pierces the rubber-like material creating a pressure-resistant union. Other suitable means of connecting the cartridge assembly  522  to the apical cartridge assembly  612  have been considered and may include, inter alia, clips, nipples, clamps and other connectors. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 8 , in this embodiment each septum  614  is integrally connected to a conduit  630  that conducts the fluid to an apical chamber  626 . The apical chamber  626  is generally hollow and has a predetermined interior volume specific to the application. For example, in some applications it is preferable to avoid commingling of the various fluids as they are dispensed in succession and therefore a minimal volume is desired. In other applications a greater volume of the apical chamber and/or an agitator inside the apical chamber  626  may be desired to promote mixing of the fluids as the fluids are dispensed. Optionally, a valve  632  that prevents back-flow of fluid into the conduit  630  is inserted between all or each conduit  630  and the apical chamber  626 . A key  628  may be used to ensure consistent orientation of the apical cartridge assembly  612  with the apical cap  602  when engaged into key slot  610 . A port  624  in the frame  622  provides an egress for the fluid port  608 . 
     In the embodiment of the apical cartridge assembly  612  demonstrated in  FIG. 8  there is a fluid port  604  that receives fluid from a source external to the device and a fluid port  608  where any fluids finally exit the device. One of the contemplated applications that this embodiment of the apical cartridge assembly would be well suited is for intra-venous injections. In this application it is possible that the fluids, in this example drugs, dispensed should not be mixed or commingle. To remedy this potential issue a sterile saline solution source can be connected to the fluid port  604 . After or as one of the drugs is delivered from the vessel  514 , through the vessel port  532 , septum  614  and conduit  630  into the apical chamber  626  the sterile saline solution is introduced through the fluid port  604  to flush the drug out of the apical chamber  626  and through a fluid port  608  where the drug exits the device and is pushed toward a patient by the sterile saline flow. 
       FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the handle assembly  152  and shows an embodiment of the internal components of the manual head assembly  100 . This embodiment comprises, inter alia, a handle  102 , a cocking lever  104 , a trigger  106 , a trigger guard  108 , a turntable  114 , a plunger  120 , a shaft  122 , a stop  124 , a guide  138 , a fulcrum  140 , a spring  142 , a spring  144 , a stop  146 , a stop  148  and a catch  150 . When preparing the device for use the user manually pulls on the cocking lever  104  to compress the spring  144  that is held in place on the shaft  122  by the stop  146 . When the spring  144  is adequately compressed the catch  150  contacts the stop  148  to hold the spring  144  under compression. The catch  150  is biased toward and engages the stop  148  by means of a spring  142 . When the user desires to dispense a fluid the trigger  106  is pulled and the trigger pivots at the fulcrum  140 , compresses the spring  142  and the catch  150  clears the stop  148  freeing the spring  144  to push against the stop  146  and thereby push the shaft  122  and plunger  120 . The force of the spring  144  is transferred to the piston  524  (shown in  FIG. 5 ) to initiate dispensing a fluid contained in the vessel  514  (shown in  FIG. 5 ). The shaft  122  maintains axial alignment by means of a guide  138 . A trigger guard  108  is provided to prevent inadvertently pressing the trigger  106 . 
       FIGS. 10 ,  11  and  12  show in more detail one of the embodiments of the thumb lock assembly  548  that is utilized to limit the travel of the piston  524  effectively stopping the dispensing of fluid. In this embodiment of the device the thumb lock assembly comprises, inter alia, a rod  540 , an indicator  510 , a stop  546 , teeth  534 , thumb lock  508 , threads  536  and threads  542 . The indicator  510 , thumb lock  508  and threads  536  are outside of the case  502  while the stop  546 , rod  540  and teeth  534  are inside the case  502  for normal operation. The thumb lock  508  has internal threads  542  corresponding to threads  536  on the rod  540 . When the thumb lock assembly  548  is locked the thumb lock  508  is threaded onto threads  536  and the thumb lock  508  contacts the exterior of the case  502  while the teeth  534  contact the interior of the case  502  with such firmness as to prevent movement of the thumb lock assembly  548  relative to the case  502 . A knurled grip  544  on the thumb lock  508  may be provided to improve the users grip on the thumb lock  508 . To adjust the thumb lock assembly  548  the thumb lock  508  is loosened and the thumb lock assembly  548  is freed to travel along the guide  512 , also shown in  FIG. 4 . The indicator  510  can be viewed by the user on the exterior of the case  502  adjacent to the viewing port  504 . When the thumb lock assembly  548  is locked and the plunger  120  is in motion dispensing fluid and the piston  524  has traveled to the point indicated by the indicator  510  the stop  124  on the shaft  122  contacts the stop  546  on the thumb lock assembly  548  preventing the shaft  122  and plunger  120  from traveling further thus stopping dispensing more fluid. The dimensions of the thumb lock assembly  548  are such that when the indicator  510  is adjacent to the graduations  506  seen through the viewing port  504  the piston  524  will not travel further than the indicated level inside the vessel  514 . 
       FIG. 13  shows another alternative embodiment of an apical cap  670  with features that are comprised of, inter alia, a key slot  634 , a seat  636 , threads  638 , a knurled grip  642  and a port  640 . This embodiment is attached to the case assembly  500  by means of threads  638  screwed onto threads  516  with the assistance of the knurled grip  642  until the seat  636  contacts the case  502 . As alternatives to the threads  638  the apical cap  670  could be attached to the case  502  by many commonly available means such as clips, welds, adhesives, brackets or other means. A key slot  634  ensures proper alignment of the apical cap  670  relative to an apical cartridge assembly  672  (shown in  FIG. 14 ). 
       FIGS. 14 and 15  depict an embodiment of an apical cartridge assembly  672  removed from the apical cap  670 . The apical cartridge assembly  672  is generally supported by a frame  648 . On the superior side of said frame is one or more septa  644 . Typically, one septum  644  would be provided for each vessel  514  (shown on  FIG. 5 ). Each vessel port  532  on the cartridge assembly  522  mates with the corresponding septum  644  on the apical cartridge assembly  672  to form a pressure-resistant seal. In one embodiment the vessel port  532  is similar to a hypodermic needle and the septum  644  is a rubber-like material and when the vessel port  532  is mated with the septum  644  the hypodermic needle pierces the rubber-like material creating a pressure-resistant union. Other suitable means of connecting the cartridge assembly  522  to the apical cartridge assembly  672  have been considered and may include, inter alia, clips, nipples, clamps and other connectors. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 14 and 15 , in this embodiment each septum  644  is integrally connected to a conduit  658  that conducts the fluid to an apical chamber  656 . The apical chamber  656  is generally hollow and has a predetermined interior volume specific to the application. For example, in some applications it is preferable to avoid commingling of the various fluids as they are dispensed in succession and therefore a minimal volume is desired. In other applications a greater volume of the apical chamber and/or an agitator inside the apical chamber  656  may be desired to promote mixing of the fluids as the fluids are dispensed. Optionally, a valve that prevents back-flow of fluid into the conduit  658  is inserted between all or each conduit  658  and the apical chamber  656 . A key  646  may be used to ensure consistent orientation of the apical cartridge assembly  672  with the apical cap  670  when the key  646  is engaged into key slot  634 . A port  676  in the frame  648  provides an egress for a conduit  678 . On said conduit  678  are threads  652  and threads  650 . Threads  652  extend below and have a smaller diameter than the threads  650 . A needle  654  or other delivery device is threaded onto the threads  652  on the conduit  678 . A guide assembly  674  comprised of, inter alia, a knurled grip  660 , a guide  662 , threads  664  and a shaft  668  is placed over the needle  654  and threaded via threads  664  onto threads  650 . The guide assembly  674  can be threaded onto threads  650  to varying depths thus exposing more or less of the tip of the needle  654 . This feature controls the precise depth that the needle  654  can penetrate, for example into a patient. 
     One of the contemplated applications that this embodiment of the apical cartridge assembly would be well suited for is for intra-dermal or intra-muscular injections. In this application it is not typically suitable to utilize a flushing saline solution as described above for the apical cartridge assembly  612  shown in  FIG. 8  because too great a volume of fluid would be dispensed under the skin or into the muscles of the patient. In this embodiment of the apical cartridge assembly  672  it may be preferred to have minimum interior volume of the apical chamber  656 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 16  where an embodiment of a pneumatic head assembly  400  is shown. The pneumatic head assembly is housed in a case  402  made of a durable material to provide structure and protection for the contents of the case  402 . A base  405  is affixed to the bottom side of the case  402 . A threaded ring  407  with knurled edges is at the base of the case  402  and is used to thread the pneumatic head assembly  400  to the case assembly  500  at threads  520  (shown in  FIG. 3 ). A turntable  404  is in the interior of the case  402  and is rotatable relative to the base  405 . The turntable  404  has a plurality of teeth  406  around its periphery. The force for rotating the turntable  404  is provided by a motor  426  connected to a gear  430 . The gear  430  engages the teeth  406  thereby transferring the force of the motor  426  to cause a rotation of the turntable  404  relative to the base  405 . A variety of types of gears have been contemplated that would be equally effective alternative for gear  430  that include, inter alia, a worm-type gear if the axis of the motor  426  is perpendicular to the axis of the turntable  404  or a traditional circular gear if the axis of the motor  426  is parallel to the axis of the turntable  404 . The motor  426  is connected to the CPU  412  by a cable  432 . In the preferred embodiment of the pneumatic head assembly  400  the motor  426  is a stepping motor. 
     The motor  426  and the rest of the pneumatic head assembly  400  can be controlled by a CPU  412  (central processing unit) that is powered by a battery  408  or other power source such as regular alternating current, photo-voltaic cells, fuel cells or any other available power source. The battery  408  is connected to the CPU  412  by wires  458 . The CPU  412  receives input from an input device  462  that may be comprised of, for example, a keypad, buttons, knobs, dials or any other input means. The CPU  412  is connected to the input device  462  by a cable  410 . 
     Optionally, the CPU  412  may also utilize a display  460  to show the user relevant information as to the operation of the device. For example, the display  460  could show the user a variety of menus to aid in programming the CPU  412  for a particular purpose, the status of the device, time, pressure, volume of fluid remaining or dispensed by the device, battery power, identification of fluid or any of a wide variety of information relevant to the user of the device. The CPU  412  is connected to the display  460  by a cable  410  or other means. 
     The CPU  412  may also control, inter alia, a valve  416 , a valve  418 , a valve  434  and a valve  436  each mounted onto a cylinder  466 . Valve  416  and valve  418  are connected to the CPU  412  by a cable  414 . Valve  434  and valve  436  are connected to and controlled by the CPU  412  through cable  438 . Valve  416 , valve  418 , valve  434  and valve  436  control pressurized fluid passing into and out of the interior of the cylinder  466 . 
     In one of the preferred embodiments of the pneumatic head assembly  400  a pressure vessel  446  is secured by a mount  444  onto the turntable  404 . The pressure vessel  446  is connected to a receiver  448  and held into place by a tap  450  that is in turn secured by a mount  454 . A handle  456  aids the user in securing the tap  450  to the pressure vessel  446  creating a pressure resistant seal. A conduit  452  carries fluid under pressure to valve  416  and valve  436 . A conduit  420  is connected to valve  418  and provides a pathway for exhaust to escape out of the cylinder  466  and exit the device through a muffler  422 . A conduit  424  is connected to valve  434  and provides a pathway for exhaust to escape out of the cylinder  466  and exit the device through the muffler  422 . In the preferred embodiment the pressure vessel  446  is a common carbon dioxide cartridge such as are commonly used in pellet guns. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 16 , an alternate embodiment of the pneumatic head assembly  400  consists of, inter alia, substituting a hydraulic pump (not depicted) instead of the pressure vessel  446 . The hydraulic pump is controlled by CPU  412  and powered by a battery  408 . Conduit  452  carries hydraulic fluid to valve  416  and valve  436 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 17  where a partial cutaway view of an embodiment of the pneumatic head assembly  400  (as shown in  FIG. 16 ) showing a cross section of said cylinder  466 . Said pressure vessel  446  is mounted securely by said mount  444  to said turntable  404 . Said tap  450  is secured to the turntable  404  by mount  454 . Said conduit  452  is secured to the pressure vessel  446  at the receiver  448  to form a pressure resistant seal by tightening the handle  456  thereby securing the union between the receiver  448  and the pressure vessel  446 . 
     Still referring to  FIG. 17 , on the interior of the cylinder  466  is a piston  468  connected to a shaft  440  that passes though the floor of the cylinder  466  at a seal  470  and terminates in a plunger  442  that retractably extends through and below said turntable  404 . To move the plunger  442  down, the valve  416  is opened and valve  418  is closed thereby permitting the fluid in the pressure vessel  446  to flow through the conduit  452  into the cylinder  466  creating high pressure above the piston  468  while at the same time valve  436  is closed and valve  434  opens so that the volume inside the cylinder  466  below the piston  468  is open to ambient pressure through the conduit  424  and muffler  422 . To raise the plunger  442  the inverse must occur: the valve  436  is opened and valve  434  is closed thereby permitting the fluid in the pressure vessel  446  to flow through the conduit  452  into the cylinder  466  creating high pressure below the piston  468  at the same time valve  416  is closed and valve  418  opens the volume inside the cylinder  466  above the piston  468  to ambient pressure through the conduit  420  and muffler  422 . 
     Returning now to  FIG. 16  this embodiment of a pneumatic head assembly  400  is typically used in conjunction with a case assembly  500  as shown in  FIG. 3  and an apical assembly  600  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Both the pneumatic head assembly  400  and apical assembly  600  are connected to the respective ends of the case assembly  500  to form a single unit. When the device is used the plunger  442  comes into contact with the piston  524  on the top of the vessel  514  and pushes any fluid contained in the vessel  514  out of the device through the apical assembly  600 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 18  where an embodiment of an electronic head assembly  300  is shown. The structure of the electronic head assembly  300  is provided by a case  301 . At the base of said case  301  is a threaded ring  334  that is used to connect the electronic head assembly  300  to a case assembly  500  at threads  520  (shown on  FIG. 3 ). The electronic head assembly  300  is controlled by a central processing unit  302  (CPU) and powered by a battery  348  and connected to said battery  348  by a cable  350 . The CPU  302  has an input device  354  that serves as an interface between the user and the invention. The input device  354  may consist of, inter alia, a keypad, dials, buttons or other similar means. The CPU  302  is also connected to a display  352  such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diodes (LED) or other suitable means of display that are commonly used. The display  352  shows information to the user such as status, programs, power supply, fluid dispensed or remaining and any other relevant information. A socket  306  is optionally present and provides a means to connect a computer device to control, program or monitor said CPU  302 . Said socket  306  is connected to said CPU  302  by a cable  304   
     Said CPU  302  is connected to a motor  310  by a cable  308 . Said motor  310  is connected to a gear  314  that interfaces with teeth  316  around the circumference of a turntable  324 . Said CPU  302  controls and activates said motor  310  that in turn rotates said gear  314  that in turn rotates said turntable  324  about its axis. In the preferred embodiment said motor  310  is a stepping motor. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 18 , in a preferred embodiment a lineal actuator  328  is fixed onto said turntable  324 . Said lineal actuator  328  extends and retracts a shaft  330  that terminates in plunger  332  extendable below said turntable  324 . Said lineal actuator  328  is controlled by said CPU  302  and is connected to said CPU  302  by cable  346  connected to terminals  326  on the lineal actuator  328 . 
     Yet referring to  FIG. 18 , a sensor  320  is connected to said CPU  302  by a cable  318 . Said sensor  320  is fixed relative to the case  301 . A marker  322  is fixed onto the turntable  324 . When said turntable  324  rotates the marker  322  past the sensor  320  an input into the CPU  302  is generated to calibrate the precise angular position of the turntable  324 , and therefore necessarily the lineal actuator  328 , relative to the case  301 . The sensor  320  ensures that the plunger  332  is oriented directly over the proper vessel  514  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) when the electronic head assembly  300  is attached to the case assembly  500  as shown in  FIG. 19 . The preferred embodiment of the sensor  320  is a Hall Effect Sensor with a magnet as the marker  322 , but other sensors, such as a contact switch, would be equally effective. 
       FIG. 19  shows the assembled invention with the electronic head assembly  300 . When the invention is in use the electronic head assembly  300  is secured to a case assembly  500  that is in turn connected to an apical assembly  600 . The apical assembly as shown in  FIGS. 13 ,  14  and  15  may be substituted for the apical assembly  600  when it is suitable to the application of the invention, for example when the invention is used to administer intra-muscular or intra-dermal injections. 
       FIG. 20  shows an example of a circuit configuration  700  utilized with, and contained inside, the electronic head assembly  300  as shown in  FIG. 18 . A processor  708  is the main controller and may also comprise a logic array and is powered by a battery  720 . The circuit configuration  700  is powered up by switch  718 . An input device  702  feeds user input through a decoder  704  into the processor  708 . In the preferred embodiment the input device  702  may be, for example, a keyboard, numeric pad, buttons, switches or other commonly used input devices. 
     Said processor  708  optionally may also be connected to a port  710  to connect the circuit configuration  700  to an external computer that may perform such functions as programming, monitoring and/or controlling the circuit configuration  700 . 
     A display  706  is optionally connected to the processor  708  to show information to the user such as the device status, fluid to be dispensed, fluid remaining, programming sequence, battery supply or any other relevant information. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 20 , a sensor  726  and marker  728  also provide an input into the processor  708  to aid in calibration of the position a lineal actuator  716  relative to the dispensed vessel  514  as described above in the discussion on  FIG. 18  where sensor  320  is analogous to sensor  726 , marker  322  is analogous to marker  728  and lineal actuator  328  is analogous to lineal actuator  716 . In the preferred embodiment the sensor  726  is a Hall Effect Sensor that produces a signal when a magnet, shown as marker  728 , passes next to the sensor  726 . As an alternative, the sensor  726  may be a contact switch or other suitable means to indicate to the processor  708  when the sensor  726  is positioned next to the marker  728 . 
     Said processor  708  gives input to a driver  714  that in turn activates a motor  722 . In the preferred embodiment the motor  722  is a stepping motor. Said motor  722  is analogous to the motor  310  in  FIG. 18  and performs to rotate the turntable  324  relative to the case  301 , also shown in  FIG. 18 . In the preferred embodiment the driver  714  is a translator and power driver circuit. The driver  714  is connected to battery  720  with a positive potential to turn the motor in one direction and also connected to battery  724  with a negative potential to turn the motor  722  in the opposite direction. 
     Said processor  708  also controls a driver  712  that in turn activates a lineal actuator  716  as also shown in  FIG. 18  as the lineal actuator  328 . As described in the discussion on  FIG. 18 , above, the lineal actuator  716  provides the force to dispense fluid contained in a vessel  514 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , when the shaft  330  and plunger  332 , as shown in  FIG. 18 , extend and press upon the piston  524 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 21  that shows a circuit configuration  800  for the pneumatic head assembly  400 , as shown in  FIG. 16  and described above. Said circuit configuration  800  is typically contained inside the pneumatic head assembly  400  as shown in  FIG. 16 . A processor  808  is the main controller and may also comprise a logic array and is powered by a battery  820 . The circuit configuration  800  is powered up by switch  818 . An input device  802  feeds user input through a decoder  804  into the processor  808 . In the preferred embodiment the input device  802  may be, for example, a keyboard, numeric pad, buttons, switches or other commonly used input devices. 
     Said processor  808  optionally may also be connected to a port (not depicted) to connect the circuit configuration  800  to an external computer that may perform such functions as programming, monitoring and/or controlling the circuit configuration  800 , similar to port  710  described in the discussion of  FIG. 20 , above. 
     A display  806  is optionally connected to the processor  808  to show information to the user such as the device status, fluid to be dispensed, fluid remaining, programming sequence, battery supply or any other relevant information. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 21 , a sensor and marker (neither depicted in  FIG. 21 ) similar to the sensor  320  and marker  322  shown on the electronic head assembly  300  as shown in  FIG. 18  and described above may also be present to aid in calibration of the invention. In the preferred embodiment the sensor  320  is a Hall Effect Sensor that produces a signal when a magnet, shown as marker  322 , passes next to the sensor  320 . As an alternative, the sensor  320  may be a contact switch or other suitable means to indicate to the processor  808  when the sensor  320  is positioned next to the marker  322 . 
     Said processor  808  gives input to a driver  826  that in turn activates a motor  824 . In the preferred embodiment the motor  824  is a stepping motor. Said motor  824  is analogous to the motor  426  in  FIG. 16  and performs to rotate the turntable  404  relative to the case  402 , also shown in  FIG. 16 . In the preferred embodiment the driver  826  is a translator and power driver circuit. The driver  826  is connected to battery  820 . 
     Said processor  708  also controls a driver  828  and a driver  830 . Said driver  828  operates to either close or open both a valve  814  and a valve  816  simultaneously. Said valve  814  and said valve  816  are analogous to valve  416  and valve  434 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 17 . Said driver  830  operates to close or open both a valve  810  and a valve  812  simultaneously. Said valve  810  and valve  812  are analogous to valve  418  and valve  436 , respectively, shown in  FIG. 17 . Valve  810 , valve  812 , valve  814  and valve  816  operate in concert as described for the respective valves as shown in  FIG. 17  and described above in the discussion on  FIG. 17  to move said piston  468 , shaft  440  and plunger  442  up and down. 
     Said circuit configuration  800  includes a pump  822  to supply a pressure source as an alternative to the pressure vessel  446  as shown in  FIG. 17 . The pump  822  supplies a pressure greater than ambient pressure to valve  814  and valve  812 . 
     The foregoing description conveys the best understanding of the objectives and advantages of the present invention. Different embodiments may be made of the inventive concept of this invention. It is to be understood that all matter disclosed herein is to be interpreted merely as illustrative, and not in a limiting sense.