Abstract:
An automated injection device for administration of one or more liquid medicaments that is particularly useful for self-administration of liquid medicaments such as those used to treat anaphylactic shock, heart attack, exposure to toxic agents, or other conditions may include a number of features designed to reduce both the size and complexity of the device. With reduced size, the device may provide greater convenience and portability. Importantly, the reduced size may encourage more users to carry the device, and thereby reduce the risks associated with the conditions mentioned above. With reduced complexity, the device can be constructed at a lower cost. Moreover, the device can be more reliable and simple to operate. In addition, the automated injection device may further include a wireless communication apparatus that may be activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]    This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US01/18734 having an international filing date of Jun. 8, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/589,962 having a filing date of Jun. 8, 2000. 
     
    
     
       TECHNICAL FIELD  
         [0002]    This invention relates to automated injection devices for administration of liquid medicaments.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0003]    Automated injection devices enable patients to administer a dosage of liquid medicament for therapeutic purposes. An automated injection device may contain, for example, one or more liquid medicaments effective in treating anaphylactic shock caused by severe allergic reactions to foods, insect stings, and the like. An example of a liquid medicament suitable for treatment of anaphylactic shock is epinephrine. Automated injection devices that carry epinephrine are sometimes referred to as “EPI” injectors. Other types of injection devices may carry antiarrhythmic medicaments for administration during a heart attack, as well as antidotes to a variety of toxic agents, e.g., for military applications.  
           [0004]    Most automated injection devices of this type are designed for single use in an emergency situation. For this reason, extended longevity usually is a requirement. In particular, such devices typically are constructed to contain a measured dosage of the liquid medicament in a sealed and sterile environment over an extended period of nonuse. The devices are designed for quick administration of the liquid medicament, often under the stress of shock. In many devices, a spring-loaded actuator facilitates automated injection without the need for significant manual intervention by the patient. The patient merely actuates a trigger that releases the spring-loaded actuator. The actuator drives a needle into the patient&#39;s skin and quickly releases the liquid medicament. In this manner, there is no need for the patient to manually pierce the skin or operate a syringe for delivery of the liquid medicament. Often, the needle is not even visible to the patient.  
           [0005]    The unpredictability of anaphylactic shock, heart attack, and other emergency medical conditions requires that the patient carry the automated injection device at all times. Unfortunately, the size and weight of many automated injection devices makes them cumbersome and inconvenient to carry. A number of carrying cases, holsters, belts, and the like have been devised to enhance the portability of automated injection devices. Still, the inconvenience associated with many devices causes users to disregard medical risks, and simply leave the automated injection devices at home. This is particularly the case for users engaged in active lifestyles involving high levels of physical activity.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0006]    The present invention is directed to automated injection devices for administration of one or more liquid medicaments, and methods for their use. A device in accordance with the present invention may be particularly useful for self-administration of liquid medicaments such as those used to treat anaphylactic shock, heart attack, exposure to toxic agents, or other emergency medical conditions.  
           [0007]    A device in accordance with the present invention may include a number of features designed to reduce both the size and complexity of the device. With reduced size, the device may provide greater convenience and portability. Importantly, the reduced size may encourage more users to carry the device, and thereby reduce the risks associated with the medical conditions mentioned above.  
           [0008]    With reduced complexity, the device can be constructed at a lower cost. Moreover, the device can be more reliable and simple to operate. In some embodiments, the device can be made from recycled and recyclable materials, reducing waste following use. The device preferably is made water-resistant to promote longevity and durability to environmental conditions. Also, in some embodiments, the device may be suitable for administration of liquid medicaments on a non-emergency basis, e.g., to administer insulin to diabetic patients.  
           [0009]    In one embodiment, the present invention provides an automated injection device comprising a reservoir, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring adjacent the piston member, and a loading member that is movable to compress the spring, the loading member permitting the spring to expand following compression, whereby the expanding spring drives the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.  
           [0010]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides an automated injection device comprising a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining an opening at the second end, a piston member slidably mounted within the housing, a reservoir slidably mounted within the piston member, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston mounted within the piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the piston member on a side of the piston member adjacent the first end of the housing, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the piston member and the loading member are configured to permit relative movement of the piston member and the loading member following compression of the spring, and the loading member defines a stop member that limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of the chamber, whereby the spring drives the piston member relative to the loading member and toward the second end of the housing, and the piston member drives the reservoir against the stop member such that continued movement of the piston member relative to the reservoir drives the piston face through the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle.  
           [0011]    In an added embodiment, the present invention provides a method for injection of a liquid medicament using a device having a reservoir, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the piston member, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member to compress the spring, the piston member and the loading member being configured to permit relative movement when the compressed spring reaches a sufficient level of spring force, wherein a portion of the loading member extends outward from the device, the method comprising pushing the loading member against a patient to drive the loading member into the device and toward the piston member, thereby compressing the spring, wherein the spring expands to drive the piston member relative to the loading member and extend the needle outward from the device and drive the piston face to expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.  
           [0012]    In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method for injection of a liquid medicament using a device having a housing having a first end and a second end, the housing defining an opening at the second end, a piston member slidably mounted within the housing, a reservoir slidably mounted within the piston member, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston mounted within the piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring that bears against the piston member on a side of the piston member adjacent the first end of the housing, and a loading member oriented to drive the piston member toward the first end of the housing and thereby compress the spring, wherein the piston member and the loading member are configured to permit relative movement when the compressed spring reaches a sufficient level of spring force, the loading member defines a stop member that limits travel of the reservoir toward the second end of the chamber, and a portion of the loading member extends outward from the opening, the method comprising pushing the loading member against a patient to drive the loading member into the device and toward the piston member, thereby compressing the spring, wherein the spring expands to drive the piston member relative to the loading member and extend the needle outward from the opening and drive the piston face to expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment, the present invention provides an automated injection device comprising a reservoir, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, a piston member with a piston face positioned within the reservoir, a spring adjacent the piston member, and a loading member that is movable to compress the spring and permit the spring to expand following compression, the expanding spring driving the piston member such that the piston face moves within the reservoir and expels the contents of the reservoir through the needle, wherein the piston member and the reservoir partially overlap along a longitudinal extent of the device and are sized such that the device has a length of less than or equal to approximately  3 . 0  inches and a width of less than or equal to approximately 2.0 inches.  
           [0014]    In an added embodiment, the present invention provides a wireless-enabled injection device comprising an automated injection device having a housing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, and a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir. The wireless-enabled injection device also comprises a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the housing, wherein the wireless communication apparatus is activated to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device is deployed.  
           [0015]    In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a method for injection of a liquid medicament using a wireless-enabled injection device. The method comprises providing an automated injection device having a housing, a reservoir positioned inside the housing, a needle in fluid communication with the reservoir, and a wireless communication apparatus affixed to the housing. The method further includes deploying the automated injection device to expel the contents of the reservoir through the needle, and activating the wireless communication apparatus to transmit a signal when the automated injection device is deployed;  
           [0016]    The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0017]    [0017]FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of an automated injection device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 3 is an end view of the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 4 is another end view of the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1;  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at a first stage of operation;  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at a second stage of operation;  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at a third stage of operation;  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the device of FIG. 1 at a fourth stage of operation;  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 10 is a conceptual view of a housing for a device as shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 11 is another conceptual view of another housing for a device as shown in FIG. 1;  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 12 is an additional conceptual view of another housing for a device as shown in FIG. 1; and  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 13 is another conceptual view of an added housing for a device as shown in FIG. 1.  
         [0030]    [0030]FIG. 14A shows an exploded view of an automated injection device of FIG. 1 having a wireless communication apparatus.  
         [0031]    [0031]FIG. 14B shows another perspective view of the wireless communication apparatus of FIG. 14A.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the wireless communication apparatus affixed to the automated injection device from FIG. 14A.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 16 shows the automated injection device of FIG. 14A with a protective film affixed over the wireless communication apparatus.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the automated injection device from FIG. 14A with sections removed to better view the tail of the wireless communication apparatus inside the automated injection device.  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 18 shows a process of events that enables the user to receive emergency medical care after the automated injection device of FIG. 14A is deployed.  
         [0036]    Like reference symbols in the various drawings indicate like elements. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0037]    [0037]FIG. 1 is a perspective exterior view of an automated injection device  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, device  10  may include a housing  12  having a proximal end  14 , a distal end  16 , and a cap  18  mounted at the distal end. Housing  12  contains appropriate components for containment and automated delivery of liquid medicaments for injection to a user. Cap  18  protects distal end  16 , which forms the operative end of device  10 , when the device is not in use.  
         [0038]    The user removes cap  18  prior to use. In the example of FIG. 1, cap  18  may include a tear-away strip  20  that couples the cap to housing  12  at distal end  16 . Strip  20  may be similar to the strips commonly used with caps for plastic milk cartons and the like, and provides a tab  21  for grasping by the user. Cap  18  and strip  20  may be integrally molded from plastic and coupled to the cap and housing  12  with a pair of thinned, scribed, or perforated joints  22 ,  23  that extend circumferentially about distal end  16  and promote tearing of the strip from the cap. Upon removal of strip  20 , cap  18  is easily removable to expose distal end  16 .  
         [0039]    With further reference to FIG. 1, housing  12  may be slightly elongated, providing a length  24  that exceeds a width  26  and depth  28  of device  10 . In some embodiments, width  26  and depth  28  may be equivalent, particularly if device  10  has a substantially cylindrical shape and circular cross-section. Housing  12  is susceptible to a number of different shapes and sizes. In general, housing  12  is constructed such that device  10  assumes a shape and size appropriate for convenient portability, e.g., in the shirt or pants pocket of the user. In some embodiments, as will be described, housing  12  may be constructed as a keychain fob and provided with appropriate coupling hardware for mounting on a keyring or for receipt of keys.  
         [0040]    In other embodiments, housing  12  can be constructed for convenient storage in a portable holster, belt, or case, or for attachment to other portable devices such as mobile telephones, personal digital assistants (PDA&#39;s), and the like. In each embodiment, however, housing  12  preferably is constructed with reduced size and portability as one of the primary design objectives, along with safety and efficacy. In this manner, device  10  may encourage more users to carry it, and thereby reduce the risks associated with anaphylactic shock, heart attack, exposure to toxic agents, and other conditions capable of treatment with one or more liquid medicaments carried by device  10 .  
         [0041]    [0041]FIGS. 2, 3, and  4  are side, first end, and second end views, respectively, of device  10  of FIG. 1. FIGS.  5 - 9  are various cross-sectional side views of device  10  during different stages of use. As shown in FIGS.  5 - 9 , device  10  may include a reservoir  30 , a needle  32 , a piston member  34 , a spring  36 , a loading member  38 , and a piston  44 . Needle  32  is in fluid communication with reservoir  30 , which contains a liquid medicament. In some embodiments, device  10  may include multiple reservoirs or sub-divided reservoirs that enable containment and automated injection of multiple liquid medicaments, if desired.  
         [0042]    For anaphylactic shock, examples of suitable liquid medicaments contained in reservoir  30  include epinephrine and atropine. For heart attacks, anti-arrhythmic medicaments may be contained within reservoir  30 . For exposure to toxic agents, a variety of liquid medicaments may be provided in reservoir  30 . Conceivably, other liquid medicaments such as insulin could be provided for treatment of non-emergency conditions.  
         [0043]    Needle  32  and spring  36  preferably are made of metal. The various components  30 ,  34 ,  38 ,  44  of device  10  can be constructed from durable plastics such as polyester. Piston member  34  and loading member  44  preferably are made from plastics that provide a moderate degree of flexibility and elasticity. Such materials may be selected in part on the basis of the suitability for recycling. Indeed, some of the components, such as housing  12 , can be made from recycled materials. Reservoir  30  and needle  32 , which contain and transport the liquid medicament, ordinarily will be manufactured from virgin materials due to sterility and biocompatibility concerns.  
         [0044]    Reservoir  30  may be substantially cylindrical in shape, and may include a small needle aperture  40  at one end for receipt of needle  32 . Needle  32  may be mounted in aperture  40  with a biocompatible sealant to prevent leakage of reservoir  30 . Another end of reservoir  30  may define a larger aperture  42  for receipt of piston  44 . A gasket  46  fills aperture  42 , sealing it against leakage and contamination of the liquid medicament. Piston gasket  46  defines an aperture, however, for receipt of a shaft  48  forming part of piston  44 . A first piston face  50  extends into reservoir  30 , while a second piston face  52  resides outside of reservoir  30 . Shaft  48  extends between piston faces  50 ,  52 , and is translatable within the aperture defined by gasket  46 . In this manner, first piston face  50  is movable to drive liquid medicament out of reservoir  30  and through needle  32  for injection into the user.  
         [0045]    Piston  44  and reservoir  30  may be disposed within an inner chamber  54  defined by piston member  34 . Piston member  34  acts as a carriage for travel of piston  44  and reservoir  30  within housing  12 , as well as an actuator for the piston to expel liquid medicament from the reservoir. In some embodiments, piston member  34  and piston  44  may be integrally formed with one another, e.g., by molding. In the example illustrated in FIGS.  5 - 9 , however, piston  44  and piston member  34  are separate components. Second piston face  52  bears against an inner wall of inner chamber  54  such that downward movement of piston member  34  urges piston  44  downward.  
         [0046]    Housing  12  defines an outer chamber  56  sized to accommodate travel of piston member  34 , spring  36  and loading member  38  along the length of device  10 . Frictional engagement of the outer wall of reservoir  30  with the inner wall of inner chamber  54  serves to carry the reservoir along with piston member  34  as it travels upward and downward within outer chamber  56 . Frictional engagement of shaft  48  of piston  44  serves to carry it along with reservoir  30 , and hence piston member  34 , when the piston member moves upward within outer chamber  56 .  
         [0047]    Housing  12  may have a unitary construction or, as shown in FIGS.  5 - 9 , include two or more sub-sections  58 ,  60 . Sub-sections  58 ,  60  can be coupled together by a number of techniques including adhesive bonds, ultrasonically welded bonds, threaded couplers, and frictional or snap-fit arrangements. Housing  12  can be sealed with epoxy or other adhesives to promote a substantially water-resistant seal, and ensure longevity and durability of the device. In the example of FIGS.  5 - 9 , sub-section  60  includes a radial flange  62  that is snap-fit into a detent  64  in sub-section  58  to couple the sub-sections together. Sub-sections  58 ,  60  may have different cross-sectional dimensions, or different diameters in the embodiments in which they are circular in cross-section.  
         [0048]    First sub-section  58  may include a substantially cylindrical retention ring  66  that extends downward from proximal end  14  and retains spring  36  against the inner wall of outer chamber  56 . Retention ring  66  may be integrally molded with housing sub-section  58 . One end of spring  36  bears against the interior of housing  12  at proximal end  14 , while the other end bears against a flange  68  that extends radially outward from piston member. A portion of spring  36  may surround an upper portion  70  of piston member  34 . In this manner, spring  36  is maintained in alignment relative to the inner wall of outer chamber  56  by retention ring  66  and upper portion  70  of piston member  34 .  
         [0049]    Loading member  38  can be constructed to include an outer wall that defines another inner chamber  72 . A raised inner wall  74  may define both an aperture  76  for needle  32  and a stop surface  78  for reservoir  30 . Needle  32  may reside within a protective sheath  79  prior to use. At least a portion of loading member  38  extends outward from distal end  16  of device  10  for engagement with an injection site, such as the user&#39;s thigh. Loading member  38  may have a flared lip  80  that flares radially outward. Flared lip  80  may engage a detent  82  defined by second sub-section  60  to retain loading member  38  within outer chamber  56  of housing  12 . Flared lip  80  bears against a ramped lip  84  defined by piston member  34 .  
         [0050]    As shown in FIG. 6, cap  18  can be removed from housing  12  by tearing away strip  20 . In this manner, loading member  38  is exposed at distal end  16  of device  10 . Loading member  38  is movable upward against the bias produced by spring  36  to thereby load the spring and compress it, as shown in FIG. 7. Specifically, loading member  38  moves upward when the user applies the loading member to an injection site with sufficient force to overcome the spring bias. In this manner, flared lip  80  bears against ramped lip  84  of piston member  34  during upward movement of loading member  38  into outer chamber  56  of housing  12 . With further reference to FIG. 7, flange  68  of piston member  34 , in turn, bears against spring  36 , compressing it against its intrinsic bias as the piston member travels upward.  
         [0051]    As shown in FIG. 8, flared lip  80  eventually extends upward above another detent  86  having a diameter that is greater than detent  82 . Upon engagement with detent  86 , flared lip  80  extends outward. Detent  86  prevents loading member  38  from moving downward and, in effect, locks the loading member into position. When flared lip  80  locks into detent  86  and spring  36  generates a sufficient level of spring force, loading member  38  permits the spring to expand downward toward the injection site. In particular, loading member  38  and piston member  34  are cooperatively arranged such that flared lip  80  defines an aperture that is initially sized smaller than piston member  34 , but expands to permits downward movement of piston member  34 , piston  44 , reservoir  30 , and needle  32  in response to expansion of spring  36 .  
         [0052]    Flared lip  80  is biased inward by the inner wall of second sub-section  60 , which has a smaller diameter than first sub-section  58 . Loading member  38  preferably is formed from a flexible and elastic material, however, and expands outward when it reaches detent  86 , increasing the size of the aperture defined by the loading member. As mentioned above, loading member  38  can be constructed from a plastic material such as polyester that provides degrees of both flexibility and elasticity. The increased size permits piston member  34  to extend into inner chamber  72 . When spring  36  reaches a sufficient level of spring force and flared lip  80  has reached detent  86 , the spring exerts a bias back against piston member  34  that is sufficient to drive ramped lip  84  against the flared lip, driving piston member  34  into loading member  38 . Thus, as shown in FIG. 8, loading member  38  is radially enlarged to permit receipt of a portion of piston member  34  within chamber  72 .  
         [0053]    As spring  36  expands, it drives piston member  34 , piston  44 , and reservoir  30  downward together toward loading member  38 . Following engagement with detent  86 , loading member  38  may be substantially flush with the distal end  16  of device  10 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As piston member  34  and reservoir  30  travel downward, as shown in FIG. 8, needle  32  is driven through protective sheath  79 . Protective sheath  79  may be formed from a thin plastic or rubber material, such as polyester, polyurethane, silicone rubber, and the like. Needle  32  ruptures protective sheath  79  and is exposed for entry into the injection site, e.g., in the user&#39;s thigh. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, portions of piston member  34  and reservoir  30  enter chamber  72  of loading member  38  and continue to travel until the reservoir abuts the stop surface  78 . At that point, the spring bias exerted by spring  36  on piston member  34  overcomes the frictional force exerted between reservoir  30  and the piston member.  
         [0054]    As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, piston member  34  is able to continue travel downward into chamber  72  of loading member  38 . Reservoir  30  stops traveling, however, and rests against stop surface  78 . After reservoir  30  stops, piston  44  continues to travel with piston member  34 , driving first piston face  50  through reservoir  30 . First piston face  50  thereby expels the liquid contents of the reservoir through needle  32 , which is lodged in the injection site. Needle  32  preferably is driven into the injection site under the initial spring force provided by spring  36 , as shown in FIG. 8.  
         [0055]    Insertion of needle  32  preferably requires no manual intervention by the user following the user&#39;s initial application of loading member  38  to the injection site. Rather, spring  36  expands with sufficient force to deploy needle  32  automatically following upward travel of loading member  38  to detent  86 . Thus, the user simply drives loading member  38  against the injection site, forcing it into housing  12 . This simple act by the user starts a chain reaction of events that causes compression and then expansion of spring  36  to drive needle into the injection site and expel the contents of reservoir  30 . The relative simplicity of the interaction between loading member  38 , piston member  34 , piston  44 , and reservoir  30  promotes reliability, which is a paramount concern given the application of device  10  to emergency medical conditions.  
         [0056]    An automated injection device constructed in a manner similar to device  10  shown in FIGS.  1 - 9  may provide quick, convenient, and automated injection of liquid medicaments. In particular, operation of such a device  10  merely requires application of loading member  38  to the injection with sufficient force to drive the loading member upward into housing  12 . From that point forward, the operation of spring  36 , piston member  34 , piston  44 , reservoir  30 , and needle  32  is automatic, and results in effective injection of the liquid medicament contained within the reservoir. As alternatives, an electrical or pneumatic actuation mechanism could be provided in lieu of spring  36 . The arrangement of the inner components of device  10 , i.e., piston member  34 , piston  44 , reservoir  30 , needle  32 , spring  36 , and loading member  38  permits the device to be constructed at a reduced size.  
         [0057]    In particular, such components are arranged to at least partially overlap along the length of device  10 , in periods of use and nonuse, to restrict the longitudinal length of device  10 . As shown in FIG. 5, for example, before device  10  is used, reservoir  30 , piston  44 , piston member  34 , and spring  36  substantially overlap with one another and are coaxially aligned along the longitudinal axis of housing  12 . As a result, the length of device  10  is reduced relative to arrangements in which such components would be disposed end-to-end within device housing  12 . An arrangement as shown in FIG. 5 provides substantial reductions in length, while still providing automated convenience to the user. With reduced size, a user is more likely to carry device  10  and thereby more likely to survive a medical emergency that is treatable with the device.  
         [0058]    With reference to FIG. 1, with the reduced size afforded by device  10 , housing  12  and cap  18  together may have a length  24  in the range of approximately 2 to 3 inches and a diameter (or width  26  and depth  28  in the case of a rectangular cross-section) in the range of approximately 1 to 2 inches. In one particular embodiment, device  10  has a length in the range of approximately 2.5 to 3.0 inches and a diameter of approximately 1.0 to 1.5 inches. More particularly, a device  10  is envisioned having a length of approximately 2.75 inches and a diameter of approximately 1.25 inches, providing exceptional convenience and portability.  
         [0059]    FIGS.  10 - 13  are a conceptual view of housings for automated injection devices as shown in FIG. 1. Although device  10  is shown in FIGS.  1 - 9  as having a substantially cylindrical shape, it may be susceptible to a number of different configurations designed to maintain a reduced size and suit the needs of individual users. FIG. 10, for example, shows an automated injection device  88  that conforms substantially to device  10  of FIGS.  1 - 9 , but is configured as a key fob device. In particular, device  88  includes an integrated ring  90  for receipt of keys or a keychain ring. Device  88  alternatively could be attached to a necklace or strap. As further alternatives, device  88  could be coupled to an ankle or wrist bracelet or a zipper fob. In this manner, the user may conveniently carry device  88  with his or her keys. Ring  90  may be integrally molded with housing  12 , bonded to the housing via adhesives or ultrasonic welding, or snap-fit into holes in the housing. The size of device  88  may conform substantially to that of device  10  as described above with respect to FIG. 1.  
         [0060]    [0060]FIG. 11 is another conceptual view of a housing for a device as shown in FIG. 1. Device  92  of FIG. 11 may having a housing  94  that is integrally molded with or attached to a platform  95 . For example, housing  94  may taper upward and inward to merge with platform  95 , as indicated by reference numeral  96 . Platform  95  could be made substantially flat and planar and approximate the width of a credit card. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, platform  95  includes attachment wings  98 , 100 that permit attachment of device  92  to another device carried by the user. For example, attachment wings  98 , 100 can be formed from a flexible and somewhat elastic material, and configured to clip onto the sides of a PDA, e.g., a Palm or Windows CE device, or a mobile telephone, indicated by reference numeral  102  and drawn with dashed lines. In this manner, automated device  92  mounts onto the back of a device  102  that is already carried by the user, further promoting convenience and portability.  
         [0061]    [0061]FIG. 12 is an additional conceptual view of a housing for an automated injection device as shown in FIG. 1. Automated injection device  104  of FIG. 12 conforms substantially to device  10  of FIGS.  1 - 9 , but further includes an integrated clip  105  having an arm  106  and a spacer  108 . Clip  105  operates like the clip on a pen, permitting device  104  to be clipped to and retained within a pocket or to another thin element that fits between the major portion of housing  12  and the clip. Clip  105  can be integrally molded with housing  12 .  
         [0062]    [0062]FIG. 13 is another conceptual view of a housing for an automated injection device as shown in FIG. 1. Automated injection device  110  of FIG. 13 conforms substantially to device  92  of FIG. 11. Instead of attachment wings  98 , 100 for attachment to a device, however, device  110  includes a substantially planar clip  114  that extends outward from and substantially parallel to platform  115 . Clip  114  can be integrally molded with platform  114 , and may include planar arm  116  that extends along the width of the platform and defines a slot  118  for receipt of the flap of a pocket or some other thin element. Platform  115  may conform to the width of a credit card, and thereby promote convenience and portability for the user.  
         [0063]    In a further embodiment of the invention, FIG. 14A shows an exploded view of an automated injection device of FIG. 1 having a wireless communication apparatus  220 . As shown in FIG. 14A, the automated injection device  200  is configured to have a rounded-rectangular shape, although the injection device  200  is susceptible to a number of different configurations. The wireless communication apparatus  220  is used to call for additional medical assistance when the automated injection device  200  is deployed. After a liquid medicament, such as epinephrine, is injected into the user, the user often requires additional medical care and transportation to a medical center. Users with life threatening allergies or other medical ailments may be physically unable to retrieve help, or an accompanying person may not be informed sufficiently to retrieve additional medical assistance. Furthermore, the user or accompanying person may not be able to provide accurate location information when calling for medical assistance.  
         [0064]    Referring to FIGS.  14 A- 14 B, the wireless communication apparatus  220  includes a flex circuit  222  having a first major surface  223  and a second major surface  226 . A power source  232  (FIG. 14A), such as a battery, is mounted to a portion  224  of the first major surface  223 . Additionally, electronic circuits  231  (FIG. 14B) are mounted to another portion  225  of the first major surface  223 , wherein the circuits  231  may include a transmitter circuit, a GPS (global positioning system) circuit, and electrical components, such as resistors or capacitors. The first major surface  223  is affixed to an outer surface  205  of the housing  12  such that the electrical circuits  231  and the power source  232  are positioned between the flex circuit  222  and the housing  12 . An antenna  234  for the wireless transmitter may be formed from copper traces on the second major surface  226  of the flex circuit  222 , and the flex circuit  222  may also include a slender tail  228  with a conductive pad  230  on each side of the tail  228 . In preferred embodiments, the housing  12  of the automated injection device is formed with a cavity  202 , which matches the shape of the flex circuit  222  when the flex circuit  222  is affixed to the housing  12 . A second cavity  204  may be located within the first cavity  202  to provide a space for the electronic circuits  231  on the first major surface  223  when the flex circuit  222  is affixed. A small slit (not shown in FIGS.  14 A- 14 B) in the housing  12  is provided so that the tail  228  of the flex circuit  222  may be inserted into the housing  12  of the automated injection device  200 .  
         [0065]    [0065]FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the flex circuit  222  affixed to the automated injection device  200  from FIG. 14A, and FIG. 16 shows the automated injection device  200  with a protective film  236  affixed over the flex circuit  222 . The first major surface  223  of the flex circuit may be affixed to the housing  12  using a pressure sensitive adhesive, and the tail  28  (not shown in FIG. 15) is inserted into the housing  12 , as described later. The flex circuit  222  may have a protective film  236  (FIG. 16) affixed to the second major surface  226  of the flex circuit  222  and a portion  206  of the outer surface of the housing  12  to shelter the wireless communication apparatus  220  from any handling or environmental hazards. The protective film  236  may be affixed using a pressure sensitive adhesive and also covers the slit where the tail  228  is inserted into the housing  12 .  
         [0066]    The transmitter circuit of wireless communication apparatus  220  may include at least one transmitter or transceiver that is capable of sending signals that conform to a conventional standard known as Bluetooth. The Bluetooth transmitter is a short-range transmitter that is capable of communicating with a nearby cellular phone and attempting to call an emergency service, such as a 911-emergency call. For example, the Bluetooth transmitter may use the nearby cellular phone for E-911 service in the United States, which is a known federal mandate that allows emergency 911 calls from cellular phones to connect directly with an emergency service without the cellular service provider checking for available credit or validation. The transmitter circuit may also include a conventional memory chip, such as a PROM, that can store identification information or a message requesting help, which would be transmitted to the emergency service. The identification information may be used by the emergency service to determine the type of emergency situation. The GPS circuit mounted to the flex circuit includes a conventional GPS chip, which may be activated to communicate with a global positioning satellite system to retrieve location information of the user. The location information is then transmitted to the emergency service using the transmitter circuit.  
         [0067]    [0067]FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the automated injection device  200  from FIG. 14A with sections removed to better view the tail  228  of the flex circuit  222  positioned inside the housing  12 . The wireless communication apparatus  220  is activated when the user deploys the automated injection device  200 . One example of how the wireless communication apparatus  220  may be activated is to provide power to the transmitter circuit when the needle  32  (FIGS.  5 - 9 ) is pushed through the aperture  76  (FIGS.  5 - 9 ) of the load member  38 . As shown in FIG. 17, the tail  228  of the flex circuit  222  is routed into a small opening  238  in the load member  38  such that the conductive pads  230  (not shown in FIG. 17) of the tail  228  are in the path of the needle  32 . When the injection device  200  is deployed, the needle  32  is pushed through the aperture  76  and also through the conductive pad  230  on each side of the tail  228 . The needle  32  electrically connects the conductive pads  230  of the tail  228  to close the power circuit and activate the transmitter circuit and the GPS circuit. This is but one illustration of how to activate the wireless communication apparatus  220  when the injection device  200  is deployed, and other modes of activation are within the scope of the invention.  
         [0068]    [0068]FIG. 18 shows a process of events that enables the user to receive emergency medical care after the automated injection device  200  of FIG. 14A is deployed. The user may be a hypersensitive individual that carries  250  the automated injection device  200  for emergency situations. If the individual is exposed  252  to a trigger, such as a bee sting, that causes an allergic reaction, the individual experiences acute anaphylaxis  254  and enters anaphylactic shock. The user deploys  256  the automated injection device  200  containing epinephrine to treat the anaphylactic shock by pushing the loading member  38  against the individual, thereby compressing the spring  36 . When the injection device  200  is deployed, the epinephrine is injected  258  into the individual, and the individual waits  260  for the medicament to treat the anaphylactic shock.  
         [0069]    The automated injection device  200  also activates  262  the Bluetooth transmitter and the GPS chip when the injection device is deployed. As previously described, the GPS chip communicates with a global positioning satellite system to retrieve the location of the individual, and the Bluetooth transmitter uses  266  the E-911 service of a cellular phone for communication  268  with a central server 911-command center. The central server 911-command center receives the location and identification information during the communication with the cellular phone, and the command center may access  270  a brief medical history of individual with the identification information. The command center may confirm  274  to the individual that an EMS (emergency medical service) will arrive to provide medical assistance, and the individual may cancel  276  the arrival of the EMS if the deployment of the injection device was accidental. The command center notifies  272  the local EMS of the medical emergency and the location information of the individual, and the EMS arrives at the location of the waiting individual. The individual receives  278  medical assistance from the EMS and is transported to a medical center. Medical care is provided  280  to the individual, and the individual is eventually released  282  from the medical center and carries  250  a new automated injection device  200 .  
         [0070]    A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims.