Patent Publication Number: US-2023135747-A1

Title: Fluid delivery system

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present disclosure relates to a fluid delivery system, and more specifically, to for a fluid delivery system that aligns and facilitates fluid release from a cartridge. 
     Delivery of a fluid containing agent to a localized spot on or within a patient&#39;s skin is an important consideration for a variety of skin health treatments, such as localized delivery of antibiotics, the treatment of diabetes, various genetic disorders, cancer treatments, and an expanding number of cosmetic uses. Transdermal delivery is a type of fluid delivery, which specifically refers to delivering an agent by crossing the skin barrier. 
     Transdermal delivery of antibiotics is preferably used to treat skin and soft tissue infections. Transdermal delivery can deliver large molecules, such as plasmids or vectors, into cells over a localized surface, such as into skin cells. Such localized treatment can be particularly useful where traditional oral and/or intravenous delivery mechanisms are ineffective or inconvenient. Further, in many cases a combination of different delivery devices and methods can be used together to improve delivery results. Using a transdermal delivery approach for localized delivery is superior to hypodermic injection methods, which are painful, risk infection via needle reuse or misuse, and create medical waste. 
     There are various approaches to transdermal delivery. For example, transdermal patches may be applied directly to the outer layer of the skin, though such approaches only penetrate through the outermost layer of the skin (the stratum corneum), and as such the vast majority of molecules never penetrate deeper than about 10 micrometers beneath the skin surface. Further, because the patches must directly contact the skin surface, there is always a risk of infection from contamination. Other transdermal approaches employ electric currents, ultrasound waves, or chemical transfection reagents. Iontophoresis uses mild electric currents to deliver medications while the target body part is submerged in water. Electroporation applies an electric field to create pores in cell. Chemical transfection reagents (such as Lipofectamine) employ liposomal delivery methods to penetrate the skin surface. Very short microneedles used for transdermal delivery physically pierce the outer layer of skin (the stratum corneum) to enable small molecules that are subsequently applied to cross the skin barrier. Microneedles thus increase skin permeability by creating micron-sized holes in the skin layer to create openings for small molecules to pass through. However, microneedling is painful and generally costly. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one or more embodiments, a fluid delivery system includes a housing including cartridge reservoir, a fluid containing cartridge removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir, and a gasket disposed in the cartridge reservoir in a position to engage with the fluid containing cartridge. The gasket includes at least one biasing portion that is flexible in an insertion direction of the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid containing cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir. The at least one biasing portion of the gasket facilitates air flow from the cartridge reservoir while flexing in the insertion direction. 
     According to other embodiments, a fluid delivery system includes a housing including a cartridge reservoir, a fluid containing cartridge removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir, and a gasket disposed in the cartridge reservoir in a position to engage with the fluid containing cartridge. The gasket includes at least one biasing portion that is flexible in an insertion direction of the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid containing cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir. The fluid delivery system further includes a fluid releaser disposed at a distal end of the cartridge reservoir. The fluid releaser is positioned in the cartridge reservoir to release a fluid from the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid containing cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir. 
     Still yet, according to other embodiments, a fluid delivery system includes a housing including a cartridge reservoir, a fluid containing cartridge removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir, and a fluid releasing assembly disposed at a distal end of the cartridge reservoir. The fluid releasing assembly includes a fluid releaser positioned in the cartridge reservoir to release a fluid from the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid containing cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir. The fluid releasing assembly further includes a fluid releasing port positioned to receive a fluid from the fluid containing cartridge when said fluid is released from the fluid containing cartridge. 
     Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present invention. Other embodiments and aspects of the invention are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed invention. For a better understanding of the invention with the advantages and the features, refer to the description and to the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following brief description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings and detailed description, wherein like reference numerals represent like parts: 
         FIG.  1 A  is perspective view of a fluid delivery device with an external skin and seated fluid cartridge; 
         FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view of the fluid delivery device of  FIG.  1 A  with a partially seated fluid cartridge within the open cartridge door; 
         FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of a fluid delivery device showing the housing; 
         FIG.  2 B  is a bottom perspective view of the fluid delivery device of  FIG.  1 A ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of a fluid delivery device showing the housing and fluid cartridge; 
         FIG.  3 B  is a side view of the fluid delivery device of  FIG.  3 A  with an open cartridge door; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a perspective view of the fluid delivery device of  FIG.  3 A  without a fluid cartridge and with an open cartridge door; 
         FIG.  3 D  is another perspective view of the fluid delivery device of  FIG.  3 C  with an open cartridge door; 
         FIG.  4    is an exploded view of a fluid delivery device; 
         FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the lower housing assembly of a fluid delivery device; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device; 
         FIG.  7 A  is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device with a partially seated fluid cartridge; 
         FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device with a fully seated fluid cartridge; 
         FIG.  7 C  is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device with a fully seated fluid cartridge showing the cartridge gasket flexing; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a top perspective view of a cartridge bucket of a fluid delivery device; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a bottom perspective view of the cartridge bucket of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 C  is a partial top view of the cartridge bucket of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 D  is a partial bottom view of the cartridge bucket of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 E  is a side view of the cartridge bucket of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  8 F  is a front view of the cartridge bucket of  FIG.  8 A ; 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a cartridge gasket of a fluid delivery device; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a perspective view of a cartridge gasket clamp of a fluid delivery device; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a back view of a cartridge gasket clamp of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  10 C  is a bottom view of a cartridge gasket clamp of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  10 D  is a side view of a cartridge gasket clamp of  FIG.  10 A ; 
         FIG.  11    is a top view of a piezoelectric transducer of a fluid delivery device; and 
         FIG.  12    is a partial cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     While devices and methods exist for fluid delivery (e.g., transdermal delivery) of active agents, they suffer from drawbacks as they irritate the skin, risk infection from direct contact with the skin, and/or are too costly for wide-spread public use. There remains a need for devices and methods for providing local delivery of an agent to tissue in a manner that can be easily administered, are inexpensive, and/or that cause as little skin irritation and pain as possible. 
     Fluid delivery devices that receive disposable liquid containing cartridges with an active agent and use fluid vaporizers and pumps to produce aerosol mists from the liquid that contain particles of active agents of dimensions that are small enough to pass through a tissue surface provide advantages. For example, such devices are sanitary, as the cartridges are disposable and the device does not directly contact the skin, inexpensive, as they can be used in a home setting, and generally painless and non-irritating. 
     However, one challenge of such fluid delivery devices includes providing an internal cartridge reservoir for the disposable cartridge that controls fluid flow from the cartridge once fluid is released therefrom to prevent messy and wasteful leakage, while simultaneously allowing air to escape to avoid a build-up of internal pressure which can render the device inoperable. Another challenge is providing a seating mechanism with a fluid releaser or sharp needle that reliably and easily releases liquid from the fluid cartridge, as well as seats the cartridge while allowing fluid to flow from the cartridge without trapping air inside the cartridge. 
     Accordingly, described herein are fluid delivery methods, systems, and devices that address the above challenges. In some embodiments, a fluid delivery system includes a housing including cartridge reservoir, a fluid containing cartridge removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir, and a gasket disposed in the cartridge reservoir in a position to engage with the fluid containing cartridge. The gasket includes at least one biasing portion that is flexible in an insertion direction of the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir, and the at least one biasing portion facilitates air flow from the cartridge reservoir while flexing in the insertion direction. 
     In one or more embodiments, a fluid delivery system includes a housing including a cartridge reservoir, a fluid containing cartridge removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir, and a gasket disposed in the cartridge reservoir in a position to engage with the fluid containing cartridge. The gasket includes at least one biasing portion that is flexible in an insertion direction of the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir. The fluid delivery system further includes a fluid releaser disposed at a distal end of the cartridge reservoir. The fluid releaser is positioned in the cartridge reservoir to release a liquid fluid from the fluid containing cartridge when the fluid containing cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir. 
     In other embodiments, a fluid delivery system includes a housing including a cartridge reservoir, a fluid containing cartridge removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir, and a fluid releasing assembly disposed at a distal end of the cartridge reservoir. The fluid releasing assembly includes a fluid releaser positioned in the cartridge reservoir to release a liquid fluid from the fluid cartridge when the fluid containing cartridge is received in the cartridge reservoir, and a fluid releasing port positioned to receive a liquid fluid from the fluid containing cartridge when said liquid fluid is released from the fluid containing cartridge. 
     The methods, systems, and devices generate a fluid mist stream that is capable of penetrating into tissue, such as skin, or into cells while minimizing any tissue irritation and/or pain and without the need for direct contact between the device and the tissue or the cells. In one or more embodiments, the methods and devices are used for transdermal fluid delivery, however the methods and devices can be utilized in surgical approaches to apply a fluid to tissue intracorporeally. 
       FIG.  1 A  is perspective view of a fluid delivery device  100  with an external skin  120  and seated fluid cartridge  122 .  FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view of the fluid delivery device  100  with the external skin  120  and with a partially seated or received fluid cartridge  122  within the open cartridge door  108 . The fluid delivery device  100  is a hand-held device, with a body  124  between a first end  116  and a second end  114 . The first end  116  is more tapered than the second end  114  so that the device can be grasped and held to comfortably fit into the palm of a user&#39;s hand. The fluid delivery device  100  is generally egg-shaped but is not limited to this shape and can be any shape or dimensions. The opposite or bottom face of the device includes the nozzle (see outlet  208 ,  FIG.  2 B ) for dispensing the fluid stream onto the tissue (e.g., skin), which is positioned closer towards the second end  114  or wider end of the device. In embodiments, the device includes an external skin  120  that includes include a soft flexible material, such as a silicon material. The external skin  120  includes a trigger cover  140  that covers the device activation trigger in the housing beneath (see  FIG.  2 A ). 
     A power source is electrically coupled to the circuit board of the fluid delivery device  100 . In embodiments, the power source is a replaceable battery with a battery connector. In other embodiments, the power source may be anything that is configured to supply power to the device. For example, the power source may be a rechargeable battery or a cord extending from the end of the fluid delivery device and configured to plug into an outlet or power source. The power source may be replaceable by a user. 
     The fluid delivery device  100  includes a cartridge door  108  with a viewing aperture  126  for viewing the type of fluid cartridge  122  within. The fluid cartridge  122  is also referred to as a fluid containing cartridge herein. The fluid cartridge  122  (or fluid containing cartridge) is removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir  128  of the fluid delivery device  100 . The fluid cartridge  122  may be optionally marked or color coded for simple viewing and identification through the viewing aperture  126  of the cartridge door  108  by a user even when the fluid cartridge  122  is fully seated in the fluid delivery device  100 . The cartridge door  108  optionally includes a recess  110  configured for lifting and opening the cartridge door  108 . Once opened, the cartridge door  108  extends from a first extendable hinge  130  and a second extendable hinge  132 . The fluid cartridge  122  is removably receivable with the cartridge reservoir  128  within the body  124  (or housing  210 ) of the fluid delivery device. 
     The fluid cartridge  122  includes a fluid cavity  702  (i.e., a liquid, as shown in  FIG.  7 A ) to be introduced into the device and to subsequently flow downstream to the piezoelectric transducer  552 , described in further detail below. The fluid cartridge  122  may contain one type of fluid or multiple types of fluid separated by a variety of mechanisms, such as physical barriers or immiscible barriers (for example an oil phase). While the fluid cartridge  122  is illustrated as having a cylindrical shape, any shape capable of retaining fluid can be used, such as a flexible pouch or a cuboidal structure. Additionally, the fluid cartridge  122  can be made of any material capable of retaining fluid, for example rigid or flexible plastic or glass. In the illustrated embodiment, the fluid cartridge  122  also has a sealed port  704  ( FIG.  7 A ) at a distal or downstream end that prevents fluid (e.g., a liquid) flow from the cartridge  122  until insertion into the device. For example, the sealed port  704  can have a rubber, metal (e.g., aluminum), or plastic seal that is punctured or otherwise broken by the releasing structure or fluid releaser  568  upon insertion, which is described in further detail below. Once punctured to release liquid from the fluid cavity  702 , the liquid flows directly onto the piezoelectric transducer  552 , which turns the liquid to tiny droplets, described in further detail below. 
       FIG.  2 A  is a perspective view of the fluid delivery device  200  without an external skin and without a fluid cartridge, and  FIG.  2 B  is a bottom perspective view of the fluid delivery device  200  showing the bottom plate  202  (or skin facing surface). Without the fluid cartridge, the cartridge door  108  with a viewing aperture  126  is closed. The fluid delivery device  200  includes a housing  210  can be made of any rigid material, such as plastic or metal. The bottom face of the device (see  FIG.  2 B ) or the bottom plate  202  of the device is slightly curved, although the shape is not limited to such a curved shape and includes the outlet  208  of the piezoelectric transducer  552 . The bottom plate  202  (or skin-facing surface) further includes a pump inlet  450  and a pump outlet  454 , which are described below. 
     The housing  210  includes an actuator  212  on a side surface approximately half-way between the upper housing and lower housing and in a position that is easily accessible and triggerable by a user&#39;s thumb when held in the palm of the hand. However, the actuator  212  can be positioned at any location on the fluid delivery device  100 , for example on the upper or lower portions of the housing  210  or on any side surface thereof. Activation of the actuator  212 , by depression for example, is effective to activate the pump  602  of the pump assembly  452  ( FIGS.  4  and  6   ) and the piezoelectric transducer  552  within the housing  210 , while release of the actuator  212  will terminate activation of the pump  602  of the pump assembly  452  and the piezoelectric transducer  552 . In other embodiments, a first depression of the actuator  212  activates the pump  602  and the piezoelectric transducer  552 , and a second depression of the actuator  212  terminates activation of the pump  602  and the piezoelectric transducer  552 . While the illustrated actuator  212  activates the pump  602  and the piezoelectric transducer  552 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that activation of the actuator  212  may cause a variety of different functions and/or processes of the device to activate. For example, activation of the actuator  212  can cause activation of the pump  602  and/or the piezoelectric transducer  552  at selectable pump-speeds and/or frequencies of vibration and voltages, respectively. The illustrated actuator  212  includes a switch electrically coupled to a circuit board  444  within the housing  210  (as seen in  FIG.  4   ). However, the actuator  212  may be any type of switch capable of being electrically coupled to the circuit board  444 , such as a dial, a slide, a lever, a knob, a button, a touch screen, or a touch panel. The actuator  212  can also be activated or deactivated by any type of sensor, such as a distance sensor or a pressure sensor that can be automatically activating if the device is within a certain distance or pressed against a barrier (for example a user&#39;s skin). 
       FIG.  3 A  is a perspective view of a fluid delivery device  300  with a seated fluid cartridge  122  and a closed cartridge door  108 , and  FIG.  3 B  is a side view of the fluid delivery device  300  with an open cartridge door  108  and partially seated fluid cartridge  122 .  FIGS.  3 C and  3 D  are perspective views of the fluid delivery device  300  of  FIG.  3 B  without the fluid cartridge  122 . The fluid delivery device  300  includes an upper housing assembly  308  and a lower housing assembly  304 , which are described in further detail below. 
       FIG.  4    is an exploded view of a fluid delivery device  400 . The fluid delivery device  400  includes a lower housing assembly  304  and an upper housing assembly  308 . The upper housing assembly  308  is secured to the lower housing assembly  304  with a plurality of fasteners  440 , such as screws. The battery assembly  446  is coupled to the printed circuit board  444  coupled to the chip-LED flex circuit assembly  442 . The button actuator  448  forming the actuator  212  is coupled to the printed circuit board  444 . A bucket ring  460  is arranged on the cartridge bucket  556  (see  FIG.  5   ). 
     The pump assembly  452  is placed in the lower housing assembly  304  adjacent to the piezoelectric transducer  552  (see  FIG.  5   ). The pump assembly  452  is in the form of a housing having an inner cavity formed therein. The pump assembly  452  includes a pump inlet  450  and a pump outlet  454  that are in fluid communication with the cavity in the pump assembly  452 , and that are positioned to influence the flow of fluid droplets from the piezoelectric transducer  552  ( FIG.  5   ) and the outlet of the lower housing assembly (see outlet  208  in  FIG.  2 B ). In particular, the illustrated pump inlet  450  and pump outlet  454  are positioned a distance apart from one another and have central axes that extend substantially parallel to one another. The pump inlet and pump outlet  450 ,  454  each extend from the pump into the path of fluid flow exiting from the outlet  208  in the lower housing assembly (see  FIGS.  2 B and  6   ). The pump inlet and pump outlet  450 ,  454  together form an angle that is less than 90° with an axis of the outlet  208 , as illustrated in  FIG.  6   . In various embodiments, the angle between the pump inlet and pump outlet  450 ,  454  and the axis of the outlet  208  can vary, for example between approximately 60° and approximately 90°, as long as the pump inlet and pump outlet  208  can influence the flow of fluid droplets from the piezoelectric transducer  552  and the outlet  208 . An angle between the pump inlet and pump outlet  450 ,  454  and the axis of the outlet  208  at any of 60°, 65°, 70°, 75°, 80°, 85°, and 90° is contemplated herein. 
     The configuration of the pump inlet and pump outlet  450 ,  454  can vary. In the illustrated embodiments, the pump inlet  450  is shaped as a cylindrical channel. In some embodiments, the pump inlet  450  has an inner diameter that is approximately 0.1 millimeters (mm) to approximately 10 centimeters (cm). For example, the diameter can be approximately 1.5 mm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the pump inlet  450  can be sized and/or shaped in any form necessary to operate with the pump and draw in fluid droplets. The illustrated pump outlet  454  is also shaped as a cylindrical channel, and the pump outlet  454  can likewise have a diameter that varies. In one or more embodiments, the diameter can be approximately 0.1 mm to approximately 10 cm. For example, the diameter can be approximately 1.5 mm. As with the pump inlet  450 , the pump outlet  454  may vary in size and/or shape depending on the pump and the amount of fluid to be expelled. 
     The pump can also have a variety of configurations to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough. In some embodiments, the pump is a pneumatic diaphragm pump. In use, fluid droplets are accelerated within the pump. Altering a pump speed and/or a pressure can influence the speed and/or size and/or expulsion direction of the fluid droplets. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the pump may be any pump capable of reducing the size of fluid droplets and/or influencing the flow of fluid droplets from the piezoelectric transducer  552  and/or the outlet  208  of the housing, such as a rotary vane pump or a positive displacement pump. 
     As indicated above, in use the pump expels fluid droplets from the pump outlet  454 . The direction and/or force of expulsion of the fluid droplets may be varied, for example by varying the pump speed and/or pump pressure. The fluid droplets will flow back into the spray output flowing from the outlet  208  in the housing, and the fluid spray output will pass through the tissue of the patient or into cells for delivery or transfection of molecules. The fluid may include any fluid with any active agent and molecular weight. The combination of the piezoelectric transducer  552  and the pump assembly  452  are effective to create a mist or stream of fluid having a size that will pass into tissue to a depth of, for example, 1 cm or deeper. As a result, fluid having an active agent with a higher molecular weight can be utilized and will still penetrate into the tissue. In some embodiments, the fluid includes an active agent with a molecular weight of about 500 Daltons or greater. The molecular weight of the active agent in the fluid may also be between about 500 Daltons and about 800 Daltons. The molecular weight may also be greater than 800 Daltons or less than 500 Daltons. After passing through the device, the resulting fluid droplets will be in the sub-micron range and can penetrate through skin pores (approximately 3 micrometers). A velocity and a width of a flow stream of the fluid droplets after expulsion may vary depending on the fluid used and the piezoelectric transducer  552  and the pump  452  and the size of the outlet  208 , which can vary from about 0.1 to 5 cm in diameter. But the velocity may be, for example, 0.1 to 0.2 liters/sec, and the width of the spray output may be for example about 1 cm. 
     The fluid in the fluid containing cartridge is one or more of a liquid, a gas (e.g., air), oil, or a combination thereof. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid is a medicament used for treating wounds. For example, the fluid can be any antibiotic, for example an antibiotic to treat a skin and soft tissue infection such as ceftaroline. The functionality of the fluid, such as an antibiotic like ceftaroline, can be maintained as the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets and passed through the tissue of the patient. Additionally, while the device can be used for a variety of transdermal delivery purposes, such as to treat skin and soft tissue infections, one skilled in the art will appreciate that fluid may be delivered to internal body tissue, e.g., via open surgical techniques, endoscopic techniques, or laparoscopic techniques. In other embodiments the device can be configured to delivery fluid intranasally. In various embodiments, the fluid can be a vaporized fluid configured for at least one of inhalation, oral delivery, ocular delivery, intra-aural delivery, rectal delivery, and vaginal delivery. The vaporized fluid can be configured for at least one of delivery into ears or eyes. The vaporized fluid can be delivered onto a plate, well, or other surface containing cells and/or cell layers and/or tissue layers and/or plant cell layers for delivery. 
     The fluid can include a cosmetically acceptable topical carrier. For example, the cosmetically acceptable topical carrier can include an ingredient selected from one or more of the following five classes: wetting agents, emulsifiers, emollients, humectants, and fragrances. In certain embodiments, the cosmetically acceptable topical carrier includes ingredients from two or more of the above-mentioned classes, such as ingredients from at least three or more of such classes. In some embodiments, the cosmetically acceptable topical carrier includes water, an emulsifier, and an emollient. Cosmetically acceptable topical carriers can also be solutions, suspensions, emulsions such as microemulsions and nanoemulsions, gels, solids and liposomes. 
     In some embodiments, the fluid can include an oil-water emulsion. The fluid can also include at least one of a DNA, protein, virus, phage, bacteria, RNA, mRNA, miRNA, aptamer, stabilized RNA, iRNA, siRNA, and a plasmid. The device and the fluid can also be configured to be used in CRISPR operations and/or applications, such as in gene editing and/or gene delivery. 
     In other embodiments, the active agent of the fluid is a skin care agent. Non-limiting examples of skin care agents include peeling agents (e.g., hydroxy acids, such as glycolic acid and lactic acid), anti-aging agents (e.g., collagen, hyaluronic acid, and retinoids), abrasives, absorbents, aesthetic components such as fragrances, pigments, colors/dyes, essential oils, skin fresheners, astringents, anti-acne agents, anti-caking agents, anti-foaming agents, antimicrobial agents, antioxidants, binders, biological additives, buffering agents, volumetric agents, chelating agents, chemical additives, dyes, cosmetic astringents, cosmetic biocides, denaturing agents, drug astringents, external analgesics, film-forming or materials, opacity agents, pH adjusters, propellants, reducing agents, sequestrants, bleaching agents and lightening agents of the skin (for example, hydroquinone, kojic acid, ascorbic acid, magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, ascorbyl glucosamine), skin conditioning agents, skin treatment agents, thickeners and vitamins, or any combination thereof. 
       FIG.  5    is an exploded view of the lower housing assembly of a fluid delivery device  500 . The fluid delivery device  500  includes a lower housing assembly  304  with a coil assembly  564  that is part of the inductive (or wireless) charger. The induction coil of the coil assembly  564  is charged when the device/coil is in proximity to a matching charged coil. The piezoelectric transducer  552  is sealed in the lower housing assembly  304  between a lower seal  550  and an upper seal  554 , which is an o-ring. The cartridge bucket  556  is coupled to the piezoelectric transducer  552 , with the upper seal  554  therebetween. The cartridge gasket  558  is seated in the cartridge bucket  556 . A gasket clamp is coupled to the cartridge gasket  558  and secured to the cartridge bucket  556  with fasteners  562 , e.g., a plurality of screws. 
       FIG.  7 A  is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device with a partially seated fluid cartridge  122 , and  FIG.  7 B  is a cross-sectional side view of a fluid delivery device with a fully seated fluid cartridge  122 . The cartridge reservoir  128  is in the housing  210  of the device. The fluid cartridge  122  (or fluid containing cartridge) is removably receivable in the cartridge reservoir  128 . Once the fluid cartridge  122  is fully engaged in the cartridge reservoir  128 , the cartridge door  108  may be closed ( FIG.  7 B ). The cartridge gasket  558  protrudes into an interior of the cartridge reservoir  128  to engage and align the fluid cartridge  122  in the cartridge reservoir  128  (see also,  FIG.  12   ). The cartridge gasket  558  is disposed in the cartridge reservoir  128  in a position to engage with the fluid cartridge  122 . The cartridge gasket  558  includes at least one biasing portion that is flexible in an insertion direction  708  of the fluid cartridge  122  when the fluid cartridge  122  is received in the cartridge reservoir  128 . The biasing portion of the cartridge gasket  558  that contacts and engages the fluid cartridge  122  provides resistance so that the fluid cartridge  122  does not fall out of the housing  210 , even when the cartridge door is open. The cartridge gasket  558  also facilitates air flow when the fluid cartridge  122  is received in the cartridge reservoir  128  and mitigates flow of liquid from the fluid cavity  702  from the fluid cartridge  122 . The cartridge gasket  558  allows displaced air to escape from the distal end (downstream end) of the cartridge reservoir  128  as the fluid cartridge  122  is inserted in the cartridge reservoir  128 . The displaced air from the cartridge reservoir  128  moves upstream through the cartridge reservoir  128  and through the slits  904  in the cartridge gasket  558  (see  FIGS.  9  and  12   ) and out of the housing  210 . The at least one biasing portion of the cartridge gasket  558  facilitates air flow from the cartridge reservoir  128  while flexing in the insertion direction (see  FIG.  7 C ). Flow of fluid (e.g., liquid) from the distal (downstream end) of fluid cartridge  122  is mitigated once the fluid releaser  568  releases liquid from the fluid cartridge  122 . Although fluid naturally flows via gravity to the piezoelectric transducer  552 , if the fluid delivery device is inverted, liquid from the fluid cartridge  122  may flow upstream and out of the device, which would be wasteful and messy. The cartridge gasket  558  provides a barrier that mitigates such undesired upstream liquid flow. 
     The piezoelectric transducer  552  is located downstream of the fluid cartridge  122  and upstream of the outlet  208  in the housing  210 . The piezoelectric transducer  552  is in fluid communication with the liquid that flows from the fluid cavity  702  of the fluid cartridge  122  once punctured by the fluid releaser  568  such that liquid from the fluid cavity  702  from the fluid cartridge flows to the piezoelectric transducer  552  by gravitational forces or by any other method capable of causing fluid flow, such as through use of a pump, capillary action, electromagnetic forces, vacuum suction, electrophoresis, a wick, or electro-osmotic flow. Upon contact, the piezoelectric transducer  552  is configured to cause the liquid to separate into fluid droplets in the form of an aerosol mist of liquid particles. The fluid droplets may collide with and separate from one another within the piezoelectric transducer  552 , further reducing droplet size. Upon expulsion from the piezoelectric transducer  552 , the fluid droplets will flow in a transitional flow regime (between laminar and turbulent flow) or a turbulent flow regime that may cause rapid droplet coalescence and/or further droplet breakup, depending on a variety of factors such as the liquid, any exit conditions, a direction of spray, and the frequency of vibration with which the liquid droplets are generated in the piezoelectric transducer  552 . A laminar flow regime is a flow regime characterized by flows in parallel layers with no disruption between the layers, and a turbulent flow regime is a flow regime characterized by chaotic property changes. While the device is described in connection with a piezoelectric transducer  552 , one skilled in the art will appreciate that any component may be used that is configured to cause separation of the fluid into droplets to create an aerosol mist, such as a metal, ceramic, or conductive diaphragm. 
     The piezoelectric transducer  552  is provided downstream from the cartridge reservoir  128  and fluid cartridge  122  and upstream from the outlet  208 . The piezoelectric transducer  552  is coupled to the cartridge reservoir  128  by an upper seal  554 . The piezoelectric transducer  552  has a piezo plate  111 , shown in more detail in  FIG.  11   , that is capable of being vibrated and/or oscillated at ultrasonic frequencies to drive the separation of the liquid into droplets and to produce an aerosol mist of liquid particles from the liquid. The piezoelectric transducer  552  can be manufactured, for example, by Homidics. However other transducers can be used. 
     The piezoelectric transducer  552  is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board  444  (see  FIG.  4   ) and may be activated upon activation of the actuator  212  (see  FIG.  3 B ). A frequency of vibration of the piezo plate  111  may be varied to cause greater separation or less separation of the liquid, as well as the flow rate. The frequency of vibration of the piezo plate  111  can vary between 1 kHz and 10 mHz, for example. A voltage applied to the piezoelectric transducer  552  may also be varied. While the voltage can vary depending on the piezoelectric transducer  552 , the voltage may be between −30 and 30 V, for example. The frequency of vibration and/or voltage may be varied manually or automatically. 
     The piezoelectric transducer  552  expels fluid droplets from the piezo plate  111  and through the outlet  208 . A volume of streams of the liquid droplets generated by the piezoelectric transducer  552  will vary depending on the fluid and the piezoelectric transducer. For example, the streams may be microstreams with volumes ranging from approximately 1 microliters (μl) to approximately 10 milliliters (ml). 
     Upon expulsion from the housing  210 , the liquid droplets may interact with a pump  602  or a similar component that provides the ability to pressurize and/or break up the fluid droplets by putting the droplets into a transitional flow regime or into a turbulent flow regime. The pump  602  can be placed within the housing  210  of the device as shown. However, the pump  602  may be placed anywhere as long as it can interact with the liquid droplets. The pump  602  has a pump inlet  450  and a pump outlet  454  (see  FIG.  4   ). The pump  602  inlet may be positioned to interact with the liquid flowing from the outlet  208  in the housing  210 . The pump inlet  450  may draw the fluid droplets into the pump  602 . An amount of the liquid in a range of about 10-90% of the liquid can be drawn into the pump  602 , and the force of the pump  602  can accelerate the aerosol that is not drawn into it directly via the exhaust stream. The liquid droplets can be accelerated through a pumping action of the pump  602  and/or an exhaust stream of the pump  602 . The pump  602  can further increase acceleration and reduce the size of the liquid droplets by, for example, drawing droplets through the fluid path of the pump  602  and by, for example, exhaust of the pump. For example, the liquid droplets within the pump  602  can be accelerated to a greater speed and may continue to collide with one another, further reducing droplet size. The pump  602  can then expel the fluid droplets through the pump outlet  454 . The pump outlet  454  can be positioned such that the expelled fluid droplets from the pump  602  interact with the fluid droplets expelled from the outlet  208  of the housing  210 . The two expelled fluid droplet streams can influence, collide, cross, interact, and/or disrupt each other. This interaction can cause the liquid droplets to further reduce in size and give them more velocity. This interaction can also generate a transitional flow that has properties of both a laminar flow and a turbulent flow. The liquid droplets can accelerate away from the pump  602  and impact tissue of a user or a membrane of a cell. This impact can also further reduce droplet size. As a result, the liquid droplets are capable of passing through the tissue, such as skin. The liquid droplets can retain their native function as they pass through the tissue, thus administering the functional liquid droplets deep within a patient&#39;s tissue. Using both the piezoelectric transducer  552  and the pump  602  in combination can allow the liquid droplets to be significantly reduced in size, for example by a factor of about 10 or more, and accelerated at a high speed as the liquid droplets impact the tissue. 
       FIGS.  8 A- 8 E  show various views of the cartridge bucket  556  (also referred to as a gasket bucket) of a fluid delivery device. The cartridge bucket  556  includes a gasket seating surface  812  where the cartridge gasket  558  is seated and housed. The cartridge bucket  556  optionally includes a plurality of fastener openings  814  for securing the cartridge bucket  556  to the cartridge gasket  558 , cartridge gasket clamp  560  and lower housing assembly  304 . The cartridge bucket  556  includes a cavity  818  that forms the bottom, downstream portion (also referred to as first portion or distal portion or end) of the cartridge reservoir  128 . 
     As is briefly discussed above, the cavity  818  includes the fluid releaser  568  located at a distal (downstream) end of the cartridge reservoir  128 , which would be located beneath the cartridge gasket  558  when seated on the gasket seating surface  812 . The fluid releaser  568  is configured to puncture a sealed port  704  of the fluid cartridge  122  to release the liquid from the fluid cavity  702  of the fluid cartridge  122 . The fluid releaser  568  extends from a first surface (upstream surface) of a cylinder  604  with a diameter less than a diameter of the cartridge reservoir  128 . According to one or more embodiments, the fluid releaser  568  includes a sharp needle or piercer that is positioned in the cartridge reservoir  128  to release a fluid from the fluid cartridge  122  when the fluid cartridge  122  is received in the cartridge reservoir  128 . 
     The cylinder  604  includes a plurality of spokes  806  that extend from a second surface of the cylinder (see  FIG.  8 D ) opposite the first surface and to an inside surface of the cartridge reservoir  128 . The plurality of spokes  806  are configured to be a seating surface for the fluid cartridge  122  when fully engaged in the cartridge reservoir  128 . While the cylinder  604  shown includes 5 spokes, the cylinder  604  may include any number of spokes  806 . For example, the cylinder  604  includes at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 spokes. In some embodiments, the cylinder  604  includes about 3 to about 7 spokes  806 . In other embodiments, the cylinder  604  includes about 4 to about 6 spokes  806 . The second surface of the cylinder  604  includes at least one cavity  810  between two spokes  806 , which is configured to reduce surface tension and facilitate fluid flow from the liquid the fluid cavity  702  of the fluid cartridge  122  once engaged in the cartridge reservoir  128 . In embodiments, the cylinder  604  includes two cavities  810 , or more than two cavities  810 . 
     In some embodiments, the fluid releaser  568  is part of a fluid releasing assembly  606  disposed at a distal end of the cartridge reservoir  128 . The fluid releasing assembly  606  includes a fluid releaser  568  positioned in the cartridge reservoir  128  to release a fluid from the fluid cartridge  122  when the fluid cartridge  122  is received in the cartridge reservoir  128 . The fluid releasing assembly  606  further includes a fluid releasing port positioned to receive a fluid from the fluid containing cartridge  122  when said fluid is released from the fluid cartridge  122 . In some embodiments, the fluid releaser  568  and the fluid releasing port (e.g., the cylinder  604 ) are of unitary construction with each other. In embodiments, the fluid releasing port is the cylinder  604 . The fluid releasing port is positioned to receive a fluid from the fluid cartridge  122  via gravity. The fluid releaser  568  extends from a perimetric wall of the fluid releasing port (e.g., cylinder  604 ). In some embodiments, the fluid releasing port includes at least one cut out in at least one wall defining the fluid releasing port (see cavity  810  in cylinder  604 ). 
       FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a cartridge gasket  558  of the fluid delivery device. The cartridge gasket  558  is formed of a flexible material, such as a polymeric material. In one or more embodiments, the polymeric material is a rubber, such as ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) rubber, a polysiloxane (silicone), or a combination thereof. The cartridge gasket  558  is formed of a flexible material that flexes, bends, or deforms in the direction of insertion of the fluid cartridge  122  and returns to its resting, non-flexed, non-bent, or non-deformed state when the fluid cartridge is removed (see  FIG.  7 C ). 
     The cartridge gasket  558  includes an opening  902  that is surrounded by a plurality of slits  904 , forming a plurality of petals  910  between the slits  904 . The cartridge gasket shown includes 8 slits  904  as shown but does not require 8 slits. In one or more embodiments, the cartridge gasket  558  includes at least 1 slit  904 , which forms  2  petals  910 . In other embodiments, the cartridge gasket  558  includes at least 2 slits, at least 3 slits, at least 4 slits, at least 5 slits, at least 6 slits, at least 8 slits, at least 9 slits, at least 10 slits, or more than 10 slits. In some embodiments, the cartridge gasket  558  includes about 1 to about 20 slits  904 . In other embodiments, the cartridge gasket  558  includes about 5 to about 15 slits. The cartridge gasket  558  further, optionally, includes a plurality of openings  908  through which fasteners, e.g., screws, can be used to secure the cartridge gasket  558  to the cartridge bucket  556 . 
     When seated in the cartridge bucket  556 , a portion of the cartridge gasket  558  protrudes into an interior of the cartridge reservoir (see  FIG.  12   ). The portion that protrudes into the interior of the cartridge reservoir  128  includes the one or more slits  904 . When a fluid cartridge  122  is engaged in the cartridge reservoir  128 , the cartridge gasket  558  applies a radial pressure to the fluid cartridge (see  FIGS.  7 B and  12   ). The gasket is configured to engage and align the fluid cartridge  122  in the cartridge reservoir  128 . The gasket flexes in an insertion direction (or downstream direction  201 ) of the fluid cartridge  122  when the fluid cartridge  122  is engaged in the cartridge reservoir  128  (see  FIG.  12   ). 
       FIGS.  10 A- 10 D  show various views of a cartridge gasket clamp  560  of a fluid delivery device. The cartridge gasket clamp  560  is coupled to the cartridge gasket  558  (see  FIG.  7 A ). The bottom surface  103  has a shape that is substantially the same as the cartridge gasket  558 . In other embodiments, the bottom surface  103  of the cartridge gasket claim  560  has a shape that is different than the cartridge gasket  558 . The cartridge gasket clamp  560  includes walls  101  that extend from the bottom surface  103  that surround a cavity  107  that forms a second portion (an upstream portion) of the cartridge reservoir  128 . When combined, the cartridge bucket  556  and the cartridge gasket clamp  560 , with the cartridge gasket  558  therebetween, form the cavity that forms the cartridge reservoir  128 . The cartridge gasket clamp  560  further includes fastener alignment seats  105  and openings  109  therein, through which fasteners (e.g., screws) can be used to couple or secure the cartridge gasket clamp  560  to the cartridge gasket  558  and the cartridge bucket  556 . 
     According to one or more embodiments, a method of making a fluid delivery device includes arranging a gasket in a cartridge reservoir of a housing. The cartridge reservoir is formed by coupling the cartridge basket to the cartridge clamp, with the cartridge gasket therebetween, and arranging the gasket in the cartridge reservoir includes disposing the gasket in a gasket bucket to house the gasket, and the gasket bucket includes a cavity that forms a first portion of the cartridge reservoir. Arranging the gasket in the cartridge reservoir further includes positioning a gasket clamp on the gasket once disposed in the gasket bucket, and the gasket clamp includes a cavity that forms a second portion of the cartridge reservoir. The gasket protrudes into an interior of the cartridge reservoir and is configured to engage and align a fluid cartridge in the cartridge reservoir. The gasket is further configured to flex in an insertion direction of the fluid cartridge when the fluid cartridge is engaged in the cartridge reservoir. The gasket facilitates air flow and mitigates liquid flow when the fluid cartridge is in engaged in the cartridge reservoir. 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are described herein with reference to the related drawings. Alternative embodiments can be devised without departing from the scope of this invention. Although various connections and positional relationships (e.g., over, below, adjacent, etc.) are set forth between elements in the following description and in the drawings, persons skilled in the art will recognize that many of the positional relationships described herein are orientation-independent when the described functionality is maintained even though the orientation is changed. These connections and/or positional relationships, unless specified otherwise, can be direct or indirect, and the present invention is not intended to be limiting in this respect. Accordingly, a coupling of entities can refer to either a direct or an indirect coupling, and a positional relationship between entities can be a direct or indirect positional relationship. As an example of an indirect positional relationship, references in the present description to forming layer “A” over layer “B” include situations in which one or more intermediate layers (e.g., layer “C”) is between layer “A” and layer “B” as long as the relevant characteristics and functionalities of layer “A” and layer “B” are not substantially changed by the intermediate layer(s). 
     The following definitions and abbreviations are to be used for the interpretation of the claims and the specification. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains” or “containing,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a composition, a mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but can include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process, method, article, or apparatus. 
     Additionally, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance or illustration.” Any embodiment or design described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs. The terms “at least one” and “one or more” are understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to one, i.e. one, two, three, four, etc. The terms “a plurality” are understood to include any integer number greater than or equal to two, i.e. two, three, four, five, etc. The term “connection” can include an indirect “connection” and a direct “connection.” 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described can include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     For purposes of the description hereinafter, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the described structures and methods, as oriented in the drawing figures. The terms “overlying,” “atop,” “on top,” “positioned on” or “positioned atop” mean that a first element, such as a first structure, is present on a second element, such as a second structure, wherein intervening elements such as an interface structure can be present between the first element and the second element. The term “direct contact” means that a first element, such as a first structure, and a second element, such as a second structure, are connected without any intermediary conducting, insulating or semiconductor layers at the interface of the two elements. 
     The terms “about,” “substantially,” “approximately,” and variations thereof, are intended to include the degree of error associated with measurement of the particular quantity based upon the equipment available at the time of filing the application. For example, “about” can include a range of ±8% or 5%, or 2% of a given value. 
     The corresponding structures, materials, acts, and equivalents of all means or step plus function elements in the claims below are intended to include any structure, material, or act for performing the function in combination with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The description of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, but is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the invention in the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and the practical application, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. 
     While the preferred embodiments to the invention have been described, it will be understood that those skilled in the art, both now and in the future, may make various improvements and enhancements which fall within the scope of the claims which follow. These claims should be construed to maintain the proper protection for the invention first described.