Patent Publication Number: US-2016228643-A1

Title: Syringe augmentation device systems and methods

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/113,713, titled “SYRINGE AUGMENTATION DEVICE SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” filed Feb. 9, 2015 and which is fully incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The presently disclosed subject matter relates generally to systems and methods for a syringe augmentation device, particularly systems and methods for using an ergonomic syringe augmentation device with disposable syringes. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Syringes are commonly used to administer injections, insert intravenous drugs into the bloodstream, apply compounds (e.g., glue, lubricants, caulking), and measure liquids. To reduce costs, particularly in the increasingly expensive healthcare field, reusable syringes are often used. One drawback of reusable syringes is that they require extensive cleaning to remove all biological and chemical contaminates prior to subsequent use. Improper cleaning can lead to serious complications in healthcare applications and inferior results in a laboratory environment. Creating a cleaning procedure, executing the procedure, and ensuring quality control can be very timely and expensive. 
     Sterile disposable syringes provide an alternative to reusable syringes without the associated cleaning expenses. While sterile disposable syringes can perform some of the same functions as traditional syringes and reusable syringes, they may have limitations. For example, sterile disposable syringes can be imprecise in repetitive applications, which could lead to complications and inferior results. They are also prone to produce fatigue in the hand after repeated operation, leading to costly work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Further, it may be difficult to control the pressure applied to disposable syringes during use, as conventional disposable syringes typically are constructed from less expensive parts and provide no visible pressure feedback. 
     Accordingly, there is a need for improved systems and methods to address the above mentioned deficiencies. Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to these and other considerations. 
     SUMMARY 
     Briefly described, embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter relate to a syringe augmentation device and methods for using the same. Specifically, the syringe augmentation device may be adapted for use with one or more disposable syringes. In some embodiments, the syringe augmentation device may include a handle body having a front member and a back member and be configured for grasping and squeezing by an operator. At the top of the handle body, the syringe augmentation device may also include a syringe injector. The syringe injector may be configured to drive a ratchet shaft. The ratchet shaft may be connected to an actuating horn at one end and be configured to have its opposite, distal end extend, at least partially, through an opening in the syringe injector. The ratchet shaft may adjustably attach to the top of the back member and be configured to be ratcheted as the back member is squeezed towards the front member. 
     The syringe augmentation device may also include an attachment body configured to at least partially enclose the syringe injector. The attachment body may house a compression sleeve configured to receive a disposable syringe. When sitting in the compression sleeve, the actuating horn may abut a plunger of the syringe. In this configuration, as an operator squeezes the handle body, thereby forcing the front and back members towards one another, the back member may drive the ratchet shaft through the syringe injector. In turn, the ratchet shaft may pull the actuating horn forward against the syringe&#39;s plunger, causing the syringe to compress. 
     In some embodiments, the actuating horn may be a feedback actuating horn having a spring-loaded plunger, one or more pressure sensors, one or more feedback indicators, and a controller in communication with the sensors and indicators. The plunger may extend from the actuating horn to contact and compress the syringe as the handle body is squeezed. To monitor pressure as the syringe is compressed, the pressure sensors may measure the pressure applied to the plunger, and the controller may determine when the measured pressure exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds. In response to the determination that the measure pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold, the controller may direct one or more of the indicators to provide one or more of a visual and an auditory feedback signal, thereby providing feedback pressure to a user. 
     In some embodiments, the syringe augmentation device may be adaptable for use complete standard disposable syringes, such as, for example, 30 ml and 50 ml Soft-Ject® or Norm-Ject® disposable syringes. In other embodiments, the syringe augmentation device may include an LED pressure display that shows relative dispensing pressure. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a syringe augmentation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is top view of a syringe augmentation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of a syringe augmentation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 4  is a rear view of a syringe augmentation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded view of a syringe augmentation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 6  is an isometric view of a syringe augmentation device having pressure feedback indicators in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 7  is top view of a syringe augmentation device having pressure feedback indicators in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is a side view of a syringe augmentation device having pressure feedback indicators in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 9  is a rear left isometric view of a syringe augmentation device with a cross-sectional view of a feedback actuating horn of the device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 10  is a rear right isometric view of a syringe augmentation device with a cross-sectional view of a feedback actuating horn of the device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 11  is a flowchart of a method for augmenting a syringe with a syringe augmentation device in accordance with some embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, it has been contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other present or future technologies. 
     It should also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. References to a composition containing “a” constituent is intended to include other constituents in addition to the one named. Also, in describing the preferred embodiments, terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. It is intended that each term contemplates its broadest meaning as understood by those skilled in the art and includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose. 
     Herein, the use of terms such as “having,” “has,” “including,” or “includes” are open-ended and are intended to have the same meaning as terms such as “comprising” or “comprises” and not preclude the presence of other structure, material, or acts. Similarly, though the use of terms such as “can” or “may” is intended to be open-ended and to reflect that structure, material, or acts are not necessary, the failure to use such terms is not intended to reflect that structure, material, or acts are essential. To the extent that structure, material, or acts are presently considered to be essential, they are identified as such. 
     It is also to be understood that the mention of one or more method steps does not preclude the presence of additional method steps or intervening method steps between those steps expressly identified. Moreover, although the term “step” may be used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, the term should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps is explicitly required. 
     The components described hereinafter as making up various elements of the disclosure are intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many suitable components that would perform the same or similar functions as the components described herein are intended to be embraced within the scope of the invention. Such other components not described herein can include, but are not limited to, for example, similar components that are developed after development of the presently disclosed subject matter. 
     To facilitate an understanding of the principles and features of the invention, various illustrative embodiments are explained below. In particular, the presently disclosed subject matter is described in the context of being a syringe augmentation device. 
     In some embodiments, the syringe augmentation device may include a handle body having a front member and a back member. The handle body may be configured for grasping and squeezing by an operator. At the top of the handle body, the syringe augmentation device may further include a syringe injector. The syringe injector may partially house a ratchet shaft, which may be attachable at one end to an actuating horn. The ratchet shaft may adjustably attach to the top of the back member and be configured to be ratcheted as the back member is squeezed towards the front member. 
     The syringe augmentation device may also include an attachment body configured to at least partially enclose or attach to the syringe injector. The attachment body may house a compression sleeve configured to receive a disposable syringe. When positioned within the compression sleeve, the actuating horn may abut or contact a syringe plunger of the syringe. In this configuration, as an operator squeezes the handle body, thereby forcing the front and back members towards one another, the back member may drive the ratchet shaft through the syringe injector. In turn, the ratchet shaft may pull the actuating horn forward against the syringe&#39;s plunger, causing the syringe to compress. 
     In some embodiments, the syringe augmentation device may be adaptable for use with 30 ml and 50 ml Soft-Ject® or Norm-Ject® disposable syringes. In other embodiments, the syringe augmentation device may include an LED pressure display that shows relative dispensing pressure. Embodiments of the disclosed tumbler will now be described with respect to the figures. 
       FIG. 1  is an exemplary embodiment of a syringe augmentation device  2 . As shown, the syringe augmentation device  2  may include a handle body  10 , a syringe injector  20 , a ratchet shaft  30 , an actuating horn  40 , and an attachment body  50 . The syringe augmentation device  2  may be configured to augment a disposable syringe  60  (e.g., 30 ml and 50 ml Soft-Ject® or Norm-Ject® disposable syringes). The syringe injector  20  may be attached to a top portion of the handle body  10 , and configured to slidably receive the ratchet shaft  30 . One end of the actuating horn  40  may attach to an end of the ratchet shaft  30 , while the other end may abut against the syringe  60 . Holding the syringe  60  in place, the attachment body  50  may be attachable to the syringe injector  20 , and configured to slidably receive the syringe  60 . 
     The handle body  10  may have a front member  12  and a back member  14 . The bottom of the front member  12  may be pivotally joined to the bottom of the back member  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . For example, in some embodiments, this joint may include a joint pin  16  that slidably extends through holes in both members  12 ,  14 . In other embodiments, one of the members  12 ,  14  may include one or more connectors that insert into holes in the opposing member. In this configuration, the front member  12  and the back member  14  may be configured to slide closer together when squeezed by an operator. In further embodiments, the front and back members  12 ,  14  may be pivotally connected at the top of the handle body  10 . 
     In some embodiments, the handle body  10  may be shaped for an operator&#39;s grip. For example, in one embodiment, the front member  12  may be smooth and slightly curved, as shown in  FIG. 4 , to receive the operator&#39;s fingers. In another embodiment, the front member  12  may have one or more indentations configured to receive the operator&#39;s fingers for improved grip. In some embodiments, the back member  14  may be shaped similarly to the back of a handgun, as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , having a lip that extends outwardly at the top of the back member  14  for placement between the operator&#39;s thumb and index finger. The lip may help prevent the operator&#39;s hand from sliding upwardly into other components of the syringe augmentation device  2 . 
     In some embodiments, the handle body  10  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. For example, in one embodiment, the handle body  10  may be constructed from pressure cast aluminum. The aluminum may advantageously keep the weight of the handle body  10  low, while providing adequate strength to withstand repeated squeezing. In another embodiment, the handle body  10  may be constructed from high temperature plastic, such as polysulfone, peek, torlon, which may provide the desired properties (e.g., strength, weight, etc.). 
     The syringe injector  20  may connect the tops of the front member  12  to the back member  14 , as shown in  FIGS. 1 and 3 . In some embodiments, the syringe injector  20  may be removable from the handle body  10 , and may be configured to readily attach and detach to the handle body  10  via connectors (e.g., bolts, screws, snaps, or other suitable connectors). Shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 , the syringe injector  20  may include a rotatable dial  22 , a driver  24 , and a drum  26 . In some embodiments, the driver  24  may be attachable to the top of the back member  14 , and the drum  26  may be attachable to the top of the front member  12 . The driver  24  and drum  26  may be separated by the dial  22 . 
     The dial  22  may be configured to rotate in a clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction around the ratchet shaft  30  and relative to the drum  26 . In some embodiments, rotating the dial  22  may alter the ratcheting of the ratchet shaft  30  with the syringe injector  20 . For example, rotating the dial  22  in a clockwise direction may incrementally increase the amount at which each squeeze of the handle body  10  ratchets the actuating horn  40  forward. Similarly, rotating the dial  22  in a counter-clockwise direction may incrementally decrease the amount at which each squeeze of the handle body  10  ratchets the actuating horn  40  forward. The dial  22  may be shaped as a hollow ring of a diameter that matches the diameter of the drum  26 . In other embodiments, the dial  22  may be sized to have a larger diameter than the drum  26 , and may at least partially cover the drum  26 . It is contemplated that the dial  22  may take on any shape as needed to fit with other components of the syringe augmentation device  2 . The dial  22  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. 
     In some embodiments, the driver  24  may be attachable to the dial  22  and/or the drum  26 , and configured to ratchet the ratchet shaft  30 , thereby driving the actuating horn  40  forward. In one exemplary embodiment, the dial  22  may adjust how the driver  24  ratchets the ratchet shaft  30 . The driver  24  may be adjustable in size and/or shape. In other embodiments, the driver  24  may be fixed in size and/or shape. The driver  24  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. For example, in some embodiments, the driver  24  may be constructed using stainless steel. 
     The drum  26  may be configured to house the dial  22  and the driver  24 , and allow the ratchet shaft  30  to pass through it. In some embodiments, the drum  26  may form a hollow cylinder. It is contemplated, however, that the drum  26  may take on a variety of shapes as desired to fit with other components of the syringe augmentation device  2 . The drum  26  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. In some embodiments, the drum  26  may be constructed using the same material as the handle body  10 . 
     Partially disposed within the syringe injector  20 , the ratchet shaft  30  may be attachable to a bottom end of the actuating horn  40 . It is contemplated that the ratchet shaft  30  may be permanently connected to the actuating horn  40 . Opposite the actuating horn  40 , the ratchet shaft  30  may extend, at least partially, through the syringe injector  20 . In some embodiments, the ratchet shaft  30  may include a plurality of teeth  32 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . For example, in one embodiment, the bottom side of the ratchet shaft  30  may include the teeth  32 . In other embodiments, however, the teeth  32  may be located on other or on multiple sides of the ratchet shaft  30 . 
     In some embodiments, the dial  22  may adjust the number of teeth  32  that are ratcheted forward with each squeeze of the handle body  10 . Following rotation of the dial  22 , the driver  24  may adjust its attachment point(s) with the ratchet shaft  30  accordingly to change the number of teeth  32  that are ratcheted forward. There may be minimum and maximum settings of the number of teeth  32  that can be ratcheted per squeeze of the handle body  10 . For example, the maximum setting may be predetermined to prevent the syringe  60  from being augmented too quickly. 
     In some embodiments, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 , the actuating horn  40  may include a hammer  42 , a hole  44 , and a plug  46 . At the upper end of the actuating horn  40 , the hammer  42  may be configured to push against the syringe  60 . At the lower end of the actuating horn  40 , the hole  44  may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the ratchet shaft  30 . On the back side of the lower end of the actuating horn  40 , the plug  46  may be configured to seal hole  44 . 
     The actuating horn  40  may be U-shaped, as shown in  FIG. 3 , in some embodiments. The longer the lower arm of the U-shaped actuating horn  40 , the shorter the ratchet shaft  30  can be. In other embodiments, the actuating horn  40  may take on other shapes, such as a V-shape, C-shape, or half of a U-shape (e.g., without a second arm extending outwardly). The actuating horn  40  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. For example, in some embodiments, the actuating horn  40  may be constructed using stainless steel or aluminum. The selected material may have desired properties (e.g., weight, strength, durability, etc.). 
     At the top of the actuating horn  40 , the hammer  42  may be sized and shaped to abut the syringe  60 . The face of the hammer  42  may have a surface area sufficient to cover a rear surface area of the syringe  60 , and may include gripping members (not shown) or other items to prevent slippage or uneven contact of the syringe  60 . In some embodiments, the actuating horn  40  may form one continuous component, which includes the hammer  42 . In other embodiments, the hammer  42  may be attachable to the actuating horn  40 . In such embodiments, multiple hammers  42  of different sizes and/or shapes may be attachable to the actuating horn  40 , with each size or shape being tailored to a different sized syringe  60  or a particular application. 
     Situated on the lower portion of the actuating horn  40  in some embodiments, the hole  44  may receive at least a portion of the ratchet shaft  30 . The hole  44  may extend through the actuating horn  40  from the front side, facing the other components of the syringe augmentation device  2 , to the back side. In other embodiments, the hole  44  may only extend from the front side through a portion of the actuating horn  40 . The hole  44  may be sized and shaped to receive the ratchet shaft  30 . For example, in one embodiment, the hole  44  may be a rectangular prism that is slightly larger than the rectangular prism shape of the ratchet shaft  30 . In some embodiments, the hole  44  may provide some clearance area around the ratchet shaft  30  to allow for an adhesive, heat resistant, anti-friction, or corrosion resistant material to also be disposed within the hole  44 . An adhesive may be used to help secure the ratchet shaft  30  within the hole  44  for a permanent or more stable connection. A heat-resistant or anti-friction material may help dissipate any heat or friction buildup between the actuating horn  40  and the ratchet shaft  30  during augmentation of the device  2 . A corrosion resistant material may help prevent corrosion within the hole  44 , which may be difficult to clean or repair without removal or replacement. 
     On the back side of the hole  44 , the plug  46  may prevent any materials from entering the hole  44 . The plug  46  may be sided and shaped to fit the hole  44 . The plug  46  may also slidably receive a portion of the ratchet shaft  30  to help secure the ratchet shaft  30  within the hole  44 . In some embodiments, the plug  46  may be constructed from a rubber or expandable plastic to help seal the back side of the hole  44 . 
     In some embodiments, the attachment body  50  may be attachable to the syringe injector  20 . For example, as shown in more detail in  FIG. 5 , the attachment body  50  may include a housing  70  configured to enclose the drum  26  of the syringe injector  20 . The attachment body  50  may include a clamp top  52 , a toggle handle  54 , a compression sleeve  56 , and the housing  70 , as shown in  FIGS. 3 to 5 . Collectively, the top  52  and toggle handle  54  may secure the compression sleeve  56  on top of the housing  70 . Once in position, the compression sleeve  56  may be configured to slidably receive the syringe  60 . 
     In some embodiments, top  52  may pivotally connect to the housing  70  at one side. On the opposite side, the top  52  may pivotally connect to the toggle handle  54 . Opposite the top  52 , the toggle handle  54  may clamp down and hold a fixed position on its own or connect to the housing  70 . The top  52  and/or the toggle handle  54  may be curved as needed to fit the compression sleeve  56  (or the surface of the syringe  60  if no compression sleeve  56  is present), and may have a width to cover a desired surface area of the compression sleeve  60 . The free end of the toggle handle  54  may extend away from the housing  70  to more easily allow an operator to grasp and move the toggle handle  54 . 
     The compression sleeve  56  may be shaped as desired to fit around the syringe  60 . For example, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve  56  may be cylindrical and extend a portion of the length of the syringe  60 . Seated between the syringe  60  and the attachment body  50 , the compression sleeve  56  may snugly hold the syringe  60  in place and/or protect the syringe from forces, including vibrations of the syringe augmentation device  2  during use. Accordingly, the compression sleeve  56  may prevent the syringe  60  from undesirably falling out of the syringe augmentation device, which could result in damage of the syringe  60  or the patient undesirably being punctured by the syringe  60 , while allowing an operator to insert and remove the syringe  60 . In some embodiments, the compression sleeve  60  may include one or more gaps that allow the compression sleeve  56  to compress as needed. The compression sleeve  56  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. For example, in one embodiment, the compression sleeve  56  may be constructed using an elastic material, which advantageously allows the compression sleeve to expand or compress as needed during use. 
     The housing  70  may be shaped to at least partially cover the drum  26  of the syringe injector  20 , and slidably receive the syringe  60 . In some embodiments, the housing  70  may include one or more toggle lock bars  72 , one or more pins  74 , and a plurality of bolts  76  and nuts  78 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . The toggle bars  72  and pins  74  may pivotally connect the housing  70 , top  52 , and toggle handle  54  to one another. It is contemplated that other connectors may be used to connect (pivotally or statically) the housing  70 , top  52 , and toggle handle  54 . At the bottom of the housing, the bolts  76  may extend through holes defined by the housing  70  to connect the housing  70  to itself around the drum  26 . The nuts  78  may be fasted to the threaded end of the bolts  76  after the bolts  76  are disposed through the housing  70 . It is contemplated that any connector may be used to connect the housing  70 . Further, the housing  70  may be designed such that it is expandable or otherwise grips the drum  26  without requiring connectors. In other embodiments, the bolts  76  and nuts  78  may connect the housing  70  together at another point on the housing  70 . 
     The syringe  60  may be a complete standard disposable syringe, in some embodiments. As used herein, a complete standard disposable syringe includes conventional disposable syringes (e.g., 30 ml and 50 ml Soft-Ject® or Norm-Ject® disposable syringes) that have not been modified or had any components or portions removed outside of swapping between delivery members (e.g., a needle, a nozzle, an outlet, etc.). Shown in more detail in  FIG. 2 , the syringe  60  may include a plunger  62  configured to slide into and out of a cylindrical chamber  64  to force fluid contained within the chamber  54  out into a delivery member  66  (e.g., a nozzle, a needle, an outlet, etc.). In some embodiments, as shown in  FIG. 5 , the plunger  62  of the syringe  60  may abut against the hammer  42  of the actuating horn  40 , and the chamber  64  may be partially housed within the compression sleeve  56  of the attachment body  50 . In this configuration, the actuating horn  40  may be configured to direct the plunger  62  to slide into the chamber  64 , causing the syringe  60  to compress and direct at least a portion of the fluid contained within the chamber  64  to exit the delivery member  66  of the syringe  60 . The syringe  60  may be of any size and/or shape and the components of the syringe augmentation device  2  may be tailored to securely fasten and hold the syringe  60 . 
     The disclosed syringe augmentation device  2  may be used with any disposable syringe for many different applications, including in a healthcare environment. In use, an operator may hold the handle body  10  with one or both hands. To insert the syringe  60  within the syringe augmentation device  2 , the operator must first adjust the ratchet shaft  30  away from the syringe injector  20  to provide sufficient clearance between the actuating arm  40  and the plunger  62  of the syringe  60  so the syringe  60  can slide into the housing  70 . The operator may then insert the chamber  54  of the syringe  60  into the compression sleeve  56  from behind, and slide the actuating arm  40  forward until it abuts the outer surface of the plunger  62 . Optionally, in some embodiments, the syringe  60  may be placed within the compression sleeve  56  prior to insertion into the housing  70 , and then the syringe  60  with the compression sleeve  56  may be inserted into the housing  70 . 
     After the placement of the syringe  60  within the housing  70  and slidably engaging the hammer  42  against the plunger  62 , the operator may adjust the dial  22  to a desired setting. In some embodiments, the operator may rotate the dial  22  clockwise to increase the ratcheting of the ratchet shaft  30  per squeeze of the handle body  10 . For example, the operator may increase the ratcheting such that the ratchet shaft  30  moves forward three teeth  32  per squeeze of the handle body  10  instead of a default of moving forward one tooth  32  per squeeze. Similarly, the operator may rotate the dial  22  counter-clockwise to incrementally decrease the ratcheting per squeeze of the handle body  10 . When the dial  22  is adjusted, the driver  24  correspondingly adjusts to drive the appropriate number of teeth  32  forward. 
     After adjusting the dial  22 , the operator can augment the syringe and administer a contained fluid (e.g., a medical fluid or drug) to a patient or laboratory container. The operator may squeeze the handle body  10 , thereby pushing the back member  14  forward with the operator&#39;s palm and/or pulling the front member  12  backwards with the operator&#39;s finger(s). This squeezing of the handle body  10  may direct the ratchet shaft  30  forward, thereby causing it to incrementally ratchet. As the ratchet shaft  30  moves forward, it pulls the actuating horn  40  forward with it. The forward movement of the actuating horn causes the hammer  42  to push against the plunger  62 , thereby causing the plunger  62  to slide into the chamber  64 . When the plunger  62  has sufficiently slid into the chamber  64 , at least a portion of the fluid contained within the chamber  64  may be directed to exit through the delivery member  66 . The syringe augmentation device  2  may continue to incrementally ratchet and direct the fluid to exit through the delivery member  66 . Optionally, in some embodiments, the syringe augmentation device  2  may include a pressure feedback display (not shown) in communication with a pressure sensor coupled to the syringe  60  (e.g., at chamber  64 , delivery member  66 , etc.). The pressure feedback display may provide an operator with the current pressure in the syringe  60  to help maintain a desired pressure and/or alert the operator to unexpected or undesirable operation. 
       FIGS. 6-10  provide other exemplary embodiments of the syringe augmentation device  2 , which may be configured to provide pressure feedback during use (e.g., as the syringe  60  is compressed). The pressure feedback can be critical, particularly for pressure sensitive delivery and with pressure sensitive medicines. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the syringe augmentation device  2  may include a feedback actuating horn  140  in lieu of actuating horn  40 . 
     Shown in more detail in  FIG. 7 , the feedback actuating horn  140  may include a plunger  142 , a hole  144 , a plug  146 , one or more feedback indicators  148 A-C, and attachment clips  149 . At the upper end of the actuating horn  40 , the plunger  142  may be configured to push against the syringe  60 . At the lower end of the feedback actuating horn  140 , the hole  144  may be sized and shaped to receive at least a portion of the ratchet shaft  30 . On the back side of the lower end of the feedback actuating horn  140 , the plug  146  may be configured to seal hole  144 . 
     In some embodiments, the feedback actuating horn  140  may be half U-shaped (without a second arm extending outwardly), as shown in  FIG. 8 , which may be easier to manufacture than other shapes. In other embodiments, the feedback actuating horn  140  may be U-shaped like the actuating horn  40  shown in  FIG. 3 , which allows a shorter ratchet shaft  30  to be used. In further embodiments, the feedback actuating horn  140  may take on other shapes, such as a V-shape, C-shape, or an L-shape. The feedback actuating horn  140  may be constructed from a metal, wood, or plastic. For example, in some embodiments, the feedback actuating horn  140  may be constructed using stainless steel or aluminum. The selected material may have desired properties (e.g., weight, strength, durability, etc.). 
     At the top of the feedback actuating horn  140 , the plunger  142  may be sized and shaped to abut the syringe  60 . In some embodiments, as shown more clearly in the partial cross-sectional views in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the plunger  142  may be a spring-loaded plunger  142  having a spring  150 . In some embodiments, the spring  150  may be a coil spring, though it is contemplated that springs of any type, size, and compression rate may be used. In some embodiments, the face of the plunger  142  may have a smaller surface area than the rear surface area of the syringe, as shown in  FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 . In other embodiments, the face of the plunger  142  may have a surface area sufficient to cover a rear surface area of the syringe  60 . Optionally, the contact surface of the plunger  142  may include gripping members (not shown) or other items to prevent slippage or uneven contact of the syringe  60 . It is also contemplated that the syringe  60  may include one or more gripping members, and the contact surface of the plunger  142  may have one or more mating gripping members to match a pattern of those on the syringe  60 . In some embodiments, the feedback actuating horn  140  may form one continuous component, which includes the plunger  142 . In other embodiments, the plunger  142  may be attachable to the feedback actuating horn  140 . In such embodiments, multiple plungers  142  of different sizes and/or shapes may be attachable to the feedback actuating horn  140 , with each size or shape being tailored to a different sized syringe  60  or a particular application. 
     Situated on the lower portion of the actuating horn  40  in some embodiments, the hole  144  may receive at least a portion of the ratchet shaft  30 , as previously explained with respect to the hole  44  of the actuating horn  40 . Similarly, on the back side of the hole  144 , the plug  146  may prevent any materials from entering the hole  144 , as previously explained with respect to the plug  46  of the actuating horn  40 . 
     Shown on top of the feedback actuating horn  140  for illustrative purposes in  FIGS. 7-10 , the feedback indicators  148 A-C may be positioned in an easily viewable position (from a user&#39;s perspective) during use anywhere on the syringe augmentation device  2 . In this manner, the feedback indicators  148 A-C may provide pressure feedback to the user in a manner than can be quickly processed and, if needed, acted upon during use. In some embodiments, the feedback indicators  148 A-C may include one or more lights, and the lights may be configured to illuminate in different colors than one another (e.g., feedback indicators  148 A,  148 B, and  148 C could illuminate in green, yellow, and red, respectively). In other embodiments, the feedback indicators  148 A-C may include one or more speakers configured to provide auditory signals to a user, and the auditory signals may differ from one another (e.g., feedback indicators  148 A,  148 B, and  148 C could each produce a different type of auditory signal, such as a beep, chirp, chime, etc., and/or a different volume of auditory signal). In further embodiments, the feedback indicators  148 A-C may include one or more vibrating devices configured to provide tactile feedback signals to a user, and the tactile signals may differ from one another (e.g., single vibration, heartbeat pulse vibration, rapid pulse vibration, etc.). In this manner, the vibration frequency and/o may continue to increase It is contemplated that the feedback indicators  148 A-C may be configured to provide other types of feedback or multiple types of feedback to the user. 
     Also shown on top of the feedback actuating horn  140  for illustrative purposes in  FIGS. 7, 9, and 10 , the attachment clips  149  may be configured to attach together to hold the assembled feedback actuating horn  140  together. The attachment clips  149  may be selectively dis-attached to provide access to one or more inner components of the feedback actuating horn  140 . It is contemplated that the attachment clips  149  may include any type of attachable members (e.g., clips, snaps, hooks, etc.). 
     Disposed within the feedback actuating horn  140 , as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , the inner components may include the spring  150 , one or more pressure sensors  160 , a controller  170 , and electrical wiring  180 . The one or more sensors  160  may be configured to measure a pressure applied to the plunger  142 . The controller  170 , which is in communication with the one or more sensors  160  and the one or more feedback indicators  148 A-C via the electrical wiring  180 , may be configured to determine when the measured pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold and, in response, direct the one or more indicators  148 A-C to provide one or more feedback signals (e.g., illuminate in a particular color, provide a particular auditory signal, etc.) to provide feedback to the user of the pressure within the syringe  60 . 
     The one or more pressure sensors  160  may include electronic pressure sensors (e.g., piezoelectric pressure sensors), and may or may not include a shaft within the plunger  142 . In other embodiments, any type of sensor may be used to measure pressure. 
     The controller  170  may have one or more processors having memory storing instructions, and the processor(s) may be configured to execute the instructions to perform one or more methods disclosed herein. For example,  FIG. 11  provides an exemplary method of augmenting a syringe in accordance with some embodiments. The syringe augmentation device  2  may slidably receive the syringe  60  (e.g., within the compression sleeve  56  of the attachment body  50 ) at step  202  and may selectively compress the syringe  60  (e.g., by driving the ratchet shaft  30 , and thus, the feedback actuating horn  140  and the plunger  142 , forward) when the handle body  10  is squeezed at step  204 . Meanwhile, the one or more pressure sensors  160  may measure the pressure applied to the plunger  142 , at step  206 . The controller  170  may then determine when the measured pressure exceeds one or more predetermined thresholds at step  208 , and in response, direct the one or more feedback indicators  148 A-C to provide one or more feedback signals based on the determination at step  210 . 
     The controller  170  may have a plurality of predetermined pressure thresholds stored therein, and these predetermined pressure thresholds may be adjustable or input by the user. For example, the controller  170  may determine that the measured pressure exceeds a first predetermined threshold (e.g., 5 psi) and in response, may direct the first feedback indicator  148 A to illuminate green. As the user continues to squeeze the handle body  10 , the syringe augmentation device  2  continues to iteratively compress the syringe  60  in increments based on the ratcheting of the ratchet shaft  30 . When the controller  170  determines that the measured pressure exceeds a second predetermined threshold (e.g., 8 psi), it may direct the second feedback indicator  148 B to illuminate yellow. As the syringe augmentation device  2  continues to compress the syringe  60 , thereby increasing the pressure applied to the plunger  142 , the controller  170  may determine that the measured pressure exceeds a third predetermined threshold (e.g., 10 psi) and in response, may direct the third feedback indicator  148 C to illuminate red. Due to the positioning of the feedback indicators  148 A-C, the user may be able to easily view the pressure in the syringe  60  during compression, and thus can avoid applying too much pressure on a standard disposable syringe, which may disrupt proper delivery or damage the contents of the syringe  60 . The predetermined pressure threshold(s) may be set based on the pressure sensitivity of the contents of the syringe  60 . In some embodiments, the spring  150  may be selected of a particular size and/or compression rate to correspond with the predetermined pressure thresholds (e.g., the predetermined pressure thresholds may correspond to when the spring  150  is unloaded, partially loaded, and fully loaded, respectively). 
     It is also contemplated that, even though the feedback indicators  148 A-C may be positioned such that they are easily visible, it may be helpful to provide the user with auditory feedback (alone or in addition to visual feedback) for certain applications. For example, in some embodiments, the controller  170  may direct the feedback indicator  148 C to provide an auditory signal (e.g., a beep) in addition to illuminating red when the controller determines that the measured pressure exceeds the third predetermined threshold. In other embodiments, the controller  170  may direct the feedback indicator  148 C to provide a tactile signal (e.g., a pulsed vibration) in addition to or in lieu of illuminating red and/or beeping. These exemplary non-visual feedback signals may help alert a user that a maximum pressure threshold is being approached even when the feedback indicators  148 A-C are out of the user&#39;s view. While discussed with respect to feedback indicator  148 C, one or more of the auditory and tactile feedback signals may also be present in feedback indicators  148 A and  148 B. Further, it is contemplated that the controller  170  and the feedback indicators  148 A-C may be configured to provide other types of pressure feedback to the user, and the controller  170  may be configured to communicate with external devices (e.g., an external display) and display and/or log the measured pressure during compression of the syringe  60 . 
     The syringe augmentation device  2  may provide several advantages over existing designs. For example, the incremental ratcheting of the syringe augmentation device  2  may allow for a precise, repetitive action of compressing the syringe  60 . This repetitive, even compression may produce superior or more exact results. Also, by allowing an operator to squeeze the handle body  10  in lieu of pressing the plunger  62  down directly, the syringe augmentation device  2  may be less likely to cause fatigue or musculoskeletal disorders. Further, the syringe augmentation device  2  may be used in conjunction with any syringe  60 , including conventional disposable syringes. In operation, the syringe augmentation device  2  may provide a disposable syringe, which are often difficult to precisely control as they are manufactured with less expensive parts, with improved control and drug delivery. By being configured to augment a complete standard syringe, the syringe augmentation device  2  avoids unnecessary time and expense of customizing each disposable syringe for device compatibility. Further, the pressure feedback display may alert an operator to easily observe and, if necessary, act upon the pressure of the syringe  60  to achieve desired results. 
     While the present disclosure has been described in connection with a plurality of exemplary aspects, as illustrated in the various figures and discussed above, it is understood that other similar aspects can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described aspects for performing the same function of the present disclosure without deviating therefrom. For example, in various aspects of the disclosure, methods and compositions were described according to aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter. However, other equivalent methods or composition to these described aspects are also contemplated by the teachings herein. Therefore, the present disclosure should not be limited to any single aspect, but rather construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims.