Patent Description:
Intraosseous (IO) infusion of fluids may in some instances be painful for patients. A small volume of lidocaine may therefore be injected after insertion of an IO needle but before infusion of other fluids or medication. Such lidocaine infusion is typically performed manually by a medical professional using a syringe, which may result in uneven and/or painful infusion. A prior art injector is disclosed in document <CIT>.

The present invention is defined in the independent claim. Preferable embodiments are further laid out in the dependent claims. The present disclosure includes systems, methods, and apparatuses for dispensing a volume (e.g., a volume of liquid or medication) during intraosseous infusion. The various systems, methods, and apparatuses disclosed herein include various structures to control the rate at which a volume is dispensed during intraosseous infusion. Such structures are configured to provide an even dispense rate which may minimize or reduce pain caused to the patient receiving treatment. Additionally, such structures may simplify the task of performing intraosseous infusion, thereby making it easier for the medical professional to perform such a procedure.

In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a base configured to be coupled to a syringe having a body defining a reservoir and plunger slidably coupled to the body. Additionally, the apparatus includes an arm coupled to the base. A portion of the arm may be movable between an extended position and a contracted position in which the portion of the arm is closer to the base than in the extended position. The apparatus may include a resilient member coupled to base and to the arm. The resilient member may be configured to bias the portion of the arm toward the contracted position relative to the base with a force sufficient to depress the plunger of the syringe, thereby causing a volume to be dispensed from the syringe. In some embodiments, the apparatus may include a damper configured to resist movement of the portion of the arm from the extended position toward the contracted position to control a rate at which the resilient member can move the portion of the arm from the extended position toward the contracted position, thereby limiting the rate at which the volume is dispensed from the syringe. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes flow control valve coupled downstream of an output of the syringe, where the flow control valve limits the rate at which the volume is dispensed from the syringe.

An infuser or dispensing device according to the disclosed embodiments may provide a tool that may be used to dispense a volume of fluid (e.g., lidocaine or other medications) during intraosseous infusion (or another procedure) at a rate that is easily and automatically controlled (e.g., using the resilient member in connection with a damper or flow control valve), and that may be stopped or paused periodically if desired without significant disruption or hassle. Additionally, because dispensing devices configured according to the disclosed embodiments automatically control or limit the rate at which the volume is dispensed, the intraosseous infusion process may be performed more easily and with less discomfort to the patient.

The term "coupled" is defined as connected, although not necessarily directly, and not necessarily mechanically; two items that are "coupled" may be unitary with each other. The terms "a" and "an" are defined as one or more unless this disclosure explicitly requires otherwise. The term "substantially" is defined as largely but not necessarily wholly what is specified (and includes what is specified; e.g., substantially <NUM> degrees includes <NUM> degrees and substantially parallel includes parallel), as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In any disclosed embodiment, the terms "substantially," "approximately," and "about" may be substituted with "within [a percentage] of" what is specified, where the percentage includes. <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM> percent.

The terms "comprise" (and any form of comprise, such as "comprises" and "comprising"), "have" (and any form of have, such as "has" and "having"), "include" (and any form of include, such as "includes" and "including"), and "contain" (and any form of contain, such as "contains" and "containing") are open-ended linking verbs. As a result, an apparatus that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more elements possesses those one or more elements, but is not limited to possessing only those elements. Likewise, a method that "comprises," "has," "includes," or "contains" one or more steps possesses those one or more steps, but is not limited to possessing only those one or more steps.

Any embodiment of any of the apparatuses, systems, and methods can consist of or consist essentially of - rather than comprise/include/contain/have - any of the described steps, elements, and/or features. Thus, in any of the claims, the term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" can be substituted for any of the open-ended linking verbs recited above, in order to change the scope of a given claim from what it would otherwise be using the open-ended linking verb.

The feature or features of one embodiment may be applied to other embodiments, even though not described or illustrated, unless expressly prohibited by this disclosure or the nature of the embodiments.

Some details associated with the embodiments described above and others are described below.

The following drawings illustrate by way of example and not limitation. For the sake of brevity and clarity, every feature of a given structure is not always labeled in every figure in which that structure appears. Identical reference numbers do not necessarily indicate an identical structure. Rather, the same reference number may be used to indicate a similar feature or a feature with similar functionality, as may non-identical reference numbers. The figures are drawn to scale (unless otherwise noted), meaning the sizes of the depicted elements are accurate relative to each other for at least the embodiment depicted in the figures.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a first embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion is shown as dispensing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, dispensing device <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and an arm <NUM> coupled to base <NUM>. Base <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to a syringe. The syringe may have a body <NUM> defining a reservoir <NUM> and a plunger <NUM> slidably coupled to body <NUM>. Additionally, the syringe may include a tip portion <NUM>. Tip portion <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to a tube <NUM> via a coupler <NUM>. As plunger <NUM> is pulled back, a volume (e.g., a volume of fluid, such as a medication or other liquid) may be drawn through tip portion <NUM> of the syringe and into reservoir <NUM>, and as plunger <NUM> is depressed, a portion of the volume retained in reservoir <NUM> may be dispensed from the reservoir. It is noted that reservoir <NUM> may be at least partially filled with a volume prior to or after the syringe is coupled to base <NUM>.

In an embodiment, base <NUM> may define a channel <NUM> configured to prevent movement of the syringe along a length of base <NUM> as plunger <NUM> is depressed. In an additional or alternative embodiment, base <NUM> may include a strap <NUM> that may be configured to secure the syringe to base <NUM>. In yet another additional or alternative embodiment, base <NUM> may include both channel <NUM> and strap <NUM>. In an embodiment, base <NUM> may include one or more incremental stops <NUM>. Each of the one or more incremental stops <NUM> may be configured to limit a distance by which the portion of arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM>.

A portion of arm <NUM> may be movable between an extended position and a contracted position in which the portion of arm <NUM> is closer to the base than in the extended position, as described in more detail below. In an embodiment, arm <NUM> may include a tab <NUM>. Tab <NUM> may be configured to contact the plunger and depress the plunger as the portion of arm <NUM> is moved towards the contracted position. In an embodiment, arm <NUM> may include a rotatable portion <NUM>, and tab <NUM> may be located on rotatable portion <NUM>. This enables tab <NUM> to be rotated (as indicated by the arrow <NUM> of <FIG>) between a first position in which tab <NUM> is aligned with plunger <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, and a second position in which the tab is not aligned with plunger <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, arm <NUM> may include a lock (not shown) that may be configured to prohibit rotation of rotatable portion <NUM> so as to prevent the rotation of tab <NUM> to the second position when dispensing device <NUM> is dispensing a volume.

In an embodiment, arm <NUM> may include one or more locking tabs <NUM> configured to releaseably lock the portion of arm <NUM> at a position corresponding to one of incremental stops <NUM> to prohibit further movement of the portion of arm <NUM> towards the contracted position. In an embodiment, each of incremental stops <NUM> may be configured such that a distance by which the portion of arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM> corresponds to dispensing of a predetermined volume from reservoir <NUM>. For example, incremental stops <NUM> may be spaced such that each incremental stop <NUM> represents an incremental volume (e.g., a <NUM> milliliter (mL) volume) being dispensed from the syringe (e.g., the distance by which arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM> between adjacent incremental stops results in a <NUM> milliliter volume being dispensed from the syringe), such that upon releasing the portion of arm <NUM> using the one or more locking tabs <NUM>, the portion of arm <NUM> will move towards the contracted position and become locked at the next adjacent incremental stop <NUM>, resulting in <NUM> volume being dispensed from the syringe. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the distance between adjacent incremental stops <NUM> may not be related to a defined volume being dispensed from the syringe, and instead may simply provide a mechanism for stopping or pausing the dispensing of the volume.

Referring briefly to <FIG>, a side view illustrating components of a deceleration chamber of the first embodiment the apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion is shown as a deceleration chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments, deceleration chamber <NUM> may be housed within the base <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. In the embodiment shown, deceleration chamber <NUM> includes a resilient member <NUM> and a damper <NUM>. Resilient member <NUM> may be coupled to base <NUM> and to arm <NUM>, and may be configured to bias the portion of arm <NUM> toward the contracted position relative to base <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM> of the syringe that is coupled to base <NUM>. Damper <NUM> may be configured to resist movement of the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position to control a rate at which resilient member <NUM> can move the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position.

In an embodiment, resilient member <NUM> may include a spring configured to exert a first force on arm <NUM>, and damper <NUM> may include a piston configured to exert a second force on arm <NUM>. The second force may oppose the first force to resist movement of the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position. The difference between the first force and the second force may be configured to limit a rate at which the portion of arm <NUM> depresses plunger <NUM>.

During operation, a user (e.g., a medical professional) of the dispensing device <NUM> may couple base <NUM> to a syringe, and may extend the portion of arm <NUM> to the extended position, as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the user may lock the portion of arm <NUM> in the extended position using incremental stops <NUM>. A compressive force may be applied to the spring (e.g., the resilient member <NUM> of <FIG>) when the portion of arm <NUM> is in the extended position. The user may release the compressive force (e.g., using locking tabs <NUM>) to allow the spring to expand and move the portion of arm <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM>. As the spring expands, plunger <NUM> is depressed by the portion of arm <NUM> and a volume is dispensed into tube <NUM>. If the user desires to continuously dispense the volume held in reservoir <NUM>, the user may maintain locking tabs <NUM> in an orientation such that locking tabs <NUM> do not engage and lock onto a next adjacent one of the one or more incremental stops <NUM>. In such a scenario, the rate at which the volume is continuously dispensed is controlled by resilient member <NUM> and damper <NUM> (e.g., the spring and the piston). If the user desires to pause or stop dispensing the volume, the user may release locking tabs <NUM>, which will cause the portion of arm <NUM> to stop moving towards the contracted position when locking tabs <NUM> lock onto the next adjacent one of incremental stops <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, an illustration of an exploded view of the first embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion. As illustrated in <FIG>, base <NUM> may be formed of multiple component parts 101A-101D. Additionally, as shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, arm <NUM> may be configured as a sleeve that slides over a component 101D of base <NUM>. Referring briefly to <FIG>, it can be seen that, in an embodiment, arm <NUM> may include apertures <NUM> that may be configured allow incremental stops <NUM> located on the component 101D to pass through the end of arm <NUM> as the portion of arm <NUM> moves towards the contracted position.

<FIG> and <FIG> provide additional views of the first embodiment of dispensing device <NUM> described above. While incremental stops <NUM> are shown on two sides of the base <NUM>, in other embodiments, one or more incremental stops <NUM> may be located on a single side of the base <NUM>, or on more than two sides of the base <NUM>. Additionally, arm <NUM> may include one or more locking tabs <NUM> depending on number of locations or sides of base <NUM> having incremental stops <NUM>.

From the foregoing description, it has been shown that dispensing device <NUM> provides a tool that may be used to dispense a volume of fluid (e.g., lidocaine or other medications) during intraosseous infusion at a rate that is easily controllable, and that may be stopped or paused periodically if desired without significant disruption or hassle. Additionally, because dispensing device <NUM> automatically controls or limits the rate at which the fluid or volume is dispensed using the resilient member and the damper, the intraosseous infusion process may be performed more easily and with less discomfort to the patient. Further, it is noted that although described as a tool for improving intraosseous infusion, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that dispensing device <NUM> may be readily adapted and used for purposes other than intraosseous infusion.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a second embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion is shown as a dispensing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, dispensing device <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and a primer <NUM> coupled to base <NUM>. Base <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to a syringe (as described above).

In an embodiment, the base <NUM> may define a channel <NUM> configured to prevent movement of the syringe along a length of base <NUM> as plunger <NUM> is depressed. In some embodiments, base <NUM> may include a strap <NUM> that may be configured to secure the syringe to base <NUM>. In some embodiments, base <NUM> may include both channel <NUM> and strap <NUM>. In some embodiments, base <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to a second strap <NUM> configured to secure base <NUM> to a patient's arm or leg, or to another tool or piece of equipment (not shown).

Dispensing device <NUM> may include a resilient member and a damper that may be housed within base <NUM>. For example, and as shown in <FIG>, the additional components of dispensing device <NUM> may include a clutch <NUM>, a spiral torsion spring <NUM>, one or more gears <NUM>, a rotary drive <NUM>, a damper <NUM>, and an arm <NUM>. Clutch <NUM> may, for example, comprise a slip clutch.

A portion of arm <NUM> may be movable between an extended position (left side or closer to spiral torsion spring <NUM>) and a contracted position (right side or closer to damper <NUM>) in which the portion of the arm is closer to the base than in the extended position. The portion of arm <NUM> may be configured to contact the plunger to depress the plunger. The resilient member may be coupled to base <NUM> and to the portion of arm <NUM>, and may be configured to bias the portion of arm <NUM> toward the contracted position relative to base <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress the plunger <NUM> of the syringe that is coupled to base <NUM>. Damper <NUM> may be configured to resist movement of the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position to control a rate at which the resilient member can move the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position.

In an embodiment, the resilient member may include spiral torsion spring <NUM> coupled to rotary drive <NUM>, and may be configured to exert a first force, and damper <NUM> may include a rotary damper configured to exert a second force. The second force may oppose the first force to resist movement of the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position. The difference between the first force and the second force may be configured to limit a rate at which the portion of arm <NUM> depresses plunger <NUM>.

Clutch <NUM> may be configured to selectively engage spiral torsion spring <NUM>. In an embodiment, spiral torsion spring <NUM> may be primed by rotating primer <NUM>. For example, when clutch <NUM> is engaging spiral torsion spring <NUM>, primer <NUM> may be rotated to prime (e.g., wind) spiral torsion spring <NUM>. When clutch <NUM> is disengaged from the spiral torsion spring <NUM>, spiral torsion spring <NUM> may begin unwinding, which rotates rotary drive <NUM> in a first direction and moves the portion of arm <NUM> along a length of rotary drive <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM>. To illustrate, as spiral torsion spring <NUM> unwinds, gear <NUM> may begin to rotate which causes rotary drive <NUM> to rotate in the first direction. As the rotary drive <NUM> rotates in the first direction, the portion of the arm <NUM> may move along the length of the rotary drive <NUM> (along helical threads of the rotary drive) towards the contracted position (e.g., to the right in <FIG>) with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM>. In some embodiments, the priming of spiral torsion spring <NUM> while clutch <NUM> is engaged may cause rotary drive <NUM> to rotate in a second direction, and, as rotary drive <NUM> rotates in the second direction, the portion of arm <NUM> may be moved along the length of rotary drive <NUM> towards the extended position (e.g., towards primer <NUM>), thereby preparing dispensing device <NUM> for dispensing a volume from the syringe.

In an embodiment, dispensing device <NUM> may include a control (e.g., a button, etc.) that, when activated, may cause clutch <NUM> to engage or disengage spiral torsion spring <NUM>. For example, as shown in <FIG>, primer <NUM> may include a control <NUM> (e.g., a button, etc.) that, when depressed, may selectively cause clutch <NUM> to engage or disengage spiral torsion spring <NUM>. For example, a first press of control <NUM> may cause clutch <NUM> to engage spiral torsion spring <NUM> for priming using primer <NUM>, and a second press of control <NUM> may disengage clutch <NUM> from spiral torsion spring <NUM> to allow spiral torsion spring <NUM> to unwind. While control <NUM> is shown on an end of the primer <NUM>, other embodiments may include a control for selectively causing clutch <NUM> to engage and/or disengage the resilient member located in other locations of dispensing device <NUM>. For example, <FIG> illustrates a side view of a variation of dispensing device <NUM> having a control <NUM> configured to cause clutch <NUM> to engage and/or disengage the resilient member. Additionally, in an embodiment, clutch <NUM> may be located at a different location than the location illustrated in <FIG>. For example, in an additional or alternative embodiment, the clutch may be configured to engage rotary drive <NUM> to prime spiral torsion spring <NUM> (e. by rotating rotary drive <NUM> in the second direction). While engaged, the clutch may prevent rotation of rotary drive <NUM> in the first direction, which may prohibit spiral torsion spring <NUM> from unwinding until clutch <NUM> is disengaged.

<FIG> illustrate perspective views of the dispensing device <NUM>. <FIG> is a cross sectional view of the second embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion. In <FIG> it can be seen that the resilient member (e.g., spiral torsion spring <NUM> and rotary drive <NUM>), as well as gear(s) <NUM> and damper <NUM> may be housed within base <NUM>. Referring briefly to <FIG>, another perspective view of dispensing device <NUM> is shown. As shown in <FIG>, base <NUM> of dispensing device <NUM> may define a channel along its length, and the syringe, when coupled to based <NUM>, may rest in the channel. The longitudinal channel may be sized and dimensioned to allow arm <NUM> to move between the extended position (shown in <FIG>) and the contracted position within the longitudinal channel. In other embodiments, base <NUM> may further define a second channel (e.g., channel <NUM> of <FIG>) that is configured to prohibit movement of the syringe as the plunger <NUM> is depressed. In another additional or alternative embodiment, the base <NUM> may define apertures <NUM> configured to receive the strap <NUM> of <FIG>. In still another additional or alternative embodiment, the base <NUM> may define the longitudinal channel along the length of the base, the channel <NUM>, the aperture(s) <NUM>, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the embodiments illustrated in <FIG> may, in some variations, have a base that defines a longitudinal channel similar to the longitudinal channel illustrated in <FIG>.

During operation, a user (e.g., a medical professional) of dispensing device <NUM> may be couple base <NUM> to a syringe, and may prime the resilient member, as described above. When the user desires to initiate dispensing of a volume from the syringe by activating control <NUM> (or control <NUM>), which may disengage clutch <NUM> to enable the resilient member to bias the portion of arm <NUM> towards the contracted position with a force sufficient to dispense the volume from the syringe.

From the foregoing description, it has been shown that dispensing device <NUM> provides a tool that may be used to dispense a volume of fluid (e.g., lidocaine or other medications) during intraosseous infusion at a rate that is easily controllable, and that may be stopped or paused periodically if desired without significant disruption or hassle, using the clutch for example. Additionally, because dispensing device <NUM> automatically controls or limits the rate at which the fluid or volume is dispensed using the resilient member and the damper, the intraosseous infusion process may be performed more easily and with less discomfort to the patient. Further, it is noted that although described as a tool for improving intraosseous infusion, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that dispensing device <NUM> may be readily adapted and used for purposes other than intraosseous infusion.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a third embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion is shown as a dispensing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, dispensing device <NUM> includes a base <NUM> and an arm <NUM> coupled to base <NUM>. Base <NUM> may be configured to be coupled to a syringe (as described above).

In an embodiment, base <NUM> may define a channel <NUM> configured to prevent movement of the syringe along a length of base <NUM> as the plunger <NUM> is depressed. In some embodiments, base <NUM> may include a strap <NUM> that may be configured to secure the syringe to the base <NUM>. In some embodiments, base <NUM> may include both channel <NUM> and strap <NUM>.

A portion of arm <NUM> may be movable between an extended position and a contracted position in which the portion of arm <NUM> is closer to base <NUM> than in the extended position. For example, <FIG> illustrate the portion of arm <NUM> in the extended position, and <FIG> illustrate the portion of arm <NUM> in the contracted position. Dispensing device <NUM> may include a resilient member <NUM> that may be coupled to base <NUM> and arm <NUM>, and may be configured to bias the portion of arm <NUM> toward the contracted position relative to base <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM> of the syringe that is coupled to base <NUM>. <FIG> illustrate additional views of resilient member <NUM> that is coupled to base <NUM> and arm <NUM>. In some embodiments, resilient member <NUM> may include an elastic band. As the portion of arm <NUM> is moved towards the extended position, the elastic band may stretch, and, upon initiating dispensing of the volume from the syringe (e.g., by unlocking the portion of arm <NUM> using locking tabs <NUM> or otherwise), the elastic band may move the portion of arm <NUM> towards the contracted position with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM> of the syringe.

In the embodiment shown, arm <NUM> may include one or more incremental stops <NUM>, and base <NUM> may include one or more locking tabs <NUM>. Locking tabs <NUM> may be configured to releaseably lock the portion of arm <NUM> at a position corresponding to one of the incremental stops <NUM> to prohibit further movement of the portion of arm <NUM> towards the contracted position. In some embodiments, ach of the incremental stops <NUM> may be configured such that a distance by which the portion of arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM> corresponds to dispensing of a predetermined volume from reservoir <NUM>. For example, incremental stops <NUM> may be spaced such that each incremental stop <NUM> represents an incremental volume (e.g., a <NUM> milliliter (mL) volume) being dispensed from the syringe (e.g., the distance by which arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM> between adjacent incremental stops results in a <NUM> milliliter volume being dispensed from the syringe), such that upon releasing the portion of arm <NUM> using the one or more locking tabs <NUM>, the portion of arm <NUM> will move towards the contracted position and become locked at the next adjacent incremental stop <NUM>, resulting in <NUM> volume being dispensed from the syringe. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the distance between adjacent incremental stops <NUM> may not be related to a defined volume being dispensed from the syringe, and instead may simply provide a mechanism for stopping or pausing the dispensing of the volume.

In an embodiment, dispensing device <NUM> may include a flow control valve <NUM> configured to be coupled downstream of an outlet (e.g., tip portion <NUM>) of the syringe and to control a rate at which a volume is dispensed from the syringe. For example, as shown in <FIG>, flow control valve <NUM> may be coupled to tip portion <NUM> of the syringe via coupler <NUM>, and an output of flow control valve <NUM> may be coupled to tube <NUM>. Flow control valve <NUM> may be configured to limit the flow of the volume dispensed from the syringe such that the volume is dispensed at a desired rate. It is noted that in other embodiments, a damper may be used to control the rate at which the volume is dispensed from the syringe. For example, in some embodiments, dispensing device <NUM> may include a damper (e.g., damper <NUM> of <FIG>) coupled to arm <NUM> and base <NUM>. The damper may be configured to resist movement of the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position toward the contracted position to control a rate at which resilient member <NUM> can move the portion of the arm from the extended position toward the retracted position.

<FIG> illustrate perspective view of dispensing device <NUM> in the contracted position. Referring briefly to <FIG>, a cross sectional view of dispensing device <NUM> is shown. As shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, base <NUM> may define one or more posts <NUM> that may be used to couple resilient member <NUM> to base <NUM>. Additionally, arm <NUM> may define one or more posts (not labeled in <FIG>) that may be used to couple resilient member <NUM> to arm <NUM>.

During operation, a user (e.g., a medical professional) of dispensing device <NUM> may couple base <NUM> to a syringe, and may extend the portion of arm <NUM> to the extended position, as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the user may lock the portion of arm <NUM> in the extended position using incremental stops <NUM>. A force may be applied to resilient member <NUM> when the portion of the arm <NUM> is in the extended position. The user may release the force (e.g., using locking tabs <NUM>) to allow resilient member <NUM> to contract and move the portion of arm <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM>. As resilient member <NUM>, plunger <NUM> is depressed by the portion of arm <NUM> and a volume may be dispensed into tube <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rate at which the volume is dispensed into tube <NUM> may be limited by flow control valve <NUM>. If the user desires to continuously dispense the volume held in the reservoir, the user may maintain locking tabs <NUM> in an orientation such that locking tabs <NUM> do not engage and lock onto a next adjacent one of incremental stops <NUM>. In such a scenario, the rate at which the volume is continuously dispensed is controlled by resilient member <NUM> and a damper (e.g., flow control valve <NUM> or another component configured to resist movement of the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position to the contracted position). If the user desires to pause or stop the dispensing of the volume, the user may release locking tabs <NUM>, which will cause the portion of arm <NUM> to stop moving towards the contracted position when locking tabs <NUM> lock onto the next adjacent one of incremental stops <NUM>.

From the foregoing description, it has been shown that dispensing device <NUM> provides a tool that may be used to dispense a volume of fluid (e.g., lidocaine or other medications) during intraosseous infusion at a rate that is easily controllable, and that may be stopped or paused periodically if desired without significant disruption or hassle. Additionally, because dispensing device <NUM> automatically controls or limits the rate at which the fluid or volume is dispensed using resilient member <NUM> and the damper, the intraosseous infusion process may be performed more easily and with less discomfort to the patient. Further, it is noted that although described as a tool for improving intraosseous infusion, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that dispensing device <NUM> may be readily adapted and used for purposes other than intraosseous infusion.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a fourth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion is shown as a dispensing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, dispensing device <NUM> includes a base <NUM> configured to be coupled to a syringe (as described above). In this embodiment, base <NUM> defines a vacuum chamber <NUM>. Additionally, dispensing device <NUM> includes an arm <NUM> coupled to base <NUM> and a piston <NUM>. A portion of arm <NUM> may be movable between an extended position and a contracted position in which the portion of arm <NUM> is closer to base <NUM> than in the extended position. Piston <NUM> may be at least partially disposed in vacuum chamber <NUM> and coupled in fixed relation to the portion of arm <NUM>. Dispensing device <NUM> may be configured such that as the portion of arm <NUM> is moved from the contracted position to the extended position, pressure within vacuum chamber <NUM> decreases below an atmospheric pressure to a point at which piston <NUM> and portion of arm <NUM> are biased toward the contracted position with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM> of the syringe. In an embodiment, dispensing device <NUM> may include a flow control valve <NUM> that is configured to be coupled downstream of an outlet (e.g., the portion <NUM>) of the syringe and to control a rate at which a volume (e.g., a volume of fluid) is dispensed from the syringe.

In an embodiment, piston <NUM> may include one or more incremental stops <NUM>, and base <NUM> may include one or more locking tabs <NUM>. Locking tabs <NUM> may be configured to releaseably lock the portion of arm <NUM> at a position corresponding to one of incremental stops <NUM> to prohibit further movement of the portion of arm <NUM> towards the contracted position. In an embodiment, each incremental stop <NUM> may be configured such that a distance by which the portion of arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM> corresponds to dispensing of a predetermined volume from reservoir <NUM>. For example, incremental stops <NUM> may be spaced such that each incremental stop <NUM> represents an incremental volume (e.g., a <NUM> milliliter (mL) volume) being dispensed from the syringe (e.g., the distance by which arm <NUM> can compress plunger <NUM> between adjacent incremental stops results in a <NUM> milliliter volume being dispensed from the syringe), such that upon releasing the portion of arm <NUM> using the one or more locking tabs <NUM>, the portion of arm <NUM> will move towards the contracted position and become locked at the next adjacent incremental stop <NUM>, resulting in <NUM> volume being dispensed from the syringe. In an additional or alternative embodiment, the distance between adjacent incremental stops <NUM> may not be related to a defined volume being dispensed from the syringe, and instead may simply provide a mechanism for stopping or pausing the dispensing of the volume.

<FIG> illustrate additional view of dispensing device <NUM> of embodiments. In the embodiment shown, base <NUM> may define tab <NUM> having a channel that enables the syringe to be seated in the channel and retained in a fixed horizontal position along the length of base <NUM> as plunger <NUM> is depressed. In an additional or alternative embodiment, a strap, such as strap <NUM> of <FIG> may be used alone, or in combination with tab <NUM> to secure the syringe to base <NUM>.

During operation, a user (e.g., a medical professional) of dispensing device <NUM> may couple base <NUM> to a syringe, and may extend the portion of arm <NUM> to the extended position, as shown in <FIG>. In an embodiment, the user may lock the portion of arm <NUM> in the extended position using incremental stops <NUM>. As the portion of arm <NUM> is moved from the contracted position to the extended position, pressure within vacuum chamber <NUM> decreases below an atmospheric pressure to a point at which piston <NUM> and the portion of arm <NUM> are biased toward the contracted position with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM> of the syringe. The user may unlock the portion of arm <NUM> from the extended position using locking tabs <NUM> to initiate movement of the portion of arm <NUM> towards the contracted position with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM>. As the portion of arm <NUM> moves towards the contracted position, plunger <NUM> is depressed and a volume may be dispensed into tube <NUM>. In an embodiment, the rate at which the volume is dispensed into tube <NUM> may be limited by flow control valve <NUM>. If the user desires to continuously dispense the volume held in the reservoir, the user may maintain the locking tabs <NUM> in an orientation such that locking tabs <NUM> do not engage and lock onto a next adjacent one of incremental stops <NUM>. In such a scenario, the rate at which the volume is continuously dispensed is controlled by flow control valve <NUM>. If the user desires to pause or stop the dispensing of the volume, the user may release locking tabs <NUM>, which will cause the portion of arm <NUM> to stop moving towards the contracted position when locking tabs <NUM> lock onto the next adjacent one of incremental stops <NUM>.

From the foregoing description, it has been shown that dispensing device <NUM> provides a tool that may be used to dispense a volume of fluid (e.g., lidocaine or other medications) during intraosseous infusion at a rate that is easily controllable, and that may be stopped or paused periodically if desired without significant disruption or hassle. Additionally, because dispensing device <NUM> automatically controls or limits the rate at which the fluid or volume is dispensed using flow control valve <NUM>, the intraosseous infusion process may be performed more easily and with less discomfort to the patient. Further, it is noted that although described as a tool for improving intraosseous infusion, one of ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that dispensing device <NUM> may be readily adapted and used for purposes other than intraosseous infusion.

Referring to <FIG>, a side view of a fifth embodiment of an apparatus for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion is shown as a dispensing device <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, dispensing device <NUM> includes a base <NUM> configured to be coupled to a syringe (as described above). In the embodiment shown, the base may define a cylinder <NUM>. Additionally, dispensing device <NUM> includes a piston <NUM> disposed within cylinder <NUM> such that piston <NUM> is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in which a portion of the piston is closer to base <NUM> than in the extended position. Base <NUM> may be coupled to or include a receiver <NUM> configured to be coupled to a source <NUM> of pressurized fluid. The receiver <NUM> may be in fluid communication with cylinder <NUM> to direct pressurized fluid to cylinder <NUM> to bias the portion of piston <NUM> toward the extended position relative to base <NUM> with a force sufficient to depress plunger <NUM> of the syringe. In an embodiment, source <NUM> of the compressed fluid includes a CO2 cylinder. <FIG> illustrates a top view of dispensing device <NUM>. In the embodiment shown, base <NUM> may define a tab <NUM> having a channel that enables the syringe to be seated in the channel and retained in a fixed horizontal position along the length of base <NUM> as plunger <NUM> is depressed. In some embodiments, a strap, such as strap <NUM> of <FIG> may be used alone, or in combination with tab <NUM> to secure the syringe to base <NUM>.

The above specification and examples provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments. Although certain embodiments have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, or with reference to one or more individual embodiments, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the scope of this invention. As such, the various illustrative embodiments of the present devices are not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, they include all modifications and alternatives falling within the scope of the claims, and embodiments other than the one shown may include some or all of the features of the depicted embodiment. For example, components may be combined as a unitary structure, and/or connections may be substituted. Further, where appropriate, aspects of any of the examples described above may be combined with aspects of any of the other examples described to form further examples having comparable or different properties and addressing the same or different problems. Similarly, it will be understood that the benefits and advantages described above may relate to one embodiment or may relate to several embodiments.

Claim 1:
An apparatus (<NUM>) for dispensing a volume during intraosseous infusion, the apparatus comprising:
a base (<NUM>) configured to be coupled to a syringe (<NUM>) having a body defining a reservoir (<NUM>) and plunger (<NUM>) slidably coupled to the body;
an arm (<NUM>) coupled to the base (<NUM>), wherein a portion of the arm is movable between an extended position and a contracted position in which the portion of the arm is closer to the base than in the extended position;
a resilient member (<NUM>) coupled to base (<NUM>) and to the arm (<NUM>), wherein the resilient member (<NUM>) is configured to bias the portion of the arm (<NUM>) toward the contracted position relative to the base with a force sufficient to depress a plunger of a syringe coupled to the base; and
a damper (<NUM>) configured to resist movement of the portion of the arm (<NUM>) from the extended position toward the contracted position to control a rate at which the resilient member can move the portion of the arm from the extended position toward the contracted position;
where the base (<NUM>) defines a channel (<NUM>) configured to prevent movement of the syringe along a length of the base as the plunger is depressed, and the base (<NUM>) includes one or more incremental stops (<NUM>), each of the one or more incremental stops being configured to limit a distance by which the portion of the arm (<NUM>) is operable to compress the plunger (<NUM>),
where the arm (<NUM>) includes a tab (<NUM>) configured to contact the plunger (<NUM>) and depress the plunger as the portion of the arm (<NUM>) is moved towards the contracted position,
where the resilient member (<NUM>) includes a spring configured to exert a first force on the arm (<NUM>), and
where the damper (<NUM>) includes a piston configured to exert a second force on the arm (<NUM>) that opposes the first force.