Patent Description:
Medical treatments often include the infusion of a medical fluid (e.g., a saline solution or a liquid medication) to patients using an intravenous (IV) catheter that is connected though an arrangement of flexible tubing and fittings, commonly referred to as an "IV set," to a source of fluid, for example, a bag or a syringe. Certain configurations of IV sets may have extended lengths of tubing, for example, in excess of <NUM> feet. Additionally, tubing may be primed with saline prior to the infusion of a liquid medication.

In some applications, during the use of IV catheters, saline from the priming process may be delivered to a patient before the liquid medication is delivered to the patient.

<CIT> relates to a syringe. <CIT> relates to medical devices and methods of delivering at least two drug agents from separate reservoirs using devices having only a single dose setter and a single dispense interface. <CIT> pertains to medication dispensing devices, and, in particular to a portable medication dispensing device such as an injector pen.

The disclosed subject matter relates to syringe assemblies.

In certain embodiments, a syringe assembly is disclosed that comprises an assembly housing; a first syringe disposed within the assembly housing, the first syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity and a first syringe port, wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity; and a first plunger movable within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first gear rack extending longitudinally along the first plunger; a second syringe disposed within the assembly housing, the second syringe comprising: a second syringe body defining a second syringe cavity and a second syringe port, wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity; and a second plunger movable within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second gear rack extending longitudinally along the second plunger; and a connecting gear rotatably coupled to the assembly housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to be in meshed engagement with at least one of the first gear rack and the second gear rack.

In certain examples, not falling under the scope of the invention, a method to deliver medication is disclosed that comprises advancing a medication plunger to urge medication through a delivery flow path of a tubing; and rotating a connecting gear by advancing the medication plunger, wherein the medication plunger includes a medication gear rack in meshed engagement with the connecting gear.

In certain embodiments a medication delivery system is disclosed that comprises a syringe assembly, comprising: an assembly housing; a first syringe disposed within the assembly housing, the first syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity and a first syringe port, wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity; and a first plunger movable within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first gear rack extending longitudinally along the first plunger; a second syringe disposed within the assembly housing, the second syringe comprising: a second syringe body defining a second syringe cavity and a second syringe port, wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity; and a second plunger movable within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second gear rack extending longitudinally along the second plunger; and a connecting gear rotatably coupled to the assembly housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to be in meshed engagement with at least one of the first gear rack and the second gear rack; and a tubing defining a first flow path and a second flow path, wherein the first flow path is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, and the second flow path is in fluid communication with the second syringe port.

The disclosed syringe assembly incorporates multiple syringes with a connecting gear to actuate the syringes. The syringe assembly can control the advancing and retracting of the syringes to control the fluid flow to and from each of the syringes. By controlling the fluid flow to and from each of the syringes, the priming and delivery of medication and other medical fluids can be simplified.

The detailed description set forth below is intended as a description of various configurations of the subject technology and is not intended to represent the only configurations in which the subject technology may be practiced. In some instances, well-knowti structures and components are shown in block diagram form in order to avoid obscuring the concepts of the subject technology. Like components are labeled with identical element numbers for ease of understanding. Reference numbers may have letter suffixes appended to indicate separate instances of a common element while being referred to generically by the same number without a suffix letter.

While the following description is directed to the administration of medical fluid using the disclosed syringe assembly, it is to be understood that this description is only an example of usage and does not limit the scope of the claims. Various aspects of the disclosed syringe assembly may be used in any application where it is desirable to provide for the administration of medical fluids.

The disclosed syringe assembly overcomes several challenges discovered with respect to certain conventional syringes. One challenge with certain conventional syringes is that syringes may deliver excess medical fluid, such as saline, to patients. Further, conventional syringes may require manual advancing and retraction in sequence. Because excess medical fluid may delay the delivery of medical fluids, may not be tolerated by fluid restricted patients, such as premature babies, and manual operation of conventional syringes may be subject to error, the use conventional syringes is undesirable.

Therefore, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is advantageous to provide a syringe assembly as described herein that eliminates or substantially reduces delivering excess medical fluid to a patient and simplifies the operation of the syringes. The disclosed syringe assembly provides a gear mechanism that permits simplified operation while reducing excess medical fluid delivered to the patient.

An example of a syringe assembly that prevents delivery of excess medical fluid is now described.

<FIG> is an elevation view of a medication delivery system <NUM>, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the medication delivery system <NUM> delivers medication from a syringe assembly <NUM> to the patient via a catheter <NUM> without delivering excess fluid, such as saline, used to prime the medication delivery system <NUM>.

In some embodiments, a delivery flow path <NUM> of a dual lumen tubing <NUM> can be primed with saline to remove any air or trapped gasses with the delivery flow path <NUM> of the dual lumen tubing <NUM>. Saline can be advanced from the syringe assembly <NUM>, through the delivery flow path <NUM> and to the valve <NUM>.

In a priming configuration, the valve <NUM> can prevent from the delivery flow path <NUM> from entering the patient catheter <NUM> and can instead direct the saline toward the return flow path <NUM> to allow the primed saline to be returned to the syringe assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is an elevation view of the medication delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, with the pusher assembly <NUM> depressed, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the syringe assembly <NUM> advances medication within the delivery flow path <NUM> to prime the delivery flow path <NUM>. Advantageously, by priming the delivery flow path <NUM> with medication, the medication can be delivered to the patient via the catheter <NUM> proximal to the patient with less delay and without delivering the saline used to prime the delivery flow path <NUM>.

To introduce medication into the delivery flow path <NUM>, the pusher assembly <NUM> can be advanced or otherwise displaced to introduce a volume of medication into the delivery flow path <NUM> of the dual lumen tubing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the advancement of the pusher assembly <NUM> can actuate a medication syringe <NUM> disposed within the syringe assembly <NUM>. Optionally, the medication syringe <NUM> can be configured to be advanced or displaced a desired amount to dispense a volume of medication into the delivery flow path <NUM> that is equivalent to the volume of the delivery flow path <NUM>. In other words, medication syringe <NUM> can be advanced to fill the volume of the delivery flow path <NUM> up to the valve <NUM> to prime the medication for administration via the catheter <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the priming of medication into the delivery flow path <NUM> can be signaled, controlled, or otherwise simplified. For example, the syringe assembly <NUM> can include an internal mechanism that limits travel or provides a tactile signal to a clinician when the delivery flow path <NUM> is primed. In some embodiments, the limit or signal is calibrated to the volume of the delivery flow path <NUM>. By providing a travel limit or signal during priming, a desired volume of medication can be introduced into the delivery flow path <NUM>, for example, a sufficient medication volume to fill the delivery flow path <NUM>.

As illustrated, as the medication is introduced into the delivery flow path <NUM>, the saline previously primed through the delivery flow path <NUM> is displaced. The displaced saline is directed by the valve <NUM> into the return flow path <NUM>.

Medical fluid from the return flow path <NUM> can be returned into the syringe assembly <NUM>. Returned medical fluid such as saline can be introduced into a return or saline syringe <NUM> of the syringe assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the return flow path <NUM> includes a check valve <NUM> to prevent the backflow of medical fluid from the saline syringe <NUM> into the dual lumen tubing <NUM>.

<FIG> is an elevation view of the medication delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, with the pusher assembly <NUM> further depressed, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the syringe assembly <NUM> is actuated to dispense medication to the patient through the catheter <NUM>.

As illustrated, the pusher assembly <NUM> can be further advanced to actuate the medication syringe <NUM> within the syringe assembly <NUM>. By actuating the pusher assembly <NUM>, the medication syringe <NUM> can be advanced to deliver medication from the syringe assembly <NUM> into the delivery flow path <NUM>. In some embodiments, the syringe assembly <NUM> can be actuated by a syringe pump to control the flow of medication to the patient. As can be appreciated, the syringe pump can be configured to include a priming sequence with an increased pump rate to rapidly prime the delivery flow path <NUM>.

During operation, the valve <NUM> is actuated to permit the flow of medication from the delivery flow path <NUM> to the patient via the catheter <NUM>. In some embodiments, the fluid pressure within the delivery flow path <NUM> can exceed the cracking pressure of the valve <NUM> to allow flow to the catheter <NUM>. The valve <NUM> can be located proximal to the patient to minimize the length of the catheter <NUM>, which reduces the amount of saline administered to the patient, and reduces the delivery time for the medication.

<FIG> is an elevation view of the medication delivery system <NUM> of <FIG>, with the pusher assembly <NUM> further depressed, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated example, the syringe assembly <NUM> advances saline through the delivery flow path <NUM> to advance the remaining medication to the patient via the catheter <NUM>.

As illustrated, after the medication is expelled from the medication syringe <NUM>, medication may remain in the volume of the delivery flow path <NUM>. To ensure that the medication is fully delivered to the patient, the pusher assembly <NUM> can be further advanced to administer a saline "push" from the saline syringe <NUM> to continue to advance the medication through the delivery flow path <NUM> after the medication within the medication syringe <NUM> is exhausted. Saline can be administered through the delivery flow path <NUM> until the medication is fully administered to the patient. As illustrated, the saline from the saline syringe <NUM> can enter the delivery flow path <NUM> via the saline delivery line <NUM>. The saline delivery line <NUM> can include a check valve <NUM> to prevent the backflow of medication or other medical fluids into the syringe assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is an elevation view of a syringe assembly <NUM>, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In the illustrated embodiment, the syringe assembly <NUM> controls the flow of medication from the medication syringe <NUM> and the flow of saline from the saline syringe <NUM>.

As illustrated, the medication syringe <NUM> can receive, store, and/or dispense medication in a medication cavity <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a medication plunger <NUM> is movable within the medication cavity <NUM> to define a medication chamber therein. The volume of the medication chamber is preferably defined by the position of the medication plunger <NUM> relative to the medication cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, the volume of the medication chamber is in fluid communication with the medication port <NUM>. Embodiments of the medication syringe <NUM> can be commercially available, premade, prefilled, or otherwise adapted for use with the syringe assembly <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the medication plunger <NUM> can be drawn distally to expand the medication chamber and draw in more medication or medical fluid through the medication port <NUM>. During operation, the medication plunger <NUM> can be advanced proximally to contract the medication chamber and expel medication or medical fluids from the medication chamber through the medication port <NUM>.

Similarly, the saline syringe <NUM> can receive, store and/or dispense saline in a saline cavity <NUM>. The saline syringe <NUM> can store any other medical fluid, including medicine to allow the syringe assembly <NUM> to dispense multiple medications in sequence or simultaneously. In the illustrated embodiment, a saline plunger <NUM> is movable within the saline cavity <NUM> to define a saline chamber therein. The volume of the saline chamber is preferably defined by the position of the saline plunger <NUM> relative to the saline cavity <NUM>. In some embodiments, the volume of the saline chamber is in fluid communication with the saline port <NUM>. Embodiments of the saline syringe <NUM> can be commercially available, premade, prefilled, or otherwise adapted for use with the syringe assembly <NUM>.

During operation, the saline plunger <NUM> can be drawn distally to expand the saline chamber and draw in more saline or medical fluid through the saline port <NUM>. In some embodiments, the saline plunger <NUM> can be advanced proximally to contract the saline chamber and expel saline or medical fluids from the saline chamber through the saline port <NUM>.

As illustrated, the saline syringe <NUM> and the medication syringe <NUM> can be housed within an assembly housing <NUM>. The assembly housing <NUM> can include alignment and retention features to locate the saline syringe <NUM> and the medication syringe <NUM>. The assembly housing <NUM> can include a cover <NUM> to retain and cover the components of the syringe assembly <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can rotate on hinges <NUM> to close and cover the syringe assembly <NUM>. Tabs <NUM>, <NUM> formed on assembly housing <NUM> and the cover <NUM> can respectively facilitate in the opening and closing of the cover <NUM> for access to the saline syringe <NUM> and the medication syringe <NUM>. The cover <NUM> can include a saline window <NUM> and a medication window <NUM> to allow a clinician to monitor the fluid level of the saline syringe <NUM> and the medication syringe <NUM>, respectively.

In the depicted example, the syringe assembly <NUM> controls the actuation of the medication plunger <NUM> and the saline plunger <NUM> to facilitate the priming and administration of medication to a patient. In the depicted example, the syringe assembly <NUM> includes a pusher assembly <NUM> to advance the medication plunger <NUM> and/or the saline plunger <NUM>. For example, by advancing the pusher assembly <NUM>, the medication plunger <NUM> and the saline plunger <NUM> can be actuated in sequence to prime the medication delivery device, deliver medication, and provide a saline "push" to deliver any medication remaining in the delivery flow path.

<FIG> is a perspective detail view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, in the illustrated embodiment, the pusher assembly <NUM> includes a main pusher shaft <NUM> and an intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> configured to cooperatively advance the medication plunger <NUM> in response to the pusher assembly <NUM> being advanced. As illustrated, the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> can extend at least partially from the main pusher shaft <NUM>.

The intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> preferably is releasably coupled to the main pusher shaft <NUM> via a plurality of ears <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ears <NUM> radially expand and engage against the main pusher shaft end <NUM> to prevent or limit the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> from retracting into the main pusher shaft <NUM>. During operation, as described herein, the ears <NUM> of the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> can be radially retracted to allow the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> to be retracted into the main pusher shaft <NUM>, preventing or limiting advancement of the pusher assembly <NUM> from further actuating the medication plunger <NUM>. In some embodiments, the ears <NUM> can be retracted by engaging with an activation tunnel <NUM> formed around the medication plunger <NUM>.

Referring back to <FIG>, the pusher assembly <NUM> includes a secondary pusher (not pictured in <FIG>) extending laterally from the main pusher shaft <NUM> via a secondary pusher extension <NUM>. The secondary pusher is configured to advance the saline plunger <NUM> in response to the pusher assembly <NUM> being advanced. The secondary pusher can be longitudinally offset from the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM>, such that the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> engages with the medication plunger <NUM> before the secondary pusher engages with the saline plunger <NUM> when the pusher assembly <NUM> is advanced. In some embodiments, the secondary pusher engages and advances the saline plunger <NUM> after the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> has been disengaged from the main pusher shaft <NUM>, allowing the pusher assembly <NUM> to be advanced to actuate the saline plunger <NUM> via the offset secondary pusher without further actuating the medication plunger <NUM>.

Advantageously, during the administration of medication to patients, the pusher assembly <NUM> allows for medication to be dispensed from the medication syringe <NUM> by actuating the main pusher shaft <NUM> and the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> and then allows for saline to be dispensed from the saline syringe <NUM> by actuating the secondary pusher.

In some embodiments, the syringe assembly <NUM> includes a priming mechanism to automate, control, or otherwise simplify the advancement of the medication plunger <NUM> and the retraction of the saline plunger <NUM> to facilitate the priming of medication into IV tubing. The priming mechanism is preferably configured to introduce a sufficient volume of medication from the medication syringe <NUM> into the IV tubing to fully fill or prime the IV line while removing any displaced liquid prior to the administration of medication to the patient.

In the illustrated embodiment, the priming mechanism includes a connecting gear <NUM> that effects retraction of the saline plunger <NUM> as the medication plunger <NUM> is advanced during a priming operation. In the depicted example, the medication plunger <NUM> includes a medication gear rack <NUM> extending longitudinally along the medication plunger <NUM>. The medication gear rack <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth that can be in meshed engagement with the connecting gear <NUM>. Similarly, the saline plunger <NUM> includes a saline gear rack <NUM> extending longitudinally along the saline plunger <NUM>. The saline gear rack <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth that can also be in meshed engagement with the connecting gear <NUM>.

Therefore, during a priming operation, as the medication plunger <NUM> is advanced by the pusher assembly <NUM> to administer medication, the medication gear rack <NUM> rotates the connecting gear <NUM> about the connecting gear shaft <NUM> in a clockwise direction. In response, the clockwise rotation of the connecting gear <NUM> retracts the saline plunger <NUM> in an opposite direction to draw in or receive saline from the IV tubing. As can be appreciated, the medication gear rack <NUM> and/or the saline gear rack <NUM> can be in meshed engagement with the connecting gear <NUM> before or during a priming operation and can be disengaged from the connecting gear <NUM> during other operations. Further, the length of the medication gear rack <NUM> and/or the saline gear rack <NUM> and the relative position of the medication plunger <NUM> and the saline plunger <NUM> can be configured to provide the desired operation.

As can be appreciated, features of the syringe assembly <NUM>, such as the pusher assembly <NUM> and the priming mechanism including the connecting gear <NUM>, the medication gear rack <NUM>, and the saline gear rack <NUM> can be cooperatively utilized in the operation of the syringe assembly <NUM> to sequentially permit the priming of an IV line, the administration of medication to a patient, and providing the saline push of any remaining medication by advancing the pusher assembly <NUM>.

<FIG> is a detail view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in a priming configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. As described herein, by advancing the pusher assembly <NUM> from an initial position, an IV line can be primed with medication.

By advancing the pusher assembly <NUM>, the main pusher shaft <NUM> and the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> coupled thereto engage and advance the medication plunger <NUM>. By advancing the medication plunger <NUM>, medication from the medication syringe <NUM> can advance through the IV tubing and prime the IV tubing. As described herein, the medication plunger <NUM> can be advanced by a desired or predetermined amount corresponding to the IV tubing volume during the priming process.

As the medication is advanced through the IV tubing during priming, any fluid such as saline remaining in the IV tubing may be displaced. Therefore, the syringe assembly <NUM> can retract the saline plunger <NUM> as the medication plunger <NUM> is advanced to receive or draw the displaced fluid from the IV tubing. As previously described, during a priming operation, the medication gear rack <NUM> and the saline gear rack <NUM> can be in meshed engagement with the connecting gear <NUM>. Therefore, during operation, as the medication plunger <NUM> is advanced or pushed downward, the medication gear rack <NUM> rotates the connecting gear <NUM> in a clockwise direction. The rotation of the connecting gear <NUM> retracts the saline gear rack <NUM> and therefore the saline plunger <NUM>. By retracting the saline plunger <NUM>, saline or other displaced medical fluids can be drawn from the IV tubing.

<FIG> is a detail view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in a delivery configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. At the end of the priming sequence, the saline gear rack <NUM> of the saline plunger <NUM> is disengaged from the connecting gear <NUM>, allowing the saline plunger <NUM> and the medication plunger <NUM> to move independently after priming.

<FIG> is a detail view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in the delivery configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. After priming, the pusher assembly <NUM> can be further advanced to administer medication to the patient.

In the illustrated embodiment, by further advancing the pusher assembly <NUM>, the main pusher shaft <NUM> and the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> cooperatively advance the medication plunger <NUM> to administer medication to the patient.

<FIG> is a detail view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in a pushing configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. During operation, the pusher assembly <NUM> can be further advanced to deliver any remaining medication in the IV tubing to the patient.

By advancing the pusher assembly <NUM>, the secondary pusher <NUM> engages and advances the saline plunger <NUM>. By advancing the saline plunger <NUM>, saline can be administered from the saline syringe <NUM> into the IV tubing to "push" or deliver any remaining medication in the IV tubing to the patient. As described herein, the secondary pusher <NUM> can be longitudinally offset from the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> to allow the secondary pusher <NUM> to actuate the saline plunger <NUM> after the medication plunger <NUM> is actuated.

After the medication plunger <NUM> reaches the end of its desired travel, the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> is preferably disengaged from the main pusher shaft <NUM> to allow the pusher assembly <NUM> to be advanced without obstruction or further advancing the medication plunger <NUM>. Advantageously, by disengaging the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM>, the pusher assembly <NUM> can advance the offset secondary pusher <NUM> and the saline plunger <NUM> after advancing the medication plunger <NUM>.

<FIG> is a partial cross-sectional view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. With reference to <FIG>, in some embodiments, the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> enters the activation tunnel <NUM> to release the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> from the main pusher shaft <NUM> as the medication plunger <NUM> reaches the end of travel. As illustrated, as the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> enters the activation tunnel <NUM> the ears <NUM> of the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> can be radially retracted or compressed by the walls of the activation tunnel <NUM>. After the ears <NUM> of the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> are retracted, the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> is uncoupled from the main pusher shaft <NUM>, permitting the main pusher shaft <NUM> to continue advancing to without further actuating the medication plunger <NUM>. As illustrated, the intermediate pusher shaft <NUM> can retract or slide into the inner diameter of the main pusher shaft <NUM>.

<FIG> is an elevation view of a syringe assembly <NUM>, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. <FIG> is an elevation view of the syringe assembly <NUM> of <FIG> in an open configuration, in accordance with various aspects of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the syringe assembly <NUM> can include features that are similar to syringe assembly <NUM>. Unless otherwise noted, similar features may be referred to with similar reference numerals.

With reference to <FIG>, the syringe assembly <NUM> includes a top portion 232a and a bottom portion 232b that separate to allow a saline syringe <NUM> and a medication syringe <NUM> to be introduced or removed from the syringe assembly <NUM>. The top portion 232a and the bottom portion 232b can be assembled to facilitate operation.

Advantageously, a multi-portion syringe assembly <NUM> allows clinicians to easily introduce and remove syringes from the syringe assembly <NUM>. Further, the multi-portion syringe assembly <NUM> can allow for premade or commercial syringes to be used with the syringe assembly <NUM>. In some embodiments, the syringe assembly <NUM> allows for pre-filled syringes to be used.

Terms such as "top," "bottom," "front," "rear" and the like if used in this disclosure should be understood as referring to an arbitrary frame of reference, rather than to the ordinary gravitational frame of reference. Thus, a top surface, a bottom surface, a front surface, and a rear surface may extend upwardly, downwardly, diagonally, or horizontally in a gravitational frame of reference.

Various items may be arranged differently (e.g., arranged in a different order, or partitioned in a different way) all without departing from the scope of the subject technology. The present disclosure encompasses all structural and functional equivalents to the elements of the various aspects described throughout it, falling under the scope of the appended claims. §<NUM>, sixth paragraph, unless the element is expressly recited using the phrase "means for" or, in the case of a method claim, the element is recited using the phrase "step for. " Furthermore, to the extent that the term "include," "have," or the like is used, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprise" as "comprise" is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.

The Title, Background, Summary, Brief Description of the Drawings and Abstract of the disclosure are provided as illustrative examples of the disclosure, not as restrictive descriptions. It is submitted with the understanding that they will not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the Detailed Description, it can be seen that the description provides illustrative examples and the various features are grouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed subject matter requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed configuration or operation.

Claim 1:
A syringe assembly (<NUM>), comprising: an assembly housing (<NUM>); a first syringe (<NUM>) disposed within the assembly housing, the first syringe comprising: a first syringe body defining a first syringe cavity (<NUM>) and a first syringe port (<NUM>), wherein the first syringe port is in fluid communication with the first syringe cavity; and a first plunger (<NUM>) movable within the first syringe cavity and defining a first chamber in the first syringe cavity, wherein the first chamber is in fluid communication with the first syringe port, the first plunger comprising a first gear rack (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along the first plunger; a second syringe (<NUM>) disposed within the assembly housing, the second syringe comprising: a second syringe body defining a second syringe cavity (<NUM>) and a second syringe port (<NUM>), wherein the second syringe port is in fluid communication with the second syringe cavity; and a second plunger (<NUM>) movable within the second syringe cavity and defining a second chamber in the second syringe cavity, wherein the second chamber is in fluid communication with the second syringe port, the second plunger comprising a second gear rack (<NUM>) extending longitudinally along the second plunger; a connecting gear (<NUM>) rotatably coupled to the assembly housing, wherein the connecting gear is configured to be in meshed engagement with at least one of the first gear rack and the second gear rack; and characterized by:
a pusher assembly (<NUM>) moveable within the assembly housing, the pusher assembly comprising:
a main pusher shaft (<NUM>) extending from outside of the assembly housing to inside the assembly housing; and
an intermediate pusher shaft (<NUM>) releasably coupled to the main pusher shaft, wherein the intermediate pusher shaft is configured to engage with and advance the first plunger.