Patent ID: 8734395

Claim:
A microneedle patch applicator, comprising: a housing; a slidably disposed applicator plate, moveable between a retracted position and a deployed position in a reciprocating manner, the applicator plate having an engaging surface and the applicator plate having a cylindrical aperture that passes therethrough, the cylindrical aperture having an internal wall; a spring mounted in such a way that imparts a spring force to the applicator plate when the applicator plate is in the retracted position; a microneedle patch docking mechanism configured in such a way that the docking mechanism captures and holds a microneedle patch in a position proximal the engaging surface of the applicator plate while the applicator plate is in the retracted position; and a latch mechanism that frictionally engages with the internal wall of the cylindrical aperture to hold the applicator plate in place, and when unlatched disengages from the internal wall and permits the applicator plate to move; wherein the applicator plate is placed in the retracted position with the docking mechanism holding the microneedle patch proximal the engaging surface, and when the latch mechanism is unlatched, the applicator plate is propelled by the spring to the deployed position.