U.S. patent application number 10/770545 was filed with the patent office on 2004-08-12 for needleless permanent makeup and tatoo device.
Invention is credited to Garitano, Gilbert, Garitano, Linda.
Application Number | 20040158196 10/770545 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26828758 |
Filed Date | 2004-08-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040158196 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Garitano, Gilbert ; et
al. |
August 12, 2004 |
Needleless permanent makeup and tatoo device
Abstract
The present invention relates to methods and compositions for
the needleless administration of permanent makeup and tattoos. In
particular, the present invention relates to hypodermic injectors
for use in delivering pigment or other desired substances to
targeted layers of the skin, avoiding needlestick injuries and
transmission of disease to the treated subject.
Inventors: |
Garitano, Gilbert; (Alameda,
CA) ; Garitano, Linda; (Alameda, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MEDLEN & CARROLL, LLP
Suite 350
101 Howard Street
San Francisco
CA
94105
US
|
Family ID: |
26828758 |
Appl. No.: |
10/770545 |
Filed: |
February 2, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10770545 |
Feb 2, 2004 |
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09556081 |
Apr 21, 2000 |
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6689095 |
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60130737 |
Apr 22, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/68 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 37/0076 20130101;
A61M 5/30 20130101; A61M 2005/2013 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/068 |
International
Class: |
A61M 005/30 |
Claims
We claim:
1. A system comprising a needleless injector suitable for injecting
cosmetic material through a skin surface of a subject, the
needleless injector comprising: a housing, wherein said housing
comprises an injection end comprising an orifice; an ampule
containing said cosmetic material; a driver capable of forcing said
cosmetic material out of said orifice of said injection end of said
housing at a sufficient velocity to pierce the skin surface of said
subject; and an energy mechanism for moving said driver.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein said cosmetic material comprises
pigment.
3. The system of claim 1, wherein said cosmetic material is
selected from the group consisting of collagen, elastin,
polypeptides, and nutrients.
4. The system of claim 1, wherein said needleless injector further
comprises a nozzle tip.
5. The system of claim 4, wherein said nozzle tip is detachably
connected to said injection end of said housing.
6. The system of claim 4, wherein said nozzle tip is
transparent.
7. The system of claim 4, wherein said nozzle tip comprises a
pressure sensitive activator, wherein said activator is capable of
activating said energy mechanism.
8. The system of claim 1, wherein said needleless injector further
comprises a trigger, wherein said trigger is capable of activating
said energy mechanism.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein said needleless injector
comprises at least one ampule containing said cosmetic
material.
10. The system of claim 1, wherein said energy mechanism comprises
compressed gas.
11. The system of claim 10, wherein said compressed gas is supplied
in one or more gas cartridges.
12. The system of claim 10, wherein said compressed gas is supplied
by a suitable air compressor attached to said housing through one
or more tubes.
13. The system of claim 1, wherein said energy mechanism comprises
a spring.
14. The system of claim 1, wherein said energy mechanism comprises
a pyrotechnic charge.
15. A method of injecting cosmetic material through a skin surface
of a subject, comprising: providing a needleless injector, wherein
said injector comprises said cosmetic material and a means for
forcing said cosmetic material out of said injector at a sufficient
velocity to pierce the skin surface of said subject; placing a
surface of said injector in contact with the skin surface of said
subject; and activating said means for forcing said cosmetic
material out of said injector at a sufficient velocity to pierce
the skin surface of said subject.
16. A method of injecting cosmetic material through a skin surface
of a subject, comprising: providing the system of claim 1, placing
said needleless injector in contact with the skin surface of said
subject; and activating said energy mechanism.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to methods and compositions
for the needleless administration of permanent cosmetics and
tattoos. In particular, the present invention relates to hypodermic
injectors for use in delivering pigment or other desired materials
to targeted layers of the skin.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Since ancient times, people have used paint and other
coloring techniques to improve attractiveness and for cultural or
religious purposes. Today, many people seek permanent colorations
or other permanent or long-term cosmetic enhancement as a
substitute for repeated application of cosmetics. A number of
intradermal injection and surgical devices for use in applying
permanent cosmetics have been known for years. They are commonly
used, for example, to create decorative tattoos on a person's skin
or to form permanent eyelid liners to replace paint-on cosmetic
eyelid liners. The devices inject ink, dye, or other marking fluid
just under the skin surface, so that the ink is retained within the
skin and the color of the ink and the design formed by the ink
injection pattern is visible.
[0003] The devices use a skin-penetrating needle which has the
capacity to retain some quantity of ink or dye, a mechanism to
reciprocate the needle for repeated punctures of the skin to
implant the ink under the skin in the desired pattern, and a
pen-like housing which the operator holds and uses to guide the
device. A number of different devices, particularly with different
types of reciprocating needle drives, have been disclosed over the
years (See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,840,076; 4,508,106; 4,644,952;
4,798,582; and 6,033,421 herein incorporated by reference in their
entireties).
[0004] All of the currently used methods for delivering permanent
makeup, tattoo pigment, and other cosmetic materials to the
subdermal tissue require the use of one or more needles that
penetrate the skin to deliver the pigment or dye. The colored
pigment is applied to the skin by superficially puncturing the
skin, and moving the needle in an axial reciprocal motion in and
out of the skin to urge the color pigment into position just under
the skin, where the pigment is permanently retained. This procedure
inevitably involves exposure of the needle to blood in the body
tissues. Such methods present a risk of disease transmission and
infection, pain, and apprehension in treated subjects.
[0005] Because of the HIV and hepatitis epidemics, among a host of
other diseases, healthcare and other professionals who routinely
use needles have raised serious concerns about their health and
safety, as well as that of their subjects. For example, the once
routine procedure of administering cosmetics through the use of
needles may be a life-threatening event. Infectious diseases have
been transmitted to healthcare workers and other professionals by
needlestick and sharp injuries. For example, over one million
needlestick injuries are reported every year. Sixty to ninety
percent of all reported needlestick injuries are incurred by the
administering personnel. Indeed, needlestick injuries are the most
common occupational injury experienced by healthcare professionals.
Needlestick injuries have been shown to transmit a large number of
infectious diseases, including, AIDS, blastomycosis, brucellosis,
cyptococosis, diphtheria, Ebola fever, gonorrhea (cutaneous),
hepatitis B, herpes, hepatitis C, malaria, leptospirosis,
mycobacteriosis, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, mycoplasmosis,
staphylococcal infections, scrub typhus, toxoplasmosis,
sporotrichosis, syphilis, streptococcal infections, and
tuberculosis. Thus, the art is in need of methods and compositions
for applying permanent cosmetics without the health risks, pain,
and fear associated with conventional techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention relates to methods and compositions
for the needleless administration of permanent makeup and tattoos.
In particular, the present invention relates to hypodermic
injectors for use in delivering pigment or other desired substances
to targeted layers of the skin.
[0007] The present invention provides a system comprising a
needleless injector suitable for injecting cosmetic material
through a skin surface of a subject, the needleless injector
comprising: a housing, wherein the housing includes an injection
end comprising an orifice; an ampule containing the cosmetic
material; a driver capable of forcing the cosmetic material out of
the orifice of the injection end of the housing at a sufficient
velocity to pierce the skin surface of the subject; and an energy
mechanism for moving the driver. In some embodiments of the present
invention, the cosmetic material comprises pigment. In other
embodiments, the cosmetic material is selected from the group
including, but not limited to, collagen, elastin, polypeptides, and
nutrients.
[0008] The needleless injector of the present invention may be
associated with a variety of features that improve safety and/or
utility. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention,
the needleless injector further comprises a nozzle tip. In
preferred embodiments, the nozzle tip is detachably connected to
the injection end of the housing. In other preferred embodiments,
the nozzle tip is transparent. In yet other preferred embodiments,
the nozzle tip comprises a pressure sensitive activator, wherein
the activator is capable of activating the energy mechanism, for
example, when the end of the injector is pressed against the skin
surface of the subject.
[0009] In other embodiments, of the present invention, the
needleless injector further comprises a trigger, wherein the
trigger is capable of activating the energy mechanism. Triggers
include, but are not limited to, levers, buttons, switches, or
other easy to manipulate activation means.
[0010] In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the
needleless injector comprises a plurality of ampules containing the
cosmetic material. The ampules may be included within the
needleless injector or may be external to the injector, but
attached by one or more injection tubes to the injector.
[0011] In some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the
energy mechanism comprises compressed gas. The compressed gas can
be supplied in one or more gas cartridges, by an air compressor
attached to the housing through one or more tubes, or any other
means of delivering forces air through or into the injection
device. In alternate embodiments, the energy mechanism is selected
from a group including, but not limited to, springs and pyrotechnic
charges.
[0012] The present invention further provides a method of injecting
cosmetic material through a skin surface of a subject, comprising:
providing a needleless injector, wherein the injector comprises the
cosmetic material and a means for forcing the cosmetic material out
of the injector at a sufficient velocity to pierce the skin surface
of the subject; placing a surface of the injector in contact with
the skin surface of the subject; and activating the means for
forcing the cosmetic material out of the injector at a sufficient
velocity to pierce the skin surface of the subject.
[0013] The present invention also provides a method of injecting
cosmetic material through a skin surface of a subject, comprising:
providing any of the systems described above; placing the
needleless injector of the system in contact with the skin surface
of the subject; and activating the energy mechanism.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0014] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a pigment applicator
device in accordance with one embodiment of the present
invention.
[0015] FIGS. 2A-C show a perspective view of a pigment applicator
device in a second embodiment of the present invention.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0016] The present invention relates to methods and compositions
for the needleless administration of permanent and semi-permanent
makeup and tattoos. In particular, the present invention relates to
hypodermic injectors for use in delivering pigment or other desired
substances to targeted layers of the skin. The present invention
provides devices that are safe, sterile, and needle-free, as well
as methods that increase the comfort level of the application,
eliminating the spread of blood borne diseases and decreasing the
apprehension level of subjects who obtain the treatment. The
needleless injectors also afford a further advantage in that the
injected material can be dispersed through a greater volume of
tissue than when a bolus injection is introduced through a
conventional hypodermic needle. Thus, the devices of the present
invention provide dramatic new levels of safety and ease-of-use for
permanent cosmetic applications, tattooing, and rehabilitation and
repigmentation of surgical and burn patients (e.g., scar
camouflage, breast cancer reconstruction, birth mark camouflage,
burn camouflage, stretch mark camouflage, and the like). The
devices also have the added advantage of reducing environmental
contamination associated with needle disposal.
[0017] The devices of the present invention provide a needle-free
micropigmentation delivery method, by, for example, epidermal air
injection of micro-pigments, as well as dermatological substances
such as collagen, elastin, polypeptides, and nutrients of various
sorts, to the basal layers of the skin. As such, the methods do not
involve the penetration of the skin by a needle, the devices
prevent needlestick injuries and avoid the risk of exposure to
blood-borne diseases, as well as lessening skin trauma and aiding
in healing time as well as allowing a higher comfort level per
procedure.
[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the devices
use compressed air (e.g., a compressed inert gas such as carbon
dioxide [CO.sub.2]) as the power source to inject the micropigments
or other substances through a micro-orifice, penetrating the
epidermis within a fraction of a second. In other embodiments of
the present invention, the devices use medical grade compressed
ambient air supplied by a suitable air compressor. Methods and
apparatuses capable of supplying medical grade pathogen free air
suitable for use in the present invention are described in U.S.
Pat. Nos. 5,795,371, 5,230,727, and 4,670,223, herein incorporated
by reference in their entireties. The pigment deposition process of
the present invention is repeated until the desired effect is
achieved. The present invention is not limited to any particular
power source, as a number of other delivery means provide a
velocity sufficient to cause the injected material to pierce the
skin and enter the underlying tissues. Such methods include, but
are not limited to the use of springs, pyrotechnic charges or the
like instead of gas power as the injection delivering force.
Examples of power sources that find use with the present invention
are found in hypodermic injectors used in the delivery of
medication to the blood stream, including, for example, as
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,993,412; 5,593,388; 5,851,198;
5,769,138; 5,722,953; 5,704,911; 5,697,917; 5,643,211; 5,599,302;
5,569,189; 5,520, 639; 5,503,627; 5,480,381; 5,176,642; 5,062,830;
5,064,413; 4,790,824; 4,643,721; 4,623,332; 4,596,556; 4,421,508;
4,089,334; 3,688,765; 3,115,133; 2,816,54; and 2,754,818, all of
which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.
[0019] The size of the orifice through which the micro-pigment or
dermatological substance is injected is determined by the size and
the pressure contained within the gas cartridge or the pressure
delivered by other energy sources, as well as the size and shape of
the device nozzle tip that makes contact with the skin. These
factors also affect the depth of penetration into the skin. As a
result of this procedure, micro-pigment or other injected material
is permanently deposited under the surface of the skin. The device
can be adjusted to regulate the depth of the injection as desired,
in order to allow deposit of the injected material to the
appropriate depth for achieving, for example, permanent coloration
(i.e., as opposed to temporary coloration).
[0020] In some embodiments, of the present invention, the
needleless injector further comprises a liquid-transfer apparatus
designed to facilitate the fluid transfer of the pigment or
cosmetic material into the injection chamber prior to delivery to
the target. (See e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,893,397, herein incorporated
by reference in its entirety). In other embodiments of the present
invention, the ampules are filled prior to using the needless
injector by any of a number of ampule filing devices (See e.g.,
U.S. Pat. No. 5,649,912 herein incorporated by reference in its
entirety).
[0021] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, sterile
nozzle tips are the only part of the device that make direct
contact with the skin, and may be disposed of after each procedure.
The compressed air may be provided in a pressurized gas cartridge,
wherein the sterile gas cartridges make no direct contact with the
skin, and can also be disposed of after each use, eliminating any
chance of contamination. The compressed air may also be provided
through attachment of the device with a suitable air compressor or
other source of pressurized air.
[0022] In some embodiments of the present invention, the device has
a pressure sensitive deployment mechanism that ensures proper
seating of the injector face against the skin surface before sample
delivery is accomplished. A second level of safety can be employed
by requiring both proper seating of the injector face and
depression of an activation button or switch by the technician.
Thus, the needleless injector device assures safe use, even by
inexperienced operators under adverse conditions.
[0023] The present invention also provides methods for the removal
of pigment (e.g., tattoos and permanent cosmetics) from a subject.
For example, rather than injecting a pigment to the subdermal
tissue layers, the devices of the present invention are used to
inject a removal solution to the subdermal layers to remove or
reduce pigmentations. Any solution capable or reducing or removing
coloration finds use with the present invention. For example, in
some embodiments of the present invention, trichloracetic acid is
applied to a pigmented area. In other embodiments of the present
invention, nitric acid is applied to a pigmented area. In yet other
embodiments of the present invention, removal may be conducted by
injecting a solution that solubilizes the pigment and removing the
solution. Any type of removal is contemplated. In some embodiments
solution removal comprises suction or drainage of the solution from
the skin. In preferred embodiments the skin is treated to
facilitate removal. For example, the skin may be treated with heat,
chemicals, hormones, and the like to open pores. In other
embodiments of the present invention, removal comprises injecting a
solution that carries the pigment into the bloodstream.
[0024] In preferred embodiments, the needleless injector is for use
with human beings. However, it is contemplated that the present
invention will find use in veterinary applications, as well as for
identification of animals (e.g., tattooing and branding).
[0025] Definitions
[0026] To facilitate an understanding of the present invention, a
number of terms and phrases are defined below:
[0027] As used herein, the term "needleless injector" refers to a
device capable of introducing a material through the skin of a
subject without the use of a needle. Needleless injectors may
include a needle, for example, to draw the injectable material into
the device prior to injection, but carry out the injection process
without piercing the skin of the subject with a needle.
[0028] As used herein, the term "ampule" refers to a container for
storing one or more injectable materials. Ampules may contain a
single chamber or multiple chambers and can be made of any
desirable material for storing the injectable material.
[0029] As used herein, the term "cosmetic material" refers to any
material that is to be injected substantially beneath the skin
surface for cosmetic purposes (i.e., as opposed to injection in the
bloodstream for medical purposes). Cosmetic materials include, but
are not limited to pigments, collagens, elastins, polypeptides,
carbohydrates, lipids, and nutrients (e.g., vitamins).
[0030] As used herein, the term "pigment" refers to a substance
used as coloring. Pigments include liquid and dry coloring
material, and include, but are not limited to, pigments used in
tattooing and permanent makeup applications.
[0031] As used herein, the term "energy mechanism" or "power
source" refers to a system for delivering a force to a driver or
other device or material. Energy mechanisms include, but are not
limited to compressed gas, pyrotechnic charges, springs, and the
like.
[0032] As used herein, the term "driver" refers to a portion of a
device that imparts or transmits motion, power, or forceful
pressure to another device part or to a material. Drives include,
but are not limited to, pistons, levers, articulators, and the
like.
[0033] As used herein, the term "sufficient velocity to pierce the
skin surface of a subject" refers to a velocity capable of
delivering an injectable material beneath the skin surface of a
subject. In preferred embodiments, the velocity delivers the
injectable material to the subdermal tissue, while avoiding
substantial delivery to the bloodstream. The velocity will vary
depending on the location, thickness, and type of skin. For
example, fluid materials can be delivered beneath the skin if
accelerated at a velocity between about 800 feet per second and
1,200 feet per second, although lower or higher velocities may be
appropriate for particular injectable materials or skin types. It
should be noted that, in some embodiments of the present invention,
the needleless injector of the present invention deposits pigments
and compositions in skin tissues to a sufficient depth in order to
ensure that a permanent marking remains retained by the tissue, and
such that a clearly visible marking remains after the passing of
time, but not so deep that the deposited pigments or compositions
enter the subject's blood supply. Velocity of the devices may be
controlled by a number of factors including, but not limited to,
the amount of force applied to the injectable material or the
diameter of the passage, nozzle, or tip through which the
injectable material travels. In some embodiments of the present
invention, changes to velocity may be made by adjusting the device
accordingly (e.g., adjusting the tension of a spring, adjusting the
force applied by a pressurized gas, and adjusting the diameter of
the passage, nozzle, or tip, by substituting a separate component
into the device or by turning an adjustment dial that physically
alters the diameter of the passageway). One skilled in the art is
capable of testing the appropriate velocity for particular
applications by, for example, testing a variety of velocities on a
test animal or tissue. For example, a tissue sample corresponding
to a tissue to be treated is injected using the device of the
present invention and the location of the pigment is identified
(e.g., by dissection, microscopy, and the like). In some
embodiments, the test tissue is part of a living animal and the
maintenance of the coloring is monitored over time. The presence
and amount of injectable material that enters the blood stream for
a particular velocity and tissue type can be detected by obtaining
a blood sample and detecting the presence of the injectable
material (e.g., detecting the presence of a detectable marker
injected with the injectable material). Adjustments may also be
made by the practitioner during a treatment simply by visual
observation of undesired results (e.g., penetration that is too
shallow or too deep), with corrections being made accordingly.
[0034] As used herein, the terms "suitable air compressor" or
"suitable compressed air," and equivalents, are used in their
broadest sense to describe a compressed air source free of
pathogens.
[0035] As used herein, the term "medical grade air" refers to a
pathogen free air.
[0036] As used herein, the terms "material" and "materials" refer
to, in their broadest sense, any composition of matter.
[0037] As used herein, the term "pathogen" refers to
disease-causing organisms or infectious agents, microorganisms, or
agents including, but not limited to, viruses, bacteria, parasites
(including, but not limited to, organisms within the phyla
Protozoa, Platyhelminthes, Aschelminithes, Acanthocephala, and
Arthropoda), fungi, and prions.
[0038] As used herein, the term "peptide" refers to any substance
composed of two or more amino acids.
[0039] As used herein, the term "carbohydrate" refers to a class of
molecules including, but not limited to, sugars, starches,
cellulose, chitin, glycogen, and similar structures. Further,
carbohydrates can occur as components of glycolipids and
glycoproteins.
[0040] As used herein, the term "lipid" refers to a variety of
compounds that are characterized by their solubility in organic
solvents. Such compounds include, but are not limited to, fats,
waxes, steroids, sterols, glycolipids, glycosphingolipids
(including gangliosides), phospholipids, terpenes, fat-soluble
vitamins, prostaglandins, carotenes, and chlorophylls. As used
herein, the phrase "lipid-based materials" refers to any material
that contains lipids.
[0041] As used herein, the term "organic solvents" refers to any
organic molecules capable of dissolving another substance. Examples
include, but are not limited to, chloroform, alcohols, phenols, and
ethers.
[0042] As used herein, the term "sample" is used in its broadest
sense. In one sense it is meant to include a specimen or culture;
on the other hand, it is meant to include biological and
environmental samples. Biological samples include blood products,
such as plasma, serum and the like. Biological samples may be
animal, including human, fluid, solid or tissue. Environmental
samples include environmental material such as surface matter,
soil, water, crystals and industrial samples. These examples are
not to be construed as limiting the sample types applicable to the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0043] The following examples are provided in order to demonstrate
and further illustrate certain preferred embodiments and aspects of
the present invention and are not to be construed as limiting the
scope thereof.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, a needleless injection device according
to one embodiment of the present invention is embodied in a
pen-sized device. The needleless injector device (10) according to
an embodiment of the invention is useful for hypodermic injection
of pigment or other cosmetic material without piercing the skin
with a needle.
[0045] The preferred embodiment ensures precise delivery through an
orifice with a diameter of approximately 0.0032" (i.e.,
approximately 0.08 mm). However, larger or smaller diameters may be
used, so long as accurate penetration of the skin and delivery of
the injectable material is maintained (e.g., different diameters to
regulate velocity of the injectable material or fineness or
coarseness of the applied mark). In this embodiment, the injected
material is linearly accelerated via pneumatic propulsion. Safety
is maintained and inadvertent activation of the injection device
(10) is avoided via a pressure sensitive (e.g., resistance)
triggering feature that allows for proper tensioning of the nozzle
and orifice at the injection site prior to automatic deployment
and/or through activation of a control switch by the user. For
example, activation of the injector device (10) will not occur
until the injector is properly positioned to provide the required
resistance from the skin surface of the subject to allow for
sufficient tension and pressure to be applied to a trigger of the
injector device (10) to activate it to deliver the dosage of
injectable material. Improper positioning resulting in insufficient
resistance by the skin surface of the subject will prevent the
injector device (10) from being inadvertently activated. For
example, tight tolerances between a trigger cap and a housing will
prevent the cap from sliding along the housing to trigger the
device (10), if the device (10) is more than 10 degrees off of an
axis perpendicular to the skin surface of the subject to be
treated.
[0046] The injector device (10) has a main body (20), a chamber
housing (30), a cap (40), a piston (50), an actuating member (250),
and a first gas chamber (70). The main body (20) includes a first
body portion (21) integrally connected to a second body portion
(22). The main body (20) comprising the first body portion (21) and
second body portion (22) may be a single unit in design and
manufacturing. In a preferred embodiment of the device, the second
body portion (22) has a slightly larger diameter than that of the
first body portion (21). A flange (23) is formed due to a larger
diameter of the second body portion (22). The first body portion
(21) and the second body portion (22) each has an elongated
cylindrical shape. However, in alternative embodiments, other
shapes (e.g., rectangular, triangular, octagonal or the like) may
be used. The main body (20) also has an elongated cavity (24)
centrally disposed along the length of the first body portion (21)
and partially along the length of the second body portion (22). The
elongated cavity (24) forms an opening that is located on the end
of the main body (20), located opposite the second body portion
(22). In some embodiments, the elongated cavity (24) has a
cylindrical shape with a substantially homogenous diameter.
However, in alternative embodiments, other shapes such as
rectangular, triangular or the like may be used. In other
embodiments, the diameter of the elongated cavity (24) gradually
tapers off as the elongated cavity (24) nears the second body
portion (22). In such embodiments, the smaller diameter portion of
the elongated cavity (24) limits the backward movement of the
piston (50) and tends to increase the rate of acceleration when the
jet injection device (10) is first activated.
[0047] The second body portion (22) includes a lever passageway
(80) and the first gas chamber (70) for storing compressed inert
gas (e.g., carbon dioxide). However, alternative embodiments may
use other gases or a gas/liquid combination. The elongated cavity
(24), containing a second gas chamber (90), and the first gas
chamber (70) are coupled together to provide gaseous communication
with each other through a passageway (100). The first gas chamber
(70) of the second body portion (22) has an opening on the opposite
end of the passageway (100), through which compressed gas is
pre-filled into the first gas chamber (70). A retention groove
(27), preferably ring-shaped, is formed around the inner diameter
of the first gas chamber (70) near the end of the large opening in
the first gas chamber. A chamber plug (28) is disposed within the
opening of the first gas chamber (70) to seal in the compressed
inert gas, once the gas has been loaded. The chamber plug (28)
forms an air tight seal in the first gas chamber (70) by engaging
the retention groove (27). The retention groove (27) also prevents
the chamber plug (28) from detaching itself from the second body
portion (22) due to the presence of compressed gas in the first gas
chamber (70). The chamber plug (28) is configured and sized to
firmly fit into the opening of the first gas chamber (70). In
alternative embodiments, instead of the retention groove (27), the
inner surface of the first gas chamber may be threaded so that the
chamber plug (28), with corresponding outer threads, may be screwed
into the first gas chamber (70). Alternatively, the first gas
chamber (70) may be a sealed compartment in which compressed gas is
injected through a valve or may comprise a replaceable gas
containing cartridge. A seal may be obtained by using an adhesive
or other suitable materials. The chamber plug (28) may be made of
any suitable rigid materials, such as plastic, rubber, ceramic,
metal, composites and the like. Although the main body (20) may be
made of plastic by such process as an injection molding, other
suitable materials, such as ceramic, glass, metal, composites or
the like, may be used. In addition, the first body portion (21) and
the second body portion (22) may be formed together as one
injection mold or may be formed from separate portions coupled
together by adhesives, welding, snap fits or the like.
[0048] Inside the elongated cavity (24), a release valve (110) is
attached to the wall to block off and seal the passageway (100). In
its normal position, the release valve (110) blocks the gas flow
from the first gas chamber (70) into the elongated cavity (24).
When the release valve (110) is displaced from its original
position, the compressed gas from the first gas chamber (70) is
released into the elongated cavity (24). More specifically, the
compressed gas is released into a second gas chamber (90), which is
a part of the elongated cavity (24). The release valve (110) is
preferably sufficiently large to fully cover the opening in the
passageway (100), thus preventing any gas leakage. The release
valve (110) is preferably displaced by applying force on its side,
but it should be attached firmly enough to withstand the pressure
exerted by the compressed air in the first gas chamber (70) or a
shock (e.g., due to inadvertent mishandling of the device by the
user, such as dropping the device). In addition, the release valve
(110) should resist being displaced until the injector device (10)
is placed in contact with the skin of a subject and sufficient
resistance is encountered to permit the injector device (10) to be
activated by applying sufficient pressure to displace the release
valve (110).
[0049] In some embodiments, a lever passageway (80) may be formed
on the side wall of the main body (20) and extends from the outer
to the inner surface of the second body portion (22) at a slightly
slanted angle. However, other configurations may be used. The lever
passageway (80) is adapted and configured to hold a lever (81)
which protrudes through the lever passageway (80). In one preferred
embodiment, the lever (81) is a cylindrical rod with a rounded end
(82). The rounded end (82) protrudes out of the second body portion
(22). The lever (81) has preferably the sufficiently same
cross-section and diameter as the lever passageway (80) to firmly
fit inside the passageway (80) to provide a sufficiently tight air
and fluid seal so as to not hinder with the effective performance
of the injection device (10). However, there may be some clearance
between the lever (81) and the passageway (80) to bleed-out excess
gas pressure over a time, once the injector device (10) has been
used. In an alternative embodiment, there may be a plurality of
levers (81) disposed through a plurality of lever passageways (80)
to ensure the displacement of a release valve (110). For example,
in some embodiments, the main body (20) may accommodate two levers
positioned at a 90 degree angle to each other, so that the combined
force of the levers ensure proper displacement of the release valve
(110). In alternative embodiments, the lever (81) and the
passageway (80) may be formed in a rectangular rod shape or any
other suitable shapes. In still other embodiments, the lever (81)
may be made of resilient plastic or other suitable materials.
[0050] The chamber housing (30) includes an elongated tubular body
(31), a neck portion (32), and a liquid chamber (33) for holding,
prior to injection, pigment or other injectable material. The
chamber housing (30) has an orifice (34) at one end and has an
opening configured to receive the piston (50) at the other end. The
orifice (34) is centrally positioned on an injector face (35). The
injector face (35) has a flat surface, except that the center
region around the orifice (34) is slightly raised. The raised
surface around the orifice (34) provides firm contact against a
receiving surface, such as the skin surface of the subject to be
treated. This helps to insure that the injector is properly
positioned and will not be activated until sufficient pressure is
applied to the injector device (10).
[0051] In particularly preferred embodiments, the outer diameter of
the neck portion (32) is smaller than the outer diameter of the
elongated tubular body (31), which forms a shoulder portion (36)
where the two parts join together. The shoulder portion (36) rests
on the surface of the opening formed by the elongated cavity (24)
of the main body (20). However, the outer diameter of the neck
portion (32) is substantially the same as the inner diameter of the
elongated cavity (24) of the main body (20), so that the neck
portion (32) firmly fits inside the elongated cavity (24). To
firmly engage the neck portion (32) of the chamber housing (30)
with the elongated cavity (24) of the main body, the middle section
of the neck portion (32) may have a slightly larger outer diameter
that fits into a groove formed inside the elongated cavity (24).
Once coupled together, the chamber housing (30) cannot be released
from the main body (20), unless extreme force is applied. In
alternative embodiments, the raised outer diameter of the neck
portion is configured such that threads are present on the outer
diameter of the neck portion (32) and matching threads are formed
inside the elongated cavity (24) to screw-in the chamber housing
(30). This provides the advantage of allowing the user to assemble
the device (10) when needed or just prior to giving an injection.
This assembly option also allows the user to select a variety of
different treatments while minimizing the number of complete
injectors (10) that must be carried or stocked. It also facilitates
manufacture of the device (10), since the injector (10) and the
chamber housing (30) may be manufactured at different times.
Further, the main body (20) and the chamber housing (30) may be
attached and sealed together by any suitable method, such as
adhesives, welding or the like. A ring joint (210), in the form of
a plastic weld fillet, is also used to further reinforce the
attachment of the chamber housing (30) to the main body (20). In
some preferred embodiments, the ring joint (210) abuts against the
shoulder portion (36) and the opening surface of the elongated
cavity (24). The ring joint (210) provides additional strength to
securely hold the chamber housing (30) in the main body (20).
Although not shown in the drawings, in some embodiments, an O-ring
may be placed between the shoulder portion (36) of the chamber
housing (30) and the opening surface of the elongated cavity (24)
to provide an additional air and fluid tight seal.
[0052] It is contemplated that the chamber housing (30) is formed
of glass or other suitable materials, such as plastic, ceramic,
polycarbonate or the like. However, in the preferred embodiment,
the chamber housing (30) is transparent so that the injection
material and the various moving parts can be visually examined by
the user during treatment of a subject and/or to monitor or test
the function of the device.
[0053] A cap (40) may be mounted on the end of the chamber housing
(30) to cover the orifice (34). The cap (40) provides and maintains
sterility of the injection device (10) and prevents an accidental
discharge of the injection material. Threads (41) for mounting the
cap (40) are on the outer surface of the end portion of the chamber
housing (30). The cap (40) has matching threads (42) on the inner
surface, so that the cap (40) can be screwed-on at the end portion
of the chamber housing (30). Once screwed-on, the cap (40) provides
an air and fluid tight seal around the orifice to prevent any
foreign material from being introduced into the device. In
alternative embodiments, the cap (40) and the end portion of the
chamber housing (30) can be configured so that the cap (40) is
snapped-on instead of screwed-on. The cap (40) may be made of any
suitable material. However, in preferred embodiments, the cap is
composed of rigid material such as plastic polymers, rubber,
ceramic or the like.
[0054] The piston (50) has an elongated cylindrical body (51) with
an indented front surface (52) at one end and a head (54) at the
opposite end. The head (54) includes a rear surface (55), which is
preferably concave. In alternative embodiments, the front and rear
surfaces may be flat, or have other suitable shapes. The elongated
cylindrical body (51) of the piston (50) is disposed inside the
liquid chamber (33) for sliding movement along its length. In
preferred embodiments, the elongated cylindrical body (51) has
substantially the same outer diameter as the diameter of the liquid
chamber (33) to provide free sliding movement along the length of
the liquid chamber (33). Due to an air and fluid tight seal around
a plunger (56), the air and fluid tight seal around the piston (50)
may not be necessary. In alternative embodiments, the head (54) of
the piston (50) has substantially the same outer diameter as the
inner diameter of the elongated cavity (24) to form an air and
fluid tight seal with a minimal friction between the head (54) and
the walls of the elongated cavity (24). The space defined between
the head (54) and the back wall of the elongated cavity (24) is the
second gas chamber (90). The head (54) is disposed inside the
elongated cavity (24) so that the compressed gas introduced in the
second gas chamber (90) expands the head (54) against the wall
surface of elongated cavity (24), providing an additional seal, so
that the compressed gas introduced into the second gas chamber (90)
pushes the piston (50) forward.
[0055] In some embodiments, where the lower portion (57) of the
head (54) makes contact with the neck portion (32) of the chamber
housing (30), the shapes of both portions may be configured to
match each other. In the preferred embodiment, the end surface
(230) of the neck portion (32) forms a concave surface while the
lower portion (57) of the head (54) forms a convex surface. The
matching shapes assist in delivering substantially all of the
injectable material in the liquid chamber (33) to the desired
injection site. However, in alternative embodiments, other suitable
shapes, such as a flat surface, may be used, and the piston (50)
may be made of any suitable material such as plastic, glass,
ceramic, metal, composites or the like.
[0056] In preferred embodiments, a plunger (56) is positioned
inside the liquid chamber (33). The plunger (56) has an outer
diameter which is substantially the same as the inner diameter of
the liquid chamber (33) to form an air and fluid tight seal. The
plunger (56) is disposed between the piston (50) and the orifice
(34). The injectable material is situated in front of the plunger
(56) (i.e., between the orifice (34) and the plunger (56)) so that
the forward movement of the plunger (56) forces the injectable
material toward the orifice (34). The front surface of the plunger
(56) may be configured to match the opening defined by an orifice
guide (240). In preferred embodiments, the front surface of the
plunger (56) has a convex surface to match the concave shape of the
orifice guide (240), whose vertex is the orifice (34). The shape of
the orifice guide (240) focuses and increases the velocity of
injectable material as it exits the orifice (34). The matching
shapes of the orifice guide (240) and the plunger (56) tend to
minimize the waste of injectable material, since most of the
injectable material is forced out through the orifice (34). The
shape of the rear surface of the plunger (56) matches the front
surface (52) of the piston (50). The similarly shaped configuration
provides for an even distribution of the pressure on the rear of
the plunger (56) when the piston (50) moves forward. This tends to
minimize jams or distortion as the plunger (56) is driven forward.
In some embodiments, the plunger (56) is made of rubber or other
suitable materials, such as plastic, composites or the like. In
alternative embodiments, the plunger (56) and the piston (50) are
formed as an integrated piece either by attaching the plunger (56)
to the piston (50) or by molding the piston assembly to include the
plunger (56).
[0057] In preferred embodiments, the device further comprises a
resistance sensitive trigger which includes an actuating member
(250) that is an elongated tubular member that slides over the
second body portion (22) of the main body (20). The actuating
member (250) has a trigger portion (251), a raised rail, and a
retainer slot (253). The actuating member (250) is enclosed at one
end and has an opening at the other end. On the inner surface of
the enclosed end, there is a spring surface (254) for holding or
mounting a coil spring (255). In some embodiments, the resistance
sensitive trigger also includes a coil spring (255) that is
positioned between a spring surface (254) and the chamber plug (28)
and provides a resilient bias toward the rear end. As the proper
use of the injection device (10) requires that the injector device
(10) be positioned substantially perpendicular to the skin surface
of the subject before the injectable material is injected into the
injection site, the tension strength of the coil spring (255) is
sufficiently strong to prevent accidental triggering when the
injection device (10) is not properly positioned. Typically, a
minimum applied pressure of 2.2 lbs/in.sup..sup.2 (1.0 kg/2.5
cm.sup..sup.2) is required to discharge the injector. However,
slightly lower or higher minimums may be required, depending on the
skin of the subject, the location at which the injection is to be
administered, or the desired depth of the treatment. In alternative
embodiments, alternate resistance elements may be used instead of
the coil spring (255), including, but not limited to deformable
rubber or plastic, strain gauges or the like.
[0058] In some embodiments, a retainer slot (253) is positioned in
the front opening of the actuating member (250), for mounting a
retainer (256). The retainer slot (253) is formed around the inner
circumference of the actuating member (250), extending from one
side of the raised rail to the other side. The retainer (256),
which in preferred embodiments is in a form of a thin circular rod,
is mounted into the retainer slot (253). In some embodiments, the
circumferential length of the retainer (256) is substantially equal
to that of the retainer slot (253). In these embodiments, when the
actuating member (250) is installed onto the second body portion
(22), the retainer (256) generally rests against the flange (27).
This prevents the actuating member (250) from detaching itself from
the second body portion (22) due to rearward force exerted by the
coil spring (255). In preferred embodiments, the retainer (256) may
be made of plastic or other suitable materials such as metal or the
like. In alternative embodiments, the retainer (256) and the
actuating member (250) may be formed as one integral member by
molding process or other suitable processes. The actuating member
(250) is typically made of plastic or other suitably rigid and
resilient materials, such as glass, composite, ceramic or metal. In
some embodiments, the trigger portion (251) is on the outer end
surface of the actuating member (250). It preferably forms a
concave surface and is coated with a textured material to prevent
depressing force, such as from a thumb, from slipping.
[0059] In some preferred embodiments, when the actuating member
(250) is not depressed, the lever (81) rests on the flat thinner
inner surface of the raised rail. This is the normal state of the
injection device (10) prior to injection. When the actuating member
(250) is depressed, the actuating member (250) moves forward, and
forces the lever (81) toward the center of the second body portion
(22). The inward movement of the lever displaces the release valve
(110) and consequently releases the compressed gas in the first gas
chamber (70). The raised rail can be formed as an integral part of
the actuating member by a molding process or other suitable
processes.
[0060] In some embodiments, the second body portion (22) includes
three spines (300) and the actuating member (250) includes
corresponding three spline slots (301) adapted to slidably receive
the spines (300) of the second body portion (22). The spines (300)
and spline slots (301) are provided to assist the actuating member
(250) to slide along the second body portion as the actuating
member (250) is depressed to deliver an injection. The spines (300)
and spline slots (301) substantially prevent the actuator member
(250) from rotating about the second body portion (22) to avoid
jamming of the actuating member (250) during an injection. The
spines (300) and spline slots (301) also prevent rotational
movement of the actuating member (250) about the second body
portion (22) when the cap (40) is removed or threaded onto the
chamber housing (30). This limits the amount of torsional stress
placed on the lever (81) in the passageway (80) during an injection
or when removing or threading the cap (40) onto the chamber housing
(30). In alternative embodiments, a different number of spines and
spline slots may be used. Also, if the lever (81) is sufficiently
strong enough the spines and spline slots may be eliminated. In
further alternatives, the spines (300) and/or spline slots (301)
may be coated with a lubricant or formed from materials with low
frictional coefficients to facilitate sliding movement of the
actuating member (250) along the second body portion (22). In
preferred embodiments, the spines (300) and spines slots (301) have
a rectangular cross-section. However, in alternative embodiments,
the spines and spline slots may have other cross-sections, such as
triangular, saw tooth, dove tail or the like, to resist rotational
movement of the actuating member (250) about the second body
portion (22).
[0061] The operation of the needleless injector device according to
the preferred embodiment will now be discussed. The user unscrews
or unsnaps the cap (40) from the main body (20), thus revealing the
orifice (34) of the injector device (10). The user then positions
the injector device (10) perpendicularly against the skin surface
to provide firm and secure contact of the orifice (34) against the
skin surface. The injector device (10) requires the device (10) to
be properly oriented and in contact with the skin of the patient,
since the injector device (10) is designed so that it cannot be
activated or discharged without the device (10) being placed
against the skin surface. Otherwise, with the high fluid delivery
velocity, a jet injector could injure a person's eye or other part
of the body.
[0062] As the trigger portion (251) of the actuating member (250)
is depressed, the skin surface of the patient resists the pressure
being applied to the actuating member (250) of the resistance
sensitive trigger and the coil spring (255) is compressed between
the chamber plug (28) and the spring surface (254). Sufficient
pressure (generally a minimum of 2.2 lbs/in.sup.2 [1.0 kg/2.5
cm.sup.2]) must be applied at the trigger portion (251) to overcome
the tension of the coil spring (255). Concurrently, as the inclined
region pushes against the lever (81), the lever (81) is pushed
inward toward the center axis of the main body (20). As the
actuating member (250) is pressed further against the skin surface,
the lever (81) pushes against the side of the release valve (110),
displacing the release valve (110). This exposes the opening of the
passageway (100), and the compressed gas stored in the first gas
chamber (70) is released into second gas chamber (90). When
sufficient pressure is built up inside the second gas chamber (90),
the piston (50) is pushed forward so that it slides forward in the
liquid chamber (33). The seal around the head (54) of the piston
(50) substantially prevents any gas from leaking into the other
parts of the elongated cavity. The forward movement of the piston
(50) causes the front surface (52) of the piston (50) to make
contact with the rear surface of the plunger (56), to move the
plunger (56) forward. As the plunger (56) moves forward, the
injectable material exits from the orifice (34) at a high velocity
and penetrates the skin surface at the injection site.
[0063] As shown in FIGS. 2A-C, a needless injection device
according to a second embodiment of the present invention is
embodied in a pen-sized device. As shown in FIG. 2A, the needless
injector device (300) comprises an outer casing (301), a disposable
nozzle tip (302), a movable activator (303), a pigment well lid
(304), a pigment inlet (305), and a CO.sub.2 cartridge (306). The
injector device (300) may also comprise a pressure regulator device
to maintain the pressure within the injector device (300) upon
changes in the ambient temperature. Where appropriate, the injector
device (300) incorporates the design features described in detail
above.
[0064] In preferred embodiments, the outer casing (301) is made of
any durable material such as various plastics, metals, glasses, or
ceramics. The casing can include a textured outer surface to assist
in gripping or holding the device. The outer casing can also
include instructions, warnings, identification marks or other
desired text. The outer casing (301) is designed to be associated
with other structural elements including various access panels
(e.g., pigment well lid (304) and a CO.sub.2 cartridge access
panel). The access panels may be attached to or incorporated into
the outer casing (301), for example, by hinges, snaps, hook and eye
attachments, and the like or may be sliding panels. The access
panels allow the technician to gain access to the interior of
device through openings in the outer casing (301), for example, to
replace or insert pigment ampules (309) or CO.sub.2 cartridges
(306).
[0065] As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in some embodiments, the outer
casing encloses the CO.sub.2 cartridge (306), a channel (307) that
allows passage of the injectable material and air flow from the
CO.sub.2 cartridge (306), channel guides (308), and an attachment
zone for attachment to the movable channel activator (303) and the
disposable nozzle tip (302).
[0066] In preferred embodiments, the movable activator (303) is
attached to the outer casing either permanently (e.g., adhesively
or through molding during production) or detachably (e.g.,
threading or any conventional fasteners to facilitate quick removal
of or attachment to the injector outer casing (301)). When
sufficient force is applied to movable activator through contact of
the device with the skin of a subject, the activator causes
movement in the channel (307), backward inside the inner cavity of
the device, such that the pigment inlet (305) is in position to
allow pigment to enter the channel (307) and such that the CO.sub.2
cartridge is triggered to discharge. For example, the movement of
the channel (307) can align the pigment inlet (305) with a pigment
outlet (310) in the pigment ampule (309). A microdroplet of pigment
(311) from the pigment ampule (309) enters the channel (307), for
example, because of pressure release caused by access of the
pigment to the channel (307). Additionally, the movement of the
channel (307) displaces a valve sealing one end of the CO.sub.2
cartridge (306), such that gas is discharged from the CO.sub.2
cartridge (306) through the channel, forcing the microdroplet of
pigment (311) to travel through the channel (307), out of the
device (300), and through the skin of the subject. In preferred
embodiments, the discharge also causes the channel (307) to return
to its original position.
[0067] In some embodiments, the disposable nozzle tip (302) is
attachable to the ejector end of the device and can be attached to
either the movable activator (303) or the outer casing (301). The
nozzle assembly includes external acme threading or any
conventional fasteners to facilitate quick removal of or attachment
to the injector. In preferred embodiments, the nozzle tip (302) is
formed of a strong material capable of withstanding high pressure
and stress such as gamma stabilized high impact polycarbonate,
polypropylene and any derivatives thereof, or any medical grade
material or composite capable of withstanding the pressure and
stress subjected by the injector during use. In preferred
embodiments, the nozzle comprises a nozzle channel (312) that
extends through the length of the nozzle tip (302). The channel is
designed to align with the channel (307) of the injection device
(300). In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2B, the channel (307)
extends through the movable activator (303), with the nozzle
channel (312) having a diameter at the base (313) of nozzle tip
(302) that allows insertion of the channel (307) into the channel
(312), forming a contiguous path for the flow of the injectable
material. When attached to the injection device (300), the base
(313) of the disposable nozzle tip (302) is in contact with the
movable activator (303), such that contact and seating of the tip
(314) of the disposable nozzle tip (302) with the skin of a subject
can be physically transmitted to the movable activator (303). In
some embodiments of the present invention, the disposable nozzle
tip (302) is made of a transparent material to allow monitoring of
the flow of injectable material through the nozzle tip (302).
Examples of nozzles that find use with hypodermic injectors include
those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,722,953, 5,697,917, and
5,643,211, herein incorporated by reference in their
entireties.
[0068] In preferred embodiments, the pigment or other cosmetic
material to be injected is contained in one or more ampules (309)
which is contained within the outer casing (301). In preferred
embodiments, the ampules can be inserted, removed, and replaced as
desired. However, the present invention contemplates that the
ampules may be permanently incorporated into the injection device
(300) during production and that once emptied, the injection device
(300) is discarded. In other embodiments, micropigments are
injected into the channel from a plurality of injection tubes
attached to a plurality of ampules (either inside or outside of the
device), such that a microdroplet of pigment or other material is
injected into the channel in a controlled manner (e.g., activation
of a button or lever that controls the displacement of a release
valve at the end of the injection tube contained within the
injection device). Such embodiments allow multiple materials,
combinations, or mixtures to be injected. As shown in FIGS. 2A and
2B, the ampule comprises a pigment outlet (310). The pigment outlet
(310) can be an opening in the ampule that allows passage of a
small portion of the pigment contained in the ampule. Prior to
placement in the injection device (300), the pigment outlet is
preferably sealed, for example, by a removable adhesive strip. Just
prior to placement in the device, the seal is removed. However, it
is contemplated the seal may be removed during or after placement
of the ampule in the injection device. For example, a projectile
contained on the outer surface of the channel (307) can break the
seal after the ampule (309) is inserted into injection device (300)
and after the pigment well lid (304) is closed. Movement of the
channel (307) following proper contact and seating of the nozzle
tip (302) on the skin of a subject, aligns the pigment inlet (305)
of the channel (307) with the pigment outlet (310), allowing
transfer of a microdroplet of pigment from the ampule (309) to the
channel (307). The material in the ampule (309) enters the channel
due to a differential pressure between the inside and outside of
the ampule (309). The pressure differential can be created, for
example, by pressure loading and sealing the ampule (309), by
applying pressure from the closure of the pigment well lid (304),
or by having a moveable barrier compress the ampule (e.g., compress
the ampule in conjunction with the activation of the movable
barrier). It is contemplated that multiple ampules, or multichamber
ampules, containing more that one type of injectable material can
be incorporated into a single injection device (300).
[0069] The injection device (300) may also comprise one or more
channel guides (308) within the outer casing (301), movable
activator (303), or nozzle tip (302). The channel guides comprise
an outer diameter that attaches to the inner surface of the outer
casing (301), movable activator (303), or nozzle tip (302). The
channel guides further comprise an inner diameter comprising an
opening that securely encompasses the channel (307), maintaining
the channel in a desired linear trajectory. The channel guides are
made of a rigid and durable material that maintains the position
and direction of the channel (307) while allowing the channel (307)
to slide within the openings. Such materials include metals,
plastics, glasses, ceramics, and the like.
[0070] In operation, the disposable nozzle tip (302) of the
injector device (300) attaches to the movable activator (303) at
the front of the device. The nozzle tip (302) pressed against the
skin depresses the movable activator (303) which moves the channel
(307) backward inside the inner cavity of the instrument. The
channel (307) directs the micro-pigment droplets through the nozzle
tip (302), propelled by the jet of air from the CO.sub.2 cartridge
(306). The channel (307) is opened at both ends. The channel
contains a micro-pigment inlet (305) which, when passed across the
pigment ampule (309) located above the channel (307), releases a
single droplet into the channel (307). The channel (307) continues
backward and triggers the CO.sub.2 cartridge (306) activating a jet
of air through the channel (307) carrying the micro-droplet through
the channel (307) into the nozzle tip (302) and injecting it into
the epidermis layer within a fraction of a second, creating a
permanent deposit into the skin. The channel (307) and the moveable
activator (303) return to their normal pre-depressed position. This
procedure can be repeated to obtain the desired effect.
[0071] In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the
energy mechanism is provided as a suitable air compressor that
provides burst of compressed air upon activation by the technician.
As shown in FIG. 2C, the outer casing (301) is penetrated by an air
compressor inlet valve (500). The inlet valve is connect, either by
construction or detachably, to a compressor channel (501), which is
in gaseous communication with the channel (307). The compressor
inlet valve is connected at its external end (502) to any of a
variety of compressed gas sources, including, but not limited to a
suitable air compressor, external pressurized gas tank, and the
like. The internal end (503) of the compressor inlet valve (500),
comprises an activator piston (504) with an opening on its inner
end (506), in gaseous communication with the compressor channel
(501). The activator piston contains an opening at its lowed end,
which, in an inactive state is blocked from gaseous communication
with a compressor inlet valve chamber (505). When the activator
piston (504) is depressed, the opening in the activator piston
(504) is lowed and exposed to the compressor inlet valve chamber
(505) allowing gaseous communication between the compressor inlet
valve chamber (505) and the compressor channel (501). The activator
piston is depressed by contact with a trigger (507), which is
exposed on one end to the outside of the outer casing (301),
allowing activation by the technician. In some embodiments, the
trigger (507) is prevented from being depressed unless an actuating
member is activated by pressure between the end of the injection
device and the surface of the skin. Thus, the injection device must
be in contact with the skin and the technician must depress the
trigger to initiate injection.
[0072] All publications and patents mentioned in the above
specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various
modifications and variations of the described method and system of
the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without
departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Although the
invention has been described in connection with specific preferred
embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed
should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed,
various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the
invention which are obvious to those skilled in appropriate fields
are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *