This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/152,479, filed February 23, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001 ] This document relates generally to devices for crushing medication intended for insertion into feeding tubes, and more specifically with a syringe and/or a system utilizing a syringe for crushing medication and injecting same into such tubes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Administration of medications to patients with feeding tubes is a necessary occurrence usually required multiple times per day. Although many medications are available in liquid form, not all are. Therefore, the caregiver must crush and/or grate certain medications, including pills, into small enough particles that they can pass through the patient’s feeding tube. Many feeding tubes are long and have a small inner diameter or lumen so the medications must be thoroughly crushed or pulverized.

[00031 Heretofore, the medications are typically crushed or ground into fragments in a crushing device such as a mortar and pestle. The resulting fragments are then transferred to a cup and mixed with a liquid. A syringe is used to draw up the mixture and inject it into the feeding tube. This process requires multiple parts including a crusher, a container for the medication to be crushed in or moved into, a cup and a syringe. Further, some of the medication fragments are typically lost in the process as they are transferred between the crusher, the cup, and the syringe. This can result in under-dosing of the patient.

[0004] Accordingly, a syringe and/or a system utilizing a syringe is needed which can crush the medication and facilitate mixing the resulting fragments with a liquid and directly injecting the mixture into a feeding tube.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] In accordance with the purposes and benefits described herein, a system for crushing and injecting medication into a body or patient is provided. The system may be broadly described as including a housing supporting a drive gear for rotational movement, and a syringe including a barrel and a plunger for movement within the barrel, wherein the housing engages the syringe, and the drive gear engages the plunger and imparts rotational motion to the plunger within the barrel for crushing the medication. [0006] In another embodiment, the barrel supports a surface against which the medication is crushed. In another, the surface is an interior surface of the barrel.

[0007] In still another embodiment, the interior surface of the barrel is at least one of a spherical, a pyramidal, and a frustroconical shape. In yet another embodiment, the interior surface of the barrel includes at least one of ridges, scallops, and creases, and/or is abraded.

[0008] In one other embodiment, the interior surface of the barrel is a tapering frustroconical shaped wall having radially directed creases.

[0009] In another embodiment, the interior surface of the barrel defines an aperture through which the medication is injected into the body.

[001 ] In yet still another embodiment, the surface is a sieve supported within the barrel. In another embodiment, the sieve includes a substantially cup shaped portion. In still another, the sieve includes a plurality of apertures through which crushed medications passes.

[001 i ] In still another embodiment, at least one cutting edge extends from the sieve adjacent at least one of the plurality of apertures for crushing the medication. In one other embodiment, the sieve includes a ring- shaped portion.

[0012] In accordance with another embodiment, a system for crushing and injecting medication into a body includes a housing supporting a drive gear for rotational movement, and a syringe including a barrel and a plunger, wherein the housing engages the syringe, and the drive gear engages the plunger and imparts rotational motion to the plunger within the barrel for crushing the medication against a surface supported within the barrel.

[0013] In another embodiment, the system further includes a sieve, wherein the surface supported within the barrel forms a portion of the sieve.

[0014] In still another embodiment, at least one cutting edge extends from the sieve adjacent at least one of a plurality of apertures in the surface. In yet another, the sieve includes a ring-shaped portion.

[0015] In yet another embodiment, the system further includes a ring surrounding the ring-shaped portion of the sieve. In yet still another, the ring supports the sieve within the barrel.

[0016] In still one other embodiment, the ring abuts an edge of the sieve to prevent relative lengthwise movement. [0017] In one other embodiment, the sieve defines at least one recess in the edge and the ring includes at least one boss extending from the ring into the at least one recess to limit rotational movement of the sieve. In another, the ring includes at least one flange extending from the ring. In yet another, the at least one flange includes a plurality of radially extending flanges for engaging an inner wall of the barrel.

[0018] In still another embodiment, the barrel includes at least one boss and the ring includes at least one boss. In another, the at least one barrel boss engages the at least one ring boss in a first position such that the sieve and ring are maintained a predetermined distance from an interior distal surface of the barrel, and wherein at least the sieve and the barrel define a chamber for receiving crushed medication that has passed through the sieve.

[0019] In yet another embodiment, at least one of the at least one barrel boss and the at least one ring boss are stair-stepped so their engagement prevents rotation of the sieve in the first position.

[0020] In yet one other embodiment, the syringe further includes a cap connected to the barrel to prevent crushed medication fragments from exiting the syringe. In another embodiment, the cap includes a central aperture allowing ingress and egress of fluid and a filter to prevent the crushed medication fragments from exiting the syringe.

[0021 ] In still another embodiment, the cap includes a fitting that connects to the barrel and a funnel that connects to the fitting securing the filter therebetween. In another embodiment, at least one of the fitting and the funnel includes a flange extending the other for retaining the filter therebetween. In another, the filter is a mesh screen.

[0022] In an additional embodiment, an inner wall of the barrel has a substantially constant inner diameter along a first portion along which the plunger sealingly engages the inner wall.

[0023] In still another embodiment, the system further includes a gasket supported by the plunger for sealingly engaging the inner diameter of the barrel. In another, the gasket is supported within a recess formed in the plunger.

[0024] In one other embodiment, at least one ridge extends from a surface of a distal end of the plunger. In a different embodiment, a surface of the plunger includes at least one radially directed ridge.

[0025] In yet still another embodiment, the plunger includes a tip. In another, the tip is detachable.

[0026] In another embodiment, the plunger includes a shaft and at least two flanges extend laterally along at least a portion of the shaft. In still another embodiment, the shaft is substantially tubular. [0027] In one other embodiment, the flanges extend along an entire length of the shaft.

[0028] In still another embodiment, at least one locking tab extends from at least one of the at least two flanges in a normal position. In another, the at least one locking tab extends from a distal portion of the at least one of the at least two flanges. In still another, the at least one locking tab engages a wall precluding withdrawal of the plunger from the barrel.

[0029] In another embodiment, a diameter of an inner wall of the barrel increases along a portion of the barrel adjacent a proximal end of the barrel such that the at least one locking tab extends from a compressed position when the plunger is inserted into the barrel toward the normal position when the plunger is withdrawn along the barrel until the at least one locking tab engages the wall.

[00301 In yet another embodiment, a locking tab extends from each of the at least two flange s in a normal position. In still another, each of the locking tabs engages a wall precluding withdrawal of the plunger from the barrel.

[0031 ] In one other embodiment, the barrel includes opposing flanges extending from a proximal end and a bracket is supported by the housing for receiving the syringe.

[0032] In still yet another embodiment, a recess defined by a wall and a floor of the bracket engages one of the opposing flanges extending from the proximal end of the barrel. In still another, the bracket includes a snap fitting for releasably securing the syringe. In yet another, the bracket includes a channel having a lengthwise opening defined by opposing arms and in still another embodiment, a width of the channel is less than an outer diameter of the barrel.

[0033 ] In another embodiment, the housing includes a plurality of guides for receiving at least one slide extending from a bracket such that the bracket moves linearly through the guides. In still another, the housing further includes a least one spring having a first end engaging the housing and a second end engaging a bracket.

[0034] In one other embodiment, the housing further includes a lever and a cam. In another, movement of the lever rotates the cam along an idler moving the bracket away from the drive gear to an open position for loading or unloading the syringe. In still one other, further movement of the lever rotates the cam along the idler pulley moving the bracket to a closed position wherein the drive gear engages the plunger for crushing the medication.

[0035] In one additional embodiment, the housing supports a motor for rotating the drive gear. [0036] In another embodiment, the plunger includes a proximal end. In still another, the proximal end of the plunger is circular or round.

[0037] In yet another embodiment, a proximal portion of the plunger includes a fitting for receiving the drive gear. In still another embodiment, the fitting is recessed from a surface of the proximal end of the plunger such that the drive gear extends into the recess to maintain alignment between the plunger and the drive gear. In another, the drive gear and the fitting engage such that rotation is only in a first direction.

[0038] In still another embodiment, the fitting includes a first plurality of ramps that engage a corresponding plurality of ramps extending from the drive gear.

[0039] In one other embodiment, a second plurality of ramps extend from a surface of a proximal end of the plunger. In still yet another embodiment, the second plurality of ramps are radially arranged and extend circumferentially around a recess in the plunger proximal end.

[0040] In another embodiment, the housing supports an anvil, and the second plurality of ramps engage a corresponding plurality of ramps extending from the anvil such that rotation is in a second direction.

[0041 ] In yet another embodiment, a motor and the anvil are attached to a mount supported by the housing.

[0042] In one other embodiment, the first direction is opposite the second direction.

[0043] In still yet another embodiment, the ring includes a plurality of flanges extending over the edge of the sieve. In another embodiment, the plurality of flanges define a flange inner diameter that is less than an outer diameter of a plunger tip when the plurality of flanges are in a normal position and greater than an outer diameter of the plunger tip in a deflected position. In yet another, the plurality of flanges define a flange inner diameter that is less, in a normal position, than an outer diameter of a plunger tip.

[0044] In still another embodiment, the tip includes at least one ridge. In another, the tip includes at least one recess adjacent the channel for receiving the plurality of flanges and capturing the locking ring and sieve.

[0045] In yet still another embodiment, the plunger includes at least one recess proximal to the tip for receiving the plurality of flanges and capturing the locking ring and sieve.

[0046] In another embodiment, the tip includes at least one recess for receiving the plurality of flanges and capturing the locking ring and sieve. In still another embodiment, the at least one recess is positioned to receive the plurality of flanges when the tip is seated at a bottom of the sieve. In another, the at least one recess extends circumferentially around the tip. In yet another, the at least one recess is a single recess extending around an entirety of the tip.

[0047] In accordance with one other embodiment, a syringe for crushing and injecting medication into a body includes barrel and a plunger for movement within the barrel, and a sieve, wherein rotation of the plunger forces the medication against the sieve for crushing the medication.

[0048] In accordance with yet another embodiment, a syringe for crushing and injecting medication into a body includes a barrel and a plunger for movement within the barrel, wherein the barrel includes an interior surface and rotation of the plunger forces the medication against the interior surface for crushing the medication.

[0049] In accordance with still another embodiment, a syringe for crushing and injecting medication into a body includes a barrel and a plunger for movement within the barrel, wherein the plunger rotates within the barrel for crushing the medication.

[0050] In the following description, there are shown and described several preferred embodiments of the system for crushing and injecting medication into a body and related methods. As it should be realized, the various systems and methods are capable of other, different embodiments and their several details are capable of modification in various, obvious aspects all without departing from the systems as set forth and described in the following claims. For instance, the syringes can include any of the elements set forth with regard to the syringes used in the varying systems described. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES

[0051] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated herein and forming a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain certain principles thereof. In the drawing figures:

[0052] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a system for crushing medication for injection into a body;

[0053] Figure 2 is a perspective, partially exploded view of a syringe for crushing and injecting medication directly into a body;

[0054] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cap of the syringe;

[0055 ] Figure 4 is a plan view of a barrel of the syringe; [0056] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the barrel of the syringe showing an interior surface of the barrel for crushing medication;

[0057] Figure 6A is an end view of a plunger showing a spherical surface;

[0058] Figure 6B is an end view of the plunger showing a frustoconical surface with ridges and/or scallops;

[0059] Figure 6C is an end view of the plunger showing a pyramidical surface;

[0060] Figure 6D is an end view of the plunger showing a simple frustoconical surface without ridges and/or scallops;

[0061 ] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a plunger and plunger tip of the syringe;

[0062] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the plunger and plunger fitting of the syringe;

[0063] Figure 9 is a perspective, partially exploded view of another embodiment of a syringe for crushing and injecting medication directly into a patient;

[0064] Figure 10 is a perspective view of a sieve used for crushing medication;

[0065] Figure 11 is a plan view of a barrel of the syringe showing a locking ring and sieve maintained in a first position defining a chamber for receiving crushed medication;

[0066] Figure 12 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the syringe, as provided, and an action arrow illustrating insertion of the plunger into the barrel;

[0067] Figure 13 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the syringe and an action arrow illustrating partial withdrawal of the plunger to draw a mixing solution into the barrel;

[0068] Figure 14 is a perspective, partially exploded view of the syringe and an action arrow illustrating advancement of the plunger in the barrel to dispel content from the syringe;

[0069] Figure 15 is a perspective view of a bracket for supporting a syringe;

[0070] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the system for crushing medication for injection into a body with an outer housing removed to illustrate the components therein;

[0071 ] Figure 17 is a different perspective view of the bracket for supporting the syringe; [0072] Figure 18 is a partial perspective view of the bracket for supporting a syringe and lever and cam for moving the bracket between open and closed positions for receiving the syringe;

[0073] Figure 19 is another partial perspective view of the bracket for supporting a syringe and lever and cam, with a cam idler and support therefore removed to illustrate a profde of the cam;

[0074] Figure 20 is a perspective view of a motor and mount assembly attached to a drive gear;

[0075] Figure 21 is a perspective, section cut view of the motor, mount, and drive gear adjacent a corresponding fitting of the plunger;

[0076] Figure 22 is an electrical schematic of the system;

[0077] Figure 23 is a perspective view of an alternate, hand crank, embodiment of the system; and

[0078] Figure 24 is a partial perspective view of the alternate, hand crank embodiment, illustrating the hand crank and drive gear engaging the plunger.

[0079] Reference will now be made in detail to the present described embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawing figures, wherein like numerals are used to represent like elements.

DF.TATLF.D DESCRIPTION

[0080] As broadly shown in Figure 1, a system 10 for crushing and injecting medication into a body includes a housing 12 for receiving a syringe 14 with medication positioned therein for crushing and/or grating. A motor 16 supported by the housing 12 engages a drive gear 18 for rotating a plunger 20 of the syringe 14 to effect crushing of the medicine therein. The term crushing is commonly defined as breaking, pounding, or grinding something into small fragments or powder. While accurate, the definition of the term crushing is expanded herein to include grating, which means reducing to fragments, shreds, or powder, as certain embodiments described herein use a cutting edge to grate the medication.

[008 I ] Reference is now made to Figure 2 which illustrates the syringe 14 for crushing medication in a partially exploded view. In this embodiment, the syringe 14 is designed to allow a user to crush one or more medications (in pill form or otherwise) within a chamber 22 partially defined by a barrel 24 of the syringe 14. A mixing fluid is drawn into the chamber 22 and the combination of crushed medication and mixing fluid, or content, is subsequently injected into a body/patient. As is known in the art, the content is typically injected into the body through a feeding or other type of tube (not shown). Advantageously, the crushed medication, whether in fragmented and/or powder form, remains within the chamber throughout the process until the crushed medication is directly transferred into the body.

[0082] The syringe barrel 24 has a connector 26 centrally positioned at a distal end 28 of the barrel. The connector 26 is capable of mating with similar connectors, for example, on feeding tubes. The connector 26 may be a slip tip, or any sort of industry standard fitting such as connections and/or catheter tips sold under the EnFit ^® or Luer-lok ^® brands or others so long as the feeding tube or the like includes a mating connector/receptacle .

[0083] In the described embodiment, a cap 30 is connected to the connector 26 to prevent crushed medication fragments from exiting the syringe 14 prematurely while allowing ingress and egress of fluid(s), including air. As shown in exploded view in Figure 3, the cap 30 includes a proximal fitting 32 which connects to the syringe connector 26. A funnel 34 connects to the proximal fitting 32 securing a filter 36 therebetween. The funnel 34 and proximal fitting 32 define a central aperture through which the fluids pass. A flange 38 extending from a distal end 40 of the proximal fitting positions or retains the filter 36 between the proximal fitting 32 and funnel 34. In an alternate embodiment, the flange 38 may extend from a proximal end of the funnel 34, or flanges may extend from both the fitting 32 and the funnel 34. The described cap is a molded plastic or the like. In other embodiments, however, the cap may be a molded foam or other porous material having sufficiently small pores to prevent medication fragments from passing while allowing fluid(s), including air, to pass. In such embodiments, the need for multiple pieces and a filter may be eliminated.

[0084] The described filter 36 is a mesh screen but may be a paper or other filter which has a particle size small enough to retain the crushed medication fragments. Once the medication is sufficiently crushed, the cap 30 may be removed from the syringe 14 and discarded allowing the content to be discharged through the aperture defined by connector 26. As with the syringe 14, the cap 30 is intended to be a single use disposable item whether supplied with the syringe, or otherwise, in the described embodiment. Of course, other embodiments may allow for multiple uses of the cap 30 but with acceptable sanitary precautions, including at least replacement of the filter 36 with each use. In still other embodiments, the cap 30 may merely prevent content from exiting the syringe 14 prematurely, not include a filter, and not allow ingress and egress of fluid(s).

[0085] As shown in Figure 4, the barrel 24 is generally cylindrical in shape. An interior wall 42 of the barrel 24 defines a substantially consistent inner diameter throughout a majority of the barrel’s length. The plunger 20, as shown in Figure 2, supports a gasket 44 or O-ring that sealingly engages the interior wall 42 of the barrel 24. As is known in the art, the inner diameter of the barrel 24 is slightly larger than an outside diameter of the plunger gasket 44 (or may be substantially equal to in other embodiments) so that the plunger 20 may pass through the barrel in sealing engagement therewith. This sealing engagement functions the same as a medical syringe allowing the plunger 20 to force the content in the chamber 22 through an opening in the connector 26.

[0086] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the interior wall 42 of the barrel 24 transitions from its substantially consistent inner diameter to an interior distal surface 46 as it approaches a distal end portion, generally designated 48. The interior distal surface 46 is shaped to facilitate the crushing of medication(s). In the described embodiment, the interior distal surface 46 is a distally tapering frustoconical shape with radially directed creases 50 extending therefrom. The interior distal surface 46 terminates adjacent and partially defines a circular aperture through which the content exits the barrel 24. The interior distal surface 46 and radially directed creases 50 are shaped to optimize crushing of the medication(s). In other words, the interior distal surface 46 serves as the mortar, for example, during the crushing phase of the method as described below. It should be noted, however, that the interior distal surface 46 may take other shapes or forms sufficient to facilitate the crushing of medication(s). For example, the interior distal surface may be abraded, include ridges, creases, scallops, and/or may be spherical and/or pyramidical in shape.

[0087] In additional embodiments, as shown in Figures 6A-6D for example, a shape of the interior distal surface 46 may be spherical (see Figure 6A), frustoconical with ridges and/or scallops (see Figure 6B), pyramidical (see Figure 6C), or simply frustoconical without ridges and/or scallops (see Figure 6D). In essence, the interior distal surface 26 may take any shape so long as the surface is sufficient to crush medication.

[008 j As shown in Figure 7, the plunger 20 includes a tip 52. The tip 52 may be detachable from the plunger 20 or may be attached to or integrally molded with the plunger. An exterior surface 54 is located at a distal end 56 of the tip 40 and generally abuts the interior distal surface 46 of the barrel 24 when the plunger 20 is fully inserted. The tip exterior surface 54 must be hard enough to crush the medication(s) (e.g., to serve as a pestle during the crushing phase of the method). In the described embodiment, the exterior surface 54 has a frustoconical shape. It should be noted, however, that the exterior surface 54 may take other shapes or forms sufficient to facilitate the crushing of medication(s). In addition, the exterior surface 54 may be described as inwardly tapering and having radially directed ridges 58 extending therefrom. The radially directed creases 50 and radially directed ridges 58 provide grinding surfaces between which the medication(s) are crushed when the plunger 20 is rotated.

[0089] In order to minimize any collection of medication fragments between the plunger 20 and the barrel 24, a radius or rounded edge 60 is provided to transition between the barrel interior wall 42 and the barrel interior distal surface 46. Although not entirely shown in Figure 5, the rounded edge 60 extends circumferentially around the entirety of the barrel 24. This configuration further minimizes trapping of medication fragments after the liquid mixture is drawn into the barrel 24 and the content is being expelled from the syringe 14.

[0090] Returning to Figure 7, the external surface 54 may terminate at a protuberance or nipple 62, in the described embodiment, which is centrally positioned at a distal end. The protuberance 62 extends away from the exterior surface 54, generally aligns with the aperture defined by the interior wall 42 of the barrel 24, and functions to clear the aperture of crushed medication(s). As noted above and best shown in Figure 8, the plunger 20 defines a recess, groove, or channel 64 for receiving a gasket 66, such as an O-ring (shown in Figure 7). The channel 64 is proximal to the exterior surface 54 and, as noted above, the gasket 66 provides a fluid tight seal for a mixing liquid and prevents crushed medication fragments from escaping throughout the process.

[0091] As further shown in Figures 7 and 8, the plunger 20 includes a shaft 68 and a fitting 70 that releasably couples with a drive gear 18 as is shown and described in more detail below. In the described embodiment, the shaft 68 is centrally positioned and generally tubular in shape to resist twisting during rotational movement of the plunger 20. Flanges 72 extend laterally along an entire length of the shaft 68. In other embodiments, however, the flanges could extend less than the entire length and/or multiple flanges could extend along portions of the shaft. Regardless of configuration, the flanges 72 primarily maintain a central orientation of the plunger 20 within the barrel 24. Of course, other embodiments may utilize different configurations to provide torsional and linear rigidity for the plunger including, for example, a helical configuration could be utilized.

[0092] Even more, as shown in Figure 7, locking tabs 74 extend from distal portions of the flanges 72 in a normal position in the described embodiment. In operation, the locking tabs 74 are compressed from the normal position to a compressed position through contact when the plunger 20 is inserted into the syringe barrel 24. Upon withdrawal of the plunger 20, the locking tabs 74 spring or extend from the compressed position toward the normal position as a diameter of the barrel interior wall 42 increases near a proximal end of the barrel 24. The increasing diameter is designated reference numeral 76. Even nearer the proximal end of the barrel 24, the inner diameter abruptly returns to the size of the diameter of the barrel interior wall 42 throughout a majority of the barrel. This abrupt transition defines a wall or stop 78. Once the plunger 20 is withdrawn a sufficient amount, the locking tabs 74 engage the stop 78 precluding further movement and removal of the plunger 20. This ensures only a single use of the syringe 14. Of course, other embodiments may utilize only one locking tab or no locking tabs allowing for multiple uses of a single syringe. Even more, the one or more locking tabs 74 may be positioned at a different location along the flanges 72. For instance, one or more locking tabs could be positioned along a mid-region of the flanges or nearer a proximal end with the same result.

[0093] Returning to Figures 4 and 5, additional flanges 80 extend from the barrel 24. In the described embodiment, there are two opposing flanges 80 that extend from a proximal end of the barrel 24. The flanges 80 support movement of the plunger 20 within the barrel 24 by the user when the syringe is removed from the system 10 and prevent rotation of the barrel during crushing of the medication. More specifically, one of the flanges 80 engages a corresponding recess 82 defined by a syringe bracket 84 to prevent movement which will be described in more detail below.

[0094] As shown in Figure 8, a plunger proximal end 86 is generally circular in shape. While other shapes may be utilized, the described shape allows the user to grasp, push, or pull the plunger 20 to move it within the barrel 24. As suggested above, a proximal portion of the plunger 20 includes the fitting 70 that releasably couples with drive gear 18 to provide rotational movement of the plunger. The coupling between the drive gear 18 and the fitting 70 engages with rotation in only one direction, for example clockwise, but not the opposite, counterclockwise. The fitting 70 is recessed along the shaft 68 of the plunger 20 such that the drive gear 18 extends into the recess during use thereby maintaining alignment between the drive gear and plunger.

[0095] A plurality of radially arranged ramps 88 extend circumferentially around the plunger central recess from a surface 90 of the plunger proximal end 86. The ramps 88 are shaped to releasably mate with corresponding ramps 92 located on an anvil 94. The mating between the plunger ramps 88, also referred to as the hammer, and the corresponding anvil ramps 92 creates a linear oscillating motion of approximately 1 mm, in the described embodiment, as the plunger 20 is rotated. As described in more detail below, this motion provides impact between the anvil 94 and the plunger 20 which aids in crushing the medication positioned in the syringe chamber 22.

[0096] As shown, the central fitting 70 includes a second plurality of ramps 96. These ramps 96 are radially oriented drive ramps which attain a height larger than a height of the hammer ramps 88. In the described embodiment, the height of the hammer ramps 88 is approximately half the height of the drive ramps 96. As suggested above, the drive ramps 96 engage a corresponding series of ramps 98 extending from the drive gear 18 to provide a releasable coupling to transmit rotational motion from the drive gear to the plunger 20. The direction of the drive ramps 96 is opposite of the hammer ramps 88. As rotational motion is applied to the plunger 20 via the drive gear 18, to which the central fitting ramps 96 engage, the hammer ramps 88 and anvil ramps 92 linearly separate the plunger 20 from the anvil 94. However, due to the fact that the height of the drive ramps 96 is larger, the drive ramps remain coupled to the drive gear ramps 98 despite the linear motion created by the hammer and anvil ramps 88, 92. Spring tension ensures this releasable coupling remains together as will be described in more detail below.

[0097] In an alternate embodiment shown in Figure 9, a syringe 100 includes a barrel 102, a plunger 104, and a sieve 106. The syringe 100 functions in a similar manner to the above-described syringe 14 except the sieve 106 replaces the barrel interior distal surface 46 with regard to the crushing of medication.

[0098] As best shown in Figure 10, the sieve 106 is generally cup shaped. More specifically, the sieve 106 includes a proximal, ring-shaped portion 108 and a distal, frustroconical shaped portion 110 generally conforming to a shape of the syringe barrel 102 and plunger 104 respectively. The described sieve 106 is a stamped metal but could also be a rigid polymer or other rigid material. A plurality of apertures is defined by the frustroconical shaped portion 110, or the distal surface, of the sieve 106 through which medication fragments pass during use. A size of the apertures determines a size of the fragments allowed to be injected into the body. At least one cutting edge 114 is formed or extends from the sieve distal surface 110 adjacent a proximal (interior) aspect of each aperture conforming to a direction of rotation. Of course, fewer than all apertures may have an associated cutting edge 114 in other embodiments. Functioning in a similar manner to a stamped metal cheese grater, the cutting edges 114 scrape or grate off fragments from the medication as the medication forced against them by the plunger 104 until the fragments are sufficiently sized to pass through the apertures.

[0099] As shown in Figure 9, a locking ring 116 surrounds the sieve ring-shaped portion 108 and supports the sieve 106 within the syringe barrel 102. A proximal edge of the sieve 106 is rolled and abuts the locking ring 116 to prevent relative lengthwise movement between the sieve and locking ring. In addition, and as best shown in Figure 10, a plurality of recesses is defined along the proximal edge of the sieve ring- shaped portion 108. The recesses each receive corresponding internal bosses 126 extending from the locking ring 116 to prevent relative movement and a first plurality of flanges 128 extend toward an interior of the locking ring 116 in a normal position. As will be described in more detail below, the first plurality of flanges 128 initially capture the plunger 104 once a sufficient amount of medication is crushed and passes through the sieve 106 allowing the plunger to travel further into the locking ring 116/sieve 106 assembly. In the described embodiment, the flanges 128 are deflected during insertion of the plunger tip 134 into the locking ring to a deflected position, and return to the normal position allowing capture of the plunger 104 when the plunger has seated at or near the bottom of the sieve 106, i.e., after the medication is crushed.

[00100] In addition, a second a plurality of flanges 118 extend from the locking ring 116, albeit radially, and engage an inner wall 120 of the barrel 102 during use . While the second plurality of flanges 118 engage the inner wall 120 to position the sieve 106 within the barrel 102, the locking ring 116 and sieve 106 are still free to move lengthwise within the barrel. In the described embodiment, the locking ring 116 is a flexible yet sturdy plastic but could be made of other, including more rigid, materials, or be integrally formed with the sieve.

[00.10! ] The locking ring 116 further includes a plurality of external bosses 122. Each external locking ring boss 122 engages corresponding bosses 124 formed in a proximal portion of the barrel 102. During use, the locking ring bosses 122 and the barrel bosses 124 engage in a first position such that the sieve 106 and locking ring 116 are maintained a predetermined distance from an interior distal surface of the barrel 102. In this first position, the barrel 102, sieve 106, and locking ring 116 define a chamber for receiving crushed medication that has passed through the sieve.

[00.102] As shown in Figure 9 and best illustrated in Figure 11, surfaces 126, 128 of the barrel bosses

124 engage corresponding surfaces 130, 132 of the locking ring bosses 122 in the first position. In addition to creating the chamber for receiving crushed medication fragments in the first position, the barrel bosses 124 and locking ring bosses 122 also prevent rotation of the sieve 106 in the direction of rotation of the plunger 104 and drive gear 18. In this manner, rotation of the plunger 104 forces the medication against the cutting edges 114 which are maintained in a stationary position by the stair-step nature of the barrel boss surfaces 126, 128 and the locking ring boss surfaces 130, 132.

[00103] As noted above, the first plurality of flanges 128 initially capture the plunger 104 as a sufficient amount of medication passes through the sieve 106. With the plunger 104 captured by the first plurality of flanges 128, the plunger 104 and locking ring and sieve assembly 130 may be partially withdrawn from the barrel 102 drawing the mixing fluid into the chamber which is still defined by the barrel, sieve 106, and locking ring 116.

[00! 04] Returning to Figure 9, the plunger 104 is similar in most aspects to the plunger 20 described above. For example, the plunger 104 includes a tip 134 (possibly detachable) having an exterior surface 136 with radially directed ridges 138, or similar features, to propel the medication against the sieve 106 when the plunger is rotated. Given the utilization of the cutting edges 114, as opposed to crushing, a hardness of the exterior surface 136 is of less concern and a centrally positioned nipple is not required. The plunger 104 similarly defines a channel 140 for receiving a gasket 142 to provide a fluid tight seal with the barrel 102.

[00 ! 05] Even more, the plunger 104 includes a shaft 144 and a fitting 70 that releasably couples with a drive gear 18. The shaft 144 also has flanges 148 with locking tabs 74 that engage the barrel 102 precluding removal of the plunger 104. Additional flanges 150 extend from the barrel 102 to support movement of the plunger 104 within the barrel by the user and prevent rotation of the plunger during crushing of the medication, as described above. A plunger proximal end 152 is generally circular in shape allowing the user to grasp the plunger 104. Although not utilized in the described embodiment, the plunger 104 may include a plurality of radially arranged ramps 88 shaped to releasably mate with corresponding ramps 92 located on an anvil 94 to create linear oscillating motion and impact between the anvil 94 and the plunger 104 to aid in crushing the medication as in other above-described embodiments. The fitting 70, locking tabs 74, radially oriented drive ramps 96 of the fitting, and the plurality of radially arranged ramps 88 are the same or similar to those illustrated in Figure 8 and therefore, utilize the same reference numerals.

[00106] Differences in the presently described plunger 104 include an outside diameter of the plunger tip 134. A relatively smaller tip outside diameter allows the tip to pass through an inner diameter of the sieve 106 and locking ring 116 and allows for rotational movement therein. In the described embodiment, the plunger tip outside diameter is only slightly smaller than the sieve inner diameter to avoid medication fragments from escaping during crushing or becoming wedged between the plunger tip 134 and sieve 106.

[00107] In addition, the plunger tip 134 defines a plurality of recesses 156 adjacent channel 142. The recesses 156 are oriented circumferentially and are sized to receive the first plurality of flanges 128 of the locking ring 116. As noted above, the first plurality of flanges 128 initially capture the plunger 104 when a sufficient amount of medication is crushed and passes through the sieve 106 allowing the plunger to travel further into the locking ring 116/sieve 106 assembly. In alternate embodiments, the plurality of recesses may be a single recess extending around an entirety of the tip 134 or two or more recesses. Similarly, the first plurality of flanges 128 could include fewer or more than the four shown in Figure 10. In addition, the configuration of the circumferential recess(es) 156 determines whether the sieve and locking ring assembly 132 may be removed from the plunger 104 after crushing or if the plunger and sieve/locking ring assembly remain secured together for a single use application.

[00308] As illustrated sequentially in Figures 12-14, the syringe 100 is provided with the sieve 106 and locking ring 116 assembled and seated in the barrel 102, and the plunger 104 separated. More specifically, the sieve and locking ring assembly 132 is maintained in the first position through contact between the locking ring bosses 122 and the barrel bosses 124. In this first position shown in Figure 12, the barrel 102, sieve 106, and locking ring 116 define the chamber for receiving crushed medication that has passed through the sieve. The cap 30 is attached to the provided syringe.

[00309] In using the described embodiment, the user inserts medication to be crushed into the syringe barrel 102. A line molded into or printed on the barrel 102 indicates a maximum medication capacity of the syringe 100. The plunger 104 is then advanced within the barrel, as shown by action arrow 158 in Figure 12, until contact is made with the medication. In the described embodiment, a lever 164 is moved to a first position allowing the syringe 100 to be positioned in housing 12. Once positioned, the lever 164 is moved to a second position wherein a spring force is applied to the syringe 100 causing the plunger fitting 70 to engage drive gear 18.

[00110] A first, or activation, switch 166 is depressed activating the motor 16 which engages the drive gear 18 rotating the plunger 104 to crush the medication. In alternate embodiments, described herein, activating the motor 16 and engaging the drive gear 18 further creates repeated linear movement between the plunger 104 and the anvil 94. As described in more detail above, the plurality of radially arranged ramps 88 extending from the plunger proximal end 86 are shaped to releasably mate with corresponding ramps 92 located on an anvil 94. The mating between the respective ramps creates a linear oscillating motion of approximately 1 mm as the plunger 20 is rotated. As a peak of the ramp is reached, the anvil 94 is allowed to fall against the plunger proximal end 86 creating successive concussive impacts which aid in crushing the medication.

[0011 1 j Once the medication is crushed and passed through the sieve apertures and the plunger 104 has seated at the bottom of the sieve 106, the first plurality of flanges 128 of the locking ring 116 capture the plunger and a second, or deactivation, switch 168 is closed causing operation of the motor 16 and rotation of the plunger 104 to cease. In alternate embodiments, the activation switch 166 and deactivation switch 168 may be a single switch or closure of the second switch 168 may active a timing circuit allowing the motor 16 to continue to operate for a predetermined period of time to ensure sufficient crushing of the medication before ceasing. At this point, the lever 164 may be returned to an open position allowing the syringe 100 to be removed from the housing 12 for further manipulation by the user.

[00112] With the plunger 104 captured, the plunger and sieve and locking ring assembly 132 are partially withdrawn from the barrel 102, as shown by action arrow 160 in Figure 13, drawing the mixing fluid into the chamber. With the mixing fluid and crushed medication in the chamber, the user may agitate the syringe 100, by shaking or the like, to ensure the content is sufficiently mixed and to rinse any remaining fragments from the sieve 106. The cap 130 may then be removed and the syringe 100 attached to a feeding tube. Once attached, or if the content will be injected directly into the body (e.g., a mouth of a patient), the plunger 104 may be rotated to ensure that the locking ring bosses 122 and the barrel bosses 124 do not engage in the first position. Then, as shown by action arrow 162 in Figure 14, the plunger 104 may be advanced until some or all of the content in the syringe 100 is forced out of the barrel 102 into the body.

[001 13] The system 10 functions in a similar manner to the above-described use when syringe 14 is utilized except the barrel interior distal surface 46 is replaced by the sieve 106 with regards to the crushing of medication. As such, certain steps associated with the sieve 106 would not be required. The remaining steps are the same, however. [00 ί 4] The remaining portions of the system 10 for crushing and injecting medication into a body will now be described in further detail. As shown in Figure 1, a syringe bracket 84 for receiving and temporarily securing the syringe 14, or the syringe 100 in the alternate embodiment, therein is supported by the housing 12. As shown in Figure 15, the syringe bracket 84 includes a snap fitting, generally designated reference numeral 170, for releasably securing the syringe 14.

[00115] The snap fitting 170 includes a channel 172 formed in the bracket 84 for receiving the syringe barrel 24. The channel 172 includes a lengthwise opening defined by opposing arms 174, 176 extending from the channel. The opening extends along an axial direction of the channel along at least portions of its length and has a width (W). The axial direction of the channel is generally depicted by an axis line 178. The opening width (W) is less than an outer diameter of the syringe barrel 24 so as to secure the barrel in the channel 172. In other words, the width of the axial opening allows the syringe 14 to be snapped into place and secured within the channel 172. This significantly simplifies the placement of the syringe 14 within the housing 12 during installation. In alternate embodiments, however, the width of the axial opening may be larger allowing the syringe barrel 24 to pass therethrough without being snapped into position. In such embodiments, the syringe barrel 24 could be snugly held by the bracket 84 or a separate clamp or fastener could be utilized to temporarily hold the syringe 14 in position in the bracket.

[001 i 6] The syringe bracket 84 further includes a wall 180 and a floor 182 which together define the recess 82 that engages one of two opposing flanges 80 that extend from the proximal end of the barrel 24. The engaged flange 80 is fitted in corresponding recess 82 in the syringe bracket 84 to prevent movement. More specifically, rotation of the barrel 24 while the plunger 20 is rotated by the drive gear 18 during crushing of the medication is prevented through engagement of the flange 80 by the recess 82.

[001 i 7 j With reference to Figure 16, the syringe bracket 84 is supported by housing 12 in a manner that allows linear motion of the bracket relative to the housing as shown by action arrows 184. In the described embodiment, the syringe bracket 84 is supported by a plurality of guides 186 molded into the housing 12. In certain instances, corresponding linear slides 188 molded into the bracket 84 allow minimal friction linear motion through the guides 186 over a distance of approximately 15 mm. Of course, the range of travel of the bracket 84 may be less than or greater than 15 mm in alternate embodiments.

[001 I S] As further shown, a pair of springs 190 are oriented to provide force pushing the syringe bracket 84 toward the anvil 94 and drive gear 18. The springs 190 are held in position by the bracket 84 and housing 12. More specifically, each spring 190 is held in position parallel with and adjacent to the bracket 84. A first spring end 192, for example, is received between slides 188, bracket arm 176, and housing 12. A second end 194 extends beyond the spring bracket 84 in a normal position but is compressed through contact with housing 12 when assembled. In this compressed position, the spring 190 provides a constant force against the syringe bracket 84. The second spring 190 is held in position in the same manner except against spring arm 174.

[0(1.119] In the described embodiment, shown in Figure 18, a cam 196 and lever 164 are used to move the syringe bracket 84, further compressing the springs 190, and moving the bracket away from the anvil 94 into the open position for loading or unloading the syringe 14 or 100. When the lever 164 is moved in the opposite direction, the cam 196 is released and the spring forces are allowed to push the syringe bracket 84 with attached syringe 14 or 100 into the anvil 94 and drive gear 18.

[00120] More specifically, the plunger 20 or 104 contacts the anvil 94 and drive gear 18 and is pushed into the syringe 14 or 100 applying further force to the medication located in the barrel 24 or 102. Stops 198, shown in Figure 19, are provided to hold the lever 164 in the open or closed positions. In the described embodiment, the stops 198 are located on the cam 196 although other known means may be utilized to maintain the open and closed positions. As shown, a cam profile 200 provides maximal linear motion when the springs 190 are least compressed and less linear motion when the springs are more compressed. This yields a smooth and easy opening for the user. Smooth motion is further enhanced by an idler wheel 202, or cam follower, which is supported by the syringe bracket 84 as best shown in Figure 16. Bushings (not shown) may be utilized to support cam rotation and may be integrally molded with the case 12 and/or be separate parts.

[0012 i ] As broadly described above, the motor 16 engages drive gear 18 for rotating the plunger 20 of the syringe 14 to effect crushing of the medicine therein. The motor 16 is supported by the housing 12 via a mount 204 as shown in Figure 20. In the described embodiment, the motor 16 is a DC gear reduction motor having an output shaft 206 that is directly coupled to, engages, and turns drive gear 18. In this manner, the motor 16 provides high torque and relatively low revolutions per minute to rotate the plunger 20 in an optimal manner.

[00122] As shown, the mount 204 includes an integrally formed anvil 94 and ensures that the motor

16, drive gear 18, and anvil 94 are maintained in alignment. In other embodiments, the anvil 94 may be an independent part attached to the mount 204 and/or the motor 16 may be attached directly to the housing 12. In all described embodiments, the drive gear 18 extends through a central aperture defined by the anvil 94.

[00123] In the described embodiment, the motor 16 is powered by a power source 208 which is a rechargeable battery pack in the described embodiment. The power source 208 integrates with and is supported by the housing 12. Preferably, interchangeable battery packs may be utilized, however, a fixed battery pack which can charge in place or even disposable batteries may also be used. [00124] As schematically illustrated in Figure 22 and described above in detail, the motor 16 is activated by a first switch 166 connected to the power source 208 causing the drive gear 18 to rotate the plunger 104 and, in some embodiments, creating repeated linear movement between the plunger 104 and the anvil 94 resulting in successive concussive impacts which aid in crushing the medication. Once the medication is crushed, a second switch 168 is closed causing operation of the motor 16 and rotation of the plunger 104 to cease. In alternate embodiments, the second switch 168 may active a timing circuit 210 allowing the motor 16 to continue to operate for a predetermined period of time to ensure sufficient crushing of the medication before ceasing. The first and/or second switches 166/168 may be individually mounted within the housing 12 for ease of operation and the timing circuit (board mounted) may be attached to the motor mount 204 or other support structure attached to the housing.

[00125] As best shown in Figure 21 and generally described above, a series of ramps 98 extend from the drive gear 18 for engaging corresponding plunger drive ramps 96 to provide a releasable coupling that transmits rotational motion from the motor output shaft 206/drive gear to the plunger 20. More specifically, a proximal portion of the plunger 20 includes the fitting 70 that releasably couples with drive gear 18. The coupling between the drive gear 18 and the fitting 70 engages with rotation in only one direction and the fitting 70 is recessed along the shaft 68 of the plunger 20 such that the drive gear 18 extends into the recess during use.

[00126] In the described embodiment, radially arranged ramps 88 extend circumferentially around the plunger central recess from surface 90 of the plunger proximal end 86. As described above, the ramps 88 are shaped to releasably mate with corresponding anvil ramps 92 (best shown in Figure 20). The mating between the plunger ramps 88 and the corresponding anvil ramps 92 creates a linear oscillating motion as the plunger 20 is rotated which provides impact between the anvil 94 and the plunger 20 aiding in crushing the medication.

[00127] As shown, the drive ramps 96 have a height larger than a height of the plunger ramps 88.

The direction of the drive ramps 96 is opposite that of the plunger ramps 88. As rotational motion is applied to the plunger 20 via the drive gear 18, the plunger ramps 88 and anvil ramps 92 linearly separate the plunger 20 from the anvil 94 but, due to the fact that the height of the drive ramps 96 is larger, the drive ramps remain coupled to the drive gear ramps 98 despite the linear motion created by the hammer and anvil ramps 88, 92.

[00128] As best shown in Figure 1, the housing 12 is ergonomically designed to fit comfortably into the user’s hand during operation. The housing 12 provides enclosure of the components to prevent or at least minimize debris from entering the housing. Even more, the housing 12 and the syringe bracket channel 64 includes generally smooth outer surfaces for easy cleaning and the housing may consist of multiple segments which are optimally joined via snap together connections, glue, screws, or any other means known in the art.

[00129] The foregoing has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Obvious modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. In one additional embodiment shown in Figure 23, for example, a system 212 for crushing and injecting medication into a body includes a hand crank 214 for imparting rotation to a drive gear 18. In this embodiment, the drive gear 18 is retained in position by a circular flange 216 which is captured between a housing 218 and an anvil 220. This arrangement allows for rotation motion but not linear motion along an axis of the drive gear 18. The hand crank 214 may be removeable in one embodiment.

[00130] Compared to the battery-operated embodiments described above, the motor 16, the power source 208, and the switch(es) 166 (168) and timing circuit 210 are not necessary as the power required to rotate drive gear 18 is provided by the user. As better shown in Figure 24, hand crank 214 is connected directly to drive gear 18. Rotation of the drive gear 18 rotates the syringe plunger 20 or 104 to crush the medication as described above for each embodiment. All such modifications and variations are within the scope of the appended claims when interpreted in accordance with the breadth to which they are fairly, legally and equitably entitled.