Field of invention

The present invention relates to an injection device for injecting any kind of media or preparation into an animal . The invention also relates to automatically recording all relevant information relating to injection of media or preparations into livestock. The present invention more particularly relates to an injection device that automatically detects the dose being injected. If individual animals are tagged by RFID-marks, the recordings will be related to these individual animals. The records may be stored in a database for further processing.

Prior art

Regular and accurate administration of preparations to livestock such as pigs and cattle is crucial to the physical health of the animals and, thus, the quality of the food consumables (for other livestock and human beings) is very important. When using non-motorised injection devices, the dose being injected into the animal during the injection process can be visually detected and manually recorded for keeping track of the nature and dose of preparations used during the lifetime of livestock. However, there is a risk that the visual detection conventionally applied is incorrect and there is a risk that manually recorded data are misinterpreted when being compiled either in electronic form or in forms complying with regulatory requirements. Accordingly, incorrect treatment (e.g. medication) may occur without being registered. There is a huge risk that the livestock are injected with a higher dose than prescribed, leaving residuals for a longer period than expected, or less that prescribed leaving the treatment not really solving the issue, that is, livestock does not recover as expected and then need extra treatment.

In practise, it is nearly impossible for a farmer to simultaneously and accurately record information relevant to treatments and the animals the treatments are given to. Therefore, several systems have been suggested in order to automatically register the animal identity and the amount of and type of preparation injected into the animal . WO 2009/120692 A2 discloses an injection device for injecting animals. The injection device is equipped with an optical sensor or a Hall-effect sensor having one or more magnetic regions on the plunger shaft, thus, functioning as position indicator. However, the injection device only measures volumes injected stepwise, thus, resulting in a rather imprecise determination of actually injected volumes. Accordingly, the injection device cannot measure injected volumes continuously (real-time). US 2014/0276535 Al discloses a needleless injector for injecting animals. The injector includes one or more sensors for monitoring operation of the injector, i.e. successful delivery of medicine and proper operation of the injector. Monitoring of the position of sensors during operation yields only stepwise information on the delivery of medicament. Thus, the injector is not suited for continuous detection of volumes injected.

The growing concerns by consumers over the residual effects of the application of medical treatments and their impact on food safety stresses that the precision of the conventionally used non-motorised injection devices should be improved. Further, there is a need for an improved system for medical treatment tracking in order to avoid incorrect treatment.

Accordingly, there is a need for an improved injection device that automatically provides an accurate detection of the dose injected into the animal. It is further desired to have an injection device capable of automatically detecting and collecting the identification data of the animal.

Further, there is a need for a system that combines and coordinates automatic detection of injection and other medication administration data with the automatic detection and collection of animal identification data.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an injection device that automatically provides an accurate detection of the dose injected into the individual animal based on recognition and acceptance of the animal ID versus the prescribed treatment to be completed. In some cases, a manual check or acceptance of the treatment in relation to a list of treatments prescribed by a veterinarian may be performed, since, at least in some locations there may be no online internet connection available.

Moreover, it is an object of the invention to provide an injection device capable of automatically detecting the identification data of the animal . Summary of the invention

in one aspect, the present invention relates to a non-motorised injection device for injection of media into an animal comprising :

- a syringe having a hypodermic needle or a jet injector;

- a plunger extending from an end of an elongated push rod into a syringe barrel adapted for receiving said plunger,

- a lever connected to the push rod and being configured to actuate the syringe upon being displaced;

- a bottle attachment for receiving and retaining a liquid injectable solution containing bottle, wherein the injectable solution is drawn into said syringe barrel from the liquid injectable solution containing bottle, through a connection member extending from the syringe barrel and/or through a bore in the push rod,

wherein the injection device comprises a Hall-sensor assembly comprising a permanent magnet and a Hall-sensor configured to detect the position of the plunger relative to the syringe barrel, wherein the permanent magnet is attached to the plunger and the Hall-sensor is fixed to the syringe barrel, or the permanent magnet is attached to the syringe barrel and the Hall-sensor is fixed to the plunger, and wherein one of the permanent magnet and the Hall-sensor is distaliy placed on the plunger relative to the other, and means for providing real-time measurement of volume in the syringe barrel.

It is to be understood that the expression "attached to" is intended to encompass magnets and/or sensors that are detachabiy attached as well as magnets and/or sensors that are embedded. Such embedding may, e.g. be by moulding. In particular, one of the magnet and the sensor may be detachabiy attached whereas the other is embedded, or both the magnet and the sensor may be either detachable attached, or both the magnet and the sensor embedded. In particular, the plunger may be made of a plastic material. Thus, the magnet and the sensor may be moulded into the plunger, or the magnet or the sensor may be moulded into the plunger. Alternatively, the plunger may be provided with a cavity optionally having grooves into which the magnet and the sensor, or the magnet or the sensor, may be fitted or "retrofitted". In particular, the sensor may be mounted onto a circuit board with fits the cavity and/or the grooves on the plunger, thereby positioning the sensor correctly relative to the magnet. Thus, in a particular embodiment, the injection device of the invention may be a "retrofitted" injection device. By "retrofitted" is meant a syringe onto which the other components such as the magnet and/or the Hall- sensor is attached or mounted subsequently. The injection device automatically provides an accurate detection of the dose injected into the animal. The accurate detection of the injected dose is provided by determining the relative position of one of the permanent magnet and the Hall-sensor on the plunger. Thus, all positions of the plunger are distinctly defined, and a direct measure of the injected amount is obtained. The sensor and the magnet may suitably be calibrated to obtain the most accurate detection. Depending on the exact configuration and design of the injection device of the invention, the injection device may be provided with a calibration switch or calibration button. This calibration switch/button may suitably be located on a control unit. In a particular embodiment, for calibrating the injection device, the volume of the syringe barrel is set to the maximum volume, and the calibration switch/button is pressed. Thus, the device is in calibration mode. Subsequently, the plunger is pressed once or twice, depending on the actual configuration, using the lever, after which procedure the control unit has recorded the resetting of the injection device. Furthermore, the injection device may be provided with a waste button or waste switch for emptying the syringe barrel, e.g. to empty the syringe barrel without injecting the content of the syringe barrel, or in case air needs be removed from the syringe barrel, e.g. if the bottle containing the media needs be replaced. Said waste switch/button may suitably be located on the control unit.

The injection device according to the invention is a non-motorised hand operated injection device. The injection device is intended to be used to inject media into an animal such a pig, cattle or a sheep, in particular, the injection device is suited for cutaneous, subcutaneous as well as intramuscular injections. The terms "media" and "preparation" may be used interchangeably herein.

The media may be any injectable solution, either pre-dissolved or dissolved prior to use, including, but not limited to, vaccines, medications, medicaments, vitamins, nutrients, minerals or any combination thereof. The dose and amount of active substance used in the media will depend on the animal in question as well as on the type of substance, and route of administration, in some cases, the media may be available from the drugstore (e.g. by prescription by a veterinarian) in the prescribed concentration ("ready-to-use"). In other cases, the media may be provided in a form, which has to be diluted prior to use.

The injection device comprises a syringe having a hypodermic needle. The hypodermic needle may be of any suitable type and shape. Likewise, the jet injector may be of any suitable type and shape. A jet injector is an option in case that a needle-free injector is used.

The injection device comprises a plunger extending from an end of an elongated push rod into a syringe barrel adapted for receiving said plunger. The push rod may be massive or may be provided with a bore, e.g. a through-going bore for establishing fluid communication through it. The plunger may comprise a detachabiy mounted plunger head. Hereby, it is possible to change the volume of the cylinder chamber, The plunger head may preferably comprise an engagement member configured to engage with a corresponding engagement member provided in the distal end of the plunger rod. Thus, the plunger and the plunger head may be separate entities, which may be replaceable, In general, the size of the plunger head may be varied in accordance with the size of the syringe barrel, i.e. the larger the syringe barrel the larger the plunger head.

The injection device comprises a lever connected to the push rod and being configured to actuate the syringe upon being displaced. The lever may have any suitable shape and size.

The lever may be rotatably attached to a handle of the injection device.

The injection device comprises a bottle attachment for receiving and retaining a liquid injectable solution-containing bottle, wherein the injectable solution is drawn into said syringe barrel from the liquid injectable solution-containing bottle, through a connection member extending from the syringe barrel and/or through a bore in the push rod. The bottle attachment may have any suitable geometry and size. In particular, the bottle attachment may be suited for receiving or holding an injection bottle. In one embodiment, the bottle attachment may be such being adaptable to injection bottles of various sizes and/or shapes. In particular, the bottle attachment may be made of metal, plastic material or rubber, or any combination thereof. In particular, the bottle attachment may be made of a flexible material such as rubber or a silicone material readily adaptable to the form of the injection bottle. Further, it is possible to arrange the bottle attachment in various positions. It is possible to arrange the bottle attachment as an extension of the syringe barrel. The injection device comprises a Ha!l-sensor assembly configured to detect the position of the plunger relative to the part or body that contains the electronics (e.g. the syringe barrel or a control unit or a control box).

The Hall-sensor assembly comprises a permanent magnet attached to the plunger and a Hail-sensor fixed to the syringe barrel, or the Hail-sensor assembly comprises a permanent magnet attached to the syringe barrel and a Hall-sensor fixed to the plunger.

The injection device may suitably comprise a control unit. The control unit may suitably be a separate unit, which can be attached to the injection device. In particular, the control unit may be provided with means for being attached at the bottom end of, the back side, or the side of the injection device. The control unit may be provided with various entities such as, e.g., a calibration switch/button, a waste switch/button, a button/switch for pairing the control unit with other devices, a on/off switch/button, charging points (such as USBs or power connectors or power sockets) as well as indicators (such as LED) for charging and connection availability (such as Bluetooth ^® ). Furthermore, the control unit may be configured to calculate the volume of the media in the syringe barrel on the basis of the position of the plunger relative to the syringe barrel. Hereby, it is possible to detect the injected media. The data/information may preferably be stored and/or sent wireiessiy to an external device such as a computer, a smart phone, a tablet or any other electronic communication device. Preferably, such calculation is performed on a continuous basis implying the time is detected. Also, the dose and the animal in question (e.g. by recording the RFID-tag) may be included in said detection. Furthermore, the calculation may include previous medication regimes or schedules as well as future medication regimes or schedules. Thereby, "real-time data" is obtained. Preferably, these data may be compared with data identifying the animal and the type and/or dose of media being injected into the animal. In a certain embodiment, the control unit is configured to automatically detect the volume of the media being injected into an animal.

Hereby, the control unit may provide data suitable to document the amount of the media injected.

The injection device may further comprise one or more scan buttons or scan switches for pairing the injection device with other entities or devices (such as a computer, a smart phone, a tablet or any other electronic communication device), and/or for reading RFID-tags.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to store and/or transmit these data. In some embodiments, the control unit may be configured to receive wireiessly transmitted signals. Hereby, the control unit may communicate with externa! tags (e.g. RFID-tags) capable of providing useful and relevant data, including data identifying the animal, the operator and the type and/or dose of injected media being used. The signals transmitted or received by the control unit may suitably be transmitted or received by a smart phone, a computer, a tablet or any other electronic communication device. When a smart phone or a tablet is used, such may suitably be managed and/or operated by an "App", Apps are well known in the art and are applied for several purposes, and, accordingly a person skilled in the art will readily know how to develop an App and to modify an existing App. In a certain embodiment, the App may be configured to further transmit available information, e.g. to a computer or database, thus, storing the information for further processing, later retrieval or later identification purposes.

Thus, in one embodiment, the control unit may be configured to receive wireiessly transmitted signals transmitted from a RFID-tag. The present invention provides an injection device capable of automatically detecting the identification data of an animal . In particular, the injection device may comprise a RFID-tag configured to wirelessly transmit identification information related to the injection device, The injection device preferably comprises a RFID-tag for automatic identification of the injection device. Hereby, the injection device may send identification information to the control unit. Hereby, the identification of the injection device can be carried out automatically. The information send to the control unit may be transmitted via an antenna or a transmitter on the injection device. Such antenna or transmitter may be attached or built-in .

In some embodiments, the control unit may comprise a mounting structure for being detachably attached to the injection device. Hereby, the control unit can be detachably attached to the injection device. The injection device may be operated with or without the control unit being attached. Thus, the injection device may further comprise a portable and chargeable, thus, detachable battery or an integrated and chargeable battery.

In some embodiments, the control unit comprises two separate units: a control member and a RFID-reader.

The RFID-reader may be separated from the control member and the injection device. It may be an advantage that the control member is detachably attached to the injection device and that the RFID-reader is separated from the control device (it may be carried in the free hand).

The control member, the control unit or the injection device may comprise an antenna, a memory, a transmitting portion capable of transmitting wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the control member moreover may comprise a display and an interface provided with a number of buttons. In a certain embodiment, the display is the display of a smart phone. In a certain embodiment, the interface is the App.

The RFID-reader may comprise an antenna, a receiving portion capable of receiving wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals, or any combination thereof, and a connection unit capable of transmitting the received signals to the control member (e.g. wirelessly).

For some applications, the injection device comprises a switch configured to by-pass the detection mechanism by using the Hail-sensor assembly.

Hereby, when the switch is pressed, the Hall-sensor wi ll be deactivated and thus not detect the distance between the end portion of the syringe barrel and the back side of the plunger. Accordingly, the volume of the media in the syringe barrel can be determined. The switch may be applied when another bottle is attached to the injection device and a small volume of injectable solution is wasted while evacuating air from the injection device.

In some embodiments, the injection device comprises an attachment member comprising a power module radio frequency transmitter and/or an antenna, wherein the attachment member is configured to be attached to the injection device. In some embodiments, the power module radio frequency transmitter and/or the antenna is integrated into the injection device.

In a particular embodiment, the injection device comprises a sensor housing provided with a first button (e.g. a press button) for initiating a scanning procedure (scanning for RFID-tags). The injection device preferably comprises a sensor housing provided with a second button (e.g. a press button) for initiating a pairing procedure (pairing with an external device such as a smart phone). In a certain embodiment, the injection device comprises a sensor housing provided with first and second buttons (e.g. press buttons) each of the first and second buttons for initiating a scanning procedure (scanning for RFID-tags) and for initiating a pairing procedure (pairing with an external device such as a smart phone). Thereby, the injection device may be configured to be operated by a right- handed person or a left-handed person.

In another aspect, the present invention relates to a system comprising an injection device as defined herein, wherein the system further comprises a charging station, wherein the charging station comprises a charging unit for charging the control unit and/or for charging the injection device.

When the control unit is connected to a charger within the charging station, this charger may charge internal rechargeable batteries of the control unit.

The charging station may be configured to establish electrical connection to a computer. In one embodiment, the system comprises one or more additional RFID- tags configured to wireiessiy transmit identification information to the control unit. In another embodiment, the system may, optionally in addition, comprise one or more additional RFID-tags configured to identify the operator using the injection device, the animal that needs to receive an injection or physical objects of interest (such as the injection device itself, the each or all of the pigsties, the section in the stable, the stable itself, or any combination of such objects).

In particular, the charging station may be configured to (preferably automatically) transfer data from the control unit to the computer, the smart phone, the tablet or the other electronic communication device, which may be configured to automatically select a selection of the data and forward the selection to a predefined receiver. In some applications, it is preferred that the injection device comprises a control unit that is capable of continuously transmitting data to an external device so that the injection device can be remotely monitored on a constant basis, Such external device may suitably be a smart phone, a tablet or any other electronic communication device, optionally managed or operated by an App as described in the foregoing.

If there is no availably communication connection, the injection device may store the collected data and wirelessiy transmit such as soon as there is access to a communication connection (e.g. a local area wireless networking such as Wi-Fi). Likewise, the smart phone, the tablet or the other electronic communication device may store the collected data and wirelessiy transmit such when a communication connection (e.g. a local area wireless networking such as Wi-Fi) is available.

The injection device according to the invention is capable of keeping track of prescription preparations to be used, and may, in some embodiments, preferably comprise means for giving a warning if an illegal or not prescribed preparation is used, or if erroneous preparations are used. Such may in a preferred embodiment be managed or operated by an App as described herein .

In a particular embodiment, the injection device may be configured to generate treatment (medication) accounts on the basis of the collected data and to report this or other information directly to the authorities. Thus, the injection device may be configured to apply and include additional information when generating information including treatment accounts. Such may in a preferred embodiment be managed or operated by an App as described herein.

In a third aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the injection device or the system as defined herein for injecting a media into an animal. The use of said injection device and said system is envisaged by the foregoing and is readily apparent to the trained person. in a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to the use of the injection device or the system in the treatment of diseases of an animal , Also encompassed is the use in the prophylactic treatment of diseases or other conditions such as malnutrition. The use of said injection device and said system is envisaged by the foregoing and is readily apparent to the trained person.

In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to the treatment of diseases using an injection device or a system as defined herein. Also encompassed is the prophylactic treatment of diseases or other conditions such as malnutrition. Said treatment is envisaged by the foregoing and is readily apparent to the trained person,

Description of the Drawings

The invention is further illustrated by the description of various embodiments and in the accompanying drawings, which are in no way limiting of the invention. In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an injection device according to the invention;

Fig, 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an injection device according to the invention communicating wireiessiy with a receiving unit;

Fig. 3 shows a close-up view of a control unit according to the invention connected to a computer;

Fig. 4 A shows a first schematic perspective view of an injection device according to the invention and a cross-sectional view of the syringe barrel of the injection device;

Fig, 4 B shows another schematic perspective view of an injection device according to the invention and a cross-sectional view of the syringe barrel of the injection device;

Fig. 5 A shows a schematic view of a farmer standing in front of a pig that needs a vaccine;

Fig, 5 B shows an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 5 C shows another injection device according to the invention; Fig, 6 A shows a control unit according to the invention comprising two components;

Fig. 6 B shows a control unit according to the invention comprising one component;

Fig. 6 C shows a control unit according to the invention comprising two components;

Fig. 6 D shows an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows another injection device according to the invention; Fig. 8 A shows an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 8 B shows the injection device shown in Fig. 8 A provided with an attachment member according to the invention

Fig. 9 A shows an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 9 B shows a side view of the injection device shown in Fig. 9 A; Fig. 9 C shows a perspective view of the injection device shown in Fig.

9 A and Fig. 9 B;

Fig. 10 A shows a side view of an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 10 B shows a perspective view of the injection device shown in Fig.

10 A;

Fig. 11A shows a side view of an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 11B shows a front view of the injection device shown in Fig. 11A; Fig. I IC shows a perspective view of the injection device shown in Fig.

HA and Fig. 11 B;

Fig. 11D shows a top view of the injection device shown in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11 B;

Fig. 12A shows a perspective view of an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 12B shows a schematic perspective view of an injection device according to the invention;

Fig. 12C shows another perspective view of the injection device shown in Fig. 11A and

Fig. 12D shows a perspective view of a control unit of an injection device according to the invention. Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Referring now in detail to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating preferred embodiments of the present invention, an injection device 2 of the present invention is illustrated in Fig. 1.

Fig, 1 is a schematic perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention. The injection device 2 comprises a syringe having a hypodermic needle 20 for injecting an injectable solution into an animal . The syringe moreover comprises a syringe barrel 18 with a thereto- mounted cylinder 24. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a holding member (not shown) for the cylinder 24. A push rod 8 extends through the cylinder 24. A plunger (see Fig. 4) is attached to the free end of the push rod 8. Accordingly, the plunger is slidably arranged in the syringe barrel 18.

The push rod 8 is attached to a lever 4. The lever 4 is rotatably mounted to a handle 6 by means of a hinge joint 22. Accordingly, by pressing the lever 4 towards the handle 6, the push rod will be displaced towards the syringe barrel 18 causing a displacement of the plunger. This will press a quantity of the injectable solution out through the hypodermic needle 20 when a bottle with injectable solution is arranged in the interior 12 of the bottle attachment 10. A dose adjuster 16 is provided at the back side of the handle 6. The dose adjuster 16 defines the range of motion of the plunger.

A connection member 14 extends from the outer surface of the syringe barrel 18. The bottle attachment 10 has been movably attached to the connection member 14. The injection device 2 is configured to be manually actuated by means of the handle 6 and the lever 4. A dose adjuster 16 is provided at the back side of the handle 6. By means of the dose adjuster 16, it is possible to set the range of motion of the plunger.

The injection device 2 comprises a RFID-tag 70 configured to wireiessiy transmit identification signals (not shown) that can be received by a receiving unit (not shown). The RFID-tag 70 may be provided at the distal portion of the dose adjuster 16.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention communicating wirelessiy with a computer 38 (that may be a server) and the Internet 26. The injection device 2 comprises a control unit (gateway) 32 that is detachabiy attached to the injection device 2. The control unit 32 can be detachabiy attached to the cylinder 24 of the injection device 2, The control unit 32 may be a separated unit e.g. arranged on a trolley, in the pocket of the operator or in a tool box. The control unit 32 comprises a display 32 and an interface 36 having four push buttons. The control unit 32 is configured to receive wireless signals sent by the identification tag 70 and other tags (not shown). The control unit 32 is further configured to transmit wireless signals 28 to the Internet 26. The control unit 32 may comprise a modem such as a GS -module configured to communicate directly with an external device via the Internet 26. The control unit 32 communicates with a computer 38 (e.g. a server or a router). It can be seen that the control unit 32 sends wireless signals 28' to the computer 38 that sends signals 28" via the Internet 26. Accordingly, the control unit 32 is capable of receiving information and forwarding this information directly via the Internet 26 or indirectly via a computer 38.

The control unit 32 may receive information about the animals receiving a dose (e.g. a vaccine or another medication) injected by means of the injection device 2. Further, the control unit 32 may receive information about the user of the injection device 2 and the injection device 2 as well as the quantity of the injected media e.g. measured by means of a Hall sensor assembly built into the injection device 2 (e.g. the syringe barrel A system comprising the injection device 2, the control unit 32 and the computer 38 may be used to co-ordinate measured data with other relevant data (e.g. data collected by means of other injection devices 2).

The control unit 32 is adapted for reading electronic tags, such as RFID (Radio-frequency identification) tags. Such tags may be attached on animals to identify them or on physical objects to provide identification of the animals and particular areas of a farm where the injection is performed.

The control unit 32 may be configured to load data, e.g. by the operator interacting with the control unit 2 through the interface 36 or by means of a touch screen 34. The control unit 32 may be configured to receive data from an external unit, preferably by a wireless transmission. The control unit 2 is configured to store data in a digital memory, e.g. data loaded from manual entry of the operator; data received by wireless transmission from an external unit or pre-loaded data. Moreover, the control unit 2 is configured to wirelessly transmit data to an external unit, such data e.g. comprising one or more of the type of media injected or the amount of the media injected, the time (or date) of the injection, the location of the injection, the operator performing the injection or identification of the animal on which the injection is performed. The data transmissions may be performed prior or after the injection.

The control unit 32 may be configured to be activated by an operator by reading a personal electronic identification tag of the operator. The operator may select a type of medicine or vaccine (or another media to be injected) into the control unit 32 by using the interface 36. The operator may read an electronic tag e.g. of an area of the stable in which the animal to be medicated is located in order to determine the position of the animal. The operator may further read an electronic tag attached to the animal to be medicated in order to identify the particular animal. Based on the type of media to be injected or on data wirelessly received from an externa! unit, the control unit 2 may provide information on the display 34. The information may include the amount of media (e.g. medicine or vaccine) to be injected. The operator may set the amount of media to be injected by means of the dose adjuster 16 and perform the injection on the animal .

The control unit 32 detects and records the position of a plunger of the injection device 2 when the injection starts and when it is completed. Accordingly, the control unit 32 can store and/or transmits data relating to the registered and recorded data to an externa! unit by a wireless transmission.

In an example embodiment, an RFID tag is provided in an ear tag of an animal. This tag can be automatically read by the control unit 32 and be transmitted as a wireless signal 28' to an externa! unit, such as the personal computer 38 shown in Fig. 2 or as a wireless signal 28 to the Internet 26. The computer 38 may process (by means of its processing unit) the signals including identification data. The computer 38 may correlate the signals including identification data to a database stored in its memory by using a dedicated computer program . Accordingly, it is possible to identifying the type of media and the recommended amount of media per weight unit of the animal . These data may be wireiessiy transmitted back to the control unit 32 that can display data on the display 34 in order to guide the operator to select the correct media (medicine or vaccine) and adjust the dose adjuster correctly. The operator may enter the weight of the animal to the control unit 32 so that the control unit 32 can establish (calculate) the amount of media according to the recommended amount of media per weight unit of the animal received form the externa! unit. Now the operator can perform the injection of media. It may be an advantage if the control unit 32 contains stored data including weight curves that can be used for automatically suggesting/calculating the appropriate dose. It may be an advantage that the control unit 32 is capable of automatically detecting the location by means of RFID-tags provided in the local environment, Parameters relating to the injection performed and recorded by the control unit 32 may be transmitted wirelessly to the computer 38 or to the Internet 26.

The control unit 32 may alternatively first be used to register the type of media (medicine or vaccine) by manually entering the type of media or by reading an electronic tag on the bottle of the injectable solution 30. The information about the type of injectable solution may be transmitted from the control unit 32 to the computer 38 or another external unit. The computer 38 or the other external unit can determine which animals are to be injected with that particular type of media and provide the recommended amount of media to be injected per weight unit of the animal. These data can be transmitted to the control unit 32.

The operator of the injection device 2 is provided with information (number and/or a location) to identify the one or more animals to be injected with the particular media. Accordingly, the operator can perform the injections, preferably by reading electronic tags of the animals and/or locations (e.g. local area information). The injection device 2 can now wirelessly transmit information representative thereof to the external unit.

In another embodiment according to the invention, the control unit 32 and the injection device 2 is automated in such a manner that the control unit 32 is configured to control the position of the plunger in the syringe barrel 18 by means of an actuator (e.g. a linear actuator or a stepper motor). The control unit 32 may either autonomously set the injected volume or suggest a volume for injection to the operator. The operator may approve the suggested volume or an altered volume to be injected. The position of the plunger in the syringe barrel 18 may be controlled by means of an actuator even though the injection device 2 comprises no motor for performing the injection as such. in case that the injection device comprises an actuator, the control unit 32 is capable of initiating the movement of the plunger and hereby sucking the determined volume of media from the bottle of the injectable solution 30 and pressing it through the hypodermic needle.

Fig, 3 shows a close-up view of a control unit 32 according to the invention connected to a computer 38' via a cable 42. A wireless connection between the control unit 32 and the computer 38' may replace the wired connection 42. The control unit 32 has been inserted into a charging station 40 that establishes electrical connection to the computer 38' and further charges the control unit 32. The control unit 32 is connected to a charger within the charging station 40, which charges internal rechargeable batteries of the control unit 32. The control unit 32 may alternatively be powered by alternative power sources, such as e.g. replaceable non-rechargeable batteries. Instead of a charging station, it is possible to charge the control unit 32 by means of a portable battery charger. The control unit 32 may The control unit 32 comprises a display 34 and an interface 36 equipped with four buttons. When the control unit 32 has been inserted into a charging station 40, the computer 38' sends signals 28 via the Internet 26. Thereby, the computer 38' can deliver any desired sample of data to any appropriate receiver e.g. official authorities that require information about medication and vaccine applied on a farm by way of example.

Generally, it is possible to apply a gateway i.e. a smartphone, a tablet or a laptop instead of a control unit 32 as the one shown in Fig. 3. Fig. 4 A illustrates a first schematic perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention and a cross-sectional view of the syringe barrel 18 of the injection device 2. When the push rod 8 is pushed toward the cylinder 24 in the direction 44 indicated by the arrow 44, the plunger 50 is being moved towards the open end of the syringe barrel 18. The injection device 2 comprises a Hall sensor assembly comprising a fixed Hall sensor 46 and a permanent magnet 48 slidably arranged (the permanent magnet 48 is attached to the back side of the plunger 50). In Fig. 4 A, the volume Vi of the media in the syringe barrel 18 is close to its maximum . When the push rod 8 is moved further towards the open end of the syringe barrel 18, the media in the syringe barrel 18 wil l be pressed out through the hypodermic needle 20. The Hall sensor 46 detects the distance Di between the end portion of the syringe barrel 18 and the back side of the plunger 50.

In Fig. 4 B, the push rod 8 has been moved further towards the open end of the syringe barrel 18. Accordingly, the volume V ₂ of the media in the syringe barrel 18 is reduced. It can be seen that the distance D ₂ (between the end portion of the syringe barrel 18 and the back side of the plunger 50) detected by the Hall sensor 46 is increased due to the movement of the push rod 8 and thus the plunger 50.

The detected volumes Vi, V ₂ can be stored in the control device (see Fig. 2) or be transmitted in order to provide real time measurements to an external device or both.

The use of a Hall-sensor assembly like the one illustrated makes it possible to provide high precision measurements of the injected dose. The data can be stored in the control device or be transmitted wirelessly to an external receiver. Accordingly, the invention provides an alternative to the existing syringe injection systems.

5 A illustrates a schematic view of a farmer 60 standing in front of a pig 54 that needs a treatment in the form of an injection of a certain suitable preparation (e.g. a vaccine). The farmer 60 holds an injection device 2 according to the invention in his right hand. Accordingly, the farmer 60 is ready to use the injection device 2 to inject the preparation (e.g. vaccine or an antibiotic) into the pig 54. The injection device 2 is equipped with a control unit capable of automatically detecting the identification of the pig 54 by receiving signals 28 from a RFID-tag 56 attached to the ear of the pig 54. The control unit is further capable of automatically detecting the identification of the farmer 60 by receiving signals 28' from a RFID-tag 52 in the belt of the farmer 60. The control unit is further capable of automatically detecting other identification data transmitted by RFID-tags provided in a building, on the injection device or elsewhere.

Accordingly, the farmer 60 does not need to make notes or write down any information. Everything is handled by the injection device 2 and its control device. The control unit may provide the data transmitted automatically. It is possible to apply one or more buttons for initiating the transmission, initiating a scanning procedure or for pairing the control unit with an external device (e.g. a smart phone or a computer).

In Fig. 4 A and in Fig. 4 B, a switch 84 is arranged on the handle 6. The switch 84 is configured to by-pass the detection mechanism by using the Hall sensor assembly. When the switch 84 is pressed, the Hall sensor will be deactivated and thus not detect the distance between the end portion of the syringe barrel 18 and the back side of the plunger 50, and thus the volume of the media in the syringe barrel 18. The switch 84 may be applied when a new bottle is attached to the injection device 2 and a small volume of injectable solution 30 is wasted while evacuating air from the injection device 2.

Fig. 5 B shows an injection device 2 according to the invention that may be used by the farmer 60 shown in Fig. 5 A. The injection device 2 comprises a RFID tag 70 provided at the outer surface of the front end of the syringe barrel. The injection device 2 comprises a control unit 32 attached to the cylinder 24 of the injection device 2. The control unit 32 has a display 34 and an interface 36 having a plurality of push buttons. Fig. 5 C shows another injection device 2 according to the invention that may be used by the farmer 60 shown in Fig. 5 A, The injection device 2 comprises a RFID tag 70 provided at the same position as the one shown in Fig. 5 B. The injection device 2 comprises a control unit 32 that is configured to be attached to the cylinder 24 of the injection device 2. The control unit 32 may be used as a hand held device that is not attached to the injection device 2 but kept in the proximity of the injection device 2. The control unit 32 comprises a display 34 and an interface 36 having a plurality of push buttons.

Fig. 6 A illustrates a control unit 32 according to the invention comprising two components: a control member 62 and a RFID-reader 64.

The control member 62 comprises an antenna, a memory, a transmitting portion capable of transmitting wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals. The control member 62 moreover comprises a display 34 and an interface 36 provided with a plurality of buttons.

The RFID-reader 64 comprises an antenna, a reiving portion capable of receiving wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals and a connection unit capable of transmitting the received signals to the control member 62 (e.g. wireiessiy).

The control member 62 and a RFID-reader 64 are provided with a mounting structure 66 for attaching the control member 62 and a RFID- reader 64 to an injection device 2 according to the invention.

Fig. 6 B illustrates a control unit 32 according to the invention comprising a control member and a RFID-reader built into a single unit.

The control unit 32 comprises an antenna, a memory, a transmitting portion capable of transmitting wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals, a receiving portion capable of receiving wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals. The control unit 32 moreover comprises a display 34 and an interface 36 provided with a plurality of buttons. Fig, 6 C illustrates a control unit 32 according to the invention comprising two components: a control member 62 and a RFID-reader 64. The control member 62 comprises a memory, an antenna, and a transmitting portion capable of transmitting wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals. The control member 62 moreover comprises a display 34 and an interface 36 provided with a plurality of buttons. The RFID-reader 64 comprises a display 34, control buttons 36, an antenna, a receiving portion capable of receiving wireless (e.g. radio frequency) signals and a connection unit capable of transmitting the received signals to the control member 62 (e.g. wireiessiy). The control member 62 and a RFID-reader 64 are provided with a mounting structure 68 for attaching the control member 62 and a RFID- reader 64 to an injection device 2 according to the invention.

Fig. 6 D illustrates an injection device 2 according to the invention. The injection device 2 comprises a control unit 32 having a screen 32 and control buttons 36. The control unit 32 may be replaced by any of the one shown in Fig. 6 A, Fig. 6 B or Fig. 6 C.

Fig. 7 illustrates another injection device 2 according to the invention. The injection device 2 comprises a syringe having a hypodermic needle 20 for injecting an injectable solution into an animal. The syringe comprises a syringe barrel 18 with a cylinder 24 mounted thereto. A push rod 8 extends through the cylinder 24 and a plunger (not shown) is attached to the free end of the push rod 8. Thus, the plunger is slidably arranged in the syringe barrel 18.

The push rod 8 is mounted to a lever 4 that is rotatably mounted to a handle 6 by means of a hinge joint 22. Therefore, by pressing the lever 4 towards the handle 6, the push rod 8 is displaced towards the syringe barrel 18. This causes a displacement of the plunger so that the injectable solution is pressed out through the hypodermic needle 20 in case that bottle with injectable solution 30 is connected to the injection device 2. An inlet 74 is provided in the top portion of the injection device 2, A bottle attachment 76 is attached to the distal end of the inlet 74. The bottle attachment 76 is configured to receive a bottle with an injectable solution 30. An outlet 82 is provided at the inlet 74. The outlet 82 extends basically perpendicular to the length of the inlet 74. The outlet 82 is provided with an attachment structure 78 and a flexible tube 80 is attached to the attachment structure 78,

The flexible tube 80 is further attached to an attachment structure 78' provided at the distal portion of the push rod 8. Accordingly, the injectable solution 30 enters the inlet 74 via the bottle attachment 76. The injectable solution 30 leaves the inlet 74 through the outlet 82, from which it flows through the flexible tube 80 into the hollow push rod 8. The hollow push rod 8 guides the injectable solution through the cylinder 24 and further into the syringe barrel 18 from where it is pressed out through the hypodermic needle 20.

The injection device 2 comprises a spring 58 arranged to force the lever 4 back once it has been pressed towards the handle 6. The injection device 2 comprises a RFID-tag 70 configured to wirelessly transmit identification signals (not shown) to be received by a receiving unit (e.g. a control unit).

The injection device 2 is equipped with a dose adjuster 16 configured to set the range of motion of the push rod 8. Accordingly, the dose adjuster 16 can be used to set the injection volume.

It is preferred that the injection device 2 according to the invention comprises a non-return valve configured to prevent return flow of the injected media. The non-return valve may be positioned in the distal end of the syringe barrel 18. The non-return valve may be positioned between the syringe barrel 18 and the hypodermic needle 20. A switch 84 is arranged on the handle 6. The switch 84 is adapted to bypass the detection mechanism by using the Hall sensor assembly (as described with reference to Fig. 4).

Fig. 8 A illustrates a perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention. The injection device 2 comprises a lever 4 that is rotatably mounted to a handle 6 by means of a hinge joint 22. The injection device 2 comprises a bottle attachment 76 is attached to the distal end of a connection member 14. The injection device 2 comprises a sensor 86 provided in a box-shaped sensor housing.

Fig. 8 B illustrates the injection device shown in Fig. 8 A provided with an attachment member 88 according to the invention. The attachment member 88 is configured to be detachabiy attached to the injection device 2 and comprises a power module 90 shaped as a box-shaped bottom portion. The attachment member 88 further comprises a RFID scanner 94 electrically coupled to an antenna 92 configured to transmit wireless signals 28 and to receive wireless signals 28"'. A radio frequency transmitter for generating signals 28 and a receiver unit for collecting wireless signals 28"' are provided in the attachment member 88.

The sensor housing is provided with a first button 96 (e.g. a press button) for initiating a scanning procedure (scanning for RFID-tags and a second button 96' (e.g. a press button) for initiating a pairing procedure for pairing with an external device such as the smart phone 98. A communication unit is provided in the sensor housing.

Fig. 9 A illustrates an injection device 2 according to the invention seen from the back side. Fig. 9 B illustrates a side view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 C illustrates a perspective view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. 9 A and Fig. 9 B. The injection device 2 comprises a lever 4 that is rotatably mounted to a handle 6 by means of a hinge joint 22. The injection device 2 is equipped with a bottle attachment 76 attached to the distal end of a connection member 14. The injection device 2 comprises a control unit 32 having a display 34. The control unit 32 is detachably attached to the cylinder 24 of the injection device 2. A bottle 30 has been attached to the bottle attachment 76. A dose adjuster 16 is provided in the end of an adjustment rod that has been screwed into the end of the cylinder 24.

Fig. 10 A illustrates a side view of an injection device 2 according to the invention corresponding to the one shown in Fig. 9, however, without a control unit and a bottle. Fig. 10 B illustrates a perspective view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. 10 A.

The injection device 2 is equipped with a lever 4 rotatably attached to a handle 6 via a hinge joint 22. The injection device 2 comprises a bottle attachment 76 that is attached to the distal end of a connection member 14. The control unit 32 (shown in Fig. 9) has been removed.

It can be seen that the dose adjuster 16 is provided in the end of a threaded adjustment rod 17 that has been screwed into a threaded end portion 100 of the cylinder 24. There is no bottle attached to the bottle attachment 76.

A housing 104 provided with a lid member 102 constitutes a portion of the cylinder 24. A plunger 50 is arranged at the end of a push rod 8 extending through the cylinder 24. A sealing member 51 formed as an O-ring is provided at the periphery of the plunger 50. The lever 4 is mechanically attached to the push rod 8. Accordingly, when the lever 4 is pressed towards the handle 6, the push rod 8 is displaced along the length of the cylinder 24 pressing the plunger 50 towards the distal end of the syringe barrel 18. Hereby, the liquid contained in the syringe barrel 18 is evacuated through the distal opening in the syringe barrel 18.

By turning the dose adjuster 16 it is possible to displace the proximal end of the adjustment rod 17 hereby determining/defining the most proximal position of the push rod 8 and thus the plunger 50 in the cylinder and syringe barrel 18, respectively. In this manner, it is possible to control the volume Fig. 11A illustrates a side view of an injection device 2 according to the invention. Fig. 11B illustrates a front view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. I IA. Fig. 11C iliustrates a perspective view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. I IA and Fig. 11 B, whereas Fig. 11D illustrates a top view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. 11A and Fig. 11 B.

Fig. I IA illustrates a schematic perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention. The injection device 2 comprises a syringe having a hypodermic needle 20 for injecting an injectable solution into an animal. The syringe moreover comprises a syringe barrel 18 with a thereto-mounted cylinder 24. Alternatively, it is possible to provide a holding member (not shown) for the cylinder 24. A push rod extends through the cylinder 24. A plunger (see Fig. 4) is attached to the free end of the push rod. Accordingly, the plunger is slidably arranged in the syringe barrel 18.

The push rod is attached to a lever 4. The lever 4 is rotatably mounted to a handle 6 by means of a hinge joint 22. Accordingly, by pressing the lever 4 towards the handle 6, the push rod will be displaced towards the syringe barrel 18 causing a displacement of the plunger. This will press a quantity of the injectable solution out through the hypodermic needle 20 when a bottle 30 with injectable solution is arranged in the interior of a bottle attachment.

A dose adjuster 16 is provided above the handle 6. The dose adjuster 16 defines the range of motion of the plunger. The bottle attachment 10 has been movably attached to the connection member. The injection device 2 is configured to be manually actuated by means of the handle 6 and the lever 4. A dose adjuster 16 is provided at the back side of the handle 6. By means of the dose adjuster 16, it is possible to set the range of motion of the plunger.

The injection device 2 comprises a Hail-sensor assembly comprising a fixed Hall sensor and a permanent magnet siidabiy arranged (the permanent magnet is attached to the side of the plunger) . However, it is to be understood that the Hall-sensor assembly may also be arranged in another way, e.g . turned 180° .

The injection device 2 further comprises scan switches 106, 108 for pairing the injection device 2 with other entities and/or for reading RFI D- tags. The scan switches 106, 108 may be configured in such a way that the injection device 2 can be operated by either right-handed or left- handed persons. The injection device 2 is arranged in a power module 90 comprising a power socket 116 formed as a Mini-USB (Universial Serial Bus) socket. The power socket 116 may be connected to a computer unit (not shown) or a standard power adaptor comprising a Mini-USB connector (not shown) for being re-charged.

Fig . 12A illustrates a perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention . Fig. 12B illustrates a schematic perspective view of an injection device 2 according to the invention . Fig . 12C illustrates another perspective view of the injection device 2 shown in Fig. 11A and Fig . 12D illustrates a perspective view of a control unit 114 of an injection device 2 according to the invention .

The injection device 2 shown in Fig. 12A comprises a syringe for injecting an injectable solution into an animal . The syringe moreover comprises a syringe barrel 18 mounted on a cylinder 24. A push rod (not shown) extends through the cylinder 24. A plunger Not (not shown, see Fig, 4) is attached to the distal end of the push rod, Therefore, the plunger is siidably arranged in the syringe barrel 18.

In Fig. 12B it can be seen that the injection device 2 is arranged in a power module 90 comprising a battery and a Hall sensor 46 arranged to detect the position and displacement of a permanent magnet 48 arranged in a receiving recess.

Fig, 12C illustrates that the injection device 2 is equipped with a first switch 106 and a second switch 108 configured to set the injection device 2. By using the first switch 106 and the second switch 108, it is possible to change the setting from a right handed user to a left handed user and vice versa.

In one embodiment, the injection device 2 comprises a control unit 114 illustrated in Fig. 12D. The control unit 114 comprises a number of switches, such as e.g. a calibrate switch 118, a waste switch 120, a pairing switch 122 and an on/off switch 124. The control unit 114 also comprises a power connector 116. The control unit 114 may further comprise a number of indicators such as LED indicator for confirming charging (charge indicator 112) and availability of communication connection (Bluetooth ^® ) 110. A smart phone (see Fig. 8) connected to the may be used as a display.

Examples E a n l J.

In this example, the prior art procedure is described.

The veterinarian prescribes a certain treatment regime for one or more animals. The farmer treats the animals in question himself by loading a conventionally available injection device with the prescribed preparation. Most often, the animal is to receive 1 ml preparation per 10 kg body weight. Thus, a pig of 30 kg is to receive 3 ml. The injection device is manually positioned so as to inject 3 mi, typically by visually inspecting a scale on the injection chamber, Subsequently, the dose is injected into the animal using the injection device. However, the actual dose depends on the visual inspection, the background lighting, the farmers vision in general, the angle of view and the precision of the scale among other things, meaning that the actual dose typically varies between 2.8 and 3.2 mi . The dose recorded for tracking purposes is 3 m l .

In this example, the procedure using the injection device according to the invention is described. The veterinarian prescribes a certain treatment regime for one or more animals. The farmer treats the animals in question himself by loading the injection device according to the invention with the prescribed preparation. The injection device is manually or automatically positioned to yield a dose of 3 mi. The farmer holds the injection device nearby the animal to receive the injection, presses the scan key/switch whereby the animal's ID identification is detected, received and stored, and the farmer injects the dose. Subsequently, the dose and the injection are electronically registered and associated with the animal's ID identification. The procedure is then repeated for each animal to be treated.

List of reference numerals

2 Injection device

4 Lever

6 Handle

8 Push rod

10 Bottle attachment (bottle neck)

12 interior

14 Connection member

16 Dose adjuster

17 Adjustment rod

18 Syringe (syringe barrel) 20 Hypodermic needle

22 Hinge

24 Cylinder

26 Internet

28, 28', 28" 28'" Signal

30 Injectable solution

32 Control unit

34 Display/screen

36 Interface

38, 38' Computer

40 Docking station

42 Cable

44 Movement direction

46 Hall sensor

48 Permanent magnet

50 Plunger

51 Sealing member

52 Tag (RFID-tag)

54 Animal

56 Tag (RFID-tag)

58 Spring member

60 Farmer

62 Control member 64 RFID-reader

66 Mounting structure

68 Mounting structure

70 Tag (RFID)

72, 72' Direction

74 Inlet

76 Bottie attachment

78, 78' Attachment structure 80 Tube

82 Outlet

84 Switch

86 Sensor

88 Attachment member

90 Power module

92 Antenna

94 Radio frequency transmitter

96, 96' Button

98 Smart phone

100 Body member

102 Lid member

104 Housing

106, 108 Switch

_1_ _j-< 3 -!- -» ____ Light-emitting diode (LED) 114 Control unit

116 Power socket (HDMI socket)

118, 120, 122, 24 Switch

Di, D ₂ Distance

X Longitudinal axis

Vi, V ₂ Volume