Drive control mechanisms and automatic injectors for injectable cartridges

Abstract

An automatic injector includes a housing having a guide, a drive control mechanism, a transmission assembly, a motor, and an energy source. The housing may further include a cartridge cover. A drive control mechanism includes a drive screw, a cartridge carrier, a plunger carrier, and one or more control transfer instruments, such as a puck or cylinder. The drive screw interfaces and connects with the plunger carrier. The automatic injector is configured to accept a variety of syringes as cartridges for drug delivery. The cartridges may be ejected from the injector and safely disposed after use, making the injector a reusable automatic injector. The reusable automatic injector may further include one or more sensors, such as a cartridge sensor and a patient sensor. The novel incorporation of the drive control mechanisms into the automatic injectors of the present invention enables a single motor and transmission assembly to drive the function of multiple components, which may include the steps of: preparation and alignment of a cartridge for injection, removal of a safety cap or needle shield, needle injection, drug dose delivery, and syringe and/or needle retraction. Methods of manufacture and methods of use are also disclosed.