Claims for Patent: 5,980,491

Summary for Patent: 5,980,491

Title:	Automatic needle insertion mechanism
Abstract:	An automatic needle insertion device for a pen shaped syringe comprising a cartridge holder (2) wherein a cartridge with a drug can be accommodated, and a dose setting and injection part (1) by which a wanted dose may be set an subsequently pressed out from the cartridge by pressing a button (12) projecting from the dose setting and injection part (1). The device comprises a mainly tubular housing (31) in which a tubular pen holder (22) in which a pen can be mounted can be axially displaced in a proximal direction to cock a spring (30) which can thereafter be released to drive the pen holder (22) with the pen a set distance in a distal direction.
Inventor(s):	Hansen; Niels-Aage (Havdrup, DK)
Assignee:	Novo Nordisk A/S (Bagsvaerd, DK)
Application Number:	08/887,871
Patent Claims:	1. An automatic needle insertion device for a pen-shaped syringe of the type including a cartridge holder for containing a cartridge with a drug to be administered, and a dose-setting and injection part by which a desired dose can be set and subsequently injected, said device comprising: a mainly tubular housing having proximal and distal ends, and including a rest portion at said distal end which can be placed against the skin; a cartridge holder mounted in said tubular housing so as to be axial displaceable, wherein the cartridge holder includes a distal end with a needle mount for receiving an injection needle, and a proximal end for receiving a dose-setting and injection part; a spring mounted in said tubular housing and engaging, at opposite ends, said tubular housing and said cartridge holder such that moving said cartridge holder in said proximal direction, relative to said tubular housing, cocks said spring; wherein said cartridge holder is axially moveable between an injection position, in which a needle mounted thereon projects in a distal direction from said rest portion by a predetermined distance, and a cocked position, in which a needle mounted thereon lies a proximal distance from said rest portion, whereby an injection can be administered by mounting a cartridge in, and a dose-setting and injection mechanism and an injection needle on, said cartridge holder; moving said cartridge holder, and with it said dose-setting and injection mechanism and needle, to said cocked position, thereby cocking said spring; placing said rest portion against the skin at the desired injection location, and releasing said spring to cause said needle to penetrate the skin by the predetermined distance; and finally injecting a predetermined dose using said dose-setting and injection mechanism. 2. A device according to claim 1, wherein said cartridge holder has an inner thread at said proximal end for receiving a corresponding outer thread on a dose-setting and injection mechanism of a pen shaped syringe. 3. A device according to claim 2, wherein said cartridge holder has at least one inspection window allowing visual inspection of a cartridge as in the case of a conventional cartridge holder of a pen-shaped syringe. 4. A device according to claim 2, wherein said rest portion is obliquely cut so that the needle pierces the skin at an angle.

Details for Patent 5,980,491

Applicant	Tradename	Biologic Ingredient	Dosage Form	BLA	Approval Date	Patent No.	Expiredate
Novo Nordisk Inc.	NOVOLIN R	insulin human	Injection	019938	June 25, 1991	5,980,491	2016-07-05
Novo Nordisk Inc.	NOVOLIN R	insulin human	Injection	019938	June 01, 2018	5,980,491	2016-07-05
Novo Nordisk Inc.	NORDITROPIN	somatropin	Injection	021148	June 20, 2000	5,980,491	2016-07-05

International Patent Family for US Patent 5,980,491

Country	Patent Number	Estimated Expiration
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO)	9801170
United States of America	6537252
European Patent Office	0910418