Drug delivery device

Abstract

A syringe-like device having a drug dispensing tip connected to a motorized handpiece. The tip may be packaged pre-loaded with an amount of a liquid or phase transition drug or may be shipped empty and loaded with a liquid or phase transition drug by the user. The motorized handpiece contains suitable sensors and controllers for precisely actuating the tip for the controlled delivery of the liquid or phase transition drug in the tip. The handpiece by contain an internal power source, such as a battery, or may be connected to an external power source and/or control unit.

1 . A drug delivery device, comprising:
 a) a handpiece;   b) a tip having a body, the body being removably attached to the handpiece;   c) a cannula generally located on the body opposite the handpiece;   d) a plunger located in the tip body; and   e) a drive mechanism located in the handpiece, the drive mechanism providing movement of the plunger when the tip is connected to the handpiece.   
     
     
         2 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1  wherein the drive mechanism comprises a piezoelectric linear motor. 
     
     
         3 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1  wherein the handpiece further comprises an internal power source for the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         4 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1  wherein the handpiece further comprises internal control electronics for the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         5 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1  further comprising external control electronics for the drive mechanism. 
     
     
         6 . The drug delivery device of  claim 1  wherein the handpiece further comprises an external power source for the drive mechanism.