Particle cassette, method and kit therefor

Abstract

A kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a self-contained particle cassette for a needleless syringe device. In an exemplary embodiment, the kit includes a first cassette part having a first rupturable membrane sealed thereto, and a second cassette part having a second rupturable membrane sealed thereto. In this exemplary embodiment, the first and second cassette parts are arranged to be attached together by a method other than heat sealing so as to form the self-contained particle cassette and so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between the first and second membranes.

1 . A kit of parts for use in the manufacture of a self-contained particle cassette for a needleless syringe device, said kit comprising:
 a first cassette part having a first rupturable membrane sealed thereto; and   a second cassette part having a second rupturable membrane sealed thereto,   wherein said first and second cassette parts are arranged to be attached together by a method other than heat sealing so as to form the self-contained particle cassette and so as to create a chamber for the confinement of particles between said first and second membranes.   
   
   
       2 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first cassette part is substantially annular and defines a receptacle for receiving particles. 
   
   
       3 . A kit according to  claim 2 , wherein said second cassette part is substantially annular and is attachable concentrically around or inside said first cassette part. 
   
   
       4 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second cassette parts are arranged to be attached together by an interference fit. 
   
   
       5 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise corresponding features which provide for a snap fit when said first and second cassette parts are attached together. 
   
   
       6 . A kit according to  claim 5 , wherein said corresponding features comprise a detent and a recess. 
   
   
       7 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise a seating face which ensures attainment of a predetermined dimension of said cassette in the direction in which said first and second cassette parts are attachable together. 
   
   
       8 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first and second cassette parts each comprise a tapered face which are arranged to contact one another fully when said cassette is properly assembled. 
   
   
       9 . A kit according to  claim 5 , wherein said corresponding features are provided on tapered faces which are arranged to contact one another fully when said cassette is properly assembled. 
   
   
       10 . A kit according to  claim 1 , further comprising a third cassette part adapted to lock together said first and second cassette parts. 
   
   
       11 . A kit according to  claim 10 , wherein said third cassette part has a third membrane sealed thereto. 
   
   
       12 . A kit according to  claim 10 , wherein said third cassette part comprises a protrusion adapted to create an interference fit with said second cassette part. 
   
   
       13 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first find second cassette parts are shaped so as to be fitted together leaving an annular gap around said first cassette part. 
   
   
       14 . A kit according to  claim 10 , wherein said first and second cassette parts are shaped so as to be fitted together leaving an annular gap around said first cassette part, and wherein said third cassette part has a portion which inserts into said annular gap so as to lock said first, second and third cassette parts together. 
   
   
       15 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first cassette part comprises at least one transfer duct for supplying gas to said particle confinement chamber. 
   
   
       16 . A kit according to  claim 10 , wherein said third cassette part comprises gas ports for supplying gas to an annular space around said first cassette part. 
   
   
       17 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein said first und second cassette parts are arranged to be attached by a screw thread. 
   
   
       18 . A kit according to  claim 17 , wherein said screw thread has a coarse pitch such that the first and second cassette parts can be attached together by a relative rotation of 180° or less. 
   
   
       19 . A kit according to  claim 1 , wherein one of said first and second cassette parts comprises an open chamber that is arranged to open outwardly of the assembled cassette when the first and second cassette parts are attached together. 
   
   
       20 . A particle cassette for a needleless syringe comprising:
 an assembled kit of the parts claimed in  claim 1 ; and   particles provided in said chamber between said first and second membranes.   
   
   
       21 . A particle cassette according to  claim 20 , wherein said particles comprise powdered drug. 
   
   
       22 . A device, comprising:
 a needleless syringe including the particle cassette of  claim 20 .   
   
   
       23 . A kit according to  claim 2 , wherein said second cassette part is substantially annular and is attachable concentrically around and/or inside said first cassette part. 
   
   
       24 . A kit according to  claim 17 , wherein said screw thread has a coarse pitch such that the first and second cassette parts can be attached together by a relative rotation of about 180° or less.