WO2021081643A1

WO2021081643A1 - Syringe

Info

Publication number: WO2021081643A1
Application number: PCT/CA2020/051448
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jack Finkelstein
Original assignee: Liquimedlock
Priority date: 2019-10-28
Filing date: 2020-10-28
Publication date: 2021-05-06

Abstract

A syringe comprising a plunger slidingly receivable within a barrel to define a chamber for receiving a fluid, and a measurement signal mechanism comprising corresponding protrusions on the plunger and the barrel which are arranged to contact one another and to generate a tactile and/or audible signal when they are caused to slide past each other when the plunger is being moved into the barrel and out of the barrel, wherein the corresponding protrusions have respective contact faces which contact one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel, and wherein each of the respective contact faces are rounded.

Description

SYRINGE

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] The present disclosure relates to syringes.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Syringes conventionally comprise a plunger moveable in a barrel and defining a chamber into which fluid can be drawn.

[0003] Conventional syringes have markings along an outside surface of the barrel as indicators of a volume of the fluid within the chamber of the barrel. An operator of the syringe must rely on a visual confirmation of the volume of the fluid being drawn into the barrel or being dispensed from the barrel by visually comparing the position of the fluid in the barrel or an end of the plunger against the markings of the barrel. In this regard, the barrel must be made of a material which is transparent or translucent and allows visualisation therethrough.

[0004] An accurate measurement of the fluid being drawn into the syringe or being expulsed from the syringe can be critical, especially when the syringe is used for measuring a dosage. This is particularly important in the medical sector, such as when administering drugs or other substances to patients, in which cases an incorrect dosage can be dangerous and sometimes even fatal.

[0005] However, measurement of a dose of a fluid using such a visual confirmation is prone to error, which could result in inaccurate dosing with potentially fatal effects.

[0006] Furthermore, users of conventional syringes with impaired sight or operating in low visibility conditions cannot rely on such a visual confirmation of dosage, thus limiting their uses.

[0007] Additionally, such syringes cannot be used with fluids which are light-sensitive due to the transparency or translucency of the barrels. [0008] Therefore, there is a need for syringes which overcome or reduce at least some of the above-described problems.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] Certain aspects and embodiments of the present technology overcome or reduce at least some of the problems of known syringes.

[0010] Broadly, according to certain aspects and embodiments of the present technology, there is provided a syringe which can generate a detectable signal on aspirating a fluid of a given volume into a chamber of the syringe, and/or when dispensing a fluid of a given volume out of the chamber. The syringe of the present technology can measure accurate volumes of fluids, and can be used to verify a measure of the volume of fluid during aspiration and/or ejection according the measurement signal generated. The measurement signal may be tactile, audible, or both.

[0011] From one aspect there is provided a syringe comprising a plunger slidingly receivable in a barrel. The plunger has an elongate plunger body with a longitudinal axis. The elongate plunger body comprises an outer surface having a continuous form, and at least one plunger protrusion as a measurement indicator. The at least one plunger protrusion has a plunger protrusion body which extends circumferentially along the outer surface by a plunger protrusion length, along a plunger protrusion length axis. The plunger protrusion length axis is on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. Furthermore, the elongate plunger body extends from the outer surface by a plunger protrusion height along a plunger protrusion height axis. The plunger protrusion height axis is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. The plunger protrusion body further comprises a plunger protrusion distal end with an arcuate (rounded) form. The barrel has an elongate barrel body with a longitudinal axis. The elongate barrel body defines a channel for receiving the plunger. The plunger defines a chamber for housing fluid, within the channel, when a first end of the plunger is housed in the barrel. The elongate barrel body has a first open end arranged to receive fluid into the chamber and to expel fluid from the chamber; a second open end through which the plunger is slidingly moveable; and an inner wall having a barrel protrusion for engagement with the plunger protrusion when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel. The barrel protrusion has a barrel protrusion body which extends circumferentially along the inner wall by a barrel protrusion length along a barrel protrusion length axis. The barrel protrusion length axis is on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Moreover, the barrel protrusion body extends from the inner wall by a barrel protrusion height along a barrel protrusion height axis. The barrel protrusion height axis is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The barrel protrusion body further comprises a barrel protrusion distal end with an arcuate (rounded) form. The plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are sized to contact one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel through a force applied in a first direction, such that a continued applied force in the first direction causes the plunger protrusion to slide past the barrel protrusion and generates a detectable measurement signal.

[0012] From another aspect, there is provided a device for generating a detectable tactile or sound signal, the device comprising a plunger slidingly receivable in a barrel. The plunger has an elongate plunger body with a longitudinal axis. The elongate body comprises an outer surface having a continuous form, and at least one plunger protrusion having a plunger protrusion body. The plunger protrusion body extends circumferentially along the outer surface by a plunger protrusion length along a plunger protrusion length axis. The plunger protrusion axis is on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. The plunger protrusion body also extends from the outer surface by a plunger protrusion height along a plunger protrusion height axis. The plunger protrusion height axis is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. The plunger protrusion body further comprises a plunger protrusion distal end with an arcuate (rounded) form. The barrel has an elongate barrel body with a longitudinal axis, the elongate barrel body defining a channel for receiving the plunger. The plunger defines a chamber for housing fluid, within the channel, when a first end of the plunger is housed in the barrel. The elongate barrel body has a first open end arranged to receive fluid into the chamber and to expel fluid from the chamber; a second open end through which the barrel is slidingly moveable; and an inner wall having a barrel protrusion for engagement with the plunger protrusion when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel. The barrel protrusion has a barrel protrusion body extending circumferentially along the inner wall by a barrel protrusion length along a barrel protrusion length axis. The barrel protrusion length axis is on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The barrel protrusion body also extends from the inner wall by a barrel protrusion height along a barrel protrusion height axis. The barrel protrusion height axis is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The barrel protrusion body further comprises a barrel protrusion distal end with an arcuate (rounded) form. The plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are sized to contact one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel through a force applied in a first direction, such that a continued applied force in the first direction causes the plunger protrusion to slide past the barrel protrusion generating a detectable measurement signal.

[0013] In a further aspect, there is a provided a syringe comprising a plunger slidingly receivable within a barrel to define a chamber for receiving a fluid, and a measurement signal mechanism. The measurement signal mechanism comprises corresponding protrusions on the plunger and the barrel which are arranged to contact one another, and generate a tactile and/or audible signal when they are caused to slide past each other when the plunger is being moved into the barrel and out of the barrel. The corresponding protrusions have respective contact faces which contact one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel, and wherein each of the respective contact faces are rounded.

[0014] Advantageously, in certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the corresponding protrusions on the plunger and the barrel are both rounded. In certain embodiments, a contact portion of the protrusions on the plunger and the barrel are rounded. This can reduce wear and tear, and also reduce the release of debris associated with wear which may contaminate the fluid in the chamber.

[0015] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the measurement signal is one or both of a tactile signal and an audible signal.

[0016] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, one or both of the elongate plunger body and the elongate barrel body are cylindrical.

[0017] In certain embodiments any one or more of the preceding aspects, the elongate plunger body is solid. [0018] In certain embodiments any one or more of the preceding aspects, the elongate plunger body is hollow, and optionally wherein a fluid capacity of the syringe is more than about 1 ml.

[0019] In certain embodiments any one or more of the preceding aspects; the elongate plunger body is not of a ribbed-type, and optionally wherein a fluid capacity of the syringe is equal to or less than about 1 ml.

[0020] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the elongate plunger body is of a ribbed-type, and optionally wherein a fluid capacity of the syringe is more than about 1 ml.

[0021] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion extends around the outer surface of the plunger in a continuous ring-like form.

[0022] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, plunger protrusion extends around the outer surface of the plunger in an interrupted segmented form.

[0023] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion is segmented, and comprises at least two segments extending around the outer surface of the plunger, the at least two segments being spaced from one another. The plunger protrusion may be segmented into any number of segments other than the two segments, such three or four segments. The spacing of the segments from each other may be the same or different from one another.

[0024] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion length or a length of a segment of the plunger protrusion is less than a circumference of the outer surface of the plunger.

[0025] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion length or the length of a segment of the plunger protrusion is between about 1.2 mm to about 3.0 mm, about 1.3 mm, or about 2.44mm. [0026] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion has a cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde taken across the plunger protrusion length which is arcuate. The cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde may be circular or may have a circular portion.

[0027] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the cross- sectional plunger protrusion profde has a symmetrical form.

[0028] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the cross - sectional plunger protrusion profde is angular (e.g. square, rectangular, and triangular).

[0029] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion height is between about 0.14 mm and about 0.19 mm, about 0.185 mm, or about 0.15mm.

[0030] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, a width of the plunger protrusion is between about 0.4 mm and about 0.6 mm, and optionally about 0.5 mm.

[0031] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, a radius of curvature of the distal end of the plunger protrusion is between about 0.2 mm and about 0.4 mm, and optionally about 0.26 mm.

[0032] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the elongate plunger body has a diameter which is bigger than the plunger protrusion height.

[0033] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the ratio of the diameter of the elongate plunger body to the plunger protrusion height is between about 15:1 and 30:1, and about 22:1, or about 28:1.

[0034] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the diameter of the elongate plunger body is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height is about 0.185 mm. [0035] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the diameter of the elongate plunger body is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height is about 0.15 mm.

[0036] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the at least one plunger protrusion comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced from one another along the outer surface of the plunger.

[0037] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plurality of plunger protrusions are equally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis of the plunger. The plunger protrusions may be parallel to one another.

[0038] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, a spacing between the plurality of plunger protrusions corresponds to a given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber.

[0039] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the given volume of fluid is one or more of about 0.05 ml, 0.01 ml, about 0.1 ml, about 0.2 ml, about 0.5 ml, about 1 ml, about 1.5 ml, and about 2.0 ml.

[0040] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, one of the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion has a continuous circumferential form, and the other of the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion has a segmented circumferential form.

[0041] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the barrel protrusion is proximate the second open end of the barrel.

[0042] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the barrel protrusion is spaced from the first open end of the barrel according to a given fluid volume measurement.

[0043] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the barrel protrusion has a cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile taken across the barrel protrusion length which is arcuate. The cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile may be circular or may have a circular portion.

[0044] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the cross- sectional barrel protrusion profile has a symmetrical form.

[0045] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the cross- sectional barrel protrusion profile is angular (e.g. square, rectangular, and triangular).

[0046] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the barrel protrusion height is between about 0.02 mm and about 0.19 mm, or about 0.075 mm or about 0.15 mm.

[0047] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the barrel protrusion has a width of between about 0.4 mm and about 0.8 mm, and optionally about 0.61 mm.

[0048] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, a radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the barrel protrusion is between about 0.4 mm and about 0.8 mm, and optionally about 0.62 mm.

[0049] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the first open end of the barrel is configured to attach a needle to the barrel, and optionally wherein the first open end is configured as a luer lock.

[0050] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the syringe further comprises at least one marking on an outer wall of the elongate barrel body, the at least one marking corresponding to a given volume of fluid.

[0051] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the syringe further comprises a plurality of the markings on the outer wall of the elongate barrel body, a spacing between the plurality of the markings correspond to a given volume of fluid. [0052] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the spacing between the markings correspond to the spacing between the plunger protrusions.

[0053] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, an overlap in the barrel protrusion height and the plunger protrusion height when the barrel protrusion and the plunger protrusion are aligned comprises about 20 % and about 60%, and optionally about 30%, of the distance between the plunger body and the barrel body in the chamber.

[0054] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are made of different materials having different compression properties.

[0055] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger body comprises the first end and a second end. The first end is arranged to define the chamber of the barrel when the plunger is housed in the barrel, and the second end is arranged to be disposed outside of the second open end of the barrel. The plunger comprises a stopper protrusion on the first end, the stopper protrusion being arranged to abut a shoulder formed in the barrel body proximate the first open end.

[0056] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger comprises a single plunger protrusion spaced from the first end of the plunger along the longitudinal axis of the plunger.

[0057] In certain embodiments of any one or more the preceding aspects, the single plunger protrusion is spaced from the stopper protrusion at the first end by a spacing; the spacing corresponding to a given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber.

[0058] In certain embodiments of any one or more the preceding aspects, the fluid capacity of the syringe is about 1 ml and the spacing corresponds to about 0.1 ml, about 0.2 ml, about 0.3 ml, about 0.4 ml, about 0.6 ml, about 0.7 ml, about 0.8 ml, or about 0.9 ml.

[0059] In certain embodiments of any one or more the preceding aspects, the spacing corresponds to about 0.3ml or 0.5 ml of given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber. [0060] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, one or both of the plunger protrusions and barrel protrusions may have a different symmetry to generate a different signal when aspirating fluid compared to when ejecting fluid.

[0061] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the barrel protrusion is on an inner surface of the barrel and the plunger protrusion is on an outer surface of the plunger. The barrel protrusion may comprise a stopper ring at a top end (second end) of the barrel.

[0062] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, there are a number of plunger protrusions positioned along a length of the plunger in columns, with a position of each protrusion corresponding with a respective volume of fluid, e.g. 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.3 ml. Each one of the plunger protrusions may be the same or different in size, shape and configuration. In certain embodiments in which one or more of the plunger protrusions are different from one another, this may generate a different measurement signal indicating different measurements to the user.

[0063] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, one side of the plunger protrusion has a different profile than the other side of the plunger protrusion, which may generate a different measurement signal when aspirating the fluid compared to when ejecting the fluid.

[0064] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, the plunger protrusion(s) and the barrel protrusions may be of any suitable size or shape for generating a desired measurement signal. Advantageously, a magnitude of the generated measurement signal (whether tactile or audible) can be adjusted by adapting one or more of: individual or relative protrusion height, individual or relative protrusion width, individual or relative protrusion length, and surface area of contact of the protrusions. Any possible damping effect of the fluid to be aspirated and dispensed on the magnitude of the generated signal can also be taken into account.

[0065] From another aspect there is provided a syringe comprising a plunger slidingly receivable in a barrel. The plunger has an elongate plunger body with a longitudinal axis. The elongate plunger body comprises an outer surface having a continuous form, and at least one plunger protrusion. The at least one plunger protrusion has a plunger protrusion body which extends circumferentially along the outer surface by a plunger protrusion length, along a plunger protrusion length axis. The plunger protrusion length axis is on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. Furthermore, the elongate plunger body extends from the outer surface by a plunger protrusion height along a plunger protrusion height axis. The plunger protrusion height axis is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the plunger. The barrel has an elongate barrel body with a longitudinal axis. The elongate barrel body defines a channel for receiving the plunger. The plunger defines a chamber for housing fluid, within the channel, when a first end of the plunger is housed in the barrel. The elongate barrel body has a first open end arranged to receive fluid into the chamber and to expel fluid from the chamber; a second open end through which the plunger is slidingly moveable; and an inner wall having a barrel protrusion for engagement with the plunger protrusion when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel. The barrel protrusion has a barrel protrusion body which extends circumferentially along the inner wall by a barrel protrusion length along a barrel protrusion length axis. The barrel protrusion length axis is on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. Moreover, the barrel protrusion body extends from the inner wall by a barrel protrusion height along a barrel protrusion height axis. The barrel protrusion height axis is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis of the barrel. The plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are sized and shaped to contact one another but not move past one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel through a force applied in a first direction.

[0066] In certain embodiments of the preceding aspect the plunger protrusion is spaced from the first end along the longitudinal axis of the plunger to define a volume of less than 1.0 ml of liquid to be housed in the chamber.

[0067] In certain embodiments of the preceding aspect, the plunger further comprises a stopper protrusion on the first end of the elongate body of the plunger. The stopper protrusion is configured to abut a shoulder formed in the barrel body proximate the first open end of the barrel when the plunger is in a fully housed position in the barrel. [0068] In certain embodiments of the preceding aspect, a cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde of the plunger protrusion taken across the plunger protrusion length is angular and has an asymmetrical form.

[0069] In certain embodiments of the preceding aspect, a cross-sectional barrel protrusion profde of the barrel protrusion taken across the barrel protrusion length is arcuate and has a symmetrical form.

[0070] In certain embodiments of the preceding aspect, the volume of liquid to be housed in the chamber is any one of 0.1 ml, 0.2 ml, 0.3 ml, 0.4 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.6 ml, 0.7 ml, 0.8 ml, 0.9 ml or 1.0 ml.

[0071] In certain embodiments of the preceding aspect, the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion generate a detectable measurement signal indicating a measurement of 0.3ml. In yet other embodiments, the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion generate a detectable measurement signal indicating a measurement of 0.5 ml.

[0072] From a further aspect, there is a provided a syringe comprising a plunger slidingly receivable within a barrel to define a chamber for receiving a fluid. The syringe further comprises a measurement signal mechanism comprising a single plunger protrusion and a single barrel protrusion which are arranged to contact one another when the plunger is being moved out of the barrel. A relative position of the single plunger protrusion and the single barrel protrusion is configured to indicate a given volume of fluid in the chamber. The plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are sized and shaped to contact one another but not move past one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel through a force applied in a first direction.

[0073] From a further aspect, there is a provided a syringe comprising a plunger slidingly receivable within a barrel to define a chamber for receiving fluid. The plunger has a plunger body and the barrel has a barrel body. The plunger comprises a first plunger protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the plunger body and the barrel comprises a barrel protrusion extending inwardly from an inner surface of the barrel body. The plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are configured to contact one another when the plunger is being moved relative to the barrel. A relative position of the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion is configured to indicate a given volume of fluid in the chamber. The plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are sized and shaped to contact one another and to provide a resistance to moving the plunger relative to the barrel when a force is applied to one or both of the plunger and the barrel. This can be considered a safety stop in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the plunger comprises a second plunger protrusion, the second plunger protrusion being spaced from the first plunger protrusion along the plunger body. The first protrusion is positioned proximate a first end of the plunger, the first end of the plunger being received in the barrel when the plunger and barrel are assembled. The second protrusion may be positioned a second end of the plunger and prevent a resistance to a separation of the plunger from the barrel.

[0074] From a yet further aspect, there is provided a kit comprising: one or more syringes as described herein and a container of fluid to be dispensed using the syringe. In certain embodiments, the kit further comprises a packaging for housing the one or more syringes and the container of fluid. In certain embodiments, the fluid to be dispensed is a medication. In certain embodiments, the fluid to be dispensed is a cannabis product. In certain embodiments, the kit further comprises instructions for use of the kit. In certain embodiments, the syringe in the kit is able to dispense 0.3ml of fluid or 0.5 ml of fluid.

[0075] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, a material of the barrel need not be transparent or translucent, enabling the use of the syringe with light- sensitive fluids.

[0076] In certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, accurate dosing of fluid using the syringe can be obtained without reliance on visual indicators.

[0077] Advantageously, in certain embodiments of any one or more of the preceding aspects, engagement of the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion results in a hard stop, indicating a precise single dose measurement and decreasing the risk of potential overdose in a user. By “hard stop” is meant that the plunger and the barrel cannot be readily moved relative to each other by an adult user. In other words, a force required to move the plunger and barrel protrusions past each other is more than a typical force used for operating a syringe. Definitions:

[0078] It must be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a”, “an” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0079] As used herein, the term “about” in the context of a given value or range refers to a value or range that is within 20%, preferably within 10%, and more preferably within 5% of the given value or range.

[0080] As used herein, the term “and/or” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. For example, “A and/or B” is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of (i) A, (ii) B and (iii) A and B, just as if each is set out individually herein.

[0081] As used herein, the term “fluid” encompasses substances tending to flow or conform to the outline of its container. For avoidance of doubt the term fluid includes liquids, gases, and gels, or any substance which can be caused to flow by application of pressure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0082] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the description in association with the following in which:

[0083] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a syringe comprising a plunger and a barrel, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0084] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the syringe of FIG. 1, with the plunger removed from the barrel, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0085] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the barrel of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present technology. [0086] FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of the plunger of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0087] FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line A-A’ of the plunger of FIG. 1 4, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0088] FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line A-A' of the syringe of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0089] FIG. 7 illustrates an enlarged portion of a stopper protrusion on the plunger of FIG. 5, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0090] FIG. 8 illustrates an enlarged portion of respective second ends of the plunger and the barrel of FIG. 1, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0091] FIG. 9 illustrates cross-sectional views, through the lines B-B' and C-C of enlarged portions of the plunger and the barrel of FIG. 8, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0092] FIG. 10A illustrates an enlarged view of portions of the plunger and the barrel of FIG. 9 when assembled as a syringe, according to certain embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 10B illustrates a further enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of the plunger and the barrel of FIG. 10A.

[0093] FIG. 11 illustrates an enlarged portion of the cross-sectional view of the syringe of FIG. 6, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0094] FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged view of portions of the cross-sectional of view of the plunger and the barrel of FIG. 10B with the plunger protrusion and barrel protrusion in a A) pre-contact phase, B) contact phase, and C) post-contact phase.

[0095] FIG. 13 illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line D-D' of the plunger of FIG. 4, according to certain embodiments of the present technology. [0096] FIG. 14A illustrates a perspective view of a syringe comprising a plunger and a barrel and having a 0.5 mL capacity, according to certain embodiments of the present technology. FIG.14B illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line E-E’ of the plunger of FIG. 14A, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0097] FIG. 15A illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line F-F' of the syringe of FIG. 14A, according to certain embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 15B illustrates an enlarged view of the cross-sectional view of the plunger and the barrel of FIG. 15A according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

[0098] FIG. 16A illustrates a perspective view of a syringe comprising a plunger and a barrel and having a 0.3 mL capacity, according to certain embodiments of the present technology, with a single plunger protrusion corresponding to a 0.3 ml measurement of fluid. FIG.16B illustrates a cross-sectional view through the line G-G’ of the plunger of FIG. 16A, according to certain embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0099] The present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The disclosure is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including", "comprising", or "having", "containing", "involving" and variations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter as well as, optionally, additional items. In the following description, the same numerical references refer to similar elements.

[00100] Broadly, certain aspects, there are provided various embodiments of syringes enabling accurate measurement of a volume of fluid during aspiration and/or ejection.

[00101] In one aspect, there is provided a syringe with a measurement signal mechanism which is arranged to generate a tactile and/or audible signal corresponding to predetermine measurement volumes. The measurement signal mechanism comprises corresponding protrusions on a plunger and a barrel of the syringe with respective contact faces which contact one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel. The syringe may be used for any application such as measurement of liquids such as medications.

[00102] Referring initially to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a syringe 10 comprising a plunger 12 and a barrel 14. The plunger 12 has a plunger body 16 which is elongate and having a longitudinal axis 18. The plunger body 16 comprises an outer surface 20 with a continuous form 22 and a plurality of plunger protrusions 24 as a measurement indicator. The measurement indicator, in certain embodiments, is not a visual indicator but can be an audible signal or a tactile signal, as will be described further below. In certain other embodiments, there is provided a single plunger protrusion 24.

[00103] The barrel 14 has a barrel body 38 which is elongate and having a longitudinal axis 40. The barrel body 38 defines a channel 41 for receiving the plunger 12, best seen in FIGS 2, 3 and 8). When the plunger is received in the barrel, at least one end of the plunger 12 is housed in the channel of the barrel 14, and defines a chamber 42 (best seen in FIGS. 14A, 15 A and 16A) configured to receive and house fluid dispensable from the barrel 14. A maximum volume of fluid which the chamber 42 can house is referred to as a fluid capacity of the syringe 10. The fluid capacity of the syringe 10 may be any volume appropriate to a given use such as one or more of about 0.3 ml, 0.5 ml, 1 ml, 2 ml, 3 ml, 5 ml, 10 ml, or more.

[00104] The barrel 14 comprises a plurality of markings 74 on an outer wall 75 of the barrel body 38. A spacing 76 between the plurality of the markings 74 corresponds to a given volume of fluid. In other embodiments, the plurality of markings 74 are formed on an inner wall 48 of the barrel body 38, or are formed in the barrel body 38. In other embodiments, the plurality of the markings 74 on the outer wall 75 of barrel body 38 have different intensities. For example, the maximum volume of fluid to be housed in chamber 42 may have a marking 74 which is of higher intensity than the markings 74 which correspond to lower volumes of fluid. In certain other embodiments, the barrel 14 comprises a single marking 74.

[00105] Since visual confirmation of measurement is not required in certain embodiments of the present technology, the barrel 14 may be opaque or semi-opaque (i.e. not transparent or translucent), thus enabling the use of the syringe 10 with light-sensitive fluids. As such, in some embodiments, the barrel 14 may omit one or more of the markings 74 on the outer wall 75 of the barrel body 38.

[00106] The barrel 14 further comprises a first open end 44 arranged to receive the fluid into the chamber 42 and to expel the fluid from the chamber 42. In certain embodiments, the first open end 44 is configured to attach a needle (not shown) or other attachment to the barrel 14. In some embodiments, the first open end 44 is configured as a luer lock.

[00107] The barrel 14 also comprises a second open end 46 through which the plunger 12 is slidingly moveable to provide the force necessary to aspirate and/or dispense the fluid from the chamber 42. As shown in FIG.3, the second open end 46 has a flared portion 47 such that a diameter 51 at the second open end 46 is wider than a diameter 55 of the chamber 42. A lip 49 is provided at an end of the flared portion 47 for ease of manipulation. The lip 49 can be sized and shaped to allow a user of the syringe to rest their fingers thereon to hold the barrel 14 in a stable position while applying force to slidingly move the plunger into or out of the chamber 42.

[00108] An inner wall 48 of the barrel 14 has a barrel protrusion 50 for engagement with at least one the plunger protrusion 24 when the plunger 12 is received in the barrel 14 and moves relative to the barrel 14. The barrel protrusion 50 is proximate the second open end 46 of the barrel 14, and is positioned between the chamber 42 and the flared portion 47. In other embodiments, the barrel protrusion 50 may be spaced from the first open end 44 of the barrel 14 according to a given fluid volume measurement. For example, in a syringe 10 with a total fluid capacity of 1 ml, the given fluid volume measurement defined by the space between the barrel protrusion 50 and the first open end 44 of the barrel 14 may be about 0.3 ml. It will be understood that the given fluid volume measurement defined by the space between the barrel protrusion 50 and the first open end 44 of the barrel 14 may be of any given volume of the total fluid capacity of the syringe 10.

[00109] Turning back to the plunger 12 and the plurality of protrusions 24 formed on the outer surface 20, best seen in FIGS 2, 4, 8 and 11, the plurality of protrusions 24 are equally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger 12 by a spacing 69 therebetween, the spacing 69 corresponding to a given volume of fluid. In certain embodiments of the present technology, the given volume of fluid defined by the spacing 69 between the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 may be of any given volume of the fluid capacity of the syringe 10. For example, the given volume of fluid defined by the spacing 69 between the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 is one or more of about 0.05 ml, 0.01 ml, about 0.1 ml, about 0.2 ml, about 0.5 ml, about 1 ml, about 1.5 ml, about 2.0 ml, about 5.0 ml, or more.

[00110] A person skilled in the art would appreciate that the number of protrusions 24 and the spacing 69 between the protrusions 24 are appropriate to the fluid capacity of the syringe 10. For example, in certain embodiments, the syringe 10 has a fluid capacity of 1 ml, and has ten plunger protrusions 24, with each spacing 69 between the plunger protrusions 24 corresponding to a 0.1 ml measurement of fluid. There may be more or less than the ten plunger protrusions 24, with each spacing 69 being more or less than the 0.1 ml. In other embodiments, the syringe 10 has a fluid capacity of 50 ml, and has five plunger protrusions 24 with each spacing 69 corresponding to 10 ml.

[00111] In certain other embodiments, one or more of the spacings 69 between the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 may be different from one another. For example, in certain embodiments the syringe 10 has a fluid capacity of 1.0 ml and has three plunger protrusions 24, with the spacings 69 between the plunger protrusions 24 corresponding to a 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0 ml measurement of fluid, respectively.

[00112] In certain embodiments, the spacing 76 between the markings 74 on the outer wall 75 of the barrel body 38 correspond to the spacing 69 between the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 (example FIGS. 1 and 2).

[00113] The plunger body 16, as seen in FIGS 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7, comprises a first end 78 and a second end 80. The first end 78 of the plunger body 16 defines a wall of the chamber 42 of the barrel 14 when the plunger 12 is housed in the barrel 14. The second end 80 is arranged to be disposed outside of the second open end 46 of the barrel 14 (as seen in FIGS. 1 and 6). The second end 80, in certain embodiments, has a flared portion 81 such that a diameter 71 at the second end 80 is wider than a diameter 68 of the plunger body 16 (best seen on FIG. 5). [00114] The plunger 12 further comprises a stopper protrusion 82 on the first end 78 of the plunger body 16. The stopper protrusion 82 is arranged to abut a shoulder 84 formed in the barrel body 38 proximate the first open end 44 of the barrel 14 when the plunger 12 is fully received into the chamber 42 of the barrel 14. In the embodiments of FIGS 1-7 the stopper protrusion 82 is also arranged to engage the barrel protrusion 50 proximate the second open end 46 of the barrel 14, when the plunger 12 is moved out of the barrel 14 and fluid is aspirated into the syringe 10. In these embodiments, engagement of the stopper protrusion 82 and the barrel protrusion 50 generates a measurement signal, signaling to the user that the maximum fluid capacity of the syringe 10 has been reached.

[00115] In certain embodiments, there may be provided a single plunger protrusion 24 instead of a plurality of plunger protrusions 24 (see for example FIG. 14A&B and FIG.16A&B). In these embodiments, the single plunger protrusion 24 is spaced from the stopper protrusion 82 along the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger 12 by a spacing 69 therebetween. The spacing 69 corresponds to a given volume of fluid appropriate to the fluid capacity of the syringe 10. In other words, a position of the plunger protrusion 24 along the elongate body of the plunger will determine a position of the first end 78 of the plunger 12 relative to the first end of the barrel 14. This in turn, determines a size of the chamber 42, and hence a volume of the fluid houseable in the chamber.

[00116] For example, in the embodiments of FIG. 14A&B and FIG.16A&B a position of the plunger protrusion 24 corresponds to a 0.5ml and 0.3 ml measurement of fluid respectively. In other embodiments, the plunger protrusion 24 position may correspond to any other volume of fluid, such as but not limited to 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 ml, 0.6 ml, 0.7 ml, 0.8 ml, 0.9 ml or 1.0 ml volume of fluid.

[00117] For example, in embodiments where a single plunger protrusion 24 is provided and the fluid capacity of the syringe 10 is 1 ml, spacing 69 may correspond to a volume of about 0.05 ml, about 0.1 ml, about 0.2 ml, about 0.3 ml, about 0.4 ml, about 0.5 ml, about 0.6 ml, about 0.7 ml, about 0.8 ml, or about 0.9 ml. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the given volume of fluid defined by spacing 69 in these embodiments will depend in part on the distance between the plunger protrusion 24 and the stopper protrusions 82 along the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger 12. In certain embodiments, the distance between the plunger protrusion 24 and the stopper protrusions 82 of the plunger 12 may be between about 6.03mm to about 54.27 mm in a syringe 10 with a fluid capacity of 1.0 ml.

[00118] In the embodiments of FIGS. 14A&B and 15A&B with the single plunger protrusion 24, spacing 69 corresponds to a fluid capacity of 0.5 ml and the distance between the plunger protrusion 24 and the stopper protrusions 82 of the plunger 12 is about 39.80 mm. In the embodiment of FIGS. 16A&B spacing 69 corresponds to a fluid capacity of 0.3 ml and the distance between the plunger protrusion 24 and the stopper protrusions 82 of the plunger 12 is about 51.82 mm.

[00119] In the embodiments of FIGS. 1, 2, and 14-16 the plunger body 16 is cylindrical and of a solid configuration. In other words, it is not hollow. In other embodiments, particularly when the fluid capacity of the syringe 10 is larger than 5 ml, and for the purposes of reducing a weight of the syringe or for minimizing manufacturing costs, the plunger body 16 may be hollow (see for example, FIGS. 9 and 10 in which the plunger body 16 is cylindrical and hollow).

[00120] In yet other embodiments the plunger body 16 may be of any shape and configuration which allows for the plunger 12 to be slidingly receivable in the barrel 14, and which provides sufficient rigidity to the plunger body 16 to avoid deformation such as bending or crumpling. For example, the plunger body 16 may be of a ribbed-type having a cross-sectional profile in the shape of a cross. The configuration of the plunger body 16 may be selected based on the fluid capacity of the syringe 10. For example, the ribbed-configuration may be used when the fluid capacity of the syringe 10 is more than about 1ml or about 5 ml, and the plunger body 16 may have a solid configuration when the syringe 10 has a fluid capacity that is equal to or less than about 1 ml.

[00121] Turning now to the plunger protrusion 24, best seen in FIGS. 2, 45 and 8, the plunger protrusion 24 extends circumferentially along the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12 and comprises a plunger protrusion body 26 having a plunger protrusion outer surface 27. Portion(s) of the outer surface 27 comprises the contact face for contacting the barrel protrusion 50 during relative movement of the plunger 12 and the barrel 14. The plunger protrusion body 26 has a plunger protrusion length 28, a plunger protrusion height 32, and a plunger protrusion width 66. The plunger protrusion body 26 has a plunger protrusion distal end 36 (also referred to as “profile” or “cross-sectional profile”) with an arcuate form having a radius of curvature. In certain embodiments, the plunger protrusion length 28, the plunger protrusion height 32, the plunger protrusion width 66, and the radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the plunger protrusion distal end 36 are all factors affecting a magnitude of the generated measurement signal (e.g. extent of vibration or loudness of sound signal) and may be chosen according to the magnitude of the measurement signal desired in a given use of the syringe 10. In general, keeping all other parameters constant, increasing each of the plunger protrusion length 28, the plunger protrusion height 32, the plunger protrusion width 66 can be expected to produce a greater magnitude of the measurement signal.

[00122] In other embodiments, the shape and form of portion(s) of the outer surface 27 comprising the contact face for contacting the barrel protrusion 50, and the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 may additionally contribute to a magnitude of the measurement signal generated and may be chosen according to a magnitude of the measurement signal desired in a given use of the syringe 10. For example, in the embodiments of FIGS 14A&B, 15A&B and 16 A&B, the plunger protrusion profde 64 is angular and asymmetrical, and is arranged to abut sharply against the barrel protrusion 50 when the plunger 12 is moved out of the barrel 14 to generate a measurement signal equivalent to a hard-stop. This indicates to the user that the maximum volume of the fluid capacity of the syringe 10 has been reached and prevents the user from withdrawing additional fluid into the syringe 10.

[00123] The plunger protrusion body 26, best seen in FIG. 8, extends along a plunger protrusion length axis 30 by a plunger protrusion length 28 on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger 12. By plunger protrusion length 28 it is meant a long dimension of the protrusion along the plunger protrusion length axis 30 extending circumferentially along the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12. The plunger protrusion length 28 is less than a circumference of the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12. In other words, the plunger protrusion body 26 does not extend all the way around the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12. In other embodiments, as seen in FIGS. 13, 14B and 16B the plunger protrusion body 26 comprises two segments extending circumferentially around the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12 on the same plane (which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 18) by a segment length 29 and are equally spaced apart from one another. In other embodiments, the plurality of plunger protrusion segments on the same plane may have unequal spacings.

[00124] In other embodiments, the plunger protrusion body 26 may comprise a single segment. In yet other embodiments, the plunger protrusion 26 is segmented and comprises three segments extending around the outer surface 20 of the pi unger 12, the three segments being spaced from one another. The plunger protrusion 26 may be segmented into any number of segments other than the three segments, such as two, three or four segments. The spacing of the segments from each other may be the same or different from one another. When there are a plurality of plunger protrusion segments, they may be provided on the same plane which is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 18, or on different planes.

[00125] The plunger protrusion segments, of a single plunger protrusion, on the same plane can be considered as a “row” of plunger protrusions 24. On the other hand, the plurality of protrusions 24 spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger body 16 can be considered as a “column” of plunger protrusions 24 since they are on different planes which are substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 18. As seen in FIG. 5 and 13 each plunger protrusion comprises two segments and the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 form two columns with each plunger protrusion 24 being aligned one beneath the other, in parallel form, between the first end 78 and second end 80 of the plunger 12. In other embodiments, the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 may be spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis 18 in a staggered configuration such that adjacent plunger protrusions 24 are not aligned one beneath the other.

[00126] In certain embodiments, the plunger protrusion length 28 may be between about 1.2 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 1.2 mm to about 2.8, between about 1.2 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 1.2 mm to about 2.4 mm, between about 1.2 mm to about 2.0 mm, between about 1.2 mm to about 1.8 mm, between about 1.2 mm to about 1.6 mm, between about 1.2 mm to about 1.4 mm, between about 1.4 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 1.4 mm to about 2.8 mm, between about 1.4 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 1.4 mm to about 2.4 mm, between about 1.4 mm to about 2.2, between about 1.4 mm to about 2.0, between about 1.4 mm to about 1.8, between about 1.4 mm to about 1.6, between about 1.6 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 1.6 mm to about 2.8 mm, between about 1.6 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 1.6 mm to about 2.4 mm, between about 1.6 mm to about 2.2 mm, between about 1.6 mm to about 2.0 mm, between about 1.6 mm to about 1.8 mm, between about 1.8 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 1.8 mm to about 2.8 mm, between about 1.8 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 1.8 mm to about 2.4 mm, between about 1.8 mm to about 2.2 mm, between about 1.8 mm to about 2.0 mm, between about 2.0 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 2.0 mm to about 2.8 mm, between about 2.0 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 2.0 mm to about 2.4 mm, between about 2.0 mm to about 2.2 mm, between about 2.2 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 2.2 mm to about 2.8 mm, between about 2.2 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 2.2 mm to about 2.4 mm, between about 2.4 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 2.4 mm to about 2.8 mm, between about 2.4 mm to about 2.6 mm, between about 2.6 mm to about 3.0 mm, between about 2.6 mm to about 2.8 mm, or between about 2.6 mm to about 3.0 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 8 the plunger protrusion length 28 is about 1.3 mm. In other embodiments, the plunger protrusion length 28 is about 2.44 mm. In yet other embodiments, the plunger protrusion 24 may extend around the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12 in a continuous ring-like form such that the plunger protrusion length 28 is equal to the circumference of the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12.

[00127] In certain embodiments, the plunger protrusion height 32 is between about 0.140 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.170 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.165 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.160 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.155 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.150 mm, between about 0.140 mm and about 0.145 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.170 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.165 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.160 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.155 mm, between about 0.145 mm and about 0.150 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.170 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.165 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.160 mm, between about 0.150 mm and about 0.155 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.170 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.165 mm, between about 0.155 mm and about 0.160 mm, between about 0.160 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.160 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.160 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.160 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.160 mm and about 0.170 mm, between about 0.160 mm and about 0.165 mm, between about 0.165 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.165 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.165 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.165 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.165 mm and about 0.170 mm, between about 0.170 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.170 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.170 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.170 mm and about 0.175 mm, between about 0.175 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.175 mm and about 0.185 mm, between about 0.175 mm and about 0.180 mm, between about 0.180 mm and about 0.190 mm, between about 0.180 mm and about 0.185 mm, or between about 0.185 mm and about 0.190 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 11 the plunger protrusion height 32 is about 0.185 mm. In yet other embodiments, the plunger protrusion height 32 is about 0.15 or about 0.185 mm.

[00128] In certain embodiments of the syringe 10 of the present technology, the diameter 68 of the plunger body 16 is greater than the plunger protrusion height 32 (best seen in FIG.11). A ratio of the plunger body diameter 68 to the plunger protrusion height 32 may be between about 15:1 and 25:1, between about 15:1 and 20:1, between about 20:1 and 25:1. In other embodiments, the ratio of the plunger body diameter 68 to the plunger protrusion height 32 may be between about 25:1 and 30:1. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the plunger body diameter 68 is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height 32 is about 0.185 mm; the ratio of the diameter of the plunger body 68 to the plunger protrusion height 32 being about 22:1. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 A&B and 15A&B and FIG. 16A&B the plunger body diameter 68 is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height 32 is about 0.15 mm; the ratio of the diameter of the plunger body 68 to the plunger protrusion height 32 being about 28: 1.

[00129] As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 have a cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 and a cross-sectional barrel protrusion profde 70, taken across the plunger protrusion length 28 and the barrel protrusion length 54 respectively, which are arcuate. In particular, in the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11 the cross- sectional plunger protrusion profile 64 and the cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile 70 are circular (e.g. a semi-circle), and certain portions which are not arcuate or circular or which have different radiuses of curvature. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 and cross-sectional barrel protrusion profde 70 may have certain portions which are arcuate or circular. In yet other embodiments, the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 may be angular (e.g. square, rectangular, and triangular). In the embodiment of FIGS. 10 and 11, the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 and the cross-sectional barrel protrusion profde 70 have a symmetrical form. Advantageously, in certain embodiments, this symmetrical configuration can generate similar measurement signals both on aspiration of the fluid into the syringe 10, and on ejection of the fluid from the syringe 10. In certain other embodiments, the configuration of the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 may be asymmetric in order to generate measurement signals which are different on aspiration compared to ejection. In the embodiments of FIGS. 14 A&B and 15A&B and FIGS. 16A&B, the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64, as best seen in FIG. 15B, is angular and has an asymmetric form. Such profiles may be useful for preventing further movement of the plunger 12 relative to the barrel 14, i.e. providing a hard stop.

[00130] In certain embodiments, the plunger protrusion width 66 is between about 0.40 mm and about 0.60 mm, between about 0.40mm and about 0.55 mm, between about 0.40 mm and about 0.50 mm, between about 0.45 mm and about 0.60 mm, between about 0.45 mm and about 0.55 mm, between about 0.45 mm and about 0.50 mm, between about 0.50 mm and about 0.60 mm, between about 0.50 mm and about 0.55 mm, or between about 0.55 mm and about 0.60 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the plunger protrusion width 66 is about 0.50 mm.

[00131] In certain embodiments, the radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the distal end 36 of the plunger protrusion is between about 0.20 mm and about 0.40 mm, between about 0.20 mm and about 0.35 mm, between about 0.20 mm and about 0.30 mm, between about 0.20 mm and about 0.25 mm, between about 0.25 mm and about 0.40 mm, between about 0.25 mm and about 0.35 mm, between about 0.25 mm and about 0.30 mm, between about 0.30 mm and about 0.40 mm, between about 0.30 mm and about 0.35 mm, In the embodiment of FIG. 11, the radius of curvature of the distal end 62 is about 0.26 mm.

[00132] Turning now to the barrel protrusion 50, best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the barrel protrusion 50 comprises a barrel protrusion body 52 having a barrel protrusion outer surface 53. Portion(s) of the outer surface 53 comprise the contact face for contacting the plunger protrusion 24 during aspiration and ejection of fluid from the syringe 10. The barrel protrusion body 52 also has a barrel protrusion length 54, a barrel protrusion height 58, and a barrel protrusion width 72. The barrel protrusion body 52 has a barrel protrusion distal end 62 having an arcuate form with a given radius of curvature. The barrel protrusion length 54, The barrel protrusion height 58, the barrel protrusion width 72, and the radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the plunger protrusion distal end 62 are all factors in a magnitude of the generated measurement signal (e.g. extent of vibration or loudness) and may be chosen according to the magnitude of the measurement signal desired in a given use of the present technology. In general, keeping all other parameters constant, increasing each of the barrel protrusion length

54, the barrel protrusion height 58, and the barrel protrusion width 72 can be expected to produce a greater magnitude of the measurement signal.

[00133] In other embodiments, the shape and form of portion(s) of the outer surface 53 comprising the contact face for contacting the plunger protrusion 24, and the cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile 70 may additionally contribute to a magnitude of the measurement signal generated and may be chosen according to a magnitude of the measurement signal desired in a given use of the syringe 10. For example, portion(s) of the outer surface 53 comprising the contact face for contacting the plunger protrusion 24, and the cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile 70 may be chosen such as to create a hard stop.

[00134] The barrel protrusion body 52 extends circumferentially along the inner wall 48 of the barrel 14 by a barrel protrusion length 54 along a barrel protrusion length axis 56, the barrel protrusion length axis 56 being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 40 of the barrel 14. The barrel protrusion 50 extends around the inner wall 48 in a continuous ring- like form such that the barrel protrusion length 54 is substantially the same as the circumference of the inner wall 48 of the barrel 14. The continuous ring-like form of the barrel protrusion 50 ensures a contact between the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 at any rotational position of the plunger 12 relative to the barrel 14 and, as such, the generation of a detectable measurement signal.

[00135] In other embodiments, the barrel protrusion length 54 is less than the circumference of the inner wall 48 of the barrel 14. The barrel protrusion 50 may extend around the inner wall 48 of the barrel 14 in an interrupted form, having at least two segments. The segments may be equally or unequally spaced apart from one another.

[00136] A rotational locking mechanism (not shown) may be provided to maintain a rotational position of the plunger 12 and the barrel 14 and to avoid bypassing of the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50. For example, in embodiments where both the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 are segmented, the rotational locking mechanism can prevent sliding of the plunger protrusion 24 in the space between the segments of the barrel protrusion 50. Alternatively, to ensure contact between the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50, the plunger protrusion length 28 can be greater than the spacing between the segments of the barrel protrusion 50.

[00137] In yet other embodiments, one of the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 may have continuous circumferential form, and the other of the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 may have a segmented circumferential form.

[00138] In other embodiments, the rotational locking mechanism may allow adjustment and locking of the plunger 12 and the barrel 14 in different rotational positions. In these embodiments, the plurality of plunger protrusions 24 are spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis 18 in a staggered configuration and form a plurality of plunger protrusion 24 columns along the plunger body 16. Each column of plunger protrusions 24 may have different spacings 69 from one another, thereby providing the ability to measure in different volume intervals depending on the rotational position of the plunger 12 and the barrel 14.

[00139] The barrel protrusion body 52 extends from the inner wall 48 along a barrel protrusion height axis 60, the barrel protrusion height axis 60 being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 40 of the barrel 14. In certain embodiments, the barrel protrusion height 58 is between about 0.02 mm and about 0.15 mm, between about 0.02 mm and about 0.12 mm, between about 0.02 mm and about 0.10 mm, between about 0.02 mm and about 0.08 mm, between about 0.02 mm and about 0.06 mm, between about 0.02 mm and about 0.04 mm, between about 0.04 mm and about 0.15 mm, between about 0.04 mm and about 0.12 mm, between about 0.04 mm and about 0.10 mm, between about 0.04 mm and about 0.08 mm, between about 0.04 mm and about 0.06 mm, between about 0.06 mm and about 0.15 mm, between about 0.06 mm and about 0.12 mm, between about 0.06 mm and about 0.10 mm, between about 0.06 mm and about 0.08 mm, between about 0.08 mm and about 0.15 mm, between about 0.08 mm and about 0.12 mm, between about 0.08 mm and about 0.10 mm, between about 0.10 mm and about 0.15 mm, between about 0.10 mm and about 0.12 mm, or between about 0.12 mm and about 0.15 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the barrel protrusion height 58 is about 0.075 mm. In other embodiments the barrel protrusion height may be between about 0.15mm and about 0.19mm.

[00140] In certain embodiments, the barrel protrusion width 72 is between about 0.4 mm and about 0.8 mm, between about 0.4 mm and about 0.7 mm, between about 0.4 mm and about 0.6 mm, between about 0.4mm and about 0.5 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 0.8 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 0.7 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 0.6 mm, between about 0.6 mm and about 0.8 mm, between about 0.6 mm and about 0.7 mm, or between about 0.7 mm and about 0.8 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the barrel protrusion width 72 is about 0.61 mm.

[00141] In certain embodiments, the radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the distal end 62 of the barrel protrusion 50 is between about 0.4 mm and about 0.8 mm, between about 0.4 mm and about 0.7 mm, between about 0.4 mm and about 0.6 mm, between about 0.4 mm and about 0.5 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 0.8 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 0.7 mm, between about 0.5 mm and about 0.6 mm, between about 0.6 mm and about 0.8 mm, between about 0.6 mm and about 0.7 mm, or between about 0.7 mm and about 0.8 mm. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, the radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the distal end 62 of the barrel protrusion 50 is about 0.62 mm.

[00142] As best seen on FIGS. 12 A, B and C, the plunger 12 and the barrel 14, as well as the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50, are sized to contact one another at their respective contact faces when the plunger 12 is moved relative to the barrel 14 through a force applied in a first direction. The continued applied force in the first direction causes the plunger protrusion 24 to slide past the barrel protrusion 50 and move from a pre-contact phase (FIG. 12 A), to a contact phase ( FIG. 12B) and to a post-contact phase (FIG. 12C) to thus to generate a given measurement signal when the plunger protrusion 24 clears the barrel protrusion 50. Either compression or deformation of the plunger protrusion 24 or the barrel protrusion 50 or both, allow for the transition from the pre-contact, to the post-contact phase. Furthermore, the position and size of the contact face on the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 may vary as the plunger 12 slides from the pre-contact to the post-contact phase.

[00143] In other embodiments, plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 may be sized and shaped to cause a hard stop when contacting one another at their respective contact faces when the plunger 12 is moved relative to the barrel 14 through a force applied in a first direction. In such embodiments the plunger protrusion 24 does not slide past barrel protrusion 50 when continued force is applied in the first direction, thus indicating to the user that a given volume given volume of fluid appropriate to the fluid capacity of the syringe 10 has been aspirated or injected.

[00144] As described above, the magnitude and properties of the measurement signal (whether tactile or audible) are dependent on several factors associated with the design of the syringe 10. As well as the heights, 32, 58, widths 66,72, lengths 28,54, and radii of curvatures of the arcuate form of the distal ends 36, 62 of the plunger 12 and barrel 14 protrusions 24, 50, the magnitude of the measurement signal, in certain embodiments, is related to the extent of contact of the contact faces of the plunger protrusion 24 with the barrel protrusion 50. The extent of contact of the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 can be defined in terms of an overlap ratio of the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50. For example, the overlap ratio may be measured in terms of a portion of the plunger protrusion height 32 and the barrel protrusion height 58 which potentially impinge on one another when the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 are aligned. In other embodiments, the overlap ratio may also be expressed in terms of relatively impinging plunger and barrel protrusion widths 66, 72, lengths 28, 54, and radii of curvatures of the arcuate form of the distal ends 36, 62. The overlap ratio may be expressed as a ratio or a percentage.

[00145] In general, a greater overlap ratio, as measured in relative heights, means a greater magnitude of measurement signal, in certain embodiments. In the embodiments of FIGS. 9-12, the magnitude of the measurement signal is established by adjusting the barrel protrusion height 58 and plunger protrusion height 32. The overlap ratio is calculated based on the ratio of the distance in chamber 42 over which the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 heights 32, 58 overlap (d), divided by a distance between the plunger body 16 and the barrel body 38 in chamber 42 (D), expressed as a percentage, and is about 30%. This overlapping ratio generates both a tactile and audible signal by the syringe 10 when in use.

[00146] In the embodiments of FIGS 14-16, the magnitude of the measurement signal, i.e. the hard stop, is partly established by adjusting the barrel protrusion height 58, and plunger protrusion height 32. In these embodiments, the overlap ratio calculated as above and expressed as a percentage, is about 50%.

[00147] In other embodiments, the overlap ratio calculated based on the barrel protrusion height 58 and plunger protrusion height 32 may be between about 20% and about 60%, between about 20% and about 50%, between about 20% and about 40%, between about 20% and about 30%, between about 30% and about 60%, between about 30% and about 50%, between about 30% and about 40%, between about 40% and about 60%, between about 40% and about 50%, or between about 50% and about 60%. In yet other embodiments, the overlap ratio calculated based on the barrel protrusion height 58 and plunger protrusion height 32 may be between about 60% and about 70%, between about 60% to about 65%, between about 65% to about 70%, or about 67.5%. In further embodiments, the overlap ratio calculated based on the barrel protrusion height 58 and plunger protrusion height 32 may be between about 5% to about 10%, or about 7.5%. In yet further embodiments, the overlap ratio may be increased by increasing the width and/or the radii of curvature of the arcuate form of the distal ends of the plunger protrusion 24, the barrel protrusion 50, or both.

[00148] Other factors to consider in selection of the size and configuration of the protrusions 24, 50 in the generation of the measurement signal by the syringe 10, are the type of the fluid to be aspirated and dispensed from the syringe 10, and the material used to manufacture the plunger 12 and the barrel 14. For example, use of the syringe 10 with a dense fluid may result in a damping effect on the magnitude of the measurement signal generated by the syringe 10. Also lubricating fluids may coat the inner wall 48 of the barrel 14 and facilitate the sliding of the plunger protrusion 24 past the barrel protrusion 50 when the fluid is being dispensed; thus, reducing the magnitude of the measurement signal. As such, in embodiments in which the property of the fluid may reduce a magnitude of the measurement signal, the overlap factor may be increased to compensate for the effect of the fluid. [00149] Furthermore, the material used to make the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50, also have an impact on the generation of the measurement signal by the syringe 10. Materials with high compression properties may result in a damping effect on the magnitude of the measurement signal generated. By compression properties, it is meant one or more of elastic modulus, tensile strength, compression strength, shear strength, and the like. Use of these materials in the manufacture of the plunger 12 and the barrel 14 allow for the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 to impinge on one another as they slide past each other, generating a smaller magnitude of a measurement signal. As such, the magnitude of the measurement signal generated by the syringe 10 may be adapted with different material used to make the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50. In the embodiments of FIGS. 1-12 the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 are made of different materials having different compression properties. Non-limiting examples of material used to make the plunger 12 and barrel 14 of the syringe 10 include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, cyclo-olefin polymer and copolymer, and the like. In other embodiments where engagement of the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 results in measurement signals indicating a hard stop, material with low compression properties (high rigidity) may be used in the manufacture of the of the plunger 12 and the barrel 14 to prevent the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 moving past one another. Furthermore, the material may be selected such that the syringe 10 may be sterilized.

[00150] Referring now to FIG. 14A, and FIG. 16A there is shown embodiments of the syringe 10 of the present technology having a fluid capacity of 0.5 ml and 0.3 ml respectively. The barrel 14 comprises a plurality of markings 74 on the outer wall 75 of the barrel body 38. The spacing 76 between the plurality of the markings 74 corresponds to a 0.1 ml volume of fluid. In certain other embodiments (not shown), the barrel 14 may comprise the single marking 74 corresponding to the maximum volume of the fluid capacity of the syringe 10. In yet other embodiments (not shown), barrel 14 may comprise no markings 74 on the outer wall 75 of the barrel body 38 and measurement in such an embodiment is consequently made by tactile feedback only. The inner wall 48 of the barrel 14, as seen in FIGS 14B and 16B, has the barrel protrusion 50 for engagement with the plunger protrusion 24 when the plunger 12 is received in the barrel 14 and moves relative to the barrel 14. The barrel protrusion 50 is proximate the second open end 46 of the barrel 14, and is positioned between channel 41 and the flared portion 47 of the barrel 14. [00151] In the embodiments of FIGS 14A & B, 15A & B, and 16 A& B the barrel protrusion 50 extends around the inner wall 48 in a continuous ring-like form such that the barrel protrusion length 54 is substantially the same as the circumference of the inner wall 48 of the barrel 14; the barrel protrusion height 58 is 0.15mm; and the barrel protrusion width 72 is 0.61mm. The cross-sectional barrel protrusion profde 70 of the barrel protrusion body 52 has a symmetrical form and the barrel protrusion distal end 62 has an arcuate form with a radius of curvature of about 0.62mm.

[00152] The plunger 12, as seen in FIGS 14A & B, and 16A & B, comprises the single plunger protrusion 24 corresponding to 0.5ml and 0.3ml measurements of fluid respectively. In other embodiments, the single plunger protrusion 24 may correspond to 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 ml, 0.6 ml, 0.7 ml, 0.8 ml, 0.9 ml. The plunger protrusion 24 comprises two segments extending circumferentially around the outer surface 20 of the plunger 12 on the same plane, substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger 12, and are equally spaced apart from one another (FIGS 14B and 16B). The plunger protrusion 24 is spaced from the stopper protrusion 82 along the longitudinal axis 18 of the plunger 12 by the spacing 69 therebetween, the spacing 69 corresponding to a volume of fluid of 0.5 ml (FIG. 15 A). In other embodiments, spacing 69 may correspond to a volume of about 0.05 ml, about 0.1 ml, about 0.2 ml, about 0.3 ml (as in the embodiment of FIG. 16A & B), about 0.4 ml, about 0.5 ml, about 0.6 ml, about 0.7 ml, about 0.8 ml, or about 0.9 ml. In the embodiment of FIG. 15A the distance between the plunger protrusion 24 and the stopper protrusions 82 of the plunger 12, or the length of spacing 69 is 39.76mm; the plunger protrusion 26 comprises two segments, each segment having a segment length 29 of 2.44 mm; the plunger protrusion width 66 is 0.5mm; and the plunger protrusion height 32 is 0.15 mm. As seen in FIG. 15B, the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 of the plunger protrusion 24 has an asymmetrical form, and is angular. In other embodiments, the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 may be symmetrical and have a plunger protrusion distal end 36 having an arcuate form. Furthermore, the plunger body diameter 68 is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height 32 is about 0.15 mm; the ratio of the diameter of the plunger body 68 to the plunger protrusion height 32 being about 28: 1.

[00153] As best seen in FIG. 15B, the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 are configured to cause a hard stop when contacting one another at their respective contact faces when the plunger 12 is moved in a direction away from the barrel 14 through an applied force. As such, in certain embodiments, the barrel protrusion height 58 and the plunger protrusion height 32 are configured such that the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 overlap when the plunger and the barrel are assembled such that the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 cannot be moved past each other. For example, when the plunger is assembled in the barrel, the barrel protrusion height 58 and the plunger protrusion height 32 comprises about 50% of the distance between the plunger body 16 and the barrel body 38 in the chamber 42. This means that the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 cannot be moved past each other. In other embodiments the overlap in the barrel protrusion height 58 and the plunger protrusion height 32 may comprise between about 20% to about 60%, between about 60% to about 70%, or between about 5% to about 10% of the distance between the plunger body 16 and the barrel body 38 in the chamber 42. Stated another way, in certain embodiments, the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 are sized and shaped such that it is not possible to move them past each other on application of a reasonable force applied by the user. In certain embodiments, the contact face of the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 are sized and shaped such that it is not possible to move them past each other on application of a reasonable force applied by the user. This in effect creates a maximum movement of the plunger relative to the barrel, on drawing fluid into the chamber 42, and hence a maximum volume of fluid that can be aspirated.

[00154] Furthermore, in certain embodiments, the shape and form of portion(s) of the outer surface 27 of the plunger protrusion 24 comprising the contact face for contacting the barrel protrusion 50, and the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profde 64 are is angular and has an asymmetrical so as to abut against the barrel protrusion 50 when the plunger 12 is moved out of the barrel 14 and to cause a hard stop.

[00155] In other embodiments, any one or more of the heights, 32, 58, widths 66, 72, lengths 28, 54, radii of curvatures of the arcuate form of the distal ends 36, 62, or the shape and form of portion(s) of the outer surfaces 27, 53 and the cross-sectional profdes 64, 70 of the plunger 12 and barrel 14 protrusions 24, 50 may be adjusted such as to cause a hard stop when the plunger protrusion 24 and barrel protrusion 50 contact one another. In yet other embodiments, the outer surfaces 27, 53 and the cross-sectional profdes 64, 70 of the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50 may be designed to have complementary shapes and to thereby lock into one another when the plunger 12 is moved out of chamber 42 of barrel 14 in order to cause a hard stop.

[00156] In these embodiments the plunger protrusion 24 does not slide past barrel protrusion 50 when continued force is applied, thus indicating to the user that the maximum fluid capacity of syringe 10 has been aspirated. In other embodiments, the plunger protrusion 24 and the barrel protrusion 50, may move relative to one another and slide past each other when continuous force is applied. [00157] Variations and modifications will occur to those of skill in the art after reviewing this disclosure. The disclosed features may be implemented, in any combination and subcombinations (including multiple dependent combinations and subcombinations), with one or more other features described herein. The various features described or illustrated above, including any components thereof, may be combined or integrated in other systems. Moreover, certain features may be omitted or not implemented. Examples of changes, substitutions, and alterations are ascertainable by one skilled in the art and could be made without departing from the scope of the information disclosed herein.

[00158] It should be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described and illustrated herein but includes all modifications and variations falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A syringe (10) comprising a plunger (12) slidingly receivable in a barrel (14), the plunger (12) having an elongate plunger body (16) with a longitudinal axis (18), the elongate body (16) comprising: an outer surface (20) having a continuous form (22), and at least one plunger protrusion (24), the at least one plunger protrusion (24) having a plunger protrusion body (26), the plunger protrusion body (26): extending circumferentially along the outer surface (20) by a plunger protrusion length (28) along a plunger protrusion length axis (30), the plunger protrusion length axis (30) being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12), and extending from the outer surface (20) by a plunger protrusion height (32) along a plunger protrusion height axis (34), the plunger protrusion height axis (34) being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12); and having a plunger protrusion distal end (36) with an arcuate form; the barrel (14) having an elongate barrel body (38) with a longitudinal axis (40), the elongate barrel body (38) defining a channel (41) for receiving the plunger (12), the plunger (12) defining a chamber (42) for housing fluid, within the channel, when a first end (78) of the plunger (12) is housed in the barrel (14), the elongate barrel body (38) having: a first open end (44) arranged to receive fluid into the chamber (42) and to expel fluid from the chamber (42); a second open end (46) through which the plunger (12) is slidingly moveable; an inner wall (48) having a barrel protrusion (50) for engagement with the plunger protrusion (24) when the plunger (12) is moved relative to the barrel (14), the barrel protrusion (50) having a barrel protrusion body (52): extending circumferentially along the inner wall (48) by a barrel protrusion length (54) along a barrel protrusion length axis (56), the barrel protrusion length axis (56) being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (40) of the barrel (14), and extending from the inner wall (48) by a barrel protrusion height (58) along a barrel protrusion height axis (60), the barrel protrusion height axis (60) being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (40) of the barrel (14); having a barrel protrusion distal end (62) with an arcuate form; wherein the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) are sized to contact one another when the plunger (12) is moved relative to the barrel (14) through a force applied in a first direction, such that a continued applied force in the first direction causes the plunger protrusion (24) to slide past the barrel protrusion (50) generating a detectable measurement signal.

2. The syringe of claim 1, wherein the measurement signal is one or both of a tactile signal and an audible signal.

3. The syringe of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein one or both of the elongate plunger body (16) and the elongate barrel body (38) are cylindrical.

4. The syringe of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the elongate plunger body (16) is of a solid construction.

5. The syringe of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the elongate plunger body (16) is of a hollow construction.

6. The syringe of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the elongate plunger body (16) is not of a ribbed-type.

7. The syringe of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the elongate plunger body (16) is of a ribbed-type.

8. The syringe of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) extends circumferentially around the outer surface (20) of the plunger (12) in a continuous ring-like form.

9. The syringe of any one of claims 1-7, wherein plunger protrusion (24) extends around the outer surface (20) of the plunger (12) in an interrupted segmented form.

10. The syringe of claim 9, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) comprises at least two segments extending circumferentially around the outer surface (20) of the plunger (12) by a segment length (29).

11. The syringe of any one of claims 9 or 10, wherein the plunger protrusion length (28) or the segment length (29) is less than a circumference of the outer surface (20) of the plunger (12), and optionally wherein the plunger protrusion length (28) or the segment length (29) is between about 1.2 mm to about 3.0 mm, about 1.3 mm, or about 2.44mm.

12. The syringe of any one of claims 1-11, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) has a cross- sectional plunger protrusion profile (64) taken across the plunger protrusion length (28) which is arcuate.

13. The syringe of claim 12, wherein the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profile (64) is circular or has a circular portion.

14. The syringe of claim 12 or claim 13, wherein the cross-sectional plunger protrusion profile (64) has a symmetrical form.

15. The syringe of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the plunger protrusion height (32) is between about 0.14 mm and about 0.19 mm.

16. The syringe of any one of claims 1-15, wherein a plunger protrusion width (66) is between about 0.4 mm and about 0.6 mm.

17. The syringe of any one of claims 1-16, wherein a radius of curvature of the distal end (36) of the plunger protrusion (24) is between about 0.2 mm and about 0.4 mm.

18. The syringe of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the elongate plunger body (16) has a diameter (68) which is bigger than the plunger protrusion height (32).

19. The syringe of claim 18, wherein a ratio of the diameter of the elongate plunger body (68) to the plunger protrusion height (32) is between about 15:1 and 30: 1.

20. The syringe of claim 19, wherein the diameter of the elongate plunger body (68) is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height (32) is about 0.185 mm.

21. The syringe of claim 19, wherein the diameter of the elongate plunger body (68) is about 4.15 mm, and the plunger protrusion height (32) is about 0.15 mm.

22. The syringe of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the at least one plunger protrusion (24) comprises a plurality of protrusions spaced from one another along the outer surface (20) of the plunger (12).

23. The syringe of claim 22, wherein the plurality of plunger protrusions are equally spaced from one another along the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12).

24. The syringe of claim 22, wherein a spacing (69) between the plurality of plunger protrusions (24) corresponds to a given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber (42).

25. The syringe of claim 24, wherein the given volume of fluid is in a range of about 0.05 ml to about 2.0ml.

26. The syringe of any one of claims 1-25, wherein one of the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) has a continuous circumferential form, and the other of the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) has a segmented circumferential form.

27. The syringe of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the barrel protrusion (50) is proximate the second open end (46) of the barrel (14).

28. The syringe of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the barrel protrusion (50) is spaced from the first open end (44) of the barrel (14) according to a given fluid volume measurement.

29. The syringe of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the barrel protrusion (50) has a cross- sectional barrel protrusion profile (70) taken across the barrel protrusion length (54) which is arcuate.

30. The syringe of claim 29, wherein the cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile (70) is circular or has a circular portion.

31. The syringe of claim 29 or claim 30, wherein the cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile (70) has a symmetrical form.

32. The syringe of any one of claims 1-31, wherein the barrel protrusion height (58) is between about 0.02 mm and about 0.15 mm.

33. The syringe of any one of claims 1-32, wherein a barrel protrusion width (72) is between about 0.4mm and about 0.8 mm.

34. The syringe of any one of claims 1-33, wherein a radius of curvature of the arcuate form of the barrel protrusion is between about 0.4mm and about 0.8 mm, and optionally about 0.62 mm.

35. The syringe of any one of claims 1-34, wherein the first open end (44) of the barrel (14) is configured to attach a needle to the barrel.

36. The syringe of any one of claims 1-35, further comprising at least one marking (74) on an outer wall (75) of the elongate barrel body (38), the at least one marking (74) corresponding to a given volume of fluid.

37. The syringe of claim 36, further comprising a plurality of the markings (74) on the outer wall (75) of the elongate barrel body (38), a spacing (76) between the plurality of the markings (74) correspond to a given volume of fluid.

38. The syringe of claim 36 or claim 37 when dependent on claim 23, wherein the spacing (76) between the markings (74) correspond to the spacing between the plunger protrusions (69).

39. The syringe of any one of claims 1-38, wherein an overlap in the barrel protrusion height and the plunger protrusion height when the barrel protrusion and the plunger protrusion are assembled comprises between about 20% and about 60% of the distance between the plunger body (16) and the barrel body (38) in the chamber (42).

40. The syringe of any one of claims 1-39, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) are made of different materials having different compression properties.

41. The syringe of any one of claims 1-40, wherein the plunger body (16) has the first end (78) and a second end (80), the second end (80) arranged to be disposed outside of the second open end (46) of the barrel (14) , the plunger (12) further comprising a stopper protrusion (82) on the first end (78), the stopper protrusion (82) being arranged to abut a shoulder (84) formed in the barrel body (38) proximate the first open end (44).

42. The syringe of any one of claims 1-41, wherein the at least one plunger protrusion (24) comprises a single plunger protrusion (24) spaced from the first end (78) of the plunger (12) along the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12).

43. The syringe of claim 42, wherein the single plunger protrusion (24) is spaced from the stopper protrusion (82) at the first end (78) by a spacing (69) therebetween, the spacing (69) corresponding to a given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber (42).

44. The syringe of claim 43, wherein the spacing (69) corresponds to a given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber (42) of about 0.1 ml to about 1 ml of.

45. The syringe of claim 44, wherein the spacing (69) corresponds to about 0.3 ml of given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber (42).

46. The syringe of claim 44, wherein the spacing (69) corresponds to about 0.5 ml of given volume of fluid to be housed in the chamber (42).

47. A device for generating a detectable tactile or sound signal, the device comprising a plunger (12) slidingly receivable in a barrel (14), the plunger (12) having an elongate plunger body (16) with a longitudinal axis (18), the elongate body (16) comprising: an outer surface (20) having a continuous form (22), and at least one plunger protrusion (24) having a plunger protrusion body (26): extending circumferentially along the outer surface (20) by a plunger protrusion length (28) along a plunger protrusion length axis (30), the plunger protrusion axis (30) being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12), and extending from the outer surface (20) by a plunger protrusion height (32) along a plunger protrusion height axis (34), the plunger protrusion height axis (34) being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12); having a plunger protrusion distal end (36) with an arcuate form; the barrel (14) having an elongate barrel body (38) with a longitudinal axis (40), the elongate barrel body (38) defining a channel (41) for receiving the plunger (12), the plunger (12) defining a chamber (42) for housing fluid, within the channel, when a first end (78) of the plunger (12) is housed in the barrel (14), the elongate barrel body (38) having: a first open end (44) arranged to receive fluid into the chamber and to expel fluid from the chamber; a second open end (46) through which the barrel is slidingly moveable; an inner wall (48) having a barrel protrusion (50) for engagement with the plunger protrusion (24) when the plunger (12) is moved relative to the barrel (14), the barrel protrusion (50) having a barrel protrusion body (52): extending circumferentially along the inner wall (48) by a barrel protrusion length (54) along a barrel protrusion length axis (56), the barrel protrusion axis (56) being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (40) of the barrel (14), and extending from the inner wall (48) by a barrel protrusion height (58) along a barrel protrusion height axis, the barrel protrusion height axis being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (40) of the barrel (14); having a barrel protrusion distal end (62) with an arcuate form; wherein the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) are sized to contact one another when the plunger (12) is moved relative to the barrel (14) through a force applied in a first direction, such that a continued applied force in the first direction causes the plunger protrusion (24) to slide past the barrel protrusion (50) generating a detectable measurement signal.

48. A syringe (10) comprising a plunger (12) slidingly receivable within a barrel (14) to define a chamber (42) for receiving a fluid, and a measurement signal mechanism comprising corresponding protrusions on the plunger and the barrel (24, 50) which are arranged to contact one another and to generate a tactile and/or audible signal when they are caused to slide past each other when the plunger (12) is being moved into the barrel (14) and out of the barrel (14), wherein the corresponding protrusions (24, 50) have respective contact faces which contact one another when the plunger is moved relative to the barrel, and wherein each of the respective contact faces are rounded.

49. A syringe (10) comprising a plunger (12) slidingly receivable in a barrel (14), the plunger (12) having an elongate plunger body (16) with a longitudinal axis (18), the elongate body (16) comprising: an outer surface (20) having a continuous form (22), and a plunger protrusion (24) having a plunger protrusion body (26), the plunger protrusion body (26): extending circumferentially along the outer surface (20) by a plunger protrusion length (28) along a plunger protrusion length axis (30), the plunger protrusion axis (30) being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger, and extending from the outer surface (20) by a plunger protrusion height (32) along a plunger protrusion height axis (34), the plunger protrusion height axis (34) being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12); and the barrel (14) having an elongate barrel body (38) with a longitudinal axis (40), the elongate barrel body (38) defining a channel (41) for receiving the plunger (12), the plunger (12) defining a chamber (42) for housing fluid within the channel when a first end (78) of the plunger (12) is housed in the barrel (14), the elongate barrel body (38) having: a first open end (44) arranged to receive fluid into the chamber (42) and to expel fluid from the chamber (42); a second open end (46) through which the plunger (12) is slidingly moveable; an inner wall (48) having a barrel protrusion (50) for engagement with the plunger protrusion (24) when the plunger (12) is moved relative to the barrel (14), the barrel protrusion (50) having a barrel protrusion body (52), the barrel protrusion body (52): extending circumferentially along the inner wall (48) by a barrel protrusion length (54) along a barrel protrusion length axis (56), the barrel protrusion length axis (56) being on a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (40) of the barrel (14), and extending from the inner wall (48) by a barrel protrusion height (58) along a barrel protrusion height axis (60), the barrel protrusion height axis (60) being substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis (40) of the barrel (14); the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) being sized and shaped to contact one another but not move past one another when the plunger (12) is moved relative to the barrel (14) through a force applied in a first direction.

50. The syringe of claim 49, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) is spaced from the first end (78) along the longitudinal axis (18) of the plunger (12) to define a volume of less than 1.0 ml of liquid to be housed in the chamber (42).

51. The syringe of claim 49 or claim 50, wherein the plunger (12) further comprises a stopper protrusion (82) on the first end (78) of the elongate body (16) of the plunger (12) configured to abut a shoulder (84) formed in the barrel body (38) proximate the first open end (44) of the barrel (14) when the plunger (12) is in a fully housed position in the barrel (14).

52. The syringe of any one of claims 49 to 51, wherein a cross-sectional plunger protrusion profile (64) of the plunger protrusion (24) taken across the plunger protrusion length (28) is angular and has an asymmetrical form.

53. The syringe of any one of claims 49 to 52, wherein a cross-sectional barrel protrusion profile (70) of the barrel protrusion (50) taken across barrel protrusion length (54) is arcuate and has a symmetrical form.

54. The syringe of any one of claims 49 to 53, wherein the volume of liquid to be housed in the chamber (42) is in a range of about 0.1 ml to about 1.0 ml.

55. The syringe of any one of claims 49-54, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) indicate a measurement of about 0.3 ml.

56. The syringe of any one of claims 49-55, wherein the plunger protrusion (24) and the barrel protrusion (50) indicate a measurement of about 0.5 ml.

57. A syringe (10) comprising a plunger (12) slidingly receivable within a barrel (14) to define a chamber (42) for receiving a fluid, the plunger having a plunger body and the barrel having a barrel body; wherein the plunger comprises a first plunger protrusion extending outwardly from an outer surface of the plunger body and the barrel comprises a barrel protrusion extending inwardly from an inner surface of the barrel body; the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are configured to contact one another when the plunger is being moved relative to the barrel, a relative position and/or configuration of the plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion is configured to indicate a given volume of fluid in the chamber.

58. The syringe of claim 57, wherein the first plunger protrusion and the barrel protrusion are sized and shaped to contact one another and to provide a resistance to moving the plunger relative to the barrel when a force is applied to one or both of the plunger and the barrel.

59. The syringe of claim 57 or claim 58, wherein the plunger comprises a second plunger protrusion spaced from the first plunger protrusion along the plunger body, wherein the first protrusion is positioned proximate a first end of the plunger, the first end of the plunger being received in the barrel when the plunger and barrel are assembled and the second protrusion is positioned proximate a second end of the plunger.

60. A kit comprising: one or more syringes according to any one of claims 1-46; 47; 48; 49-56; or 57-59; a container of fluid to be dispensed using the syringe.

61. The kit of claim 60, further comprising a packaging for housing the one or more syringes and the container of fluid.

62. The kit of claim 60 or claim 61, wherein the fluid to be dispensed is a medication.

63. The kit of claim 60 or claim 61, wherein the fluid to be dispensed is a cannabis product.

64. The kit of any of claims 60-63, further comprising instructions for use of the kit.