# US 8,539,644 B2 · Hinge assembly for an injector > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 8,539,644 B2 - Document ID: US8539644B2 - Status: Granted - Kind: B2 - Application number: 12/738,845 - Filed: 2008-04-23 - Published: 2010-10-28 - Granted: 2013-09-24 - Earliest claimed: 2008-04-23 - Assignees: Mallinckrodt Inc. - Applicants: Shawn P. Fojtik - Inventors: Shawn P. Fojtik - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US8539644B2 ## CPC - A61M 5/31505: {Integral with the syringe barrel, i.e. connected to the barrel so as to make up a single complete piece or unit} - A61M 5/31511: {Piston or piston-rod constructions, e.g. connection of piston with piston-rod (A61M5/5066 takes precedence)} - A61M 5/3137: {with finger grip means, e.g. for easy manipulation of the syringe rod} - A61M 5/31525: {Dosing (burettes, pipettes B01L3/02)} - A61M 5/31591: {Single dose, i.e. individually set dose administered only once from the same medicament reservoir, e.g. including single stroke limiting means} - A61M: DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY (introducing media into or onto the bodies of animals A61D7/00; means for inserting tampons A61F13/26; devices for administering food or medicines orally A61J; containers for collecting, storing or administering blood or medical fluids A61J1/05); DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY (surgery A61B; chemical aspects of surgical articles A61L); DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR {(Electrotherapy, e.g. producing anaesthesia by the use of alternating or intermittent currents A61N1/36021)} ## Abstract A locking hinge assembly for an injector is disclosed. The injector includes a forward handle member, a rear handle member and a hinge connecting the first and second members and defining an axis of rotation. The locking hinge assembly includes a hinge element slidable along the axis of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position. The hinge element is coupled to the forward handle member and the rear handle member at the hinge, and the hinge element includes at least one groove. Additionally, a locking element is provided and positioned about the hinge. The locking element is configured to be received in the groove such that rotation of the forward handle member and rear handle member about the axis of rotation is prevented when the hinge element is in the locked configuration. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A locking hinge assembly in an injector, the injector comprising a forward handle member, a rear handle member and a hinge connecting the members and defining an axis of rotation, the locking hinge assembly comprising: a hinge element selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position, the hinge element movable parallel to the axis of rotation, the hinge element coupled to the forward handle member and the rear handle member at the hinge, the hinge element comprising at least one groove; and a locking element positioned about the hinge and comprising a ratchet arm, the locking element configured to be received in the at least one groove such that rotation of the forward handle member and rear handle member about the axis of rotation is prevented when the hinge element is in the locked configuration. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) The assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the hinge element further comprises a first end and a second end, each end comprising a non-circular shape. ### Claim 3 (depends on 2) The assembly in accordance with claim 2, wherein the forward handle member comprises: an internal housing extending around the hinge; and a non-circular aperture therethrough, the aperture configured to receive the hinge element first and second ends. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) The assembly in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a micro-adjust assembly comprising: a microadjustment screw comprising a exposed portion and an enclosed portion; a flange positioned circumferentially around the hinge element; and a groove within the flange and configured to receive the microadjustment screw. ### Claim 5 (depends on 4) The assembly in accordance with claim 4, wherein the groove is disposed between a plurality of teeth on the flange. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) The assembly in accordance with claim 5, wherein the microadjustment screw further comprises a worm gear configured to rotate the hinge element via the plurality of teeth. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) The assembly in accordance with claim 1, wherein the at least one groove is disposed between a plurality of teeth on the flange. ### Claim 8 A locking hinge assembly in an injector, the injector comprising a forward handle member and a rear handle member connected at a hinge defining an axis of rotation, the hinge assembly slidable along the axis of rotation between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locking hinge assembly comprising: a first hinge member comprising a first portion, an intermediate portion, and a second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a non-circular cross-section, wherein the intermediate portion comprises a flange comprising at least one groove, and wherein the second portion comprises an extension; a second hinge member comprising a first portion and an opposite second portion, wherein the first portion comprises a cavity configured to receive the first hinge member extension, and wherein the second portion comprises a non-circular cross-section; a biasing member positioned within the second hinge member cavity and configured to exert an force outward against first and second hinge members; and a locking element positioned about the hinge and comprising a ratchet arm, the locking element configured to be received in the at least one groove such that rotation of the forward handle member and rear handle member about the axis of rotation is prevented when the hinge assembly is in the locked position. ### Claim 9 (depends on 8) The assembly in accordance with claim 8, wherein the at least one groove is disposed between a plurality of teeth on the flange. ### Claim 10 (depends on 8) The assembly in accordance with claim 8, further comprising a micro-adjust assembly comprising: a flange positioned circumferentially around the second hinge member; a plurality of teeth extending outwardly from the flange; and a microadjustment screw comprising a exposed portion and an enclosed portion, the microadjustment screw configured to engage the plurality of teeth. ### Claim 11 (depends on 10) The assembly in accordance with claim 10, wherein the microadjustment screw further comprises a worm gear configured to rotate the locking hinge assembly via the plurality of teeth. ### Claim 12 (depends on 8) The assembly in accordance with claim 8, wherein the biasing member is a spring.