Self-orienting syringe and syringe interface

A fluid injection apparatus, comprising:

• at least one syringe comprising a barrel with a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the distal end and the proximal end along a longitudinal axis, the barrel having at least one engagement member protruding from a terminal portion of the sidewall in a proximal direction along the longitudinal axis, the at least one engagement member tapering axially in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end;
• an injector comprising an injector housing defining at least one syringe port for receiving the at least one syringe;
• and
• a locking mechanism associated with the at least one syringe port for securing the at least one syringe within the at least one syringe port, the locking mechanism configured for engaging the at least one engagement member of the at least one syringe to releasably position the at least one syringe within the at least one syringe port,
• wherein a taper of the at least one engagement member rotationally guides the at least one syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism and axially ejects the at least one syringe upon rotation of the at least one syringe.

A syringe comprising:

• a barrel having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending substantially circumferentially between the distal end and the proximal end along a longitudinal axis;
• at least one engagement member protruding from a terminal portion of the sidewall in a proximal direction along the longitudinal axis, the at least one engagement member tapering axially in a direction from the distal end toward the proximal end;
• and
• a flange protruding radially outwardly from an outer surface of the sidewall relative to the longitudinal axis and distally of the at least one engagement member, wherein the at least one engagement member is configured for engagement with a locking mechanism of a fluid injector to releasably position the syringe with a fluid port of the fluid injector, and
• wherein a taper of the at least one engagement member rotationally guides the syringe into self-orienting alignment with the locking mechanism and axially ejects the syringe upon rotation of the syringe.