Abstract
Described herein is a delivery device (100) for delivering a drug and comprising a housing (102) having an outlet (104) and a cartridge compartment (108) to receive a cartridge (112) filled with an active pharmaceutical formulation in solid form, a transporting mechanism (132) to transport a predetermined amount of the formulation to a flushing position (134), a pumping mechanism (146) connectable to a solvent reservoir (147) and to deliver solvent from the solvent reservoir (147) towards the outlet (104), a jetting piston (154) to enter the flushing position (134) and to flush the predetermined amount of the formulation from the flushing position (134) with a predetermined amount of the solvent towards the outlet (104), and a controller (114) to control operation of at least one of the transporting mechanism (132), the pumping mechanism (146), and the jetting piston (154).
Claims
1. A delivery device (100) for delivering a drug, comprising a housing (102) having an outlet (104), and a cartridge compartment (108) configured to receive a cartridge (112) filled with an active pharmaceutical formulation in solid form, particularly in powder form, a transporting mechanism (132) configured to transport a predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation to a flushing position (134), a pumping mechanism (146) connectable to a solvent reservoir (147) and configured to deliver solvent from the solvent reservoir (147) towards the outlet (104), a jetting piston (154) configured to enter the flushing position (134) and to flush the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation from the flushing position (134) with a predetermined amount of the solvent towards the outlet (104), and a controller (114) at least configured to control operation of at least one of the transporting mechanism (132), the pumping mechanism (146), the jetting piston (154).
2. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge (112) comprises a plurality of compartments (122) each of which is filled with the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation, wherein the transporting mechanism (132) is configured to transport the compartments (122) to the flushing position (134) in a subsequent order.
3. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge compartment (108) is configured to receive a cartridge supply reel (130) on which the cartridge (112) is reeled.
4. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the transporting mechanism (132) comprises a cartridge drive (138) configured to rotate the cartridge supply reel (130).
5. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a removal reel (136) configured to be reeled with the cartridge (112) after discharging of the active pharmaceutical formulation from at least one of the compartments (122) at the flushing position (134), wherein the cartridge drive (138) preferably comprises a cartridge drive gear (140) configured to mesh with a removal reel gear (142) of the removal reel (136), wherein the cartridge supply reel (130) is concertedly rotatable with the removal reel (136).
6. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a removing device (182) configured to remove a foil (124) sealing the compartments (122) arranged at least partially between the cartridge compartment (108) and the flushing position (134) or the jetting piston (154) is configured to pierce a foil (124) sealing the compartments (122).
7. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the cartridge (112) is a blister tape (123), wherein the compartments (122) are formed as closed pockets sealed by a foil (124).
8. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a fluid channel (160) in fluid communication with the solvent reservoir (147) and the outlet (104), wherein the jetting piston (154) is moveable between a retracted position, where the fluid channel (160) is blocked, and an extended position, where the jetting piston (154) provides a fluid communication with the fluid channel (160) and the flushing position (134), wherein the pumping mechanism (146) preferably comprises a pump (148), particularly a syringe pump, configured to suck the predetermined amount of the solvent from the solvent reservoir and a non-return valve (152) configured to block a flow of the sucked predetermined amount of the solvent back to the solvent reservoir (147).
9. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a mixing device (158) being in fluid communication with the outlet (104) and configured to mix the predetermined amount of the solvent and predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation flushed from the flushing position (134) so as to provide the drug, wherein the mixing device (158) preferably comprises a mixing chamber (164) configured to receive the predetermined amount of the solvent and the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation flushed from the flushing position (134).
10. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a power source (162), particularly a rechargeable power source, configured to supply electrical power to at least one of the transporting mechanism (132), the pumping mechanism (146), the jetting piston (154), the controller (114) and the mixing device (158).
11. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising an input device (116) configured to allow a user to input instructions to the controller (114).
12. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a gas sensor configured to detect gas bubbles, particularly air bubbles, within the predetermined amount of the solvent and the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation flushed from the flushing position (134), the gas sensor is preferably further configured to detect a concentration of the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation solved within the predetermined amount of the solvent.
13. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a sterilizing device configured to sterilize the drug.
14. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the delivery device (100) is configured to communicate with an in-situ blood sensor.
15. The delivery device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the delivery device (100) is a single use device or wherein the delivery device (100) is reusable, wherein the cartridge compartment (108) is configured to allow a replacement of the cartridge (112).
Description
[0114] In the Figures:
[0115] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a delivery device according to an embodiment of the present invention,
[0116] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a cartridge,
[0117] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the delivery device with a cover removed,
[0118] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0119] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0120] FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0121] FIG. 7 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0122] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a mixing device,
[0123] FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0124] FIG. 10 shows a front view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0125] FIG. 11 shows a rear view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0126] FIG. 12 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0127] FIG. 13 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device,
[0128] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the cover, and
[0129] FIGS. 15 to 20 show perspective views of the delivery device in different operation states.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
[0130] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a delivery device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The delivery device 100 is a portable delivery device. The delivery device 100 is configured to deliver a drug. The delivery device 100 comprises a housing 102. The housing 102 has an outlet 104, an inlet 106 and a cartridge compartment 108. The housing 102 may be formed by more than one part. For example, the housing 102 may comprise a cover 110. The cartridge compartment 108 is configured to receive a cartridge 112. The delivery device 100 further comprises a controller 114. The function of the controller 114 will be described in further detail below. The controller 114 comprises an interface (not shown in detail) configured to provide a communication link between the controller 114 and a remote electronic device (not shown in detail). The communication link is realized in a wireless or wired manner. The delivery device 100 further comprises an input device 116 configured to allow a user to input instructions to the controller 114. The input device 116 may comprise a keyboard or buttons 118. Alternatively or in addition, the input device 116 may comprise a display 120 configured to allow a user to input instructions to the controller 114. The delivery device 100 is reusable. Particularly, the cartridge compartment 108 is configured to allow a replacement of the cartridge 112.
[0131] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of a cartridge 112. The cartridge 112 is filled with an active pharmaceutical formulation in solid form such as at least one antibiotic. Particularly, the cartridge 112 is filled with an active pharmaceutical formulation in powder form. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cartridge 112 comprises a plurality of compartments 122 each of which is filled with a predetermined amount of an active pharmaceutical formulation in powder form. As shown in FIG. 2, the cartridge 112 may be a blister tape 123. The compartments 122 are formed as closed pockets which are sealed by a foil 124. The foil 124 may be a thin protection foil. The cartridge 112 may optionally be provided with perforations 125.
[0132] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the delivery device 100 with the cover 110 removed. As shown in FIG. 3, interior components of the delivery device 100 may be protected by means of at least one cover plate 126. The cover plate 126 may be mounted to an inner housing portion 128 enclosing some constructional members of the delivery device 100 which will be explained in further detail below.
[0133] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of an interior of the delivery device 100 with the cover plate 126 removed. FIG. 5 shows another perspective view of the delivery device 100 with the buttons 118 and the display 120 removed and the inner housing portion 128 partly removed. FIG. 6 shows another perspective view of the delivery device 100 with the inner housing portion 128 completely removed. FIG. 7 shows another perspective view of the delivery device 100 with the inner housing portion 128 completely removed. The cartridge compartment 108 is configured to receive a cartridge supply reel 130 (FIGS. 15 and 16) on which the cartridge 112 is reeled. The cartridge supply reel 130 may be disk-shaped. It has to be noted that FIGS. 4 to 7 show a cartridge gear 131 to which the cartridge supply reel 130 is connectable. The delivery device 100 comprises a transporting mechanism 132 configured to transport a predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation to a flushing position 134. In the present embodiment, the transporting mechanism is configured to transport the compartments 122 to the flushing position 134 in a subsequent order. The delivery device 100 further comprises a removal reel 136 configured to be reeled with the cartridge 112 after discharging of the active pharmaceutical formulation from at least one of the compartments 122 at the flushing position 134. The transporting mechanism 132 comprises a cartridge drive 138 configured to rotate the cartridge supply reel 130. Particularly, the cartridge drive 138 comprises a cartridge drive gear 140 configured to drive a removal reel gear 142 of the removal reel 136 to which the removal reel 136 is connectable. For example, the removal reel 136 may be formed as or connected to an empty compartment reservoir 144 (FIGS. 15 and 16) configured to receive empty or used compartments 122. The empty compartment reservoir 144 is replaceable. Thus, when the empty compartment reservoir 144 is full with used compartments 122 of the cartridge, it may be replaced by a new empty compartment reservoir 144. The empty compartment reservoir 144 is preferably designed such that any residual liquid from the discharged compartments 122 is restrained. The operation principle of the cartridge drive 138 is similar to a tape recorder. Particularly, the cartridge 112 is inserted into the cartridge compartment 108 and a leading end of the cartridge 112 and the blister tape 123, respectively, is fed towards the removal reel 136 while passing the flushing position 134. The feeding may be electrically or manually driven. Thereby, the cartridge 112 is also connected to the removal reel 136. When the cartridge drive 138 rotates the cartridge drive gear 140, the removal reel 136 is rotated due to the engagement of the cartridge drive gear 140 and the removal reel gear 142. Thereby, the cartridge 112 and the blister tape 123, respectively, is drawn while the cartridge supply reel 130 is rotated.
[0134] The delivery device 100 further comprises a pumping mechanism 146. The pumping mechanism 146 is connectable to a solvent reservoir 147 external to the housing 102 by means of the inlet 106. The pumping mechanism 146 is configured to deliver solvent from the solvent reservoir 147 towards the outlet 104. The pumping mechanism 146 comprises a pump 148 configured to suck a predetermined amount of the solvent from the solvent reservoir 147. For example, the pump 148 is a syringe pump. The pump 148 is driven by means of a pump drive 150 such as a linear drive. The pumping mechanism 146 further comprises a non-return valve 152 configured to block a flow of the sucked predetermined amount of the solvent back to the solvent reservoir 147.
[0135] The delivery device 100 further comprises a jetting piston 154 configured to enter the flushing position 134 and to flush the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation from the flushing position 134 with a predetermined amount of the solvent towards the outlet 104. Particularly, the jetting piston 154 is configured to penetrate into one of the compartments 122 at the flushing position 134 and to discharge the active pharmaceutical formulation from the compartment 122 at the flushing position by means of flushing with the predetermined amount of the solvent. The jetting piston 154 is driven by means of a jetting piston drive 156 such as a linear drive. The jetting piston drive 156 is arranged adjacent the pump drive 150. It has to be noted that the jetting piston may comprise sealing members in order to avoid a leakage of the solvent when penetrating into the compartment. Further, the jetting piston 154 is designed such that the amount of solvent remaining in the flushed compartments 122 is minimized. Thus, the flushed compartments 122 supplied to the empty compartment reservoir 144 contain only negligible amounts of solvent. This effect may be further enhanced by spatial separation members and/or hydrophilic additives.
[0136] The delivery device 100 further comprises a mixing device 158 being in fluid communication with the output 104 and configured to mix the predetermined amount of the solvent and the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation discharged from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134 so as to provide or produce the drug. The delivery device 100 further comprises a fluid channel 160 connecting to the inlet 106 and the mixing device 158. The fluid channel 160 may be a tube. The jetting piston 154 is moveable between a retracted position, where the fluid channel 160 is blocked, and an extended position, where the jetting piston 154 provides a fluid communication with the fluid channel 160 and one of the compartments 122 at the flushing position 134.
[0137] The delivery device 100 further comprises a power source 162 configured to supply electrical power to at least one of the transporting mechanism 132, the pumping mechanism 146, the jetting piston 154 and the mixing device 158. In the embodiment shown, the power source 162 is configured to supply electrical power to the transporting mechanism 132, the pumping mechanism 146, the jetting piston 154 and the mixing device 158. The power source 162 may be a rechargeable power source.
[0138] FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of the mixing device 158. The mixing device 158 comprises a mixing chamber 164 configured to receive the predetermined amount of the solvent and the active pharmaceutical formulation discharged from the compartment 122 at the opening position 134. The mixing device 158 may further comprise a mixing chamber cover 166 configured to close the mixing chamber 164. The mixing device 158 further comprises a stirring member 168 located within the mixing chamber 164. The stirring member 168 is a magnetic stirring member. The mixing device 158 further comprises a stirring member drive 170 configured to rotate the stirring member 168. The stirring member drive 170 is spatially separated from the mixing chamber 164 such as by means of a wall portion defining the mixing chamber 164. In order to drive the stirring member 168, the stirring member drive 170 may comprise a rotor 172 with magnets and a contactless gear 174. The contactless gear 174 is connected to or integrally formed with the stirring member 168 and faces the rotor 172. The contactless gear 174 may be the magnetic part of the stirring member 168. Thus, when the rotor 172 rotates the contactless gear 174, the stirring member 168 integrally rotates therewith.
[0139] FIG. 9 shows another perspective view of the delivery device 100 with the housing 102 removed. As can be taken from FIG. 9, the fluid channel 160 may comprise a first connection portion 176 extending from non-return valve 152 to the jetting piston 154 and a second connection portion 178 extending from the jetting piston 154 to the mixing device 158. The second connection portion 178 is preferably rather short in order to avoid any residual solvent therein and in order to ensure that approximately all of the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation is supplied to the mixing device 158. As can be further taken, the cartridge gear 131 and the removal reel gear 142 are each formed similar to a ratchet. Further, for each of the cartridge gear 131 and the removal reel gear 142, there is provided a pawl 180 pivotally arranged on a common axis. The pawls 180 engage the teeth of the ratchet-shaped cartridge gear 131 and the removal reel gear 142. Thus, a rotation of the cartridge gear 131 and the removal reel gear 142 is allowed only in one direction, which is a clockwise direction with respect to the illustration of FIG. 9, and is restricted in the opposite direction, which is a counter-clockwise direction with respect to the illustration of FIG. 9.
[0140] FIG. 10 shows a front view of an interior of the delivery device 100. From FIG. 11, the arrangement of the cartridge gear 131, the removal reel gear 142, the pumping mechanism 146, the jetting piston 154 and the mixing device 158 can be taken. Particularly, FIG. 10 shows the jetting piston 154, the jetting piston drive 156, the cartridge drive 136 and the cartridge drive gear 138 arranged at a central portion between the cartridge gear 131 and the removal reel gear 142. Further, with respect to the illustration of FIG. 10, the non-return valve 152 is located below the cartridge drive gear 140. Further, the pumping mechanism 146 is shown to be located at a lower end of the delivery device 100.
[0141] FIG. 11 shows a front view of an interior of the delivery device 100. The delivery device 100 further comprises a removing device 182 configured to remove the foil 124 sealing the compartments 122. The removing device 182 is at least partially arranged between the cartridge compartment 108 and the opening position 124. The removing device 182 comprises small tracking spools 184 and big tracking spools 186 for removing the foil 124. For example, removing device 182 comprises four small tracking spools 184 and two big tracking spools 186, wherein the small tracking spools 184 and the big tracking spools are arranged symmetrically next to the jetting piston 154. It is explicitly stated that the removing device 182 is optional and that alternatively, the jetting piston 154 may be configured to pierce the foil 124 sealing the compartments 122.
[0142] FIG. 12 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device 100. FIG. 13 shows another perspective view of an interior of the delivery device 100. Particularly, FIGS. 12 and 13 show an enlarged detail of the delivery device 100 at an area around the jetting piston 154. FIG. 13 further shows the jetting piston 154 in the extended position. In order to move the jetting piston 154, the jetting piston drive 156 comprises a slider 188. Particularly, the slider 188 is driven by the jetting piston drive 156 which may be a linear drive located in the multiple use part of the device 100. The jetting piston drive 156 therefore moves the slider 188. The slider 188 comprises a liquid tight housing hold by springs, and the moveable jetting piston 154, which is tightly guided by liquid tight O-rings within the liquid tight housing. This allow an easy 2 step approach: firstly, a liquid tight contact to the cartridge 112 and the blister tape 123, respectively, and secondly, a liquid tight penetration into the compartment 122 and thereby removing all residual powder and liquid.
[0143] As can be further taken from FIGS. 12 and 13, at least one pressure spring 190 is arranged at the slider 188 allowing to provide for a 2-step water-proof contact jetting piston. The delivery device 100 further comprises at least one position sensor 192 configured to detect a position of the cartridge 112. The position sensor 192 may be arranged adjacent the jetting piston 154 so as to detect whether there is a compartment 122 at the flushing position 134.
[0144] FIG. 14 shows a bottom view of the cover 110. As can be taken from FIG. 14, the cover plate 126 may be connected to the cover 110. The cover plate 126 comprises orifices for accommodating the cartridge drive 138 and the mixing chamber 164. Optionally, the cartridge compartment 108 and the cartridge drive 138 may be at least partially located in the cover 110.
[0145] The controller 114 shown in FIGS. 1, 3 and 4 is at least configured to control operation of at least one of the transporting mechanism 132, the pumping mechanism 146, the jetting piston 154 and the mixing device 158. In the embodiment shown, the controller 114 is configured to control operation of the transporting mechanism 132, the pumping mechanism 146, the jetting piston 154 and the mixing device 158. The input device 116 allows a user to input instructions to the controller 114. Thus, the user may input instructions regarding the operation of the transporting mechanism 132, the pumping mechanism 146, the jetting piston 154 and the mixing device 158.
[0146] Optionally, the delivery device 100 may be modified as follows. The delivery device 100 may be a single use device. Thus, the cartridge 112 may be integrated into the housing 102. The delivery device 100 may further comprise a gas separator configured to separate gas, particularly air, from the solvent and the active pharmaceutical formulation discharged from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134. The gas separator may be arranged adjacent the outlet 104 such as adjacent or within the mixing device 158. The delivery device 100 may further comprise a gas sensor configured to detect gas bubbles, such as air bubbles, within the solvent and the active pharmaceutical formulation discharged from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134. The gas sensor may be further configured to detect a concentration of the active pharmaceutical formulation discharged from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134 within the solvent. The delivery device 100 may further comprise a sterilizing device configured to sterilize the drug. The sterilizing device may be a UVC light source. The jetting piston 154 may be part of the cartridge 112. The mixing may be realized by micro-fluidic turbulences. The mixing device 158 may comprise an ultrasound source configured to emit ultrasound, wherein the ultrasound source is preferably arranged at a position allowing to emit ultrasound into the mixing chamber 164. The solvent reservoir 147 may be provided internal to the housing 102. The delivery device 100 may be configured to communicate with an in-situ blood sensor. The delivery device 100 may further comprise a filter upstream the outlet 104. The compartments 122 of the cartridge 112 may be pierced from two opposing sides. The active pharmaceutical formulation may be present as tablets or capsules. The cartridge may supply the active pharmaceutical formulation as a single member from which the respective amounts or doses are separated such as by means of a rotating knife. The pumping mechanism 132 may comprise another pump configured to discharged the solvent and the active pharmaceutical formulation from the mixing chamber 164. Thus, the solvent and the active pharmaceutical formulation may be temporarily stored within the mixing chamber 164 so as to increase the mixing time and the mixing quality.
[0147] Hereinafter, the operation of the delivery device 100 will be described in further detail with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20. FIGS. 15 to 20 show perspective views of the delivery device 100 in different operation states. At the beginning shown in FIG. 15, the cartridge supply reel 130 and the empty compartment reservoir 144 are inserted into the housing 102. The leading end of the cartridge 112 is transported to the removal reel 142 and the empty compartment reservoir 144. Further the jetting piston 154 is moved into the retracted position as indicated by arrow 194. Furthermore, in order to remove any air from the fluid channel 160 and the nonreturn valve 152, the fluid channel 160 is flushed with solvent from the solvent reservoir 147 which may take place before moving the jetting piston 154 into the retracted position.
[0148] FIG. 16 shows a subsequent step, wherein the cartridge drive 138 and the cartridge drive gear 140 drive the removal reel gear 142 such that the removal reel gear 142 is rotated clockwise for one step defined by the teeth as indicated by arrow 196. At the same time, the cartridge gear 131 is rotated clockwise and the transporting mechanism 132 transports the first one of the compartments 122 in their row to the flushing position 134. The compartment 122 may be guided to the flushing position 134 on a curved path as indicated by arrows 198 and 200.
[0149] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 17, the pumping mechanism 146 sucks a predetermined amount of solvent from the solvent reservoir 147 at the inlet 106. For this purpose, the pumping mechanism 146 moves a piston of the syringe pump 148 in a direction away from the nonreturn valve 152 as indicated by arrow 202. The solvent may be a solution comprising NaCl. The solvent flows from the inlet 106 through the non-return valve 152 into the syringe pump 148 as indicated by arrows 204, 206 and 208. The non-return valve 152 restricts the solvent from flowing further towards the jetting piston 154 within the first connection portion 176 extending from non-return valve 152 to the jetting piston 154 as indicated by cross 210.
[0150] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 18, the pumping mechanism 146 pumps the predetermined amount of solvent towards the jetting piston 154. For this purpose, the pumping mechanism 146 moves the piston of the syringe pump 148 in a direction towards the non-return valve 152 as indicated by arrow 212. The solvent flows out of the pump 148 through the non-return valve 152 into the first connection portion 176 extending from non-return valve 152 to the jetting piston 154 as indicated by arrows 214, 216 and 218. The non-return valve 152 restricts the solvent from flowing back to the inlet 106 and the solvent reservoir as indicated by cross 220.
[0151] Further and at the same time, as shown in FIG. 19, the jetting piston 154 moves into the extended position as indicated by arrow 222. Thereby, the jetting piston 154 enters the flushing position 134 and penetrates into the compartment 122. The jetting piston 154 then flushes the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134 with the predetermined amount of the solvent so as to discharge the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134 as indicated by arrow 224.
[0152] Finally, as shown in FIG. 20, the predetermined amount of the active pharmaceutical formulation flushed from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134 and the predetermined amount of the solvent enter the second connection portion 178 of the fluid channel 160 extending from the jetting piston 154 to the mixing device 158 and flow into the mixing device 158 and the mixing chamber 164, respectively, as indicated by arrows 226, 228 and 230. In the mixing device 158 and the mixing chamber 164, respectively, the active predetermined amount of the pharmaceutical formulation flushed from the compartment 122 at the flushing position 134 and the predetermined amount of the solvent are mixed by means of driving the stirring member 168 as indicated by arrow 232. Thus, the drug is provided. The drug then is discharged from the mixing device 158 and the delivery device 100 at the outlet 104 as indicated by arrow 234. Thus, the provided drug is ready for infusion or administration to a patient.
[0153] The operation described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 20 may be repeated as appropriate. In this case, the used compartment 122 is transported from the flushing position 134 to the removal reel 142 and the empty compartment reservoir 144. Further, the next compartment 122 in the row of the cartridge 112 is transported to the flushing position 134. After all of the active pharmaceutical formulation of the cartridge 112 has been used and all compartments have been discharged, the cartridge supply reel 130 and the empty compartment reservoir 144 may be replaced.
