Pain-reducing injection apparatus

Abstract

A pain-reducing injection apparatus to enhance the safety, efficacy, and efficiency of injection procedures which utilize topical pain-reducing measures. Apparatuses and methods of use provide pain reduction through thermal cooling of an injection region or vibrations the region or both, and optionally including safety shielding and lockout features.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A pain-reducing injection apparatus, comprising:
 a. a pen-type injector sleeve comprising:
 a housing configured to operatively receive a drug delivery device, the housing comprising a distal end comprising a distal wall between an inner surface and an active-cooling surface positioned to contact an injection region of an individual when in use; and 
   b. a thermoelectric cooling system comprising:
 a thermoelectric cooler comprising a cooling plate, the thermoelectric cooler mounted against the inner surface of the distal end and configured to cool the active-cooling surface by conduction; and 
 a controller operatively coupled to the thermoelectric cooler. 
   
     
     
         2 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drug delivery device is an injector pen. 
     
     
         3 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drug delivery device is a syringe. 
     
     
         4 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the drug delivery device is a jet injector. 
     
     
         5 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to reversibly receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         6 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured to permanently receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         7 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling plate is composed of a thermally insulated material. 
     
     
         8 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the cooling plate is a ceramic plate. 
     
     
         9 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the controller controls a temperature of the cooling plate. 
     
     
         10 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a power source operatively coupled to the thermoelectric cooler and to the controller. 
     
     
         11 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a temperature sensor operatively connected to the controller, the thermoelectric cooler, and the active-cooling surface. 
     
     
         12 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the temperature sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the cooling plate and of the active-cooling surface. 
     
     
         13 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a heating plate facing away from the inner surface of the distal end. 
     
     
         14 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 13 , wherein the heating plate is in thermal connection with a heat sink. 
     
     
         15 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the heat sink absorbs heat emitted by the heating plate. 
     
     
         16 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the thermoelectric cooling system comprises a fan configured to dissipate heat emitted by the heating plate. 
     
     
         17 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pain reduction apparatus is configured to reversibly receive a needle assembly. 
     
     
         18 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 17 , wherein the needle assembly comprises a needle and a needle hub. 
     
     
         19 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pen-type injector sleeve comprises a needle cap configured to receive a needle assembly. 
     
     
         20 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a fingerprint authentication locking mechanism comprising a fingerprint sensor and a needle cap lock. 
     
     
         21 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 20 , wherein the needle cap lock is unlocked upon recognition of a fingerprint of a user by the fingerprint sensor. 
     
     
         22 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the fingerprint sensor is located on the needle cap. 
     
     
         23 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 22 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         24 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 23 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         25 . A pain-reducing injection apparatus, comprising:
 a. a pen-type injector sleeve comprising:
 a housing configured to operatively receive a drug delivery device, the housing comprising a distal surface located at a distal region of the housing, the distal surface positioned to contact an injection region of an individual when in use; and 
   b. a vibrator mounted in the housing, the vibrator configured to cause a distal region of the housing to vibrate.   
     
     
         26 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the drug delivery device is an injector pen. 
     
     
         27 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the drug delivery device is a syringe. 
     
     
         28 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the drug delivery device is a jet injector. 
     
     
         29 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the housing is configured to reversibly receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         30 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the housing is configured to permanently receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         31 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the vibrator is configured to cause the distal surface, the drug delivery device, or a needle to vibrate. 
     
     
         32 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the vibrator comprises a motor. 
     
     
         33 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 32 , wherein the motor is an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator. 
     
     
         34 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the vibrator is operatively coupled to a power source. 
     
     
         35 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 34 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         36 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 35 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         37 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the pen-type injector sleeve is configured to reversibly receive a needle assembly. 
     
     
         38 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 37 , wherein the needle assembly comprises a needle and a needle hub. 
     
     
         39 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a needle cap configured to receive a needle assembly. 
     
     
         40 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 25 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a fingerprint authentication locking mechanism comprising a fingerprint sensor and a needle cap lock. 
     
     
         41 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the needle cap lock is unlocked upon recognition of a fingerprint of a user by the fingerprint sensor. 
     
     
         42 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 40 , wherein the fingerprint sensor is located on the needle cap. 
     
     
         43 . A pain-reducing injection apparatus, comprising:
 a. a pen-type injector sleeve comprising:
 a housing configured to operatively receive a drug delivery device, the housing comprising a distal end comprising a distal wall between an inner surface and an active-cooling surface positioned to contact an injection region of an individual when in use; 
   b. a thermoelectric cooler comprising a cooling plate mounted against the inner surface of the distal end and configured to cool the active-cooling surface by conduction; and   c. a vibrator mounted in the housing, the vibrator configured to cause the distal end of the housing to vibrate.   
     
     
         44 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the drug delivery device is an injector pen. 
     
     
         45 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the drug delivery device is a syringe. 
     
     
         46 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the drug delivery device is a jet injector. 
     
     
         47 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the housing is configured to reversibly receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         48 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the housing is configured to permanently receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         49 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the thermoelectric cooler comprises a cooling plate, a heating plate, a controller, a power source, and a temperature sensor. 
     
     
         50 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the cooling plate and the heating plate are composed of a thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         51 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the cooling plate is a ceramic plate. 
     
     
         52 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the controller controls a temperature of the cooling plate. 
     
     
         53 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the cooling plate, to the heating plate, and to the active-cooling surface. 
     
     
         54 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the temperature sensor detects a temperature of the cooling plate. 
     
     
         55 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the temperature sensor detects a temperature of the active-cooling surface. 
     
     
         56 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the power source is operatively connected to the thermoelectric cooler, to the controller, and to the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         57 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 49 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         58 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 57 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         59 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the active-cooling surface is a thermally conductive surface. 
     
     
         60 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the vibrator is configured to cause the active-cooling surface, the drug delivery device, and/or a needle to vibrate. 
     
     
         61 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the vibrator comprises a motor. 
     
     
         62 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 61 , wherein the motor is an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator. 
     
     
         63 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the pain reduction apparatus is configured to reversibly receive a needle assembly. 
     
     
         64 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 63 , wherein the needle assembly comprises a needle and a needle hub. 
     
     
         65 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a needle cap. 
     
     
         66 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 43 , wherein the pain reduction apparatus comprises a fingerprint authentication locking mechanism comprising a fingerprint sensor and a needle cap lock. 
     
     
         67 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 66 , wherein the needle cap lock is unlocked upon recognition of a fingerprint of a user by the fingerprint sensor. 
     
     
         68 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 66 , wherein the fingerprint sensor is located on the needle cap. 
     
     
         69 . A pain-reducing injection apparatus, comprising:
 a. a pen-type injector sleeve comprising:
 a housing configured to operatively receive a drug delivery device, the housing comprising a distal surface located at a distal region of the housing, the distal surface configured to contact an injection region of an individual when in use; and 
   b. a needle assembly comprising:
 a needle, 
 an outer sleeve having a first inner surface comprising a ramped track, and a first outer surface, 
 an inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve comprising:
 a second inner surface, 
 a second outer surface facing the first inner surface, 
 an aperture comprising a perimeter and a perimeter wall extending between the second inner surface and the second outer surface along the perimeter, and 
 
 a distal needle insertion shield coaxially aligned with the inner sleeve and with the outer sleeve, the distal needle insertion shield comprising a distal shield insertion arm configured to travel along the perimeter of the aperture in contact with the perimeter wall of the aperture as the distal needle insertion shield rotates about its axis, and wherein the distal shield insertion arm extends through the aperture and is configured to travel within and along the ramped track as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
   
     
     
         70 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the drug delivery device is an injector pen. 
     
     
         71 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the drug delivery device is a syringe. 
     
     
         72 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the drug delivery device is a jet injector. 
     
     
         73 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the housing is configured to reversibly receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         74 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 73 , wherein the drug delivery device is reversibly screwed into the housing. 
     
     
         75 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 73 , wherein the drug delivery device is reversibly snapped onto the housing. 
     
     
         76 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the housing is configured to permanently receive the drug delivery device. 
     
     
         77 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a vibrator. 
     
     
         78 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 77 , wherein the vibrator comprises a motor. 
     
     
         79 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 78 , wherein the motor is an eccentric rotating mass vibration motor or a linear resonant actuator. 
     
     
         80 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 77 , wherein the vibrator is mounted in the housing. 
     
     
         81 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 77 , wherein the vibrator is configured to cause the distal region of the housing and/or the needle assembly to vibrate. 
     
     
         82 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 77 , wherein the vibrator is configured to cause the distal surface, the drug delivery device, or the needle to vibrate. 
     
     
         83 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a thermoelectric cooler. 
     
     
         84 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 83 , wherein the thermoelectric cooler comprises a cooling plate, a heating plate, a controller, a power source, and a temperature sensor. 
     
     
         85 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the cooling plate and the heating plate are composed of a thermally insulating material. 
     
     
         86 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the cooling plate is a ceramic plate. 
     
     
         87 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the controller controls a temperature of the cooling plate. 
     
     
         88 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the temperature sensor is operatively coupled to the cooling plate, to the heating plate, and to the distal surface. 
     
     
         89 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the temperature sensor detects a temperature of the cooling plate. 
     
     
         90 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the temperature sensor detects a temperature of the distal surface. 
     
     
         91 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the power source is operatively connected to the thermoelectric cooler, to the controller, and to the temperature sensor. 
     
     
         92 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 84 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         93 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 92 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         94 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the distal surface is a thermally conductive surface. 
     
     
         95 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the pain-reducing injection apparatus comprises a thermoelectric cooler and a vibrator. 
     
     
         96 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the pain reduction apparatus comprises a needle cap configured to receive the needle assembly. 
     
     
         97 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the pain reduction apparatus comprises a fingerprint authentication locking mechanism comprising a fingerprint sensor and a needle cap lock. 
     
     
         98 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the needle cap lock is unlocked upon recognition of a fingerprint of a user by the fingerprint sensor. 
     
     
         99 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 97 , wherein the fingerprint sensor is located on the needle cap. 
     
     
         100 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the ramped track has a start and a finish and a bump positioned medially therebetween. 
     
     
         101 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 100 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm travels from the start of the ramped track to the finish of the ramped track as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
     
     
         102 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 100 , wherein the bump prevents the distal shield insertion arm to travel from the finish to the start of the ramped track once the distal shield insertion arm overcomes the bump. 
     
     
         103 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 100 , wherein deployment of the needle from the needle assembly causes the distal shield insertion arm to overcome the bump and subsequently rest within the track. 
     
     
         104 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 100 , wherein the ramped track has a track locking notch positioned at the finish of the ramped track. 
     
     
         105 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 104 , wherein the track locking notch is configured to lock the distal shield insertion arm in place after the needle is deployed and retracted. 
     
     
         106 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the ramped track is angled. 
     
     
         107 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 106 , wherein the ramped track is angled at an angle of about  45  degrees with respect to the distal surface of the housing. 
     
     
         108 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the aperture has a first end of the aperture and a second end of the aperture. 
     
     
         109 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 108 , wherein the first end of the aperture aligns with the start of the ramped track and the second end of the aperture aligns with the finish of the ramped track prior to deployment of the needle. 
     
     
         110 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the perimeter of the aperture has an aperture locking notch positioned at the second end of the aperture. 
     
     
         111 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 110 , wherein the perimeter of the aperture has a sloped region originating from the first end of the aperture and ending at a vertical region of the aperture. 
     
     
         112 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 111 , wherein the vertical region of the aperture originates from a peak of the sloped region and ends at the aperture locking notch. 
     
     
         113 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 111 , wherein the deployment of the needle causes the distal shield insertion arm to rest at the peak of the sloped region, on the perimeter of the aperture. 
     
     
         114 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 110 , wherein the aperture locking notch is configured to lock the distal shield insertion arm in place after the needle is deployed and retracted. 
     
     
         115 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 108 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm travels from the first end of the aperture to the second end of the aperture as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
     
     
         116 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 108 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm is resting on the perimeter of the aperture at the first end of the aperture and within the ramped track at start of the ramped track prior to deployment of the needle. 
     
     
         117 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the outer sleeve is cylindrical. 
     
     
         118 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the inner sleeve is cylindrical. 
     
     
         119 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of any of  claims 117 - 118 , wherein the outer sleeve is coaxially aligned with the inner sleeve. 
     
     
         120 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the aperture locking notch is aligned with the track locking notch. 
     
     
         121 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the needle is contained within the inner sleeve prior to deployment. 
     
     
         122 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the ramped track is unidirectional. 
     
     
         123 . The pain-reducing injection apparatus of  claim 69 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm is moved distally as the as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
     
     
         124 . A needle assembly, comprising:
 a. a needle;   b. an outer sleeve having a first inner surface comprising a ramped track, and a first outer surface;   c. an inner sleeve positioned within the outer sleeve, the inner sleeve comprising:
 a second inner surface, 
 a second outer surface facing the first inner surface, and 
 an aperture comprising a perimeter and a perimeter wall extending between the second inner surface and the second outer surface along the perimeter; and 
   d. a distal needle insertion shield coaxially aligned with the inner sleeve and with the outer sleeve, the distal needle insertion shield comprising a distal shield insertion arm configured to travel along the perimeter of the aperture in contact with the perimeter wall of the aperture as the distal needle insertion shield rotates about its axis, and wherein the distal shield insertion arm extends through the aperture and is configured to travel within and along the ramped track as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis.   
     
     
         125 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle assembly reversibly attaches to a pen injector. 
     
     
         126 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle assembly permanently attaches to a pen injector. 
     
     
         127 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle assembly is screwed into a pen injector. 
     
     
         128 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle assembly is snapped onto a pen injector. 
     
     
         129 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle assembly comprises a needle cap configured to receive the needle assembly. 
     
     
         130 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle assembly comprises a fingerprint authentication locking mechanism comprising a fingerprint sensor and a needle cap lock. 
     
     
         131 . The needle assembly of  claim 130 , wherein the needle cap lock is unlocked upon recognition of a fingerprint of a user by the fingerprint sensor. 
     
     
         132 . The needle assembly of  claim 130 , wherein the fingerprint sensor is located on the needle cap. 
     
     
         133 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the ramped track has a start and a finish and a bump positioned medially therebetween. 
     
     
         134 . The needle assembly of  claim 133 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm travels from the start of the ramped track to the finish of the ramped track as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
     
     
         135 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the bump prevents the distal shield insertion arm to travel from the finish to the start of the ramped track once the distal shield insertion arm overcomes the bump. 
     
     
         136 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein deployment of the needle from the needle assembly causes the distal shield insertion arm to overcome the bump and subsequently rest within the track. 
     
     
         137 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the ramped track has a track locking notch positioned at the finish of the ramped track. 
     
     
         138 . The needle assembly of  claim 137 , wherein the track locking notch is configured to lock the distal shield insertion arm in place after the needle is deployed and retracted. 
     
     
         139 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the ramped track is angled. 
     
     
         140 . The needle assembly of  claim 139 , wherein the ramped track is angled at an angle of about 45 degrees with respect to the distal surface of the housing. 
     
     
         141 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the aperture has a first end of the aperture and a second end of the aperture. 
     
     
         142 . The needle assembly of  claim 141 , wherein the first end of the aperture aligns with the start of the ramped track and the second end of the aperture aligns with the finish of the ramped track prior to deployment of the needle. 
     
     
         143 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the perimeter of the aperture has an aperture locking notch positioned at the second end of the aperture. 
     
     
         144 . The needle assembly of  claim 141 , wherein the perimeter of the aperture has a sloped region originating from the first end of the aperture and ending at a vertical region of the aperture. 
     
     
         145 . The needle assembly of  claim 144 , wherein the vertical region of the aperture originates from a peak of the sloped region and ends at the aperture locking notch. 
     
     
         146 . The needle assembly of  claim 144 , wherein the deployment of the needle causes the distal shield insertion arm to rest at the peak of the sloped region, on the perimeter of the aperture. 
     
     
         147 . The needle assembly of  claim 143 , wherein the aperture locking notch is configured to lock the distal shield insertion arm in place after the needle is deployed and retracted. 
     
     
         148 . The needle assembly of  claim 141 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm travels from the first end of the aperture to the second end of the aperture as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
     
     
         149 . The needle assembly of  claim 141 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm is resting on the perimeter of the aperture at the first end of the aperture and within the ramped track at start of the ramped track prior to deployment of the needle. 
     
     
         150 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the outer sleeve is cylindrical. 
     
     
         151 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the inner sleeve is cylindrical. 
     
     
         152 . The needle assembly of any of  claims 150 - 151 , wherein the outer sleeve is coaxially aligned with the inner sleeve. 
     
     
         153 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the aperture locking notch is aligned with the track locking notch. 
     
     
         154 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the needle is contained within the inner sleeve prior to deployment. 
     
     
         155 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the ramped track is unidirectional. 
     
     
         156 . The needle assembly of  claim 124 , wherein the distal shield insertion arm is moved distally as the as the distal needle insertion shield is axially rotated about the axis. 
     
     
         157 . A needle cap, comprising:
 a. a housing, the housing configured to receive a needle assembly; and   b. a fingerprint authentication locking mechanism for selectively engaging and disengaging the needle cap from the needle assembly;   wherein the fingerprint authentication locking mechanism comprises a fingerprint sensor and a needle cap lock.   
     
     
         158 . The needle cap of  claim 157 , wherein the fingerprint sensor is located on the needle cap. 
     
     
         159 . The needle cap of  claim 157 , wherein the needle cap lock is unlocked upon recognition of a fingerprint of a user by the fingerprint sensor. 
     
     
         160 . The needle cap of  claim 157 , comprising a power source operatively coupled to the fingerprint sensor and needle cap lock. 
     
     
         161 . The needle cap of  claim 160 , wherein the power source is a battery. 
     
     
         162 . The needle cap of  claim 161 , wherein the battery is rechargeable. 
     
     
         163 . The needle cap of  claim 157 , wherein the needle cap is configured to operatively receive a distal end of a pen-type injector. 
     
     
         164 . A method of using the pain-reducing apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising: obtaining the pain-reducing injection apparatus with a drug delivery device loaded therein, cooling the active-cooling surface using the thermoelectric cooling system, contacting the injection region with the active-cooling surface of the pain-reducing injection apparatus, inserting a needle of the drug delivery device into the injection region, and delivering a medicament into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         165 . The method of  claim 164 , wherein the active-cooling surface is cooled to a temperature ranging between about −10 degrees C. to about 10 degrees C. 
     
     
         166 . The method of  claim 164 , wherein the injection region is contacted with the active-cooling surface for about 1 minute to about 5 minutes prior to insertion of the needle. 
     
     
         167 . A method of using the pain-reducing apparatus of  claim 25 , comprising: obtaining the pain-reducing injection apparatus with a drug delivery device loaded therein, activating a vibration using the vibrator, contacting the injection region with the distal surface of the pain-reducing injection apparatus, inserting a needle of the drug delivery device into the injection region, and delivering a medicament into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         168 . The method of  claim 167 , wherein the distal surface is vibrating when the needle is inserted into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         169 . The method of  claim 167 , wherein the needle is vibrating when the needle is inserted into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         170 . The method of  claim 167 , wherein the vibration has a vibration frequency ranging from about 100 Hz to about 300 Hz. 
     
     
         171 . The method of  claim 167 , wherein the vibration has an amplitude ranging from about 0.3 G to about 125 G. 
     
     
         172 . A method of using the pain-reducing apparatus of  claim 43 , comprising: obtaining the pain-reducing injection apparatus with a drug delivery device loaded therein, cooling the active-cooling surface using the thermoelectric cooler, activating a vibration using the vibrator, contacting the injection region with the active-cooling surface of the pain-reducing injection apparatus, inserting a needle of the drug delivery device into the injection region, and delivering a medicament into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         173 . The method of  claim 172 , wherein the active-cooling surface is cooled to a temperature ranging between about −10 degrees C. to about 10 degrees C. 
     
     
         174 . The method of  claim 172 , wherein the injection region is contacted with the active-cooling surface for about 1 minutes to about 5 minutes prior to insertion of the needle. 
     
     
         175 . The method of  claim 172 , wherein the active-cooling surface is vibrating when the needle is inserted into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         176 . The method of  claim 172 , wherein the needle is vibrating when the needle is inserted into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         177 . The method of  claim 172 , wherein the vibration has a vibration frequency ranging from about 100 Hz to about 300 Hz. 
     
     
         178 . The method of  claim 172 , wherein the vibration has an amplitude ranging from about 0.3 G to about 125 G. 
     
     
         179 . A method of using the pain-reducing apparatus of  claim 69 , comprising: obtaining the pain-reducing injection apparatus with a drug delivery device loaded therein, applying a force distally on the drug delivery device, the force translating distally onto the outer sleeve and the inner sleeve causing the needle to be deployed, inserting the needle into the injection region, and delivering a medicament into the injection region of the individual. 
     
     
         180 . The method of  claim 179 , wherein applying the force distally on the drug delivery device causes an axial rotation of the distal needle insertion shield about the axis. 
     
     
         181 . The method of  claim 179 , wherein applying the force distally on the drug delivery device causes the distal shield insertion arm to travel through the aperture and along the track. 
     
     
         182 . The method of  claim 179 , wherein applying the force distally on the drug delivery device causes the distal shield insertion arm to travel from the first end of the aperture and the start of the ramped track to the second end of the aperture and finish of the ramped track. 
     
     
         183 . The method of  claim 179 , wherein the needle is retracted into the inner sleeve when a user stops applying the force distally on the drug delivery. 
     
     
         184 . A method comprising delivering or providing a device of any one of  claims 1 - 123 . 
     
     
         185 . A method of activating cooling or activating vibration in a pain-reducing injection apparatus of any one of  claims 1 - 123 , comprising cooling a surface of the device using a thermoelectric cooler, activating vibration in the device using a vibrator, loading a drug delivery device into the pain-reducing injection apparatus, and loading a needle assembly into the pain-reducing injection apparatus. 
     
     
         186 . A method comprising delivering or providing a needle assembly of any one of  claims 124 - 156 . 
     
     
         187 . A method of activating cooling or activating vibration in a needle assembly of any one of  claims 124 - 156 , comprising cooling a surface of the device using a thermoelectric cooler, activating vibration in the device using a vibrator, and loading the needle assembly into a pain-reducing injection apparatus or a pen injector.