Skin penetration apparatus including multiple needle configuration

摘要

An array of elongated needles for penetrating skin is assembled in single or multiple tiers with the tips or points thereof substantially aligned along an axis or plane that is skewed in non-perpendicular orientation relative to the axes of elongation of the needles. The needles are rigidly confined in the assembly within a common base portion that extends to a boundary limit remote from the tips which is oriented along an axis or plane that is skewed in non-perpendicular orientation relative to axes of elongation of the needles. The axis or plane of the needle tips may be substantially parallel or non-parallel to the axis or plane of the boundary limit to promote selected resilient flexure characteristics of the needles in the portions thereof between the boundary limit of the base and the needle tips.