Dispensing – Plural sources – compartment – containers and/or spaced jacket – With discharge assistant for each source
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-31
2001-09-11
Jacyna, J. Casimer (Department: 3751)
Dispensing
Plural sources, compartment, containers and/or spaced jacket
With discharge assistant for each source
C222S567000, C222S570000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286722
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
This application is directed to methods and devices for delivering medical and dental compositions. More particularly, the application is directed to delivery tips for delivering multi-part medical and dental compositions and accessories relating thereto.
2. Relevant Technology
Many modern formulations are packaged in two parts, often known as “A/B components” or “first and second materials”. Upon mixing, these A/B components typically undergo a chemical reaction which causes the resultant composition to “set up” in some desired manner, for example, by forming a hardened material. In the dental field, for example, several two-part formulations currently enjoy wide use, such as glass ionomer cements and resinous luting cements. Dental impression materials are also typically made using A/B components.
In order to function properly, it is important that the A/B components of these two component systems be separated until it is desired to mix the components. Typical techniques for retaining A/B type materials in a separated state before mixing the materials include loading the A/B materials into two-part material delivery apparatuses having separate side-by-side barrels or tubes. The side-by-side barrels are each configured to receive a separate material therein and deliver the separate material therefrom.
Examples of such two-part material delivery apparatuses having side-by-side barrels are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,290,259; 5,328,462; 5,643,206; 5,665,066; and 5,697,903, assigned to Ultradent Products, Inc., each of which are incorporated by reference herein.
A wide variety of such two-part material delivery apparatuses exist. Such apparatuses typically have a proximal material receiving end, and a distal delivery end. The distal delivery end typically features first and second openings which are adjacent one another and which are located at the end of neighboring barrels. Material delivered from one of the adjacent openings is typically delivered next to and in parallel relationship with the material delivered from the other opening.
Upon delivery of the first and second materials through the adjacent openings, the practitioner can then mix the materials in a mixing bowl, syringe, mixer or other device. Although mixing of the A/B materials is the ultimate goal of A/B type delivery systems, premature mixing and hardening of material is generally detrimental.
Nevertheless, in typical A/B type delivery systems, it is common for a certain amount of undesired commingling of A/B type materials to occur as the A/B materials exit the adjacent first and second openings. Sometimes, some of the mixed material contacts the distal delivery end of the delivery system, such as by depositing on one of the edges of the proximal and distal openings. Such mixed material tends to harden on the delivery system.
If mixed material hardens in an opening, the hardened material can block or impede the flow path of a barrel. The disruption of the normal flow pattern can cause additional mixing and hardening in undesired areas. Thus, the buildup of reactive A/B materials on the distal end of a delivery system can slow, stop, or otherwise disrupt the delivery of the materials through the system.
The problem of material build up becomes particularly acute when a delivery system is used, then temporarily set aside or stored before a subsequent use. This allows time for mixed materials to harden before the subsequent use.
Another problem associated with the delivery of A/B materials is that uncovered delivery ends can dry out or become inadvertently contaminated. While it is possible to cover delivery ends with a cap, such caps can become readily separated from the delivery system and lost. Furthermore, it can be difficult to achieve a reliable seal between a delivery tip and a two-part material delivery apparatus which delivers material to the delivery tip, thereby allowing seepage of material at the junction between the tip and the two-part material delivery apparatus.
There is, therefore, a need in the art for a system for delivering A and B type materials which keeps the materials separate until mixing is desired and thereby avoids cross-contamination and hardening of the materials until the desired time. Specifically, there is a need in the art for a system which avoids cross-contamination between an A and a B material at a distal delivery end of the system.
There is also a need in the art for an improved seal between material delivery systems and delivery tips. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for an improved system for covering the end of a delivery tip.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the invention to provide an improved delivery system for delivery of A/B type materials.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved delivery tip for delivering A/B type compositions.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved delivery tip for delivering separate A/B type compositions which prevents co-mingling of the separate A/B type materials until a certain, desired time.
It is another object of the invention to provide a delivery tip which delivers A/B type materials in separate lumens divided by a septum which prevents co-mingling of the A/B materials as the materials exit a distal delivery end of the delivery tip.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved means for selectively coupling the delivery tip to a delivery means for delivering first and second materials to the delivery tip.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved seal between a delivery tip and a delivery system.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved cap for covering a delivery tip.
The delivery tip of the present invention delivers first and second materials along separate flow paths. The delivery tip comprises a hollow main body having a proximal receiving end and a distal delivery end. The distal delivery end of the hollow main body has (i) a first side; (ii) an opposing second side; (iii) a first opening at the distal delivery end on one side; and (iv) a second opening at the distal delivery end on the second side.
A septum extends within the hollow main body along the length of the hollow main body. The septum divides the main body into first and second lumens. The first lumen terminates in the first opening, and the second lumen terminates in the second opening.
The septum has (i) an elongate member; and (ii) a diverting end portion connected to the elongate member. The diverting end portion of the septum has first and second sides. The first side of the diverting end portion is located adjacent to the first opening. A second side of the diverting end portion is located adjacent the second opening.
Consequently, the first and second materials delivered to the proximal end of the hollow main body extend substantially linearly through respective first and second lumens until encountering the diverting end portion of the septum. Upon encountering the diverting end portion, the first and second materials exit in respective diverging first and second flow paths outwardly away from opposing sides of the distal delivery end of the delivery tip.
The diverting end portion of the septum is larger in width than the elongate member of the septum. The widened end portion of the septum causes material extending through the lumens to flow outwardly with respect to the longitudinal axis of the septum. This prevents first and second materials delivered from the respective lumens from intermingling with each other immediately upon delivery through the lumens. Instead, the materials are delivered separately and away from each other. The materials can then be combined by a practitioner through a variety of means, such as through the use of a mixing paddle, within a syringe, mixing bowl or dispensing device. Examples of such mixing paddles are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,328,462; 5,643,206; 5,665,066; and 5,697,903, which are incorporated by reference herein.
The rela
Fischer Dan E.
McLean Bruce S.
Jacyna J. Casimer
Ultradent Products Inc.
Workman & Nydegger & Seeley
LandOfFree
Delivery tip locking collars and related systems does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Delivery tip locking collars and related systems, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Delivery tip locking collars and related systems will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2439472