Surgery – Means for introducing or removing material from body for... – Treating material introduced into or removed from body...
Reexamination Certificate
2001-01-19
2002-06-04
Nguyen, Anhtuan T. (Department: 3763)
Surgery
Means for introducing or removing material from body for...
Treating material introduced into or removed from body...
C604S082000, C222S145500, C433S090000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06398761
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. The Field of the Invention
This application is directed to methods and devices for delivering multi-part compositions. More particularly, the application is directed to syringes and delivery tips for delivering multi-part medical and dental compositions.
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 is 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 two materials at a distal delivery end of the system.
There is also a need in the art for an improved seals within the material delivery systems to prevent co-mingling of the A/B materials as the materials are delivered for mixing or during storage. Furthermore, there is a need in the art for an improved system for covering the delivery end of the system during storage.
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 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, it is an object of the invention to provide a system which avoids cross-contamination between two materials at a distal delivery end of the system
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved seals within the material delivery systems to prevent co-mingling of the A/B materials as the materials are delivered for mixing or during storage.
It is another object of the invention to provide an improved cap for covering the delivery end of the system when not in use.
These objects are achieved through an inventive syringe system for mixing first and second materials together and delivering the mixed materials. The syringe system has a dual barrel cartridge with a uniquely configured dual lumen nipple that is removably coupled with a uniquely configured tip. When the tip is positioned on the dual lumen nipple of the dual barrel cartridge, two separate flow paths are created so that the A/B materials remain separated until being brought together for mixing in the tip.
The dual barrel cartridge has a proximal grasping end opposite from a distal delivery end. The dual barrel cartridge has two barrels that each having an opening at the proximal grasping end of the dual barrel cartridge and a barrel outlet at the distal delivery end of the dual barrel caridge. A plunger unit with two plungers is inserted into the two barrels of the dual barrel cartridge.
The dual barrel cartridge has opposing claws at its distal delivery end which engage a removable collar. The removable collar holds the tip on the nipple once the tip has been
inserted though an aperture of the removable collar and the collar locked under the claws of the dual barrel cartridge.
The dual lumen nipple has a receiving end opposite from a terminal end. The dual lumen nipple has cylindrical sidewalls that extend integrally from the distal delivery end of the dual barrel cartridge. The lumens are preferably divided by a septum that extends integrally from the distal delivery end of the dual barrel cartridge and across the sidewalls. Each lumen is in fluid communication with one of the barrels of dual barrel cartridge through the barrel outlets. The sidewalls of the nipple are partially terminated such that each lumen has a side portal.
As the plungers are depressed into the barrels, the first and second materials are respectively pushed through the barrel outlets and into lumens of the dual lumen nipple. The materials are then pushed out of the lumens via the side portals of the lumens. Each side portal has a top defined by a flat sealing head that extends at the terminal end of the dual lumen nipple from the septum and a portion of the sidewalls. The flat sealing head preferably has truncated flanges that extend perpendicularly relative to the septum Each truncated flange has a length that permits the material delivered out of each side portal to pass around the truncated flange when the nipple is inserted into the delivery ch
Bills Dan J.
Fischer Dan E.
McLean Bruce S.
Nguyen Anhtuan T.
Ultradent Products Inc.
Workman & Nydegger & Seeley
LandOfFree
Double syringe barrels with ported delivery ends does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Double syringe barrels with ported delivery ends, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Double syringe barrels with ported delivery ends will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2932925