U.S. patent application number 10/426045 was filed with the patent office on 2004-02-05 for method and apparatus for applying a medically useful multiple component material.
Invention is credited to Delcastillo, Jorge, Laird, James C., Petersen, Robert L., Welter, Jacquelynn, Yardimci, Atif M..
Application Number | 20040024353 10/426045 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24999896 |
Filed Date | 2004-02-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040024353 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Petersen, Robert L. ; et
al. |
February 5, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for applying a medically useful multiple
component material
Abstract
An applicator gun for spraying a medically useful multiple
component fluid to an area of interest. The handheld applicator gun
functionally receives a commercially available or standardized
multi-syringe applicator, and dispenses fluid from the
multi-syringe applicator in a controllable manner. The handheld
applicator gun further includes a return stop and a dispensing stop
to limit the force exerted on the multi-syringe applicator.
Inventors: |
Petersen, Robert L.;
(Winthrop Harbor, IL) ; Laird, James C.;
(Grayslake, IL) ; Delcastillo, Jorge; (Des
Plaines, IL) ; Welter, Jacquelynn; (Bristol, WI)
; Yardimci, Atif M.; (Northbrook, IL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
STRADLING YOCCO CARLSON & RAUTH
SUITE 1600
660 NEWPORT CENTER DRIVE
P.O. BOX 7680
NEWPORT BEACH
CA
92660
US
|
Family ID: |
24999896 |
Appl. No.: |
10/426045 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10426045 |
Apr 28, 2003 |
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09746210 |
Dec 22, 2000 |
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6585696 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
604/82 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 5/3156 20130101;
A61B 17/00491 20130101; A61B 2017/00495 20130101; A61M 5/31581
20130101; A61M 5/31595 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
604/82 |
International
Class: |
A61M 037/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A multi-component applicator for mixing and applying at least a
first and a second component, comprising: a multi-syringe
applicator comprising at least a first syringe container storing a
first component therein, and having a first syringe piston
connected to a first piston rod disposing a first pusher, and at
least a second syringe container storing a second component
therein, and having a second syringe piston connected to a second
piston rod disposing a second pusher; a handheld applicator gun
comprising an elongated body portion, a stationary handle portion,
and a moveable trigger device; said moveable trigger device
connected to said applicator housing and adjacent thereto; said
moveable trigger device comprising a movement actuator connected to
an advanceable engagement member, wherein actuation of said
moveable trigger device advances said engagement member; and a
return stop and a dispensing stop connected to said applicator
housing and engageable with said moveable trigger device; thereby
limiting the advancement stroke lengths first and said second
pistons disposed in said first and second containers
2. The device of claim 1, wherien said movement actuator further
comprises a biasing member to lockably engage said engagement
member with said movement actuator, thereby restricting movement of
the engagement member.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein said biasing member may be
disengaged by the operator, thereby permitting movement of the
engagement member.
4. The device of claim 2, wherein said biasing member comprises a
spring.
5. The device of claim 1, where said applicator housing further
comprises an interface cavity capable of receiving said
multi-syringe applicator.
6. The device of claim 5, wherein said interface cavity is capable
of receiving a plurality of multi-syringe applicators.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein said engagement member further
comprises a pushing interface.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said pushing interface further
comprises a force dampener.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein said force dampener is made of an
elastomer.
10. The device of claim 8, wherein said force dampener is made of
silicon.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein said return stop is positioned
to contact said moveable trigger device, thereby limiting the
stroke length of said moveable trigger device.
12. The device of claim 11, wherein said moveable trigger device
further comprises a trigger biasing member, said trigger biasing
member forcing said moveable trigger device to contact said return
stop absent the application of pressure to said moveable trigger
device.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein said trigger biasing member is
a spring.
14. The device of claim 1, wherein said dispensing stop is
positioned to contact said moveable trigger device, thereby
limiting the quantity of said first component and second component
dispensed at one time.
15. The device of claim 1, wherein said stationary handle forms a
pistol-type grip.
16. The device of claim 1, wherein said applicator housing is
capable of receiving a spray producing device, thereby enabling the
sprayed application of said first and second components.
17. A multi-component applicator for mixing and applying at least a
first and a second component, comprising: a multi-syringe
applicator comprising at least a first syringe container storing a
first component therein, and having a first syringe piston
connected to a first piston rod disposing a first pusher, and at
least a second syringe container storing a second component
therein, and having a second syringe piston connected to a second
piston rod disposing a second pusher; a handheld applicator gun
comprising an elongated body portion, a stationary handle portion,
and a moveable trigger device; said moveable trigger device
connected to said applicator housing and adjacent thereto; said
moveable trigger device comprising a movement actuator connected to
an advanceable engagement member, said advanceable engagement
member comprising a pushing interface having a force dampener
attached thereto, wherein actuation of said moveable trigger device
advances said engagement member; and a return stop and a dispensing
stop connected to said applicator housing and engageable with said
moveable trigger device; thereby limiting the advancement stroke
lengths first and said second pistons disposed in said first and
second containers
18. A method of optimizing the force applied by a handheld
applicator, comprising: providing a handheld applicator capable of
exerting increased force on a multi-component applicator coupled
thereto, said handheld applicator providing a mechanical advantage
in applying said force; and regulating the application of said
force applied by said handheld applicator to said multi-component
applicator.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a dispensing stop, thereby limiting the
mechanical advantage obtained by said handheld applicator.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a return stop, thereby limiting the
mechanical advantage obtained by said handheld applicator.
21. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a dispensing stop and a return stop,
thereby limiting the mechanical advantage obtained by said handheld
applicator.
22. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by an audible alert.
23. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a visual alert.
24. The method of claim 18, wherein regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a tactile alert.
25. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a piston advancement regulator.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein said regulation of said applied
force is accomplished by a force dampener.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Use of tissue sealants and other biological materials is an
important emerging surgical technique, well adapted for the
operating room or field environments such as the doctor's office or
mobile medical units. Preferred sealants include fibrin sealants
which are formed from blood plasma components and comprise, on the
one hand, a first component containing fibrinogen and Factor XIII
and, on the other hand, a second component which usually includes
thrombin, and calcium ions, however other formulations may exist.
The fibrinogen is capable of a polymerizing and being cross-linked
to form a solid fibrin clot when the components are mixed. The
necessary additional factors to simulate relevant portions of the
natural blood coagulation cascade are suitably distributed between
the fibrinogen and thrombin components.
[0002] Depending upon the potency of the particular formulations
employed, coagulation of the sealant may take place very rapidly,
yielding a gel within perhaps 10 or 20 seconds. Though often very
desirable for surgical reasons, such fast-acting properties present
potential problems of fouling or clogging. These problems must be
overcome in devising suitable applicators, methods of application,
and devices suitable for filling said applicators.
[0003] Antanavich et al. U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,007, whose disclosure
and references are hereby incorporated herein by reference thereto,
provides an extensive discussion of the literature relating to
fibrinogen sealant preparation (column 1, line 20 to column 4, line
62) and applicators column 4 line 62 to column 5, line 14), as well
as a bibliography, (columns 6-10) and is a helpful guide to the
teachings of prior workers in the field.
[0004] Until May of 1998, when the FDA first approved such
products, fibrin sealant was not commercially available in the US.
Therefore, use of fibrin sealant was limited to supplies produced
within the clinic, which are not subject to FDA control. After FDA
approval, however, fibrin sealant became commercially available in
the US. This availability has created a need for an effective and
efficient device useful for dispensing the components of the
sealant from commercially available or standardized applicators to
an area of interest in a controlled, efficient manner.
[0005] A popular manually operable applicator for such
two-component sealants employs a dual syringe construction wherein
two syringes, connected by a yoke, each provide a reservoir for one
of the components. In most prior devices, the sealant components
are discharged in separate streams and mixed externally of the
applicator. Such applicators are similar in principle to household
epoxy glue applicators commonly available in hardware stores.
[0006] While the syringe-type applicators have proved beneficial
when applying a multiple component sealant, use of these
applicators occasionally resulted in fatigue of the operator's
hand.
[0007] Thus, there is a need for an easy to operate device capable
of applying a multiple component fluid from a multi-syringe
applicator to an area of interest.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention solves the problem of effectively
delivering multiple components directly from commercially available
or standardized applicators, for example, multi-syringe
applicators, to an area of interest. Additionally, the present
invention provides increased dispensing control while enhancing
operator comfort.
[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides a
multi-component applicator comprising a multi-syringe applicator
and a handheld applicator adapted to functionally receive a
multi-syringe applicator and dispense material stored in the
multi-syringe applicator.
[0010] The multi-syringe applicator has a first syringe container
and a second syringe container. The first syringe container,
storing a first component, comprises a first syringe piston, a
portion of which is slidably positioned within the first syringe
container, a first piston rod attached thereto, and a first syringe
pusher attached to the first piston rod. Likewise, the second
syringe container, storing a second component, comprises a second
piston, a portion of which is slidably positioned within the second
syringe container, a second piston rod attached thereto, and a
second syringe pusher attached to the second piston rod.
[0011] The handheld applicator comprises an applicator housing
having an elongated body portion, a stationary handle portion, and
a moveable trigger device. Located within the applicator housing is
an applicator cavity containing an engagement member and a movement
actuator. The engagement member and the movement actuator
functionally couple the motion of the moveable trigger device to
the dispensing action of the handheld applicator.
[0012] Also positioned within the applicator cavity is a return
stop and a dispensing stop. These stops regulate the amount of
force applied by the handheld applicator to the multi-syringe
applicator. It has been shown that multi-syringe applicators have
an optimal range of force that may be applied to the syringes to
achieve the desired dispensing effect. Normally, the application of
insufficient force by the handheld applicator results in the
components being dispensed in inadequate or uneven flowrates, or
the material being dispensed in a liquid stream. The application of
excessive force by the handheld applicator results in insufficient
component mixing, and may, in extreme cases, result in failure of
the multi-syringe applicator, or the handheld applicator, or both.
The present invention addresses and solves this problem by
utilizing a return stop and a dispensing stop. The return stop
limits the stroke length of the moveable trigger device by
providing a physical stop which contacts the moveable trigger
device and limits the obtainable sweep length of the moveable
trigger device with regard to the stationary handle. The dispensing
stop limits the amount the engagement device will advance during
each operational cycle. The return stop and dispensing stop
effectively regulate the mechanical advantage the handheld
applicator may apply to the multi-syringe applicator during one
operational cycle.
[0013] The distal portion of the handheld applicator may be capable
of receiving a plurality of dispensing tips. For example, in one
embodiment the distal portion of the handheld applicator may
dispose a detachable spray tip, which mixes and atomizes the
various components just prior to application. The present invention
may dispense the material in a plurality of manners, including,
without limitation, liquid stream form and spray form.
[0014] In an additional embodiment of the present invention, a
force dampener is positioned at the interface between the handheld
applicator and the multi-syringe applicator. The force dampener
prevents damage to the multi-syringe applicator and provides an
additional force limiting function.
[0015] Other objects and further features of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description when
read in conjunction with the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 is an elevated view of the multi-syringe applicator
and hand held applicator of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 2 is an elevated sectional view of the multi-syringe of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an elevated view of the handheld applicator of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is an elevated exploded view of the handheld
applicator of the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 4a is a side sectional view of the handheld applicator
of the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4b is a side elevated view of the bottom of the
engagement member of the present invention;
[0022] FIG. 4c is a side elevated view of the bottom of the
movement actuator of the present invention
[0023] FIG. 5 is a side elevated view of the moveable trigger
device of the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 6 is a side elevated view of the force dampener
attached to the pushing member of the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 6a is a side elevated view of the force dampener of the
present invention; and
[0026] FIG. 7 is a side elevated view of a spray dispensing tip of
the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0027] Disclosed herein is a detailed description of various
illustrated embodiments of the present invention. This description
is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the
purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention.
The section titles and overall organization of the present detailed
description are for the purpose of convenience only and are not
intended to limit the present invention.
[0028] The applicator device of the present invention is used to
facilitate the application of medically useful multiple component
fluids. More particularly, the present invention enables the
operator to easily apply material from commercially available
component dispensers with an increased degree of controllability.
In addition to increasing control, the present invention greatly
enhances operator comfort. As those skilled in the art will
appreciate, the present invention is simple and inexpensive to
manufacture and utilizes existing handheld multiple-syringe
applicators, such as, for example, the Duploject.TM. Applicator
manufactured by the Baxter Corporation. It is anticipated as being
within the scope of the present invention to produce a handheld
applicator capable of functionally coupling with a plurality of
multi-syringe applicators in a plurality of sizes.
[0029] FIG. 1 shows an apparatus 10 for controllably dispensing and
applying a medically useful multiple component material. The
apparatus 10 includes a multi-syringe applicator 12 and a handheld
applicator 14. As those skilled in the art of ergonomics will
appreciate, the relative size and physical characteristics of the
handheld applicator 14 enhance user comfort when compared with a
multi-syringe applicator 12. Attached to the distal portion of the
multi-syringe applicator is a spray dispensing tip 23. The
apparatus 10 may be operated without the spray dispensing tip 23,
and may be coupled to a plurality of alternative dispensing
devices, including multi-lumen catheters.
[0030] As seen in FIG. 2, the multi-syringe applicator 12 disposes
at least a first syringe device 16 and a second syringe device 18
coupled by a syringe coupler 20. It should be understood the
multi-syringe applicator 12 of the present invention may dispose a
plurality of syringe devices, and the present embodiment should not
be construed as limiting.
[0031] The first syringe device 16 comprises a first syringe
container 22 storing a first component 24 and a first syringe
piston 26, positionable within the first syringe container 22. The
first syringe device 16 has a first syringe dispensing tip 28
connected to the first syringe container 22 extending beyond the
syringe coupler 20, which may be coupled to a spray dispensing tip
(not shown) and a proximal portion disposing a first syringe pusher
30, which is attached to the first piston rod 32.
[0032] Likewise, second syringe device 18 comprises a second
syringe container 34 storing a second component 36 and a second
syringe piston 38, positionable within the second syringe container
34. The second syringe device 18 has a second syringe dispensing
tip 40 connected to the second syringe container 34 extending
beyond the syringe coupler 20, and a proximal portion disposing a
second syringe pusher 42, which is attached to the second piston
rod 44.
[0033] As shown in FIG. 2, the syringe coupler 20 disposes at least
two stationary stabilizers 46 and 48. FIG. 2 shows an actuation
sleeve 50 attached to first syringe pusher 30 and second syringe
pusher 42. Although not required for the operation of the present
invention, the actuation sleeve 50 enhances the even disbursement
of components 24 and 36 from the multi-syringe applicator 12.
[0034] To dispense the components 24 and 36, the at least two
stationary stabilizers 46 and 48 are secured while equal pressure,
directed from the proximal portion to the distal portion, is
applied to the first syringe pusher 30 and second syringe pusher
42, resulting in first syringe piston 26 and second syringe piston
38 simultaneously progressing into first syringe container 22 and
second syringe container 34, respectively. Thereafter, equal
quantities of first component 24 and second component 36 are
forcibly dispensed from the first syringe dispensing tip 28 and the
second syringe dispensing tip 40.
[0035] FIG. 3 shows the handheld applicator 14 for applying a
medically useful multiple component material of the present
invention. The applicator 14 comprises an applicator housing 52
having an elongated body 54 with a stationary handle 56 and a
movable trigger handle 58.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 3, the elongated body 54 has a longitudinal
axis 60, a distal portion 62, a medial portion disposing a
stabilizer receiver 64, and a proximal portion which disposes a
pushing interface 66 engageable with the first syringe pusher 30
and second syringe pusher 42, or the actuation sleeve 50, and
further defines an interface cavity 68 for receiving the
multi-syringe applicator 12 described above. The integral
stationary handle 56 has a grip portion 70 thereby forming a
pistol-type grip. The movable trigger device 58 is pivotally
connected by trigger pin (not shown) to the applicator housing 52
adjacent to the grip portion 70 of the stationary handle 56.
[0037] FIGS. 4 and 4a show the internal components of the handheld
applicator 14, which includes an applicator housing 52, an
elongated body 54, a stationary handle 56, and a movable trigger
device 58.
[0038] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 4a the applicator housing may be
formed of separable halves, for example applicator housing first
half 52a and applicator housing second half 52b. These halves, when
assembled, define an applicator cavity 74, which houses the drive
assembly 76, return stop 78, dispensing stop 80, assembly ports
82a-82e, and trigger receiving port 84. The drive assembly 76
advances within advancement tracks 86a and 86b formed within
applicator housing halves 52a and 52b. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 4b,
the drive assembly 76 comprises a engagement member 88, attached to
the pushing interface 66, having an exterior first surface
comprising a exterior tray 90 and an internal second surface
comprising an drive track 92. The drive track 92 features a series
of drive teeth 94 disposed within the applicator cavity 74. The
degree of dispensing control may be enhanced by increasing the
frequency of teeth disposed on drive track 92.
[0039] Referring to FIGS. 4 and 4c, disposed proximate the drive
track 92 is a movement actuator 96 having a first surface disposing
movement teeth 98, which engage the drive teeth 94 disposed on the
engagement member 88, and a second surface disposing a biasing
device receiver 100, which securely receives a biasing member 102,
and an attachment interface 104, which pivotally attaches the
movement actuator 96 to the moveable trigger device 58 with an
attachment pin 106. FIGS. 4 and 4c illustrate the first surface and
second surface of the movement actuator 96. As seen in FIG. 4, a
proximal portion of the movement actuator 96 extends beyond the
proximal portion of the elongated body 54, and may be operated by
the user.
[0040] FIG. 5 shows the moveable trigger device 58 of the present
invention. The moveable trigger device 58 features a contoured
gripping surface 108 a trigger mounting port 110, and a biasing
member mount 112 and an actuator mount 114 disposed on the
interface surface 116. The moveable trigger device 58 provides an
actuatable member for dispensing the components while providing a
tactile response of component deposition to the operator. It is
within the scope of the present invention to provide alternative
deposition response mechanisms including, without limitation,
audible alerts and visual alerts.
[0041] The contoured gripping surface 108 permits the operator to
easily grasp and actuate the device. The trigger mounting port 110
receives a trigger pivot pin 72 and pivotally attaches the moveable
trigger device 58 to trigger mounts 118a and 118b located on the
applicator housing 52a and 52b. It should be noted that the
pivoting motion of the moveable trigger device 58 disclosed herein
should not be construed as limiting. The moveable trigger device 58
may be adapted to utilize a sliding motion or a similar motion.
[0042] Disposed on the interface surface 116 is the biasing member
mount 112, to retain and position a biasing member 102. The biasing
member 102 may include, for example, a coiled spring or leaf
spring. When the device is assembled, the biasing member 102
forcibly biases the movement teeth 98 on the movement actuator 96
to engage the drive teeth 94 disposed on the engagement member
88.
[0043] In a relaxed state, the interface surface 116 contacts the
return stop 78 thereby limiting the mechanical force the handheld
applicator 14 can apply to the multi-syringe applicator 12. When
dispensing material, the interface surface 116 contacts the
dispensing stop 80 as the moveable trigger device 58 is moved
towards the stationary handle 56, thereby limiting dispensing
stroke length and the quantity of material dispensed during one
operation cycle.
[0044] As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the actuator mount 114, located on
interface surface 116, disposes a movement actuator mount 120 and a
trigger biasing member mount 122. The movement actuator mount 120
pivotally attaches the movement actuator 96 to the moveable trigger
device 58 with an actuator pin 106. The trigger biasing member
mount 122 is connected to a trigger biasing member 126 which is
attached to the biasing anchor 128 formed within the stationary
handle 56. The trigger biasing member forces the interface surface
116 to contact the return stop 78 in a relaxed state.
[0045] An additional embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 6a. A force dampener 130 is positioned
on the pushing interface 66 so as to contact the first syringe
pusher 30 and the second syringe pusher 42, or alternatively the
actuation sleeve 50. The force dampener 130 limits the amount of
kinetic energy exerted on the syringe pistons at any given instant,
storing the force moment as potential energy within the force
dampener 130. Furthermore, the force dampener 130 is particularly
useful in regulating the force initially applied to the
multi-syringe applicator 12 by the handheld applicator 14 during
operation. The force dampener 130 may be constructed of a plurality
of materials, for example, an elastomer, and may be affixed to the
pushing interface 66 in a variety of ways, including adhesively
affixed and mechanically affixed. Additionally, the force dampener
130 may be removed from the pushing interface 66 by the operator
should the need arise.
[0046] FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention
which includes the addition of a spray dispensing tip 132,
comprising a distal portion having a component mixing device 134
and a proximal portion disposing at least a first syringe receiver
136 and at least a second syringe receiver 138. A first component
channel 140, having a first channel outlet 142 terminating at the
component mixing device 134, is connected to the first syringe
receiver 136. Similarly, a second component channel 144, having a
second channel outlet 146 terminating at the component mixing
device 134, is connected to the second syringe receiver 138. The
component mixing device 134 accepts component material from the
first channel outlet 142 and second channel outlet 146
simultaneously, thereby mixing the components. The component mixing
device 134 atomizes the mixed material and dispenses the mixture in
droplet form. The spray dispensing tip 132 may couple directly to
the dispensing tips of first and second syringes, or alternatively
may attach to the handheld applicator 14 in a slidable relation,
slip-fit relation, or other mechanical fashion. Alternatively, a
plurality of dispensing devices could be attached to the apparatus
10 including, without limitation, cannulas and catheters.
[0047] In an additional embodiment of the present invention, an
advancement regulator (not shown) may be positioned within the at
least one of the advancement tracks 86a or 86b, or both. The
advancement regulator (not shown) may comprise a leaf spring
positioned along the longitudinal axis of the advancement track 86a
or 86b, or both, and assists in providing smooth advancement of the
engagement member 88 within the tracks.
[0048] The present invention also discloses a method of using a
handheld multi-syringe applicator to apply a multiple component
fluid. To operate the apparatus 10 a multi-syringe applicator 12 is
positioned within the interface cavity 68 such that the first
syringe pusher 30 and second syringe pusher 42, or alternatively
actuation sleeve 50, contact the pushing interface 66, and
stabilizers 46 and 48 contact the stabilizer receiver 64.
[0049] The handheld applicator 14 is held by the operator such that
the operator's fingers contact the contoured gripping surface 108
of the moveable trigger device 58 and the palm portion of the
operator's hand contacts the grip portion of the stationary handle
56. Thereafter, the apparatus 10 is positioned proximate the area
of interest.
[0050] Once positioned, the operator squeezes the moveable trigger
device 58. The movement of the moveable trigger device 58 towards
the stationary handle 56 results in the actuator mount 114 and
movement actuator 96 to raise. This movement results in movement
teeth 98 located on the movement actuator 96 to interface with the
drive teeth 94 disposed on the drive track 92 located on the
engagement member 88, thereby forcibly advancing the engagement
member 88 along the longitudinal axis 60 of the elongated body 54.
As the engagement member 88 is advanced, the longitudinal distance
between the pushing interface 66 and the stabilizer receiver 64 is
decreased, resulting in compressive force being applied to the
multi-syringe applicator 12. Thereafter, the first component 24 and
second component 36 are controllably dispensed from their
respective containers.
[0051] As pressure is continually applied to the moveable trigger
device 58, the interface surface 116 is raised to contact the
dispensing stop 80. One full operational cycle comprises actuation
of the moveable trigger device 58 such that contact between the
interface surface 116 and the return stop 78 terminates and contact
between the interface surface 116 and the dispensing stop 80
occurs. As those skilled in the art will appreciate the present
invention permits the operator to controllably dispense varying
amounts of material by ceasing the application of pressure to the
moveable trigger device 58 prior to the interface surface 116
contacting the dispensing stop 80. With pressure no longer applied
to the moveable trigger device 58, the trigger biasing member 122
forcibly returns the moveable trigger device 58 to a relaxed
position, wherein the interface surface 116 contacts the return
stop 78.
[0052] When the desired amount of material has been dispensed the
operator may cease applying longitudinal pressure to the
multi-syringe applicator 12 by the handheld applicator 14. To
release this pressure the operator may forcibly move the exposed
proximal portion of the movement actuator 96 towards the engagement
member 88, thereby disengaging the movement teeth 98 from the drive
teeth 92 located on the engagement member 88. The engagement member
88 may then be moved towards the proximal portion of the elongated
body 54. Thereafter, the multi-syringe applicator 12 may be removed
from the handheld applicator 14.
[0053] The present invention also discloses a method of eliminating
or reducing the occurrence component failure when applying a
multiple component fluid using a multi-syringe applicator 12 and a
handheld applicator 14. Typically, multi-syringe applicators 12 are
commonly single-use disposable devices constructed of inexpensive
plastics and polymers. The application of force to the-first piston
rod 32 and second piston rod 44 of the multi-syringe applicator 12
will result in the application of the fluid components, while
application of excessive force to the first piston rod 32 and the
second piston rod 44 could result in component failure. When used
alone, failure of a multi-syringe applicator 12 rarely occurs as
the quantum of mechanical advantage obtainable is limited by the
operator's physiology, in that force a human hand can apply is
within the operational parameters of the multi-syringe applicator
12. The use of a handheld applicator 14 increases the obtainable
mechanical advantage, thereby enabling the application of excessive
force to the multi-syringe applicator 12. Therefore, the
possibility of component failure is greatly increased.
[0054] The applicant has identified and addressed this problem in
the present invention with a method of dispensing a medically
useful fluid from a multi-syringe applicator 12 with a handheld
applicator 14 with a reduced likelihood of component failure. The
method includes coupling a multi-syringe applicator 12 to handheld
applicator 14 as provided above. The operator may then apply force
to the dispensing actuator, for example the moveable trigger device
58, to apply the medically useful material. As a result, force is
applied to the multi-syringe applicator less than, equal to, or
greater than the force applied dispensing actuator, thereby
defining a mechanical advantage. The present invention discloses a
mechanical advantage limiting device, for example a return stop 78
and a dispensing stop 80, to regulate the mechanical advantage
obtained. It should be noted the present disclosure is not
limiting, and alternative mechanical advantage limiting devices are
contemplated, including audible alerts, visual alerts, piston
advancement regulators, and various force dampening devices.
Additionally, the use of a force dampener 130 may be used to limit
the mechanical advantage.
[0055] In closing it is understood that the embodiments of the
invention disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of
the invention. Other modifications may be employed which are within
the scope of the invention; thus, by way of example but not of
limitation, alternative moveable trigger devices, alternative
dispensing tips including cannulas and catheters, and alternative
multi-syringe applicator device. Accordingly, the present invention
is not limited to that precisely as shown and described in the
present invention.
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