U.S. patent application number 10/529619 was filed with the patent office on 2006-03-23 for pre-dosed applicator and applicator system including dispensing of multi-part dental materials.
This patent application is currently assigned to CENTRIX INC.. Invention is credited to William B. Dragan.
Application Number | 20060063128 10/529619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 32092363 |
Filed Date | 2006-03-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060063128 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Dragan; William B. |
March 23, 2006 |
Pre-dosed applicator and applicator system including dispensing of
multi-part dental materials
Abstract
An applicator (10) for applying a material such as a chemical or
a medicament. A material to be applied is placed on an absorbent
portion (18) of the applicator (10), such as a flocked end, sponge
or foam, brush, or other equivalent absorbent substance. After
drying, the material is in an inactive stable state on the
applicator. When desired, the inactive stable material is activated
by water or other solvent. In another embodiment, a package (38)
containing an applicator end (46) having a pre-doses dry inactive
stable material is combined with a second activating material (48)
so that a two-part or multi-component material may be easily
dispensed and activated. The package containing the first and
second component may be a tray, a capsule, or a tip end syringe. In
another embodiment first and second applicators (510A, 510B) each
having one dry component are re-activated and applied in sequence
to create a reaction and desired material at the site of treatment.
The pre-doses single use applicator may be used to apply a variety
of materials, such as chemicals or medicaments, to the surface or
site desired without complicated and messy mixing or
cross-contamination.
Inventors: |
Dragan; William B.; (EASTON,
CT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
PAUL A. FATTIBENE;FATTIBENE & FATTIBENE
2480 POST ROAD
SOUTHPORT
CT
06890
US
|
Assignee: |
CENTRIX INC.
770 RIVER ROAD
SHELTON
CT
06484
|
Family ID: |
32092363 |
Appl. No.: |
10/529619 |
Filed: |
October 2, 2003 |
PCT Filed: |
October 2, 2003 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US03/31358 |
371 Date: |
March 30, 2005 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10264921 |
Oct 4, 2002 |
6929475 |
|
|
10529619 |
Mar 30, 2005 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
433/89 ;
433/215 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61C 5/66 20170201; A61C
5/68 20170201; A61C 5/60 20170201; A61C 19/063 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
433/089 ;
433/215 |
International
Class: |
A61C 5/04 20060101
A61C005/04 |
Claims
1. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material comprising: an
applicator, said applicator pre-dosed with the material in a stable
state ready to be activated.
2. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1
wherein: the material is selected from the group consisting of
flavor substance, caries detection agent, astringent, abrasive,
antiseptic, antibiotics, and analgesic.
3. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1
wherein: said applicator comprises a pre-dosed flocked portion.
4. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1
wherein: said applicator comprises a pre-dosed foam portion
5. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1
wherein: said applicator comprises a pre-dosed bristle portion.
6. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 1
wherein: said applicator comprises a pre-dosed cotton portion.
7. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material comprising: an
elongated handle; a tapered end; an absorbent substance placed on
said tapered end; and a dry material formed on the absorbent
substance, whereby said dry material is capable of being
re-activated and applied.
8. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7
wherein: said absorbent substance is selected from the group
consisting of flock, foam, cotton, and bristles.
9. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7
wherein: said dry material is selected from the group consisting of
flavor substance, caries detection agent, astringent, abrasive,
antibiotic, analgesic, and antiseptic.
10. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7
wherein: said absorbent substance extends along said tapered end
approximately between 0.25 and 2.00 centimeters.
11. A pre-dosed applicator for applying a material as in claim 7
further comprising: a ball formed on said tapered end.
12. An device for detecting decay or caries in a tooth comprising:
an elongated handle; an absorbent substance placed on one end of
said handle; and a caries detection agent dried on said absorbent
substance, whereby the caries detection agent dried on said
absorbent substance is capable of being re-activated and applied to
a tooth.
13. A method of making an applicator comprising the steps of:
forming an absorbent substance on a handle; placing a wet material
on the absorbent substance on the handle; and drying the wet
material, wherein the wet material becomes a dry and inactive
material, whereby the applicator is capable of being easily handled
and stored before re-activation of the dry and inactive
material.
14. A method of making an applicator as in claim 13 wherein: the
absorbent substance comprises flock.
15. A method of applying a material with an applicator comprising
the steps of: re-activating a dry and inactive material on a
handle, wherein the dry and inactive material becomes a
re-activated material; and applying the re-activated material to a
surface.
16. A method of making an applicator as in claim 15 wherein: the
dry and inactive material comprises a caries detection agent.
17. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components comprising: an applicator portion pre-dosed
with a first dry inactive material; and a container, said container
containing a second activating material, whereby when the first
inactive material is combined with the second activating material a
desired material is formed.
18. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 17 wherein: said applicator
comprises a handle and an attached absorbent substance; and said
container comprises a tray having an applicator well and a material
well.
19. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 18 further comprising: a cover
placed on the tray covering the applicator well and the material
well.
20. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 17 wherein: said applicator
comprises a cannula having a bore leading to an absorbent
substance; and said container comprises a capsule attached to the
cannula.
21. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 20 wherein: the absorbent substance
is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and
cotton.
22. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 17 wherein: said applicator
comprises a tip having a bore leading to an absorbent substance;
and said container comprises a syringe attached to the tip.
23. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 22 wherein: the absorbent substance
is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and
cotton.
24. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components comprising: a tip having an open rear end; a
cannula having an applicator end attached to one end of said tip;
an absorbent substance placed on the applicator end of said
cannula; a first dry inactive material contained within said
absorbent substance; and a syringe containing a second activating
material adapted to receive the open rear end of said tip, whereby
when the first dry inactive material is combined with the second
activating material a desired material is formed.
25. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components as in claim 24 wherein: said absorbent material
is selected from the group consisting of flock, foam, bristles, and
cotton.
26. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components comprising: a capsule having an open rear end;
a piston placed within the open rear end; a cannula having an
applicator end attached to one end of said capsule; an absorbent
substance placed on the applicator end of said cannula; a first dry
inactive material contained within said absorbent substance; and a
second activating material placed within said capsule, whereby when
the first dry inactive material is combined with the second
activating material upon advancing said piston a desired material
is formed.
27. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator comprising: an
elongated handle; a tapered end formed on one end of said elongated
handle having a distal end; a ball placed on the distal end of said
tapered end; a neck formed between said elongated handle and said
tapered end; and flock attached to said tapered end, whereby said
tapered end is capable of being inserted between and around a tooth
cleaning the tooth and stimulating gingival or gums.
28. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 27
wherein: said flock extends along said tapered end from the distal
end to said neck.
29. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 27
wherein: said flock extends between one and two centimeters along
said tapered end.
30. A dental tooth cleaner and gingival stimulator as in claim 27
further comprising: dry material placed on said flock selected from
the group consisting of flavor substance, astringent, abrasive,
antibiotic, analgesic, and antiseptic.
31. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components that react when combined comprising: a
plurality of applicators, each of said plurality of applicators
having an applicator portion and a single dry inactive component of
the multiple components that react when reactivated and
combined.
32. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components that react when combined comprising: a first
applicator having a first applicator portion pre-dosed with a first
dry inactive material; and a second applicator having a second
applicator portion pre-dosed with a second dry inactive material,
whereby when the first dry inactive material is re-activated and
the second dry inactive material is re-activated and combined, a
reaction occurs.
33. A pre-dosed application system for dispensing material with
multiple components that react when combined as in claim 32
wherein: the first dry inactive material and the second dry
inactive material when re-activated and combined form a dental
desensitizer.
34. A pre-dosed dental desensitizing system comprising: a sealed
package having a first chamber and a second chamber; a first
applicator having a first applicator portion pre-dosed with a first
dry inactive material placed within the first chamber of said
sealed package; and a second applicator having a second applicator
portion pre-dosed with a second dry inactive material placed within
the second chamber of said sealed package, wherein the first dry
inactive material and the second dry inactive material when
re-activated and combined form a dental desensitizer.
35. A method of applying a material having multiple components that
require the components to be combined to create a reaction
comprising the steps of: saturating a first applicator portion of a
first applicator with a first liquid comprising a first component
part of the material; saturating a second applicator portion of a
second applicator with a second liquid comprising a second
component part of the material; drying the first liquid held by the
first applicator portion of the first applicator forming an
inactive first component part of the material on the first
applicator portion; drying the second liquid held by the second
applicator portion of the second applicator forming an inactive
second component part of the material on the second applicator
portion; packaging the first and second applicators in a sealed
package; opening the sealed package; removing the first and second
applicators; re-activating the inactive first component part of the
material on the first applicator portion; re-activating the
inactive second component part of the material on the second
applicator portion; applying the re-activated first component part
of the material on the first applicator portion at a site intended
for treatment; and applying the re-activated second component part
of the material on the second applicator portion at the site
intended for treatment, whereby the re-activated first and second
component parts combine and react forming the material at the site
intended for treatment.
36. A method of applying a material having multiple components that
require the components to be combined to create a reaction as in
claim 35 wherein: the material is a dental desensitizer.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to the application
of a material with an applicator, and particularly to the
application of a chemical or medicament to a patient using a single
dose pre-dosed applicator.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Many materials such as chemicals and medicaments are applied
with an applicator. Typically, the material to be applied is
contained in bulk form, such as a bottle or jar into which the
applicator is dipped. The applicator is then moved to the area on
which the material is to be applied. In many medical and dental
applications, the use of such bulk containers of material is
disadvantageous in that cross contamination between patients can
result. Often, when more material is needed during a medical
procedure, the applicator is re-dipped in the bulk container.
[0003] Many of the materials to be applied are in liquid form and
may drip or spill when the applicator is dipped into a bulk
container. This is messy and may even result in a hazardous
condition should the materials spilled be hazardous. Additionally,
some materials may stain and be difficult to clean up.
[0004] Accordingly, there is a need for a simple, easy to use,
pre-dosed single use applicator in which the material can be
applied easily without the possibility of cross contamination.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The present invention relates to an applicator pre-dosed
with a material, such as a chemical or a medicament. The material
is placed on an absorbent portion of the applicator and permitted
to dry. The material is then in an inactive, stable state on the
applicator. The material on the applicator is re-activated upon
being exposed to water, saliva, liquids, or other activating
materials.
[0006] In another embodiment of the invention, a package is
provided containing an applicator with a stable, inactive first
material thereon and a separate reservoir of an activating second
material. The activating second material reacts with the stable,
inactive first material to produce a reaction or beneficial
result.
[0007] In another embodiment of the invention, a package is
provided containing multiple applicators each with a different
stable, inactive material thereon. Upon reactivating the different
stable, inactive materials the materials may be combined causing a
reaction by being applied in sequence in a procedure.
[0008] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a pre-dosed, single use applicator that is easy to use.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to prevent
cross contaminations between uses or patients.
[0010] It is an advantage of the present invention that the
applicator or container is in a stable, inactive state on an
applicator ready to be activated.
[0011] It is a feature of the present invention that material is
dried on an applicator.
[0012] These and other objects, advantages, and features will
become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed
description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an applicator having a
flocked end.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an applicator having a foam
end.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an applicator having an
elongated flocked end.
[0016] FIG. 3A is a partial perspective view of an applicator
having an elongated flocked end with a ball tip.
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates the application of a wedge shaped flocked
embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an applicator having a brush
end.
[0019] FIG. 6 is a perspective view illustrating a package
containing a first inactive material on an applicator and a
separate second activating material.
[0020] FIG. 7 is a cross section illustrating a capsule having a
first inactive material on an applicator and a separate reservoir
of an activating second material.
[0021] FIG. 8 is a cross section of another embodiment of a capsule
of the present invention having a foam applicator end.
[0022] FIG. 9 is a cross section of another embodiment of a capsule
of the present invention having a brush applicator end.
[0023] FIG. 10 schematically illustrates another embodiment of the
present invention utilizing an applicator tip and a syringe.
[0024] FIG. 10A schematically illustrates another embodiment of the
present invention utilizing an applicator tip and a syringe.
[0025] FIGS. 11A-D schematically illustrates the preparation of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0026] FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating the method steps of
the present invention.
[0027] FIGS. 13 and 14 schematically illustrate the preparation of
another embodiment of the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention having a multi-chamber package.
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates reactivating a multi-component
embodiment of the present invention.
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates application of a multi-component
embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a pre-dosed applicator 10 having a handle
12 and a hinge or neck 14. Adjacent hinge or neck 14 is a tapered
end 16 terminating in a flocked applicator end 18. The flocked
applicator end 18 contains a multitude or plurality of flocks,
hairs, or small bristles adhered to the tapered end 16. The tapered
end 16 may have a ball at the end. The flocked applicator end 18 is
pre-dosed with a material by dipping or otherwise coating the flock
18 with a liquid material and permitting the liquid to dry to an
inactive state. After drying, the material is rendered stable and
inactive, ready to be re-activated. The inactive material may be
re-activated with a second activating material or upon exposure to
a solvent or moisture at the site to be applied.
[0032] For example, in dentistry, an indicating liquid is often
used to detect caries or decay in teeth. The indicating liquid is a
dye which, when placed onto tooth decay and rinsed off, will stain
any areas that are diseased or decayed. The dye is often messy and
can permanently stain many unintended surfaces. The indicating
material may be dried onto the flock 18. The indicating material is
then re-activated by exposure to water or saliva, or other solvent.
Any material that may be dried and re-activated may be used on the
pre-dosed applicator.
[0033] FIG. 2 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention using a foam applicator end. The pre-dosed foam
applicator 110 has a handle 112 and a hinge or neck 114. Adjacent
the hinge or neck 114 is a tapered end 116. Attached to the tapered
end 116 is a foam applicator 118. The hinge 114 permits the tapered
end 116 to be bent or angled relative to the axis of the handle
112. This helps in the positioning of the foam applicator end 118.
The foam applicator end 118, as in the embodiment illustrated in
FIG. 1, is pre-dosed with a material that is dried and capable of
being re-activated. The foam applicator end 118 may also be made of
other absorbent materials such as cotton, fabric, or any other
equivalent absorbent material capable of holding a liquid material
that is dried and re-activated.
[0034] FIG. 3 is another embodiment of the present invention that
may be utilized as a dental wedge, toothpick, or gum or gingival
stimulator. The pre-dosed wedge applicator 210 comprises a handle
212 with a hinge or neck 214. Adjacent the hinge or neck 214 is a
tapered end 216. A flock 218 is adhered to a substantial portion of
the tapered end 216. The longitudinal extent of the flocked wedge
portion 218 is at least the width of a tooth or approximately 0.25
to 2.00 centimeters.
[0035] The flocked wedge portion 218 may be pre-dosed with an
astringent or hemostatic agent. The astringent or hemostatic agent,
after drying, becomes stable and inactive. The flocked portion 218
may also be pre-dosed with an abrasive, such as zirconium silicate.
In this embodiment the applicator 210 may be used as a substitute
for dental floss to clean between the teeth. The flocked wedge
portion 218 may also be impregnated with an abrasive material.
[0036] The flocked portion 218 may also be pre-dosed with an
antiseptic, antibiotic, or analgesic material. Of course, the
flocked portion 218 may be any absorbent substance capable of
absorbing or holding the dry material to be later re-activated. For
example, the absorbent substance may be flock, cotton, foam,
bristles, or any other substantially equivalent absorbent
substance.
[0037] FIG. 3A illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention having a ball end. The pre-dosed applicator 210A
comprises a handle 212A with a hinge or neck 214A. Adjacent the
hinge or neck 214A is a tapered end 216A. The tapered end in this
embodiment is rounded or an elongated cone. A flock 218A is adhered
to a substantial portion of the tapered end 216A. The longitudinal
extent of the flocked wedge portion 218A is at least the width of a
tooth, or approximately between one and two centimeters. A ball 219
is placed on the end of the tapered end 216A. The ball 219 prevents
injury to the gingival or gums. The flocked wedge may also be used
as a tooth cleaner, toothpick or gingival stimulator. When used as
a toothpick or gingival stimulator, the wedge shaped applicator may
be pre-dosed with flavors, disinfectants, antiseptics, antibiotics,
analgesics, or other similar equivalent materials. When used as a
toothpick or gingival stimulator the flocked wedge portion or
tapered end 216A is used to clean between the teeth without any
pre-dosed material. The flock 218A preferably extends from the
distal end at ball 219 to the neck 214A. The neck 214A facilitates
bending the tapered end 216A.
[0038] FIG. 4 illustrates the application of another embodiment of
a wedge applicator in use. The wedge applicator 210' comprises a
flocked wedge portion 218' placed on a wedge shaped portion 216'. A
handle 220 may be used to facilitate insertion and removal of the
wedge applicator 210'. The wedge applicator 210' is placed between
the teeth 24 and 26. Gingiva, tissue, or gum 22 is adjacent the
base of the teeth 24 and 26.
[0039] A pre-dosed wedge is beneficial in many dental procedures.
Wedges are typically used in dentistry. Wedges are used in class
two cavity preparation restorations. In a class two cavity,
adjacent sides of the back or posterior teeth are involved. Upon
the removal of decay, it is necessary to use a matrix band to
contain the stored material. The matrix band is a band of metal
surrounding the tooth. A wedge is used to hold the matrix band
against the bottom of the cavity preparation. This prevents excess
filling material from being forced behind the prepared cavity.
Improperly positioned matrix bands can result in a restoration that
is susceptible to periodontal infections or other problems. It is
often advantageous to keep the preparation dry during placement of
the restorative material. A flocked wedge pre-dosed with an
astringent or hemostatic agent, when in position, is reactivated
and aids in keeping the gum lines clear and the prepared cavity
preparation dry. The natural absorbency of the flocked material
will aid in keeping the preparation dry. Additionally, the flocked
wedge or tapered end may be used without any pre-dosed material or
astringent or hemostatic agent.
[0040] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of a pre-dosed brush
applicator 310. This embodiment comprises a handle 312, a hinge or
a crimp 314 placed adjacent an end portion having a brush 318
formed therein. The brush 318 may be pre-dosed with an inactive
stable material. The material may then be re-activated for use or
to apply the re-activated material.
[0041] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention illustrating a package having an inactive first material
and an activating second material. A pre-dosed applicator 10 having
a handle 12 is placed within a tray 28. The tray 28 has an
applicator well 32 and a material well 36 formed therein. The tray
28 may be made of an suitable plastic material. The applicator 10
is held within the applicator well 32 of tray 28 and has an
applicator end 18 that is pre-dosed with a first inactive stable
material. The applicator end 18 may be a brush as illustrated, or a
flock, sponge, or other equivalent material. The activating
material well 30 contains an activating second material 36. A cover
34 may be used to seal the top surface of tray 28 protecting the
pre-dosed applicator 10 and the second activating material 36.
[0042] In use, the pre-dosed applicator 10, which is pre-dosed with
an inactive stable material on the applicator end 18, is removed
from the tray 28 and dipped into the activating second material 36.
The activating second material 36 works in cooperation with the
first initially inactive stable material on the applicator end 18
of the pre-dosed applicator 10 so as to when activated and combined
result in forming an activated material with the desired
properties. The activating second material 36 may be a solvent such
as alcohol, acetone or any another chemical agent that has a
reaction with the first initially stable inactive material on the
applicator end 118 of the pre-dosed applicator 10. Accordingly,
many two-part component materials may be conveniently packaged and
used in a single dose applicator.
[0043] FIGS. 7-9 are cross-sections of capsule embodiments of the
present invention. FIG. 7 is a cross section of a capsule
embodiment of the present invention. Capsule 38 comprises a body 40
having a discharge end 42. Placed in the discharge end 42 is a
cannula 44. Cannula 44 is preferably made of a malleable medal. A
flocked applicator end 46 is placed on the distal end of the
cannula 44. The flocked applicator end 46 is pre-dosed with a first
stable inactive material. A second activating material 48 is placed
within the body 40 of capsule 38. A piston 50 seals the rearward
open end of the body 40. A flange 52 is placed adjacent the open
end of body 40 so as to attach to a dispenser, not illustrated. In
this embodiment, upon advancing piston 50, the second activating
material 48 is dispensed through cannula 44 and through the flocked
applicator end 46, combining with the inactive stable material on
the flocked applicator end 46. Accordingly, two component or
two-part materials may be dispensed easily without any
pre-mixing.
[0044] FIG. 8 is a cross section of another embodiment of a capsule
138. Capsule 138 has a body 140 with a discharge end 142. Placed
within discharge end 142 is a cannula 144. Attached to cannula 144
is a foam applicator 146. The open end of the body 140 is sealed
with a piston 150. Adjacent the open end of body 140 is a flange
152. A second activating material 148 is placed within the body
140. The co-action of the first material contained within the foam
applicator end 146 and the second material 148 contained within the
body 140 results in the two material being combined and activated,
having a desired therapeutic effect.
[0045] FIG. 9 is yet another embodiment of a capsule of the present
invention. Capsule 238 comprises a body 240 having a discharge end
242 with a cannula 244 placed therein. Within cannula 244 are
bristles 246, forming a bristle brush. The open end of the body 240
is sealed with a piston 250. The bristles 246 are pre-dosed with a
stable inactive first material. The body 240 contains a second
stable inactive material 248. Upon advancing the piston 250 towards
the discharge end 242, the second material 248 is forced through
cannula 244 and through bristles 246. The combining of the first
and second materials results in activation of the materials to
obtain a desired action.
[0046] There are many well-known two-part materials that when
combined or mixed form a desired reaction. Such materials may be
sealants, adhesives, hemostatic agents, whitening agents, and
numerous other equivalent two-part materials that when combined
form a material having desired properties.
[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, an empty tip 338 may be attached to
a syringe 354 by an attachment means 353. The mating or attachment
means 353 of the empty tip 338 and the syringe 354 may be
accomplished by any equivalent known attachment structure, such as
a Luhr lock conventionally used on syringes. The tip 338 may also
simply be press-fit onto the discharge end 352 of the syringe 354.
Threads or a bayonet type structure may also be used as means for
attaching the tip 338 to the syringe 354. Other equivalent
attachment means may be used to hold the tip 338 onto the syringe
354.
[0048] The tip 338 comprises a discharge end or nozzle 344 having a
flocked applicator end 346. The flocked applicator end 346 contains
a first stable inactive material. A bore 360 placed within the tip
338 communicates to the open discharge end of the syringe 354. The
syringe 354 has a syringe body 356 and a syringe plunger 358.
Contained within the syringe 354 is a second material 348.
[0049] In use, the second material 348 may be contained in bulk in
the syringe 354. The empty tip 338 may then be placed or attached
onto the syringe 354 with the second material 348 being dispensed
through the bore 360 within the tip 338. The second material
contacts the pre-dosed flocked applicator end 346 containing a
first material. This results in a co-action of the two materials to
activate the materials producing a desired result or reaction. In
this embodiment, multiple empty tips 338 may be combined with use
of a single bulk syringe 354. Therefore, the single bulk syringe
354 may contain a number of doses to be dispensed with a plurality
of empty tips 338 having a pre-dosed flocked applicator end
346.
[0050] FIG. 10A illustrates another embodiment of the present
invention. In this embodiment, an empty tip 338' may be attached to
a syringe 354' by an attachment means 353'. In this embodiment the
attachment means 353' is a press-fit. Other equivalent attachment
means may be used to hold the tip 338' onto the syringe 354'.
[0051] The tip 338' comprises a cannula discharge end 344' having a
flocked applicator end 346'. The cannula discharge end 344' may be
made of a soft ductile metal that may be easily bent into a
position. The flocked applicator end 346' contains a first stable
inactive material therein. A bore 360' placed within the tip 338'
communicates to the open discharge end of the syringe 354'. The
syringe 354' has a syringe body 356' and a syringe plunger 358'.
Contained within the syringe 354' is a second material 348'.
[0052] FIGS. 11A-D schematically illustrate the manufacturing
process for making an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11A
illustrates dipping an applicator 10' into a container 60 holding a
solution or suspension 62 containing a material intended to be
applied with the applicator 10'. The flocked end 18' of the
applicator 10' absorbs a portion of the solution or suspension
containing the material. FIG. 11B illustrates drying the dipped
flocked end 18'. A fan 64 may be used to dry the flocked end 18' of
applicator 10'. FIG. 11C illustrates the flocked end 18' of the
applicator 10' having dried material 62' from the solution or
suspension contained within the flocked end 18'. When desired the
material 62' in the flocked end 18' may be reactivated and applied.
The material 62' may be reactivated by dipping the flocked end 18'
into a solvent for the material 62' or may be reactivated in the
environment in which the applicator 10' is used. For example,
saliva in a patient's mouth may activate the material 62' to be
applied to a tooth. FIG. 11D illustrates applying the material on
the flocked end 18' of the dosed applicator 10' to a tooth 26'.
While FIGS. 11A-D illustrate the use of an applicator 10' having a
flocked end 18', any equivalent type of applicator may be used. For
example, a brush, sponge, or cotton swab type applicator may be
used.
[0053] FIG. 12 illustrates the method steps in an embodiment of the
present invention. Box 410 represents the step of applying a first
material to an applicator. Box 412 represents the method step of
drying the material on the applicator. Box 414 represents the
method step of activating the dried material. Box 416 represents
the step of applying the activated material.
[0054] Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated
in FIGS. 13-17. In this embodiment, multi-part materials requiring
sequential application may be easily applied. Any number of
multi-parts of a material may be used that react when combined. For
example, one, two, three or more parts may be combined. As an
example, this embodiment is particularly well suited for applying a
two-part dental desensitizer. In the two-part dental desensitizer
procedure a first component is applied to a tooth surface and
subsequently a second component is applied to a tooth surface, the
two components are combined reacting with the tooth providing an
effective desensitizer. Such a two-part or two step dental
desensitizer for treating tooth hypersensitivity is disclosed in
U.S. Pat. No. 5,874,066 entitled "Method and Kit for Treating Tooth
Hypersensitivity" issuing to Hack et al on Feb. 23, 1999, which is
herein incorporated by reference.
[0055] FIG. 13 illustrates a first container 560A and a second
container 560B. The first container 560A contains a first solution
or suspension 562A. The second container 560B contains a second
solution or suspension 562B. A first applicator 510A having an
applicator end 518A is dipped into the first solution or suspension
562A. The applicator end portion 518A may be made of any absorbent
material such as a brush, flock, sponge, or fiber. A second
applicator 510B having an applicator end 518B is dipped into the
second solution or suspension 562B. The applicator end 518B may be
made of any absorbent material similar to that of the first
applicator end portion 518A. The applicator end portions 518A and
518B are thoroughly soaked within their respective solutions or
suspensions 562A and 562B.
[0056] FIG. 14 illustrates the first and second applicators 510A
and 510B with their associated applicator ends 518A and 518B being
dried with a fan 564. The applicator end portions 518A and 518B may
be dried by any means such as by being air dried, freeze dried, or
dried with elevated temperature or heat. The active material in the
first and second solution or suspensions 562A and 562B after drying
remain in a solid or crystalline form on the first and second
applicator ends 518A and 518B. The applicators, being pre-dosed
with a dried material, can easily be packaged, preventing the
possibility of any leakage of liquid, as well as providing a longer
shelf life because the dried chemical materials are inactive or
dormant.
[0057] FIG. 15 illustrates a multi-chambered package 528. The
multi-chamber package may be made of any convenient material such
as paper, foil, plastic, or any other suitable material for
containing the materials intended to be held therein. The
multi-chamber package 528 comprises a first chamber 530A and a
second chamber 530B formed from two sheets of material that are
sealed along the perimeter with a divider seal 532. The divider
seal 532 separates the two chambers 530A and 530B. A portion of the
multi-chambered package 528 may be readily separable or opened so
as to provide access to the initially sealed first and second
chambers 530A and 530B. Flaps 534 and 535 may be separated to gain
access to each of the first and second chambers 530A and 530B of
the multi-chambered package 528. The applicator 510A may be
initially sealed within the first chamber 530A and the second
applicator 510B may be initially sealed within the second chamber
530B.
[0058] The multi-chambered package 528 may be made relatively
inexpensively, relative to other packaging required to hold
liquids. Accordingly, multi-chambered package 528 does not
necessarily require the strength and integrity of sealing, as would
be required for a package containing a liquid material.
[0059] The applicator end portions 518A and 518B of the respective
applicators 510A and 510B contain a dried or dehydrated first and
second material respectively. The applicators 510A and 510B are
initially sealed within the multi-chambered package 528 by closing
over flaps 534 and 535. Prior to use and reactivation of the dried
first and second material on the first and second applicator end
portions 518A and 518B, the multi-chambered package 528 is opened
by separating the flaps 534 and 535. The applicators 510A and 510B
can then be removed.
[0060] FIG. 16 illustrates reactivating or re-hydrating the dried
material on the applicator end portion 518A and 518B. A container
560 contains a liquid 562. The liquid 562 may be any solvent, which
will reactivate the dried material on the applicator end portion
518B. For example, the liquid 562 may be warm water. The use of
warm water is advantageous because it will result in less thermal
shock to tissues and be more comfortable for a patient.
Additionally, the warm water or other solvent assists in the
reconstitution or reactivation of the dried material. Just prior to
use, the applicator end portion 518B is dipped into the liquid 562,
activating or re-hydrating the first component of the multi-part or
component material for application.
[0061] FIG. 17 illustrates the application of the multi-part
components in a dental procedure, such as in the treatment of
hypersensitivity of teeth. After being activated or hydrated, the
first component material on the applicator end portion 518A is
applied to the teeth 524 and 526 near where the teeth 524 and 526
meet the gingival or gum 522. The material may also be used in
other portions of the teeth 524 and 526. After application of the
first component part, a second component part is applied with
applicator 510B. The applicator end portion 518B contains a
reactivated or re-hydrated second component part, which is supplied
in the same vicinity as the first component part of material so as
to react therewith. As a result, multiple different parts of a
material may be easily applied in a multi-component material in a
dental procedure to provide effective treatment.
[0062] While any multi-component material may be used with the
present invention, this embodiment of the present invention is
particularly applicable to multi-part dental desensitizers that,
when the two parts are combined, form crystals that are effective
in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity. This embodiment of the
present invention solves the problem of packaging a unit or single
does of material used in a dental or medical procedure. It is often
difficult to securely contain and easily dispense small quantities
of liquid material as is required in unit or single dose quantities
of material. Additionally, small quantities of liquid material may
deteriorate and become ineffective over a relatively short period
of time. This greatly reduces the shelf life of liquid materials
contained in small quantities.
[0063] Accordingly, although the preferred embodiments have been
illustrated and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in
the art that various modifications may be made without departing
from the spirit and scope of this invention.
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