U.S. patent application number 16/151546 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-31 for spray applicator.
The applicant listed for this patent is Confluent Surgical, Inc.. Invention is credited to Jason Fortier, Les Hull.
Application Number | 20190029660 16/151546 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41401553 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-31 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20190029660 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hull; Les ; et al. |
January 31, 2019 |
SPRAY APPLICATOR
Abstract
A spray assembly for dispensing a mixture is provided. The spray
assembly includes a connector configured for operable engagement
with a first and second source of component and a source of
pressurized fluid, and a tip operably connected to the connector.
The tip includes an opening and defines a mixing chamber between
the connector and the opening of the tip, and an insert member
configured to be received in the mixing chamber. The insert member
includes a plurality of radially extending slots on at least one
end of the insert. The plurality of radially extending slots is
configured to mix the first and second components prior to the
mixture exiting the opening in the tip.
Inventors: |
Hull; Les; (Attleboro,
MA) ; Fortier; Jason; (Concord, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Confluent Surgical, Inc. |
Plainsboro |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
41401553 |
Appl. No.: |
16/151546 |
Filed: |
October 4, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15622489 |
Jun 14, 2017 |
10092280 |
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16151546 |
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15374250 |
Dec 9, 2016 |
9700290 |
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15622489 |
|
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|
14809693 |
Jul 27, 2015 |
9517478 |
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15374250 |
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14143605 |
Dec 30, 2013 |
9101946 |
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14809693 |
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13493207 |
Jun 11, 2012 |
8616468 |
|
|
14143605 |
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12555435 |
Sep 8, 2009 |
8210453 |
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13493207 |
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61096345 |
Sep 12, 2008 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61M 25/0069 20130101;
A61B 2017/00292 20130101; B05B 7/0483 20130101; B05B 7/0408
20130101; A61B 17/00491 20130101; A61M 2025/004 20130101; A61M
25/003 20130101; B01F 5/0603 20130101; A61M 2025/0034 20130101;
A61B 2017/00522 20130101; B01F 2005/002 20130101; A61M 2025/0073
20130101; A61B 2017/00495 20130101; A61M 25/0082 20130101; B05B
1/3436 20130101; B05B 15/652 20180201; B05B 7/10 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A61B 17/00 20060101
A61B017/00; B01F 5/06 20060101 B01F005/06; B05B 7/10 20060101
B05B007/10; B05B 1/34 20060101 B05B001/34; A61M 25/00 20060101
A61M025/00; A61M 35/00 20060101 A61M035/00; B05B 7/04 20060101
B05B007/04; B05B 15/652 20180101 B05B015/652 |
Claims
1-7. (canceled)
8. A spray applicator comprising: a body defining a first lumen
configured for fluid communication with a first source of
component, a second lumen configured for fluid communication with a
second source of component, and a third lumen configured for fluid
communication with a source of pressurized air; a tip assembly
operably connected to the body, the tip assembly defining an
opening and a mixing chamber between a distal end of the body and
the opening of the tip assembly; and an insert member received in
the mixing chamber, a distal end of the insert member defining a
recess and at least one radially extending slot, the recess and the
at least one radially extending slot configured to mix first and
second components prior to a combination of the first and second
components exiting the opening in the tip assembly.
9. The spray assembly of claim 8, further including first and
second sources of component.
10. The spray assembly of claim 9, wherein the first source of
component includes a first component and the second source of
component includes a second component.
11. The spray assembly of claim 8, wherein the distal end of the
insert member defines a pair of slots.
12. The spray assembly of claim 8, wherein a proximal end of the
insert member defines at least one slot.
13. The spray assembly of claim 12, wherein the proximal end of the
insert defines a recess.
14. The spray assembly of claim 12, wherein the proximal end of the
insert member defines two slots.
15. The spray assembly of claim 8, further including a manifold
extending from and operably connected to the body.
16. A method of applying a mixture, the method comprising:
dispensing a first component from a first source of component into
a mixing cavity, the mixing cavity including an insert disposed
therein, the insert including first and second slots; dispensing a
second component from a second source of component into the mixing
cavity; dispensing pressurized air into the mixing cavity
simultaneously with the dispensing of the first and second
components into the mixing cavity to facilitate mixing of the first
and second components to create a mixture; and directing the
mixture on a target area.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 15/622,489 filed on Jun. 14, 2017 which is a divisional of U.S.
application Ser. No. 15/374,250 filed on Dec. 9, 2016, now U.S.
Pat. No. 9,700,290, which is a continuation of U.S. application
Ser. No. 14/809,693 filed on Jul. 27, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No.
9,517,478, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.
14/143,605 filed on Dec. 30, 2013, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,101,946,
which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/493,207
filed on Jun. 11, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,616,468, which is a
continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 12/555,435 filed on Sep.
8, 2009, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,210,453, which claims the benefit of
and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/096,345,
filed Sep. 12, 2008, the entire disclosure of each application is
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND
Technical Field
[0002] The present disclosure relates to spray applicators and
methods of mixing two or more components. More particularly, the
present disclosure relates to a spray assembly for mixing and
applying a bioadhesive.
Background of Related Art
[0003] Polymers and other synthetic materials are currently being
developed for use in internal and external wound closure.
"Bioadhesives" are known in the art, as are various methods for
applying the bioadhesive. Bioadhesives offer many significant
advantages over conventional wound closure methods, i.e., using
sutures, staples, clips or other suitable mechanical fasteners.
Bioadhesives are faster and simpler to apply and have a tendency to
promote quicker wound healing with less scarring.
[0004] Most bioadhesives are composed of components that have a
tendency to immediately activate and in some instances, rapidly
polymerize when combined with one another. Because of this
immediate activation and/or rapid polymerization of the
bioadhesive, the components comprising the bioadhesive may not be
combined until immediately prior to application.
[0005] The increased use of endoscopic surgery for even some of the
most complex procedures has presented a need for an applicator
configured to apply a bioadhesive through an endoscopic port.
SUMMARY
[0006] Provided is a spray assembly for dispensing a mixture. The
spray assembly includes a connector configured for operable
engagement with a first and a second source of component and a
source of pressurized fluid, a tip operably connected to the
connector, the tip including an opening and defining a mixing
chamber between the distal end of the elongated member and the
opening of the tip, and an insert member configured to be received
in the mixing chamber, the insert member including a plurality of
radially extending slots on at least one end of the insert, the
plurality of radially extending slots being configured to mix the
first and second components prior to the combination exiting the
opening in the tip. The spray assembly may further include an
elongated member extending between the connector and the tip, the
elongated member having at least a first lumen configured for fluid
communication with the first source of component, a second lumen
configured for fluid communication with the second source of
component, and a third lumen configured for fluid communication
with the source of pressurized fluid. The spray assembly may
further include a first and a second source of component. The
insert member of the spray assembly may include three slots.
[0007] An alternate embodiment of a spray assembly for dispensing a
mixture is also provided. The spray assembly includes a connector
configured for operable engagement with a first and a second source
of component and a source of pressurized fluid, and a tip operably
connected to the connector, the tip including an opening and
defining a mixing chamber between the distal end of the elongated
member and the opening of the tip, the distal end of the mixing
chamber including a plurality of radially extending slots formed
about the opening, the plurality of radially extending slots being
configured to mix the first and second components prior to the
combination exiting the opening in the tip. The spray assembly may
further include an elongated member extending between the connector
and the tip, the elongated member having at least a first lumen
configured for fluid communication with the first source of
component, a second lumen configured for fluid communication with
the second source of component, and a third lumen configured for
fluid communication with the source of pressurized fluid,
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and
constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of
the disclosure and, together with a general description of the
disclosure given above, and the detailed description of the
embodiment(s) given below, serve to explain the principles of the
disclosure, wherein:
[0009] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a spray assembly
according to the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is an enlarged perspective view of the insert and
applicator tip of the spray assembly of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a top view of the spray assembly of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a side view of the spray assembly of FIGS. 1 and
3;
[0013] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 5-5 of
FIG. 3;
[0014] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 6-6 of
FIG. 3;
[0015] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 7-7 of
FIG. 3;
[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 8-8 of
FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional end view taken along line 9-9 of
FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the distal end of
the spray assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3;
[0019] FIG. 11 is a distal end view of the spray assembly of FIGS.
1 and 3;
[0020] FIG. 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the
distal end of the applicator tip of FIG. 11;
[0021] FIGS. 13A-D are side view (FIG. 13A), distal end view (FIG.
13B), proximal end view (FIG. 13C), and cross-sectional top view
taken along line 13D-13D of FIG. 13A (FIG. 13D) of the insert of
FIG. 2;
[0022] FIG. 14 is an alternate embodiment of a spray assembly
according to the present disclosure;
[0023] FIG. 15 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the
distal end of an alternate embodiment of an applicator tip
according to the present disclosure; and
[0024] FIG. 16 is an enlarged cross-sectional end view of the
applicator tip of FIG. 14 taken along line 16-16 OF FIG. 15.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] As shown below in FIGS. 1 and 2, an embodiment of a spray
assembly, i.e., a laparoscopic spray assembly, in accordance with
the present disclosure is shown generally as spray assembly 10.
Spray assembly 10 includes a Y-connector 20, an elongated body
portion 30 extending distally from Y-connector 20, and an
applicator tip 70 mounted on a distal end of elongated body portion
30. Spray assembly 10 further includes an insert member 80 received
between a distal end of elongated body portion 30 and a distal end
of applicator tip 70.
[0026] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, Y-connector 20 defines a
substantially Y-shaped member 21 including first and second
proximal extensions 22, 24, an air supply port 26, and a collar 28.
Although shown in a substantially planar arrangement, first and
second proximal extensions 22, 24 and air supply port 26 may be
arranged in any manner. Each of first and second proximal
extensions 22, 24 includes a tab 22a, 24a, respectively, for
operable engagement with a bayonet coupling (not shown) found on
standard syringes. It is envisioned, however, that first and second
extensions 22, 24 may configured for coupling with any source of
fluid in any manner. First and second proximal extensions 22, 24
may further include component check valves 22b, 24b or other means
for selectively regulating the flow from first and second proximal
extensions 22, 24 and prevent backflow. First and second component
channels 23, 25 extend between first and second proximal extensions
22, 24 and collar 28. An air channel 27 extends between air supply
port 26 and collar 28. First and second component channels 23, 25
and/or air channel 27 may be configured to include anti-backflow
mechanisms. As will be discussed in further detail below, collar 28
maintains first and second component channels 23, 25 and air supply
port 26 in fluid communication with a first and second component
lumen 43, 45 and an air lumen 47 (FIG. 6), respectively, formed in
inner multi-lumen shaft 40 of elongated body portion 30.
[0027] With reference to FIGS. 5-9, elongated body portion 30 of
spray assembly 10 includes an inner multi-lumen shaft 40, an outer
sleeve 50 (FIG. 6) surrounding inner shaft 40 and a transition
member 60 extending distally from outer sleeve 50 about inner shaft
40. In one embodiment, outer sleeve 50 is rigid while inner
multi-lumen shaft 40 and transition member 60 are flexible. Inner
shaft 40 and outer sleeve 50 are securely affixed to Y-connector 20
and include a vent lumen 46 (FIG. 6) therebetween. Outer sleeve 50
includes a proximal vent or opening 52a (FIG. 3) and a plurality of
distal vents or openings 52b (FIG. 4). Proximal and distal vents
52a, 52b may be of any number, size, configuration and arrangement.
Distal vents 52b are in fluid communication with proximal vent 52a
via vent lumen 46.
[0028] As discussed above, proximal end 40a of inner shaft 40
engages Y-connector 20 such that first and second component lumen
43, 45 and air lumen 47 align with first and second component
channels 23, 25 and air lumen 27 (FIG. 5), respectively. In one
embodiment, collar 28 of Y-connector 20 is molded directly around
the proximal end of elongated body portion 30. Alternatively,
elongated body portion 30 may be selectively engagable with collar
28 such that elongated body portion 30 and collar 28 may be
separated and one of the two replaced. In yet another embodiment,
elongated body portion 30 may be securely affixed to collar 28
using adhesive, sonic welding or other suitable method. Inner shaft
40 may further includes a wire or other formable material 48
configured to maintain elongated body portion 30 distal of outer
sleeve 50 in a desired straight, bent or flexed condition. A
proximal end of transition member 60 is received within vent lumen
46 between outer sleeve 50 and inner shaft 40.
[0029] Transition member 60 extends from outer sleeve 50 about
inner shaft 40 and may be of any length. Transition member 60 may
include a flexible material, thereby permitting inner shaft 40 to
be bent and formed. In an alternate embodiment, transition member
60 may be integrally formed with inner shaft 40. In this manner,
the portion of inner shaft extending beyond the distal end of outer
sleeve 50 would have a larger diameter than the portion of inner
shaft 40 within outer sleeve 50. A distal end 60b of transition
member 60 may include a groove, threading or other configuration to
selectively receive a applicator tip 70.
[0030] Turning now to FIGS. 8-12, applicator tip 70 is a tubular
member having an open proximal end 70a and a substantially closed
distal end 70b. Applicator tip 70 defines an engagement portion 72,
a mixing chamber 74 and an outlet 76. Engagement portion 72 is
configured to selectively engage distal end 60b of transition
member 60. Engagement portion 72 may include grooves, tabs or other
configurations corresponding to tabs, grooves and other
configurations formed on the distal end of transition member 60.
Engagement portion 72 may otherwise be configured to more securely
engage the distal end of transition member 60.
[0031] Mixing chamber 74 is an annular cavity in fluid
communication with first and second component lumen 43, 45 and air
lumen 47 (FIG. 5) of inner shaft 40. Mixing chamber 74 includes a
proximal end 74a and outlet 76 on a distal end 74b. Mixing chamber
74 is sized to receive insert 80 immediately adjacent to or flush
against distal end 74b. Outlet 76 is formed in distal end 70b of
applicator tip 70. Outlet 76 is configured to atomize the combined
first and second components. With reference to FIG. 12, in one
embodiment, outlet 76, described distally from mixing chamber 74,
includes a first annular portion 76a, a first tapered portion 76b,
a second annular portion 76c, a second tapered portion 76d and a
recessed portion 76e. Alternative configurations for atomizing a
solution are known and have been envisioned for use with spray
assembly 10.
[0032] Turning now to FIGS. 13A-13D, insert 80 is defined by a
substantially annular body 81 having proximal and distal ends 80a,
80b. Proximal and distal ends 80a, 80b are substantial mirror
images of one another. Proximal and distal ends 80a, 80b each
define substantially annular recesses 81a, 81b, respectively. In
one embodiment, each of proximal and distal ends 80a, 80b further
includes a set of slots 82a, 82b. Slots 82a, 82b are included in
both proximal and distal ends 80a, 80b in order to simplify the
assembly process of spray assembly 10. It is envisioned, however,
that only one end of insert 80 may include slots 82. Slots 82a, 82b
are equally spaced about respective proximal and distal ends 80a,
80b. Although shown including three slots 82a, 82b, an insert 80
including two or more slots has been envisioned. Each of slots 82a,
82b defines an opening angling outwardly between a line tangent to
recesses 81a, 81b, respectively, and a degrees counter-clockwise
from the tangent line. In one embodiment, a is equal to twenty
degrees (20.degree.). Slots 82a formed on proximal end 80a are
radial offset from slots 82b formed on distal end 80b. Insert 80
includes three spacers 84 equally spaced about and extending
longitudinally along annular body 81. As will be discussed in
further detail below, spacers 84 align and maintain insert 80
within mixing chamber 74. It is envisioned that insert 80 may
include more or less than three spacers 84.
[0033] With reference back to FIG. 10, applicator tip 70 of
applicator assembly 10 is shown in an assembled condition. Insert
80 is received immediately adjacent to, or flush against, the
distal end of mixing chamber 74 of applicator tip 70. Spacers 84
formed on annular body 81 maintain insert 80 radially centered
within distal end 74b of mixing chamber 74. Distal end 60b of
transition member 60 is received within engagement portion 72 of
applicator tip 70. Mixing chamber 74 is sized such that distal end
60b of transition member 60 and distal end 40b of inner shaft 40
abut insert 80.
[0034] In operation, first and second sources of component (not
shown) are connected with first and second proximal extensions 22,
24, respectively, formed in Y-connector 20. The first and second
components are ejected into first and second component channels 23,
25, respectively, and travel through first and second component
lumen 43, 45, respectively formed in inner shaft 40. Air or other
gaseous fluid is provided to spray assembly 10 through air supply
port 26. In one embodiment, the gas supplied through air supply
port 26 is a combination of oxygen (O.sub.2) and carbon dioxide
(CO.sub.2); however, the use of other gases, alone or in
combination, is envisioned. The air flows into air channel 27 and
through air lumen 47 formed in inner shaft 47. The first and second
components and the air provided through Y-connector 20 exit first
and second lumen 43, 45 and air lumen 47, respectively, at distal
end 40b (FIG. 3) of inner shaft 40.
[0035] The first and second components and the air exiting inner
shaft 40 encounter proximal end 80a of insert 80. The components
and air initially meet as the components and air are forced around
insert 80 through the space created by spacers 84 between mixing
chamber 74 and annular body 81. When the component/gas combination
reaches distal end 80b of insert 80, the combination is further
mixed by the turbulent or swirling motion created by slots 82b as
the mixture enters recess 81b. The swirling fluid is then ejected
from applicator tip 70 through outlet 76 in the form of a cone
spray. In the event that distal end 80b of insert 80 is not flush
against the distal end of chamber 74, the mixture would not swirl
through slots 82b thereby resulting in a jet-like spray through
outlet 76. Insert 80 is forced against and maintained flush with
the distal end of mixing chamber 74 because of the contact between
spacers 84 on annular body 81 and mixing chamber 74. The force of
the components and air against insert 80 also maintains insert 80
flush against the distal end of applicator tip 70.
[0036] With reference to FIG. 14, in an alternate embodiment of
applicator tip 70, mixing chamber 74 is sized such that insert 80
is longitudinally spaced from distal end 30b of elongated body
member 30, thereby forming a cavity for the initial mixing of first
and second components prior to encountering insert 80. In one
embodiment, applicator tip 70 includes a lip or ridge 72a, to
prevent engagement of elongated body portion 30 with insert 80. The
first and second components and gas are first combined within
proximal end 74a of mixing chamber 74 as the first and second
components exit distal end 40b of inner shaft 40. The combined
first and second components form a mixture that next encounters
proximal end 80a of insert 80. The mixture is forced around insert
80 through the space created by spacers 84 between mixing chamber
74 and annular body 81. When the mixture reaches distal end 80b of
insert 80, the mixture is further mixed and swirled by slots 82b as
the mixture enters recess 81b. The swirling fluid is then ejected
from applicator tip 70 through outlet 76 in the form of a cone
spray. As discussed above, in the event that distal end 80b of
insert 80 is not flush against distal end 74b of chamber 74, the
mixture would not swirl through slots 82b thereby resulting in a
jet-like spray. Insert 80 is maintained flush against distal end of
mixing chamber 74 by the force of the first and second component
and gas flowing against proximal end 80a thereof. Insert 80 is also
forced against and maintained flush with distal end of mixing
chamber 74 because of contact between spacers 84 on annular body 81
and mixing chamber 74.
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 15 and 16, distal end 74b of mixing
chamber 74 of applicator tip 70 may alternately be configured to
include radially extending slots 82c formed about opening 76. Slots
82c are similar in form and function to slots 82a, 82b formed in
proximal and distal ends 80a, 80b, respectively of insert 80. As
with slots 82a, 82b described hereinabove, slots 82c may be of any
number size, configuration or orientation. In a spray assembly
utilizing mixing chamber 74 having slots 82c, insert 80a replaces
insert 80. Insert 80a is configured to be retained within mixing
chamber 74 in a manner similar to insert 80, however, insert 80a
does not include slots 82a, 82b. Applicator tip 70, may
alternatively be configured to direct the first and second
components into slots 82c without insert 80a.
[0038] Although the illustrative embodiments of the present
disclosure have been described herein with reference to the
accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the disclosure
is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other
changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in
the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the
disclosure. For example, it is envisioned that the spray assembly
of the present disclosure may be configured to mix and dispense a
mixture including more than two components. It is further
envisioned that the spray assembly may be configured for connection
with more than one gas supply source.
* * * * *