Methods and apparatus for mixing and dispensing multi-part compositions
AssigneeUltradent Products, Inc.
InventorDan E. Fischer
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are provided for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions. The preferred embodiment utilizes a syringe barrel as a mixing chamber and for dispensing of the mixed components. A mixer element, preferable including a paddle member and finger grip means for rotating the paddle member, is provided for insertion into the syringe barrel to effect the desired mixing. A scraper element is used to scrape mixed components from the mixer element so as to retain the mixed components within the syringe barrel upon removal of the paddle member after mixing is completed. Mixing is preferably performed with the multiple components placed in side-by-side orientation within the syringe barrel rather than one on top of another.
Claims27
A system for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions, said system comprising:
- a syringe barrel for receiving multiple components to be mixed;
- piston means for advancing the multi-component composition contained within the barrel, the piston means comprising a piston having a venting means for venting air contained within the syringe barrel through the piston so as to remove such air before the multi-component composition is dispensed, and a plunger selectively attachable to said piston such that when attached, said piston is sealed so as to prevent venting, and when the plunger is detached from said piston, the venting means of the piston is operable to permit venting of the air, said plunger and piston means being slidably disposed within said syringe barrel;
- and
- mixing means for mixing said components within the syringe barrel.
A system for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions, said system comprising:
- a syringe barrel for receiving multiple components to be mixed;
- piston means for advancing the multi-component composition contained within the barrel, the piston means comprising a piston having a venting means for venting air contained within the syringe barrel before the multi-component composition is dispensed, and a plunger means for selective attachment to said piston so as to either advance the piston within the syringe barrel without venting, or so as to advance the piston against the multi-component composition while air between the piston and the multi-component composition is vented through the venting means of the piston, said plunger and piston means being slidably disposed within said syringe barrel;
- and
- mixing means for mixing said components within the syringe barrel, said mixing means including:
- an elongate paddle member for insertion into said syringe barrel;
- said paddle member being provided with means for effecting turbulence in order to assist in mixing components within the syringe barrel;
- and
- means for rotating said paddle member within the syringe barrel so as to effect mixing of components contained therein.
A system for mixing and dispensing multi-component compositions, said system comprising:
- a syringe barrel for receiving multiple components to be mixed;
- a piston that is receivable within the syringe barrel, the piston having formed therein a vent hole longitudinally extending completely through the piston;
- an elongated plunger having a distal tip selectively attachable to said piston so as to selectively advance the piston when it is not attached to the plunger so that air within the syringe barrel between the piston and the multi-component composition passes through the vent hole, and so that when the distal tip of the plunger is selectively received within the vent hole advancement of the piston in the syringe barrel occurs without the multi-compound composition in the syringe barrel passing through the vent hole;
- mixing means for mixing said components within the syringe barrel, said mixing means including
- an elongate paddle member for insertion into said syringe barrel,
- said paddle member being provided with means for effecting turbulence in order to assist in mixing components within the syringe barrel, and
- means for rotating said paddle member within the syringe barrel so as to effect mixing of components contained therein;
- and
- a scraper element for removing said components from the surface of the paddle member so as to retain the components within the syringe barrel upon removal of the paddle member after mixing is completed, said scraper element having a plug member for placement into the end of the syringe barrel and a slot for receiving the paddle member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.