Dispensing head for a tissue sealant applicator and process of use

A dispensing head for a handheld applicator for dispensing a multicomponent sealant from the applicator, the applicator comprising an applicator body, the dispensing head comprising:

• a) respective multiple fluid passageways connectable, one to each, with sources of multiple fluid sealant components in the applicator, to receive pressurized flows of fluid sealant components;
• b) at least one sealant dispensing cannula to dispense the sealant components;
• c) a flexible manifold capable of coveying the sealant components from the sources to the at least one dispensing cannula, the manifold formed of a resilient material and having:
• i) multiple inlet ports sealingly engageable one with each fluid source to receive a respective sealant component;
• and
• ii) at least one outlet port sealingly engageable downstream of the inlet ports to supply the sealant components to the at least one dispensing cannula;
• and
• d) a connector plate to connect the dispensing head to the applicator body, the connector plate being matingly engageable with cooperative structure on the applicator body and having at least one opening through which the dispensing head fluid passageways can communicate with the applicator fluid sources, wherein the mixing head is releasably attachable to the applicator body and wherein the connector plate carries a resiliently biased latch to releasably lock the mixing head to the applicator body.

A dispensing head for a handheld applicator for dispensing a multicomponent sealant from the applicator, the applicator comprising an applicator body, the dispensing head comprising:

• a) respective multiple fluid passageways connectable, one to each, with sources of multiple fluid sealant components in the applicator, to receive pressurized flows of fluid sealant components;
• b) a single dispensing cannula to dispense the sealant components;
• c) a flexible manifold capable of coveying the sealant components from the sources to the at least one dispensing cannula, the manifold formed of a resilient material and having:
• i) multiple inlet ports sealingly engageable one with each fluid source to receive a respective sealant component;
• and
• ii) a single outlet port sealingly engageable downstream of the inlet ports to supply the sealant components to the at least one dispensing cannula;
• and
• d) a connector plate to connect the dispensing head to the applicator body, the connector plate being matingly engageable with cooperative structure on the applicator body and having at least one opening through which the dispensing head fluid passageways communicate with the applicator fluid sources, wherein the mixing head is releasably attachable to the applicator body;
• wherein the manifold comprises a mixing volume for mixing the multiple sealant components and wherein the mixing volume can receive fluid sealant components from the fluid passageways through the inlet ports and discharge mixed sealant through the outlet port, and further comprising a manifold support member supported by the connector plate, the manifold support member embracing the manifold and supporting the mixing volume and the dispensing cannula, wherein the mixing volume is provided with a closable opening to permit clearing of the mixing volume, and wherein the dispensing head comprises a suction clearing pathway extending through the connector plate and the manifold support member to the closable opening in the mixing volume to apply suction to the mixing volume to clear the mixing volume.

A dispensing head for a handheld applicator, comprising:

• a) multiple fluid passageways each connectable with multiple sources of fluid sealant components in the applicator;
• b) at least one sealant dispensing cannula to dispense the sealant components from the applicator;
• and
• c) a flexible manifold defining a resilient mixing chamber and having:
• i) multiple inlet ports each sealingly engageable with a source to receive a respective sealant component;
• ii) at least one outlet port sealingly engageable with the inlet ports to supply the sealant components to the at least one dispensing cannula;
• and
• d) a suction conduit in communication with the mixing chamber and a suction source and configured to apply suction to the mixing chamber for clearing.