AU2015333703A1 - Metered dosing method and mechanisms thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

Enhanced metering systems for managing dosing aliquots feature cartridge housings for exchangeable cartridge with plugs for housing functional substances, extruding conduit tips with fluid flow conduits driven by advancing members for driving amounts of metered functional substance throughout the tips. Manual, pneumatic electrical and/or electronic means for advancing, combined with one way valves, viewing slots, multiple metering and dispensing ports enable two cartridge to be metered at once, as shown by graduated scales.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION pO01] The present invention relates to handheld dispensing apparatus and more specifically to a configuration for metered dispensing of a functlGnal suhstance,

Bl&ramUND OF THE .'INVENTION

[00021 Petered dispensing methods are commonly: used to dispense products whereby accurate delivery of a specific amount of substance is required, such as In pharmaceutical applications for dosage of a therapeutic substance, teetered dosages can be required for topical, subilhgual, .oral or inhalahle therapeutic reasons and could further be useful in administration of specific functional formulations for non-pharmaceutical uses, such as cosmetic, food, flavor or additive csss. fCIQSSj Simple to use, diverse and efficient tools for dispensing metered formulations are not readily available. Simple approaches like tincture droppers.,, gradated syringes or general approaches like a pinch, a grain of nee, ora match head to describe the quantity are not sufficient for a large number of efficient and effective uses. 100041 The present disclosure provides methods, apparatus and mechanisms for dispensing of substances lo an accurate manner. Additionally tte use of simple devices to aid In calculation of individualized dosages Is disclosed,

80 WARY OFTHEiHVEWnOU fOMSI The present Invention relates to handheld metered dispensing apparatus for quantitative extrusion of one or more functional substances. Furthermore, the present Invention is intended for providing a user a relatively simple and accurate means for basing a fumaionat substanoe. a funcaooai substance disclosed herein is Intended pftfWlly to. be a composition for exposure to a semen, animal or plant hv consumption or topical application; furthermore, the substance is intended to provide a function in context of biological activity er alleged biological activity- Furthermom, the present Invention provides a means for exchanging a functional substance by means of an exchangeably retained cartridge for re-use of a device of the present invention for a plurality of functional substances.

IFTIOM OF DRAWINGS FIG. 1 .Is a perspective view ©f a device assembly In -accordanct with the present invention [0007]· FIG. 2 Is an exploded view of a device assembly of FIG. 1.

[3808] FIG. 3: Is a transverse press sectional view \ of an embodiment of FIG.. 1,. |8Ct3§! FIG. 4 is a transverse plan view of one embodiment of the present Invention Utilizing a mechanical rotating element advancing member.

[0310! FIG. S is ah exploded view of the embodiment ot FIG.. 4.

[0011] FIG. S is a transverse cross sectional view II of the embodiment of FIG. 4, [3812| FIG. 7 is a detail cross sectional view 33 ©f FIG. $ rotated 80 degrees from the plane of view to Illustrate further detail and Illustrate an Interaction between a rotating elemeni and an advanceable screw.

[8013] FIG, 8 is a, top view of. the mechanism housing of the embodiment of FIG. 4 iustra^ng depressed lobes in a© annular housing feature. p814| FIG. 3 is a proximal perspective view of a multhlobed pin of the embodiment of FIG. 4..

[0Q1&1 FIG. 10 is a transverse plan view of an embodiment of the present invention employing an advanbeable stop mechanism. fttdfSJ FIG.. 11 Is a perspective plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 including cartridge viewing slot. fCM?17] FIG. 12 Is a transverse cross sectional view 111 of FIG. 10.

[3818| FIG. 13 !a a detail cross sectional view §4 of FIG, 12. f00131 FIG. 14 Is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FiGV 10 (38231 FIQ. 15 Is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present Invention employing so eteesneaify powered advancing member. (08211 FIG. 16 fe a perspective plan view of an embodiment depicted In FIG. 15 including a cartridge viewing slot In the device housing. (0822] FIG. 17 is a transverse cross sectional view of the embodiment depleted In FIG. IB.

[08281 FIG. 18 Is a detail cross sectional view 75 of FIG, 17. 133241 FIG-18 Is sc exploded: view of an embodiment depicted In FIG. 15 |08g$| fks. 20 te perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present invention employing a pneumatic advancing member, (CMIgff Fie. 21 Is a transverse cross sectional view V of FIG,20, [88271 FIG. 22 la a detail cross sectional view 122 of FIG. 21, [0O2S3 pie, 23 Is m exploded view of the embodiment depleted in FIG, 20., 101)221 fig, 24 Is distal perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present invention housing multiple cartridges in one carriage housing.

[1Κϊ3δ| FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted In FIG, 24.

[0831] FIG, 26 Is a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of an SSPCRE.

[08321 FiG. 27 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an SSPCRE including a unidirectional valve. {08331 FIG, 28 Is a transverse cress sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an SSPCRE Including s distal facing needle conduit. fOC!34] FIG. 29 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an MSPCRE including a unidirectional valve, mm FIG, 30 Is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an MSFC RE Including a distal facing needle conduit; [0038] FIG, 31 Is a transverse cross sectional view of one embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge. POST] FIG, 32 is a transverse cross 'sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an: exchangeable cartridge. fSM}38J FIG, 82"Is a transverse emss sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.

[CH5391 FIG, 33 is a, transverse cross eoet-ona! view of an .allernatlve embodiment Of an exchangeable cartridge, [8543] FIG, 34 Is a transverse cress sectional view d an aftcrnstlve embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.

[0041] FIG-.. 36 Is a transverse cross sectional; view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge. P9421 Ff<3.36 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable·cartridge illustrating a variant end film type.

PiMSJ FIG, 37 is &amp; transverse stw sedfenal view of an alternative embodiment# an v exchangeable cartridge casing having a hey slot. PCI44J FIG, 38 Is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein two devices: of the present Invention a?» fixed together Into a single device, |0b4S| FIG. 39 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of FIG, 10, Illustrating the functional action of the present invention. |0Cf4i| FIG. 40 is a detail transverse cross secXfenai view of an embodiment of the present invention Including a heating band associated wih the cartridge housing. |0CH?| FIG. 41 Is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of m exchangeable cartridge casing having a tapered proximal end providing an extrusion conduit |0§48| FIG, 42 Is a transverse cross sectional· view of m elternativo embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge having an integral conduit tip and cartridge retaining element, ptMSf FIG, 43 is a proximal end perspective view of a cartridge having a proximal end resistive cross-slit valve. P§88J FIG. 44 is an embodiment csf the tip of the present Invention, [iiS1| FIG, 4S is an embodiment of the % of the present Invention. BSTAILEO OESCFtfFTlOS Of THE ΙΜ¥Ε«Τβ [OOSI] illustrative embodiment® and exemplary applications will now he 'described with reference to the accompanying drawings to disclose the advantageous teaching® of the present Invention but In no way are meant is limit the scope of the present disclosure. j pO§S] In thtadfeciosurs, relational terms such as first and seoondj top and bottom, proximal and distal, upper and lower, and the Ilka may be used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or action without rmsessaefy requiring or Implying any apetua! such reladenship or ol der between such enffites or actions. In this disclosure, the use of tee term “distsf with relation to the anatomy of the present invention may be used to distinguish the and of the disclosed assembly tbal la at the faringst and tom tee extruding conduit, while the “pnoximaf end refers to the farthest end of the extruding eonduit. However, the relative positions and onentatjdiis of components or features of a handheld metered extrusion device are described and depleted for illustrative purposes and are not required unless expressly stated, furthermore, accessory items or other elements may he distal to the extnision conduit In seme embodiments. |0OS4] lo this disclosure, the term functional substance* shall he understood to represent a chemical species, exposition, or mixture thereof, which is Intended to be a viscous or free flowing liquid, hut may exist in solidified or near solid states when in storage under physical conditions that would alter the physical state of the composition. The functional component may be comprised of any single chemical secies or combination of chemical species having desirable properties and being suitable for extrusion out of the device and suitable for use in the present invention. Furthermore, the functional substance need not be liquid, but may for example be crystalline or otherwise solid without department from the scope of the invention. The functional substance; may comprise a consumable andfor pharmaceutical composition. |0di$| Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention a cartridge may be comprised of a functional substance reservoir section, which may also be surrounded partially or wholly by a protection or otherwise functlonai casing. In such an embodiment, the reservoir and casing may be composed of different materials. PCM»#! In embodiments of the present Invention a cartridge may include a proximal end feature, which may serve to retain the cartridge to an extrusion tip section.. Such a -feature may include helical threads, flexible tabs,-magnetic features, or any other suitable mechanism for retaining the cartridge to an extrusion tip. Furthermore, a sealing cap or protective cover may be provided to prevent exposure of the proximal end conduit section to tie environment, [CKfeTjto particular, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for metered extrusion of a functional substance Is provided:. The apparatus may comprise a metered extrusion of a functional substance, is provided. The apparatus may comprise a metered advancing member, a housing for motiving and containing an exchangeable functional substance cartridge, an extrusion conduit, and a removably associated extrusion conduit cover. The assembly of components would be configured for extruding a particular volume of functional substance from the proximal end of the extrusion conduit. P0SSJ An exchangeable functional substance cartridge, which may sometimes be termed “cartridge* or “exchangeable cartridge* herein, suitable for use with embodiments of the present Invention may consist of at least a casing and a functional substance. Furthermore, the ends of the easing may he sealed completely, and wham preseat, the casing may Inefucte open ends that may be sealed for storage and shipment by removable adhered film and/or pundurafeie; septa, Additionally, in various embodiments, a cartridge may also Include a plug in one end, preferably at the distal end, which may serve as a pipngsr when actuated by a piston associated with S metering advancing member. In yet other smhddiman^ one ©r both open ends of the casing: may be sealed with a stopper, plug, or other suitable element that would act to seal the fluid in the cartridge end prevent the Influx of atmospheric gases that may cause adverse reactions with the functional suh^nc© or otherwise spoil the contents. fCtfttfSJ iff. additional embodiments of a cartridge,: a cartridge may Include a proximal section that may serve as the extrusion conduit. Preferably, ft® section proximal end would be of a reduced bop to provide a user ease of placement of the extruded substance at a pedicular location., In Such an embodiment, a cartridge may also feature seeling ends and caps suitable for providing proper seal and storage conditions white not in use. PDSOf In additional embodiment of a cartridge, a cartridge may include a section or element that may serve to removably retain the cartridge to a cartridge housing or advancing member to negate the need for any other cartridge retaining element !®0Si$ As an additional feature of the cartridge of the present invention, a cartridge may Include a fluid control valve, such as a unidirectional valve or a valve resistive: to: fluid flow at its proximal end. In embodiments including a unidirectional valve, the valve would serve to prevent reverse flow of fluids into the cartridge and to retain a functions! substance in the cartridge while not in use. In an ambodimentinduding a resistive valve, preferably the valve would only permit fluid flow when an appropriate pressure is applied. In such an embodiment, the resistive valve would permit a user to exchange a partridge whenever desired by preventing the freeflow of fluid out of the proximal end. Only when pressure is applied by an advancing member would the fluid be permitted to flow through the valve. The pressure required to “cradkf the: valve would he obvious to one skilled in the ait and would preferably be designed to accommodate ease of use and function of the present Invention. fldS.2! Furthermore, In embodiments of die present invention a cartridge may be manually insertahfe and removably retained in a housing, which in turn may be retained, supported, and/or partially or wholly enclosed by a cartridge retaining element feature or section.

Furthermore, a cartridge casing may be constructed from any suitable material, which may Include, but is in no way limited to, glass, stainless steel, plastic film, brass, aluminum. ceramic ©rcsramic composites, plastic, polymeric comports®, zmc, Bm coated rn@i«sss sttcfc as nickel plated brass. P0S4| Functional liquids that-may b© advan tageously contained in cartridges according to the Invention include, .without limitation:, esters, acetate esters·, alcohols, acids, lactones, carbonyls, amides, phenols, isopfsnes, terpones, thiols, saturated and unsaturated thlcsultlnataSs henilerpanes, rnsnoterpanas, sesquiterpenes, diforponss, sesterterpeoes, irlferpenes, sasqusrterpenes, ieirsterpenss, pclyjeipepes, nonsoptonoids, and derivatives thereof such as terpln hydrate, a derivative o> tyrpendna; natural flavor cqmpoyfxls such as those often found in fruits, including .but. not limited to: Gamma Deealactooe, Bamma Octaiaelona, Butyric Acid, 2Methyl Butyric Acid, Froprionie Acid, Isovaleric Add, isobutync Acid, Cinnamic Acid, Pnenethyi Alcohol, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl isobutyrate, Ethy!-2~y ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl leovslerate,

Methyl Clnnamate, Ethyl Proprionaie, Ethyl Hsxsnoate, Isoamylteovaisrata, Phenelhyi Acetate, (Zj'-S-haxanaf, bet&amp;Apmm, hexsnal, hsta-dsmascenona, 1 -penten-S-ans, 3-rnethylhutanal, (E)-2~hexanai, S-lsobutylthfezole, l-riitrophenylethana, vb)-2"heptena·, turanoties, 2s®-dlmefhyh4-liydmxy-3(aH}-furarione! methyl g-meihyifeutanoste, ethyl 2-methylpropanoate, methyl hexanoate, methyl butanoate, tranS'-Sl-nexenau ethyl-h-matiiylbutanoate, ethyl:butanogts, trans-2-haxenol, hexyl acetate, nexyl butanoaia, i-butanol, I'-hexanol, cis-3~h©x©nal, elMMtexeoi, ols-S-hoxenyi scefate, ethyi hsxauoate, propyl g-methylbutanoate, 2*methyl-1 *bt$£sno!, benzyl aioonoh i -0otan0i,2-phanylethanol, tJ-ocESlZi-enediof, 1,3-ostenedfol, 4-^nylguaraobi, eugenol, 2-msthylbutanolo acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetlc add, 3-hydroxy-bata-damasoone, 4 hydmxy~S~methexyphenyiaoefio add, 3-oxo-alpha-lonof, vomiroliol, 3-oxo-p-ionoi, dehydrovomffoliol, rossoside; and/or natural flavor compounds such as those found in vegetables, iooludsqg but not limited to: dlmei'hyi suiTide, ihiosuirlnates, disulfioes, posy-sulfides, 2~propih8"1 "Solfinothfeib add S«2#mpanyi: pstsr (aiein), methanesuifinothlolo acid S-2-pmpenyl ester, 2-prop0he-1-sulf!nothiolc acldS^S^i-’Propenyi ©star, 2-pmpehe-i-gulflnolhtoio add S-methyi ester, .Linolelc add, (E)-2-nonenofs (E)"2mpnenal, (ZyS-oonsnoh (ZfAhionensL 09 Carbonyls, (Z5Z)~3,6-rKmadtenals iE,Z)-2,6-nonadienals

Smieihylbutanoates, E-phenethy! asiar&amp; 2-phenetny? S-momymuianoate, {E}~g-hexenyi 3-metbyibotanoate, benzyls S-meihyfbutabosie, (Ebg'hexsnyf S-methylbutanoafa, benzyl 3«meihyibytanoaie5 methyl 3-msihyifeuiahoate, butyl S-msihylbutanoafe, 3-melbylbytanoate, butyl 34nothylbutanoa?0i B-nietnylhuTyi o metnyihuianoata, (£)-2-penteny! 3-meihyibytaoDafe* S-phanetbyi haxanoafa, sesquiterpene alcohol, cubenof, phtbaitdes, 3-bufyiphdhsildes, 3'~butuyb4*^b^ycliophaboe, css and iran.s lorrns ot3-buly!~3as4sS J-tetrabydropblbalkte, (ZHlOPStioe, ^ db,zjhh5s-und©eatrfena, sosoufotsrpene hydfooaiisans, aipha-cQps.nes &amp;lpb&amp;-muuroj8jr\es aipha-calsoor©h6i cadinenes, 2-a®iyb1-pyrr&amp;itn8s 2*etiyl-S^frtiQthylpyra2:ln©, acetaldehyde, 3-meihyihutsn&amp;i, 4-vinylguaiacot, S-aoslyMbiazole, 2--ae8tyi-2-thtazotine, bydro^btyb^ib^lbydrothlazofe, 2f5'Pirnetbyr4"bybroxy~3(gH)"ruranone, hydrogen sulfide, methsnethfoi, ethanetbtol, oois~1:5-3100-3-008, «ηοίοοί, (fc,B)-oeca-2,4-disnas, p-mentha-tAA-incmo, myrceno, 2-ssc~buiyh3-msrhoxypyrazm&amp;, myristicsn, ftBHseca-2,4-cienah (2)“bec-6-onaf5 Bsts-phaflandrena, (2)-h©x-3-*m&amp;f, fZJ-hex-S-enaJ* {2)-hax-3-anyl acetate, v&amp;nlllln, menthol, methyl salicylate, 3,7-gualadlena, belta-oadmene, caonablnolds, nicotine, caffeine, clilcollne, and -taurine, Tba current invention may also employ the vast array of oielanoldlns, a Class of Chemicals produced by Mallard reactions, wherein amino adds and reducing sugars are heated together to produce complex compositions of chemicals derived tH©re?ront> In addition, Afeioio’s, steroids, Indoles* diszeplnss, pharmaceutical formulations, therapeutic formulations, biologies, protein solutions, recombinant protein solutions, amino acid polymers, natural or recombinant/'synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid polymers, natural or recombinant/ synthetic ribonucleic '.polymers, .solutions of naturally derived or recombinant single or doubiS: stranded ΒΝΑ solutions. solutions of natural or recombinant plasmids, natural or recombinant/ synthetic eosmlds, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protista, algae, prions, or other microorganisms, parade®, organdies thereof, extracts from plants, ineludmg essenua; oils, and/ or other biological or biologically active components and materials may bo utilized.

CARTRIDGE HOUSING j fpltll The present Invention includes a cartridge housing for housing and/or retaining at. least one exchangeable cartridge. As a further aspect of the cartridge housing, til© housing may serve as anchor tor cartridges, cartridge, retaining elements, metered advancing members, or other features of the present invention that would interact with the exchangeable cartridge. In various embodiments, Ida housing may Integrally contain an entirety or portion of certain ©laments of the present Invention, such as an extrusion conduit of an advancing member, |SlfeSJ in one emfeodirnenf of a cartridge housing,: the cartridge housing includes a proximal opening for receiving an exchangeable cartridge and a e^starend tor Ihterfadng with or feeing Integral with a metered advancing member. Furthermore In such an embodiment, a removably: fixed partridge retaining element would exist at the proximal and to retain the cartridge in the housing. In a similar but alternative embodiment, .¾ cartridge having at least an Integra? extrusion conduu up and housing anchoring element may be removably retained by the housing at its proximal end, potSTj In an alternative embodiment of a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing may receive a cartridge worn its cists? end at a csfsiaf opening, rurts (cmio?©, irt suuh .<&amp;u embodiment the'cartridge would be retained by a removably fixed distal cartridge retaining element which may comprise a metered advancing member or an adaptor to a metered advancing member. In such so embodiment, the housing may include internal features at Its proximal end for retaining: the:: cartridge inside the housing, or may alternatively accept a removably fixed cartridge retaining olement at its proximal end, Th© proximal rafeiriing element may Interact with the cartridge to aid in. retaining it in the housing, or alternatively an extrusion: conduit may simply be removably or permanently fixed to the housings proximal end and would only serve as a fluid flow conduit Furthermore, in various embodiments and: assemblies of disclosed elements, the esriridqe housing may be constructed to accept a cartridge from, either Its proximal or distal end. poiil As a further aspect of the previously disclosed features of extrusion conduit tips, 8SPCRE, end IvfSPCRE, an extrusion tip or assembly in general may include a feature far exchangeable fixing e proximal end faabire of an exchangeable cartridge to the extrusion tip. in such an arrangement, the exchangeable cartridge could be fixed to the extrusion tip, resulting m a fp/carfddge complex which could then be Inserted and exchangeable fixed to the cartridge housing. Any suitable anchoring: mechanism could be employed, where for example, a threaded feature of the extrusion tip body or assembly body, PSitf In. an additional embodiment, a cartridge housing may be composed of a housing structure and a beating jacket or element to surround a cartridge or be in contact with a cartridge in such a way to deliver heat energy to toe functional substance retained In the exitoangeabie cartridge, fb@?S| In yet an additional embodiment, a cartridge housing may be composed of a housing structure or be associated with an element thereof that may be heated via an outside heat source, such m a microwave, which may infuse a notable abundance of heat energy into the ho using Itself or the element so as to extend the warmed State of a cartridge installed in it previously or thereafter. Furthermore, in an embodiment employing a specific element for retaining a large portion of heat, the material would preferably consist of a substance capable of retaining a slgnleant amount of heat. |90?11 As a further aspect of embodiments of cartridge housings, a cartridge housing may include a visible graduated scale on its exterior to communicate to the user a particular measurement in relation to the amount of functional substance extruded by the device. Furthermore, to aid in the visualisation of the contents of toe exchangeable cartridge, a housing may indude a viewing port In its side, such as a slot. Alternatively, the houstog may be constricted from a visibly clear material, such as polycarbonate plastic, that would permit the viewing of its contents. In such an embodiment, a graduated scale may also be Included and may fee printed on an interior or exterior surface. m?n As a further aspect of conduit tips Including valves, the valve may be arranged to be positioned at the-most proximal extent as possible, so that upon extrusion the valve may help retain excess fluid flow from the conduit and prevent extrusion of too much material. Furthermore, in such an arrangement, the valve may fee removeably retained by a protective cover that Is also removeably retained. An example of such an arrangement would be a protruding proximal conduit tube section, .which could retain a valve having a sleeve section that its over the end of the tube. Furthermore, the arrangement ixtuid' fee m ade to receive a removeabiy retained cap, having an axial through hole, that covers and prevents the valve from fee pushed off the end of the tube while still permitting Sow of the extrudate from the valve.

Such an assembly would advantageously permit .a user to Install a flow control valve drectiy at the point of extrusion so as to mlntmfee unwanted excess flow from the conduit tube after the extrusion event. |#fe?S| When an apparatus according to the present invention includes a cartridge that has Integrated into it m extrusion conduit tip, the cartridge may fee removably retained to a cartridge ho us ing by a retention element that serves only to loch the certridge Into the housing. The element may comprise an annular object that may be threaded or otherwise made to he able to anchor to a cartridge housing and claim or otherwise % a cartridge in place. In an additional embodiment, a cartridge having a housing retention element integrated Into the cartridge could similarly have an anchoring mechanism to retain the cartridge Into the housing but would not require any auxiliary parts to retain it to the housing.

PROXIMAL CARTRIDGE RETAINERS |00?4| When an apparatus according to the present invention Includes a proximal cartridge retaining element, the cartridge retaining element may comprise a single section or two or more separate sections immovably or Irremovably connected together, in any proximal cartridge retaining element embodiment, the element as a whole would serve to at least retain an exchangeable functional substance cartridge in or to a cartridge housing and in some embodiments may also provide a fluid flow conduit through the body from its axial and to end that may or may not be interposed by other functional elements, such as valves: or other features,

PROXIMAL CARTRIDGE RETAINING ELEMENT SINGLE SECTION p07S] When m apparatus according to the present Invention includes a single section proximal cartridge retaining demerit aitemarively tenned “SSPORE’ herein, the element would fee composed of at least a feature at Its distal end for connecting to a cartridge housing at the cartridge housing’s proximal end, a fold flow conduit tom its axial end to end, and may or rosy not Include various features or elements provided iodine with the fluid conduit. Furthermore a SSPGRE would contain a fluid flow conduit tom end to and made to be In fluid: communication with a functional substance retained In an exchangeable cartridge and a port or orifice at its proximal end for permitting the extrusion of functional substance out of the proximal end of the assembly thereof. Furthermore, the single seete proximal cartridge mtalnlng element may also ho use other elements such as unidirectional calves, heste elements, or other functional elements interposed between the SSPCRE and the ceriridge housing. Furthermore, the SSPCRE may also partially house an© end of the exchangeable partridge If the cartridge protrudes from the cartridge housing to same measurable extent. As an additional feature, the SSPCRE may have a tapered needle section around the fluid flow conduit at a distal position for puncturing a septum and/or film on the and of an exchangeable cartridge. Furthermore, the SSPCRE may contain a septum of septa for accepting a needle from an external device for refilling a housed exchangeable cartridge ©r for accepting fluid flow tom the present invention. As a further feature, the SSPCRE may contain a heating: element, such as a resistive, coil or any c^srsuftsbiofceating element As yet an additional feature, the structure of the SSPCRE may include geometrical features, such as slots, electrical contacts, or other features that may allow It to interface favorable with external devices or objects, As a whole, the SSPCRE would function to retain an exchangeable cartridge, provide a fluid flow* path for extrusion, provide a heat source, and may also provide other features for mating with external devices or present fluid reverse flow by way of imldiraetionai How control.

PROXIMAL CARTRIDGE RETAINING ELEMENT MULTIPLE SECTIONS £0©?S| When an apparatus according to the present Invention includes a cartridge retaining element comprised of multiple sections, alternatively termed “MSPCHE” herein, the element assembly would have at least at the.distal end of the assembly a feature, or section, or feature of a section for removably connecting to a cartridge housing's proximal and. Furthermore the element would Include a fluid ter conduit from end to end in fluid communicate with the functional substance retained in an ex^angeahfe cartridge and an open end of the fluid flow conduit -at the proximal end-of the assembly of sections that would permit the extrusion of the functional substance at a particular location exterior to the pnoximal end of the present invention:. IP??! in one embodiment of a MSRGRE ooiieis!ing of twe distinct seetes, the two sections would compose a first cartridge retaining section for connecting with a cartridge housing, retaining an exchangeable cartridge, and establishing fluid communicate wMh a functional substance. The second section proximal to the first would function as an extended extrusion condullllp having an open ended fluid flow conduit: through Its core. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, interposed between fee two sections or integrated with one or both of the sections would also be addiionai features, elements or seotione that may provide other desirable functions, such as unidlreotfonal How, a distinct houofhg sestion for a unldimcllonai vaiva, a septum, a flow restrictor, a heating element, an adaptor for rapidly exchanging extrusion conduit tips, or any other feature or element that: may enhance the function of the apparatus, Furthermore, the MSPCRE may be composed of multiple sections, which may collectively compose any portion or feature of previously disclosed embodiments or features of extrusion conduits tips or single section proximal cartridge retaining elements,

.ASMOS'PHERfC EXPOSURE REDUCTION |O0Ti| As- a further elaboration of the previously disclosed features of extrusion conduit tips, SSPCRE, and fdSPCRE, the elements may provide a system for reducing atmospheric gas exposure by'including a reduced diameter orifice, a ponderable septum, and/or Include a unidirectional valve that would permit flow of functional substance out of the exchangeable cartridge, while also preventing influx of atmospheric gases into the cartridge, in embodiments employing a punciurabie septum, the septuni would preferably consist of sn elastomeric and/or polymeric film or series thereof, which could be puncturied' by a conduit needle. Furthermore, preferably the septum materiel would consist of chemical resistant materials, which could also ha used id applications for food goods exposure. Exemplary materials are silicone, FIFE (Poiytatrafludroathylena), Vifen®, Nylon, PEEK {Poiyether stherketenaX and BoPET {Biaxiaify-oriented polyethylene·terephthalaie), but would not be limited to sued materials. In ail cases, one skied in the art would recognise appropriate materials, apportions, and uses thereof. pdf §1 Furthermore, Embodiments e! such elements employing a unidirectional valve may utilize any suitable valve, but for example could employ duckbill, umbrella, umbtelia/duck combinations, cross slit dome, or bell valves. Preferably'the valves would consist of chemically resistant, and food exposure suitable materials such as silicone, fioorosilioone, flyoroelasiomer, hatural rubber polylsoprene, butyl, ethane propylene, nitrile, or any other suitable material, but would not be limited to such materials. In all- cases, one skied in the art would recognize appropriate materials, applications, and uses thereof.

DISTAl CARTRIDGE RETAINING ELEMENTS pglbl' In accordance with the present invention, in certain embodiments, a cartridge housing may have an-opening at its distal end for receiving an exchangeable cartridge and a cartridge retaining element for retaining the cartridge In the housing, in such an embodiment, the cartridge retaining element may be a composition of a retaining element and a metered advancing member or simply a cartridge .retaining element that may be at the distal end of the assembly or interposed between the housing and the metered advancing, member.

PROXIMAL GAP

As an additional aspect of the present Invention, preferably the device would be provided with a removably retained proximal cover, alternatively termed “proximal: cap" herein. The proximal cap would be located proximal lathe extrusion conduit element and would serve to cover the exposed end of the extrusion conduit to further prevent atmospheric exposure, contain accidental leaks, prevent damage to the conduit, prevent possible injury that could arise from a stabbing with a reduced end of the extrusion conduit, or be provided for general storage and aesthetic purposes. In embodiments having multiple extrusion conduits, multiple proximal caps may be provided.

METERED ADVANCING MEMBERS p0b2J In accordance with the present Invention, a cartridge housing would include or have associated with it a metered advancing member. Such a mechanism would interact with an exchangeable functional substance cartridge at Its distal end by driving a piston or screw Into or otherwise actuating or compressing a functional substance out of the exchangeable cartridge at Its proximal end. Furthermore, the advancing member would preferably Include a metering capability that would allow a user to advance the actuation a desired quantity either by visual Indication, by tactile feedback, or by both simultaneously. Furthermore In various embodiments, a metering advancing member may Include visible graduation scales to Indicate to a user advancement distances and cartridge content volume. Additionally, the advancing piston, screw, or other suitable element may have a permanently associated plunger plug for driving the functional substance out of the exchangeable functional substance cartridge or otherwise may interact with a plug pre-installed In a cartridge to provide the same result. P§8S| A metered advancing member of the present invention would function to drive the flow of functional substance out of the exchangeable cartridge in a metered and controlled fashion. In ail embodiments of a metered advancing member, the advancing members would act on the distal end of an exchangeable cartridge, apply a pressure to a retained substance with a plunger, and force functional substance out of its proximal end. Alternatively,, when a cartridge is employed that has a casing made of a flexible substance of film, an advancing member may progressively squeeze die casing to force extrusion out of the cartridge, such as with s plate or with rollers·..

Jp3S4| In accordance with the present. Invention, a metered advancing member may be comprised of any -suitable: mechanism that performs the Intended function of the present invention. In particular, several embodiments am described in detail herein, but it should be appreciated that many alternatives and mechanistic designs and features thereof such as electrical elements, are .contemplated·and envisaged and one skied m the art would recognise that the mechanisms and features disclosed herein in generality can be extended to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. CP®51 Furthermore, in various embodiments, metered advancing members disclosed herein may be coupled or combined with any other fesrtures of the invention either in part or in whole, such as cartridge housing, attachment adaptors, cartridge retaining elements, or other feature® disclosed herein. For example, a mechanism housing may be combined with &amp; cartridge housing to comprise a single part. Additionally said advancing members may optionally be controlled through wireless communication mechanisms.

MECHANISM:'DISCLOSURES

SIMPLE P08S1 In one embodiment of a metered advancing member, the metered advancing member would consist of a mechanism housing, a plunger rdd, a. finger grip, and a housing distal end cap. In one embodiment, the mechanism housing may he combined with a cartedge housing, to represent a single part, and may with its Interior bore slidlngiy engage with a finger grip attached to a plunger rod* the: plunger rod aibhe, or both slmuitanedusiy. Together the finger grip and rod would maintain axial alignment inside the housing to allow the plunger rod to interact with the exchangeable cartridge and actuate flow of the fenctlons! substance. A&amp;emaiively, the finger grip would be associated with the plunger rod and the plunger red would slidlngiy engage with an annular slot interposed between the cartridge and the advancing member that would maintain the plunger rod In axial alignment with the cartridge. In all variations, the mechanism housing would provide a slot fer the finger grip to pass through, which would also be abutted by a graduated scale marked on the visible exterior euriaee of the housing to IrxJieaie the relative position of ths plunger and advancement distances possible or already informed. Additionally, in both cases, preferably the distal end of the housing would have a cover or cap that may be permanently or removably retained to permit, tire initial construction orlntermfent deconstruction pfthe assembly, in an alternative embodiment, a similar arrangement could be provided whereby a tactile feedback mechanism would be Included wherein a portion of the finger grip .would Internet with raised or recessed features in series along the length of the slot and as the finger grip is forced through the slot, the element of the finger grip, which for example ©Quid be a spring metal flange, would fours a resistive contact with the slot-features as each feature Is passed. Such a mechanism could be used to Indicate the advancement of a defined histones that «mwsponds with a defined volume effehctfonai substance extruded In all embodiments, preferably the sliding action of the rod would be accompanied by a moderate resistance to mouemenf so the rest does not slide freely bads and forth without force generated by a user’s hand

SCREW AN- CLICK

[0bS7| In »n alternative etribocllment of a metered advancing member, the metered advancing member may comprise a serewfedven plunger ahcf an element: rotated by a user to drive the screw plunger. In embodiments utilising a screw-driven plunger or plunger rod, the screw may be driven by rotating action provided by a user. In various embodiments, the advancement of the screw may be accompanied by a tactile feedback, such as a clicking action. Furthermore m various embodiments, the advancing distance may be preset or adjustable by the user. P§8§J Furthermore, in one embodiment, the advancement of a sold plunger screw could be provided by a user driven rotating element that does not become displaced in the proximal or distal direction, but rather would only rotate In position about its axis. This could be achieved by employing a plunger with, tor example, a sguaredike or rectangolan-iike shaft having two flat feces, and two externally threaded radial feces. With such an arrangement, the shaft could be rotated by a user’s manual rotational of the rotating element,, which would apply force on the shaft’s flat faces while the threads simultaneously Interact will's a stationary threaded hole In the housing, causing the screw to advance along its axle in accordance with the pitch of the helical: thread. Furthermore, the manually rotated element would permit the shaft to slide through its body along, the fiat faces as the -screw advances. In such an embodiment, the manually rotated element may be visibly clear and may have on it printed a graduated scale, which could be situated circumferentially around the rotated element, which would coordinate with the position of the distal and of the screw shaft to Indicate to the user the position of l!m screw in relation to the cartridge, P$8tff Furthermore, In an additional embodiment, the manually rotated efefnent may have associated with it a composition of elements that .may provide a feetite feedback when the manually rotatable element is rotated to indicate a certain advancement of the element. In one embodiment, the manually .rotatable element may retain a length of spring metal sheet of Wire with a radially protruding tab-or bend that would Interact with sn Interior diameter slot of a hollow cylindrical housing. In such an -arrar^emersi» the spring metal tab would internet with a series of raised features ©f tee alette cause a resistance to rotation and a •“click* Ike tactile feedback. fOpitlj In an altemaSva embodiment* a resistance to rotation and a "cfldf like tactile feedback could be provided by rotational coordination of a manually mMable element with a multi-lobe pin with protruding lobes having a hole bored through Its center to permit the tee passage of a dual Hat-sided advancing same Furthermore, the multi-dobed pin would be strsqged to be forced into end interact with matching arrangement of recessed lobes in an annular section of tha.mechia.bfem housing, which would also have located at Its center a threaded hole for meting with the advancement screw. Furthermore, as a final feature, the muliMd&amp;ed-pin would fee forced into the recessed lobes with a metal spring backed up against a slot in the manually: rotatable element,, in concert,, as the manually rotatable element is rotated, the muiiMobed-pin Is forced to rotate with it and Is forced up: the recessed lobe ridges and out of the recessed lobe depressions. As the pin is forced upward, and rotates over a lobe ridge, it presents a resistance to rotation and slldingfy advanced toward the distal end of the assembly in a slot provided for its travel. Once the rotation has permitted the muifMobed pin to fail back into the recessed lobe depressions, the fore® of the spring causes it to snap back into me recessed lobes. As a result the process causes a “click” like tactile feedback to the user rotating the element In such an embodiment, tee manually rotatable element may also feature a visible scale to coordinate- -with the advanceable screw position. Furthermore, In such an embodiment, the rotation could occur In either direction, permitting a user to return the serswip a fully retracted position, allowing the replacement of tee cartridge, pctitl] As a further aspect of the embodiments of a metered advancing member wherein a tactile feedback feature would bo employed, the mechanism may employ a “click" tactile feedback that would mdicaie the actuator advancement of a ^determined amount or an amount selected by a user. The term *dkk9 infers either the .generation of a unique sound, tactile feedback, or bote simultaneously. Furthermore, in tee preferred embodiment, the advancement of the mechanism would also be able to be visually Indicated to the user as a quantity or advancement along a graduated scale. |Pdt2] For the generation of a tactile feedback: associated with an advancement, a variety of mechanisms could he employed to achieve the function. In one embodiment, the depression of an element associated with the mechanism could be utilised to cause a short and preset advancement of the actuator by driving a piston or screw or short distance or rotation, Fudhemtofe, m such a meolianlsm the element depressed would return to its origins! position to permit additional advancements. Such a mechanism would appear similar to a retractable ink pen.

ADVAhtCEABLE STOP MECHANISM PQS3| In other embodiments of a metering mechanism, the mechanism may comprise a depressible piston limited fey an advanceable stop. In embodiments employing these elements, die stop block would preferably be advaneeafeie toward toe proximal end of toe assembly and housed within It would be a depnssslble piston. In such embodiments, the advancement of toe stop would preferably not engage with the depressible piston whilst advancing and would remain In its original position until acted upon ami depressed fey a user. Functionally, toe Interdependent association between the two elements would permit a user to advance the stop a desire distance before driving the piston and the subsequent extrusion of a functional substance out of the exchangeable cartridge at Its proximal end. Once a user wpufd like to depress the piston: and expel the functional substance, toe user would apply pressure to the distal end of the piston ~ depressing it until contact Is made with the stop. The stated mechanism and process would permit a user a select a volume of functional substance to expel, than expel the volume In a single rapid event. |0b04| in one embodiment of the present invention,, an advancing member consisting of an advanceable stop and a depressible piston may comprise an assembly wherein an advanceable stop may consist of an axial bore and an Internal helical thread engaged wih an external tieiical thread on the distal end of a cartridge housing, whereby the rotation of the advanceable stop would cause a traversing of the cartridge housing, whereby toe rotation of the advanceable stop would cause a traversing of the cartridge bousing. Preferably, the advanceable stop would be assembled in such a fashion that upon reaching the ends of travel the advanceable stop would be baited. Most notably, by limiting the travel, a user would not be inconvenienced by unintentionally disengaging the threads when umcrewlng the part at its end of travel at the distal end of the cartridge housing. This may be achieved by use of snap rings during manufacturing assembly or by other features of toe two components. Where used, a snap ring may consist of a ring having open and disconnected ends that are partially rermsed to permit the partial compression of the ring toward Its axial center. In various embodiments, the ring may consist of a wire of various profiles formed into an annular structure or may be a ring produced by stamping. The wire profile may be round, square, friangular, or any other geometry that may serve the halting function and would not be limited to such profiles. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, preferable the stop block could be advanced In toe dlstaNo-proximal direction or psmlmaMomistai, wherein the later would permits user to exchange an exhausted functional substance eateldge wite a new cartridge, |0SSS1 in embodiments employing an advanceahi© atop and a depressibfe piston preferably the advancing member would have associated wlh it a visible indication of position and advancement distance. Visible Indication could be provided by a graduated scale, multiple scales, or multiple graduated scales visibly Interacting with one another to indicate a position. In embodiments employing a single graduated scale, the scale would preferably be located on a visible section of the apparatus and may be partially or wholly covered or mads not visible as the advanoeabte stop is moved - thus Indicating the advanced distance or distance still available for advancement Multiple scales may be employed in a single assembly of the present invention wherein one scale may indicate different a graduation scale than the other.

For example, one scale may Indicate a mass as milligrams, while another may indicate a volume as milliliters. P§$6] In one embodiment, a pair of graduated scales may interact visibly with one another to indicate an advancement For example, a scale spanning a proxlmal-to-dleiai axial length would be marked on a visible surface* such m the outer surface of the cartridge housing, whilst a. scale marked on the outer clroumteroece of an advanoeable stop may exist toward its leading proximal edge. In such an embodiment, tee advsnceable stop would partially surround the marked cartridge housing and would engage with a helical thread on the housing. Rotation of the advanoeable stop would cause It to traverse a length of the housing and consequently the scale marked on the bousing . Together, the rotating scale marked on tee advanceabis stop would indicate a fractional advancement of a graduation on the scale marked on the bousing as rotation occurs. For example, the engaged thread may have a pitch of 1mm and the graduations on tee housing may be Interspersed by a l mm distance. A full (360<iegree) rotation-fey a user would cause the advanoeable stop to traverse 1mm of the housing, but it may be that a user would like to be able to traverse a smaller distance while stilt haying available a finer graduation to indicate the resultant displacement caused by a partial rotation. In such an arrangement, the finer graduations would be marked on the visible surface of the advsnceable stop end would coordinate with a masking on the.cartridge housing ip provide Indication of tee displacement resulting from a partial rotation.

[PP37] hi further embodiments of the present invention employing an advsnceable stop and a depfessible piston, the advanceable stop may include a tactile feedback mechanism or tedtonally reslsfent element to indicate to the user a certain displacement of the advanoeable stop, in an embodiment employing a rotation advanced stop, a frictionsliy resistant or elide type of tactile feedback may be employed to indicate the displacement of the stop in relation to a fell or partial rotation. pdtSJ In additional embodiments of metering advancing members, various embodiments may Include an electronically driven and controlled actuation of the advancing piston. In such mechanisms, an electronically controlled actuator would preferably be able to be controlled by a user by interaction with buttons or other control interfaces associated with the housing.

Electrical actuation may be driven by a motor, or a solenoid. Further embodiments of electrically driven actuation may be wirelessly linked to a controller using a human interface. |0dill In embodiments comprised of an electronic motor driven actuation mechanism, the system would: preferably be comprised: of a user interaction interface, an electronic control circuit, a battery, an electronic motor, a power transfer system, an edvanceabte piston, and a housing, fdfHPbJAs a further aspect of a user interaction interface, the interface may simply be a single button or switch, or may comprise multiple buttons, keypads, or other switch elements that would be in electrical Communication with the electrical control circuit. Furthermore, a user interaction interface may include a display screen -controlled by an electronic control circuit. Additionally manual switches or buttons may comprise any type of mechanical switch, such as 0 push button, or a slider, twist knob or collar; or an etectro-irwcharsicai switch, such, as a touch screen or other tough sensor which may for example be comprised In a display/control panel or wirelessly connected. pCHSI] As an additional aspect of the present Invention with respect to the present embodiment, a selectively engageable toad system may be employed B permit the user to slide the advanceable stop along Its axis without rotation until the user chooses to engage the helical thread that is:used to advance the advanceable stop when selecting a volume of extrudste to extrude. Such a composition would function by mechanically engaging or disengaging the helical threads of the cartridge housing and the advaneeabie rotatable element For example, In such a esse, the cartridge housing section may include a plurality of threaded blocks that can be retracted away from or extended out io the point of engagement in one embodiment, the cartridge housing would be arranged to have an array of radial slots for bousing radially extendible blocks, each having a single outwardly prelecting heiioai threaded face. The blocks may be extended end retracted through any suitable mechanism, where for example, in the case of three blocks, a lobed cam maybe positioned below the blocks toward the center axis isliere the lobed cam m. rotated fey the plunger pin. The blocks may be retained toward the center axis and into their housing slots by a circular spring, such as a garter spring or end connected extension spring, in such an arTangement, the lobes of the cam'would be designed to force the blocks outward radially to an extent their threaded faces would become engaged with the internal thread of the advanceable rotatable element of the advanceabie stop. VWiile in this stale, the threads would be engaged and rotation of the advanceable stop would cause a translation across the cartridge housing with respect to the pitch of the helical thread. When a user would like to disengage the thread to retract the advanceable stop to a new position to avoid inconvenient sorewing action, the user could twist the plunger pin, causing the blocks to retract to the lower section of the lobed cam, become disengaged with the thread, and release the advanceable stop from the thread Reengaging the thread could be performed: by once mom rotating the plunger pin to a position where the lobes push the blocks hack out to a point of thread engagement [Obi CI2] In one embodiment, the control circuit Includes a memory stonsge element capable of recording and storing usage data relevant to the user, as well as any other Information delivered to the device by means of electrical commuhlcatlon by either a direct wire connection or a wireless communication mechanism. This data may Include, for example, cumulative consumption of the functional substance over a given time period; volumes of functional substance use by the user;, time periods between uses; temperature profiles of one or more components; power consumption history; stored preferences or settings; and alternate modes of use, such as previous combinations of components connected In the device assembly, and in what order they were connected, and/or particular encoded Information Identifying attributes of a component, such as its part, of serial number, &amp; flavor or substance that It contains or may contain, for example. Furthermore, the data stored may be used by processing units to control the mechanisms of the present invention. One skilled in the art will appreciate that these types of data are disclosed by way of example and should not be considered to limit the scope of Intemiabon that may be stored in the memory storage element within the scope of the invention. psiftSJ Preferably, an electronic controller Includes one or more processing elements/pmsessoiB, For example, the processors could be used to determine what is displayed on disglayfeontrof panel andfort© actuate automatically advancing memfeerrer elements in accordance with data and logic processed by the prcscessors. One skilled in the art vwil appreciate the ^diverse extensions of the use of processors In the present Invention, which are by no mean® restricted to die processing 'examples disclosed herein, J$§104JAs an alternative to simple manual.actuation, actuation of an advancing member may occur automatically in response to the input-of a passcode matching a valid passcode stored in a memory of a controller, Alternatively, a correct passcode entry may only “unlock" the advancing function of the device,, without automatically Initiating advancement but instead permitting ® user to actuate advancement manually. For instance, after the passcode is successfully validated, a user may press a simple button or switch to Initiate actuation. The atomization element may respond to a single manual actuation following passcode validation, a predetermined plural number of manual actuation®, for a-predetermined amount of time elapsed after pescode validation, or until the processor receives an affirmative user command to “lock* the device again, such as by reentry of a passcode to toggle back'to a locked state, or by a simple manual switch or button. The password may be ipput by a user directly Into display/donfrol panel or eoirim unseated to controller from a separate Input device or token, such as a user’s .personal smartphone, magnetic key card, barcode image, via a Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth®, BFIP, or optical connection, for example. I.CK110S| In one embodiment the controller may also Include or be operatively linked to a wireless communication element (not shown in figures} capable of transmitting to another wireless communication device or receive information from said wireless communication device, in general, many wireless network types ar® contemplated In this disclosure and may Include, but are not necessaniy limited to WRAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), WLAN (Wireless ideal Area Network), WAN (Wdo Area Network), or any other suitable wireless network and communication types. Advantageously, wireless network connectivity enables dispensing devices according to the invention to communicate with or he controlled by a personal electronic device such as a smartphone, for purposes of passcode -enabled actuation or looking/unbcklng Of one or more functions of the dispensing device (obviating the need for a multi-key user interface on the inhalation device Itself}, as well as facilitating monltoring/badking, storage, and analysis of usage data on the personal electronic device. PP10S] Furthermore as an additional aspect of the electrical control circuit, preferably the circuit would be designed so as to be able to receive and transmit to a batten/ or a. healing element an electrical current from a charging lead, as wsii as including electrical communication elements for transmission of data between device 130 and external computation and/or data storage devices. In one embodiment, a connection port: (not shown in figures) at the proximal end of a batter/eontrofer housing or at the exm»wk>n conduit can be mated wlh other elements extending pmsdmally ccdisf-affy therefrom. -When Included, such a connection port may also permit ©tectiioal communication tom the circuitry to one or more atctyation mechanisms. ρ§ί©ίΊ As a further aspect of the present invention, the cartridge housing or advancing member may have associated within ft a scanner or sensor tor detecting a datum or data from m exchangeable cartridge or other object that may then be displayed to a user on tie device with an electronic, display or used by the electronic csnfrol archil to alter the actuation In accordance to the data received 0ΚΝϋΐ Advantageously, electrical controller may be designed to regulate battery charge rate wilt respect to voltage and current and could prevent battery overcharge, Furthermore, preferably the efactncaf control elements muid prevent reverse polarity damage to the circuit elements or battery, by Incorporating appropriately eon%urod elements such a® diodes, PHP Transistors, or a P~ohannei FET. ijpifO^ As a further aspect of an electronic motor for use in various embodiments, the motor may be driven by alternating or direct electrical current and would be in electrical communication with a control circuit In a very simple embodiment, an sleotncal control dmolimay simply comprise an electrical communication between the motor and a battery, interposed by a current switch. In more advanced mechanisms, the control circuit may comprise other features disclosed herein and also be in electrical communication with the electrical motor. Furthermore, In an alternate embodiment., the advancing member may include multiple· electrical motors, fdiiill As a further aspect of a power transmission assembly, the power transmission may comprise a series of spur gears, worm gear, helical gears, planetary gears, or any other suitable gears for transfer of rotational force bom an electrical motor to an advancing piston. Alternatively, In an additional embodiment, a belt driven or frictional clutch systems may employed.

PNgUMATiC· SYSTEM p0i1l| In an additional embodiment of a.mefering· advancing member, a pneumatic system may be employed by use of a portable compressed gas container in association wife an advancement mechanism. In such an embodiment, gas pressure provided fey an onboard pressure reservoir,· such as a compressed carbon dioxide gas cartridge/ tank, which may be exchangeable or Integrated and reliable, could be used to drive a pneumatic cylinder piston. In one embodiment, the compressed gas tank may he exchanged through a port on a distal portion of the device housing: or a proximal portion of the device housing, in yet another embodiment, the compressed gas tank may be exchanged through a hinged door or sliding door on the side of the device housing. In an additional embodiment, the device housing may ham a slot permanently cut oat of the side of the device housing to permit the exchange of the tank from the side. In all embodiments* preferably the exchangeable tank would mount dependably In a position and relation with a valve assembly so as to prevent excessive gas leak out of Its connection points where pressurized gas Is made to be in fluid communication with fee devise or elements thereof; pSIlfl In various embodiments of a pneumatic embodiment of the present invention, the piston would drive a plunger rod for actuating the flow of functional substance out of a. cartridge. In embodiments employing a pneumatic cylinder, a single-acting, double-acting, or telescoping cylinder design could bo employed m wall as cylinder arrangements having a return spring to cause tbs piston to return to a boms/ starting position when pressure is not provided, Actuation of the pneumatic piston would preferably be controlled with a valve mechanism that would be interposed between the pressure reservoir and the pneumatic cylinder. Furthermore preferably the valve assembly would permit a user to change the flow rate and pressure-delivered to the cylinder and also: include a switch, such as a tfepresslble button to allow a user to actuate the flow manually. In an alternative embodiment* a screw driven by a rapid flow of compressed gas through a turbine or other analogous element could be used to advance a .screw· driven actuator. In yet an additional" embodiment the valve assembly may .accept a pressurized gas or other fluid from an external line, such as a gas line from an air compressor. IP&amp;113J In an additions! embodiment of the present Invention a cartridge housing may comprise iriuKfpl? cartridge retaining sections, so as to permitthe containment of tmiitjpte' exchangeable partridges In a single housing. Furthermore, in such m embodiment a single advancing member may be employed to opemte funotionaily with multiple cartridges Individually or sfniulianeousiy, In such an embodiment, the mechanism would require an' additional mechanism for moving the advancing member to. each cartridge, in one embodiment a cartridge housing may contain multiple cartridges distributed In a radial array fashion, whereby a single advancing member may be advanced from one sartrldgs to tie next by radially rotating the mechanism from one cartridge to another along the cartridge distribution array pattern. This may be achieved by appending an ..advancing member to a center spindle that would permit the advancing member to reach each cartridge of rotated to the cartridge location. P0i14§ in an. alternative embodiment, a misfit-cartridge housing may be employed that is operated upon by multiple advancing members associated with one or more cartridges.

[poi 1 §3 Furthermore in an alternative arrangement, multiple individual cartndge housing advancing members may be fixed together into a single unit by an adaptor or other element that may fix them together Into a single multl-operatlonai unit, 1001^¾ in an additional embodiment, a plurality of cartridges may be arranged in such a way that functional substance extruded from each cartridge may be combined in a shared flow path to provide convenience to a user and/ or facilitate In-situ mixing of substances prior to final extrusion from the present invention. In one embodiment, a user may choose to extrude a Single substance at once, or alternatively a user may mix two of more functional substances together via an element of the present invention prior to final extrusion. In one embodiment,, a single gauge may be used to operatively select the volume of exfrudafe from each of multiple cartridges, In another embodiment, multiple meters may be employed to provide a user with the ability to select a particular volume of extRjdate from each cartndge. in yet another .embodiment, a mechanism may be employed whereby extrusion rat© and amounts may be controlled individually for each cartridge/simultaneously.: in such an embodiment an electronically driven or pneumatic advancing member may be employed to provide selective control of extrusion rates imm each of multiple cartridges. In one embodiment, a proximal cartridge retaining element may provide facility and/or conduit for muons of multiple substances and Seal'extrusion, in other embodiments, the proximal cartridge retaining, element-may he composed of .mullfpie sections or elements.. furthermore, in alternative embodiments, cartridges may be retained by distal elements- andmcong and7 or mixing mechanisms may exist as Integra! features of cartridge housing or housings, pil l7| As a further aspect of all the embodiments disclosed herein and. envisaged within the scope -of. the. present invention, the-materials of which tie components would preferably be constructed with may comprise hard materials* such as metals and pfasfe, opaque-or dear substances, such as colored or opt-ioafly dear plastics or- glass. Furthermore, one-skilled in the art would recognize proper material choices for various, emmxlfmants and variations thereof and no component should be limited in any way to a certain material' of construction or way of manufacture. tmtmmn description of tmmmm fb01tS| In accordance with .aspects of til© present Invention, various embodiments of the present Invention and its components will now bs described In greater detail in reference to figures and drawings. 110011¾ According to one embodiment of the omsem invention, presented m FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a complete metsrecidispensing device 1. incorporating a maooa% :moveab!@' slide driven advancing member. The assembly comprises first a cartridge housing.2 with ah installed proximal cap; Integrated with the cartridge housing is the advancing member comprised of a housing 2, a finger grip 5 associated with a piston (not depicted), an advancement slot 8 tor permitting travel of the ringer grip, a distal housing cap 4 for retaining tie sliding pisiom and a visible graduated scale ? for indicating the relative position of the plunger rod As further deiaiLan exploded view of metered dispensing device 1 Is presented in FIG. 2 and a transverse sections view I is presented in FIG. 3., FIG. 2 and FiG, 3 provide further detail of the internal .components, wherein the assembly consists of first a proximal cap tor providing cover for ms extruding conduit tip 11; a extrusion conduit tip 11 having a fiord-flow conduit s a, which may aiternmivsly be csmprlsad of meflipia sections oreiemems In various embodiments previously disclosed; an exchangoaOie cartridge 10 containing a rur^tionarsubstanco 12 (depicted In FIG, 3 only); a cartridge plug :8, which may b© standalone or fixed to plunger rod 8; a cartridge housing £ also providing house tor the advancing member having a sliding slot 6 and a visible graduafad scale / (depicted in hu. 2 onsy), a plunger rod 8 fixed to finger grip 8; a finger grip c having a snaps that ssidtngiy engages with the interna! bore of housing 2 to maintain axial alignment of the plunger rod and finger grip; and finally a distal housing cover for keeping the sliding components in place and easing manufacture, psitbi According to an additional ornbodlment bf the present invention, presented ii s FIG, 4 is a schematic drawing of a compisf© metered dispensing device 14 incorporating a manually rotatable element far coving a screw plunger, m accordance with FIG, 1, the assembly 14 comprises a manually rotatable element Id, a cartridge housing 16, an extrusion conduit tip 17, and a proximal cap I S- As further oetan, an exploded view praseotod In FIG. 5 presents the Internal and external components of me assembly. Trie assembly Is comprised of first a manually rotatable element 15» which may include grip features and textures; a col! spring 23 for providing pressure against muitHobed pin 22. an advanoeable screw 20, a cartridge housing and advancing member 1$, an exchangeable:cartridge 19 containing a functional substance (not depicted), an extrusion conduit tip 17, which may alternatively be comprised of multiple sections or §lemania in various embodiments previously disclosed; and finally s proximal cap 1 8 for providing cover for the extrusion conduit tip 17. in further elaboration, a transverse cross sectional view II of device assembly 14 is illustrated in FIO. 6. Presented Is the assembly and various parts and features comprised of first a manually rotatable element 16, having on its .exterior a textured.surface 24 for Improving user interaction;: an advanoeable screw 20, wherein the open interior region 35 of element IS depicts the orientation where clearance In provided for the screw threaded region to pass-through Its center; a helical spring 23 In contact with a retaining feature of element 15 and a distal face of the myitMobed pin 22 for providing pressure of protruding lobes 28 into the recessed lobes 27 of the cartridge / mechanism housing 16; a threaded hole 28 of the annular feature of housing 1 δ for engaging with the threaded section of plunger shat 20; an exchangeable cartridge casing 19 retained In housing 16 by a retaining feature 29 of housing 18: a;cartridge plug 38, afunctional substance 12, an extrusion cgoduitilp 17 having a fiulddlow οοηοο-ί32; and fsnary a proximarcap u'l Providing further detail» depicted In FIG. 7 Is a partial detail view 33 of sectional view 1! at a 90 degree axial rotation o! cross sectional view I t Figure 7 illustrates further detail of device assembly 14 and In particular shows the association of tie two flattened sides of thg advancing screws with the internal features ot manuain? rotatable eiernens. 1 a.

Illustrating how the Internal features are able to act upon the screw and rotate it, [001 ilf; Figure 7 Illustrates further detail of the advancing member wherein the assembly comprises a manually rotatable element 15; a grip texture 24, an interior cavity 25 for permitting the advancement of the screw plunger 20, a spring retaining feature 36 o? element is; a aping slot 34 of element 15; an annular extrusion 38 of element 15 fKad into a slot 39 In the inner diameter of the bore of the mechanism housing 1% which serves to retain the element 15 from dislodging from housing 18, but also permit its axial rotation; a sliding slot S3 of element 15 for mating with and permitting s space for multhtooed pin 22 to slide vertically during Hs rotation with btemsnf 15; a core 3? in- muMHobed pin 22 for free passage of the advancing plunge? 20; a depressed lobe section 27 pf an annular feature of housing 1.6 ter Interaction with protruding lopes 28 of rnoitMohad pin 22; a threaded hole In the center of the annular feature of housing 16; and finally an open chamber of housing 16 for free rotation of advancing plunger 20.. As further elaboration on the depressed to features of the annular section of housing 16, FIG, 8 is atop view of housing 16 illustrating four depressed lobes 27 and threaded hole 28, Furthermore, FIG, S is an orthogonal side view of multl-lobed pin 22, showing tether detail of the pin wherein the pin Includes four protruding lobe sections 2¾ a center tough-hole 37, a square shaped section 41 for listing with element IS depleted In Figures 4-7 to transfer rotational motion to the pin; arte a short annular section for alignment with the axially oriented helical spring 23 tiepjOtecMn Figures 5-7, pfH221 As an additional embodiment of the present Invention utilizing an adv&amp;nse&amp;bfe stop block advanceable mechanism, FIG. 10 is a schematic view of device 43, comprised of a cartridge housing 46; an advanoeable stop housing 45 having a textured grip surface 47 to Improve a user's ability to rotate the body; a distal end cover for providing stop block surface for depresslbte piston rod distal end 44; a radially printed graduated scale 48 on the stop block housing 45 that coordinates with the graduated scale printed on the cartridge housing 49: and finally a proximal end cap 4? ter -providing· cover for m extrusion, conduit tip. Furthermore, in a similar but alternative embodiment, FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment 43’ having a slot 58 extending an axial length of the cartridge housing. Turning to FIG. 12, further detail is depicted In a transverse cross sectional view Hi of device 43 derived from FIG. 10 noting mater interior features and elements. Continuing further details of device 43 In FIG, 12, tie assembly comprises firm a cartridge housing 46, partially containing an exchangeable cartridge casing S6 containing a functional substenoe 12 and a plug S5; Connected to housing 48 at its proximal end is an extrusion conduit tip 80 with a fiuid-flow conduit channel .61 and open end 62 abutted to the interior surface of proximal cap 47 white also partially containing the proximal end of exchangeable cartridge casing 56 and functional substance 12 and being threaded with inroads of its own 57 into me threaded end 58 of housing 46; m advances»; stop boueing 45 threaded on Its interior to housing 46 with ilirsads 63? a distal stop block 62 installed in advanceable stop bousing 45; and finally a depress» piston rod 43 with a distal and 44 aligned into channels provided by stop fefopk 52 and piston retainer 54., pdltS] Turning to F;Q. 13, a detail section 64 of FiG, 1 £ is illustrated to liner details of deviee 43. FIG, 13 illustrates further detail of 43 including .first a cartridge housing 48 containing an exchangeable cartridge with casing 56 abutted against the proximal face of piston retainer 54, and also containing functional substance 12s and plug 55; an advanceabie slop housing 45 having threads 63 meshed with threads §5 of housing 46 and having an annular slot 69 cut Into a slot proximal of the threads 65 containing an o~ rlng for providing a moderate resistance to the helical rotation of the advanoeable stop housing 45 as the o-rlng tmnsversss the. exterior surface of housing 46; a piston retainer 54 having interior slot 67 retaining an ο-ring 66 for providing a moderate resistance to the sliding motion of depress» piston rod S3; a piston retainer 54 having an exterior slot 72 retaining a snap ring.71, toe snap ring of which la also retained in a slot 70 of housing 48 providing the function of locking piston retainer 54 in place in the housing 46; and finally a slot 74 out Into the proximal end of depress» piston rod 53 retaining a snap ring 73 for preventing the rod from sliding out of the distal end of the piston retainer 54, M further detail, an exploded view of device 43 is provided In FIG. 1.4 illustrating the details of device 43 discussed herein in an exploded view. |80i24| in fat an additional embodiment of the 'present invention comprising an electronically operated advancing member, FIG, 15 Is an proximal side view illustrating a device 75 comprised of a housing 76, a proximal cap 77. a button 80, a button 78, and an elsctrenic display 78. As an alternative but similar embodiments FIG, 16 is a proximal side view of devise 75’ having a cartridge viewing slot 81. FIQ, 17 is a transverse cross sectional flaw l¥ of device 75 depicting further detail of device 75, which comprises first a d@¥feo housing 76, which houses both a cartridge and an advancing member; a proximal cap 77 and a distal cap Si, both removably retained; a extrusion conduit tip 60 having a fluid-flow condul 91 and open and 92 abutting the interior face of proximal cap 77; an exchangeable cartridge casing 89 containing a functional substance 12 and plug 68; an advanceabie screw plunger 82 inside a screw housing: seellon 83 of device housing 78; and a user interface assembly comprising a button 80* δ button 78, and: an electronic display78 in electrical communication with an electronic control circuit 85, which Is also In electrical communication with electric motor 86 via an extension 104 (depicted In Figures 18 and 19} and -battery 84 via an extension 103 (depleted In FIG. IS). In vanous embodiments, electrical current flow may be achieved by an electrical element establishing contact with one lead of the battery by a connection, such as 183« and otherwise establish a circuit by establishing contactwlth the device housing, which would also be In electrical communication with the other lead of the battery. Also, In this and1 other embodiments, the battery-may be exchangeable by removing a cover, such as cover 81« or may be rechargeable and be charged through electrical leads externally accessible on the housing or an element associated with it. 10812¾ Furthermore a sectional detali view 83 depicted in FIG. 16 and an exploded view of device 75 depleted In FIG. 19 Illustrates .greater detail of the advancing member, which comprises those elements noted in FIG, 17 in addition to an electrical communication port 104 extending from the eleotrioal control circuit 85 that serves to connect the electrical control circuit 85 to the user interface features 80,79, and 78; an electrical communication' port 97 extending from .electrical control circuit 85 through a passage port 105 (depicted in FIG, 19) In gear retainer unit 98 to electrical motor 88 retained in housing slot 101 and having rotational force transfer shaft 100 connected to drive gear 99; a gear retainer unit 88 retaining idler gear 98, which is meshed with drive gear 99 and meshed with actuator gear 9¾ a actuator gear 95 having a rectangular void section 182 at its axial center-(depicted In FIG, 19) for providing a contact surface· with the advancement screw 82 -having a two flat transverse surfaces and tow partially threaded radial tacos for meshing with a threaded hole 87 of housing 76, [001201 in yet another embodiment of the present Invention, a pneumatic advancing member may be deployed in the present invention and is illustrated in FK3,20 comprising a device t05 with a devise housing 107, a manual valve adjustment knob 11 D, a cartridge· viewing slot 1.08, and a proximal cap iCS. Furthermore, FIG. 21 depicts a transverse Cross sectional view V of device 105 Illustrating major inferior components, Including a device: housing. 107, containing an exchangeable cartridge comprised of casing 105, functional substance! 2, and plug 114; an extrusion conduit tip 116 with threaded section 11S for mating with device housing t07? Having a fluid-flow channel 118 with a proximal open end abutted to an interior surface of removably retained proximal cap 117; a plunger rod 113; a pneumatic cylinder-112; a valve body 110; a compressed gas cylinder 110 removably retained m a housing slot 1-21, Furthermore, in a sectional detail view 122 depicted In Fie, 22, further .detail of the advancing member is illustrated Including features previously disclosed In Figures 20 and 21 in addition to more specific features, including a pneumatic cylinder piston 124 associated with plunger rod 113: a needle conduit 130 for establishing fluid communication of pressurized gas of pressure tank 119 with the valve assembly 110; a manually adjustable Knob associated with the valve assembly to permit a user to adjust the: flow and pressure settings of the gas flow Into the pneumatic cylinder; a depression 128 in the distal housing cover 1-11 to provide apace tor a depresslble button 1,27; and a gas flow conduit 128 of extended stem 123 of valve assembly 110 that directs gas flow from the pressure lank 119 to the pneumatic cylinder through a port 126 in the pneumatic cylinder 122 side wail, furthermore, an exploded view of device 105 Is depicted in FiO, 23 illustrating -various .features disclosed In Figures 20-22, In all embodiments, preferably the compressed gas tank would preferably be exchangeable- through a door In the housing, whether it be on the side, on a proximal end, or fram a ..djstaf-end of the device: housing, 27| In yet; an additional embodiment of the present invention, a device assembly may comprise a cartridge housing capable of housing multiple cartridges. Figure 24 depicts a distal schematic view of an assembly 131 comprised of a multi-cartridge housing 1.39, having: also cartridge viewing slots 133, an array of extrusion conduit tips 132, an array of cartridge housing slots 134, an array of cartridges 135, a channel for receiving an advancing member rotational axle 140, an advancing member 137, and an advaoceable plimger tod 138. Furthermore an exploded view of assembly 131 is provided in FKS. 25 comprised of details disclosed: in 'FIG. 24 In addition to a threaded section 141: of extrusion conduits 132 for connection with cartridge housing 139; an edvanceable plunger rod 138 associated with a section 143 of the abvanceable mechanism 187; a-section 142 associated with the rotational axle 140 for controlled placement of the advsaceabio mechanise, which Is also associated with a passage 144 of multi-cartridge housing 144. pii2i| in all embodiments- of the present invention disclosed herein, the extrusion conduit tip may do comprised of simply a fluid flow channel, or may be a cartridge retaining element comprised of additions! features or even be comprised of multiple sections having various functional features as previously disclosed. fdSI ti| Turning to FIG. 28, depicted is transverse ssefionai view of a SSFCRE 145 having a SSPCRE body 146, a cartridge receiving section 148, a threaded section 147, a fluid flow conduit 151 with a.proxlmal open end 150, and a heater element feature 149 placed in line with the fluid flow. In such an embodiment the flow of functional substance would pass through or around the element in order to gain heat energy. Additionally, the heating element would be In electrical communication with an efeotncsf Source (not shown) or would be an element capable of retaining a significant portion of heat over a usable period of time. Such an element could be heated by placement In a microwave or heated by direct exposure to a heat source.

[001301 In an alternative embodiment ¢4 the SSFCRE 145 of FIS, 28. the element 148 may be a -unidirectional' valve body.

[08131J In an alternative embodiment of the .SSPCRE 1.45 of FIG. 28, the element 149 may be a pfercaabl's septum from either a proximal or distal: end.

[081321 Turning, to FIG. 27, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an additional embodiment 152 of an SSPCME comprised of a foody 153, &amp; cartridge receiving section 157, a threaded section 158,,¾ fluid-flow conduit 154 with a proximal open end 165, and a .ynfdlractforsai dpok-fol style valve 158 placed In-line with the fluid flow. In such an embodiment, flow of functional substance would only be permitted to flow from a distal end to a proximal end, but not the Inverse. pill Turning to FIG. 28, depleted fg a transverse sectional'vie# of an additional embodiment 159 of an SSPCRE comprised of a body 180, a cartridge receiving section 168, a threaded section 163,. a fiuldrtiow conduit 181 with a proximal open end 162, and a distal facing tapered needle conduit :1.84 placed In-line with toe flurd flow, in such, an embodiment, flow of functional substance would only oe established once the needle section punctures s film or septum o? a cartridge. fpi$4J Turning to FIG, '28,.depicted is a transveme seetooai view of an additional embodiment 186 of a fdSPORE comprised d two bodies 187 and 171, a cartridge receiving section 176, a threaded section 174 el body 171 for mating with a cartridge bousing, a threaded -section 173 of tody 171 for meshing with a threaded section '172 of body 1.67, a field-flow conduit I BS with a proximal open end 163, and m unidirectional duek-bi style valve t§6 associated with tody 171 and placed in-line with the fluid flew. In such an embodiment, flow of functional substance would only be permitted to flow from a distal end to a proximal end, bid net the inverse. Additionally tody 167 would be able to foe removably retained In body 171 and would permit a user to easily exchange body 187 without exposing the cartridge to atmospheric gases, |BM3Sf Turning fa F!G> 30., depicted is a. transverse sectional view of an additional embodiment 176 of a MSFCRE comprised of two bodies 177 and 180, a cartridge receiving section 184, a threaded section 183 of body 180 formating with a cartridge housing, a threaded section 182 of body 180 for meshing with a threaded section 181 of tody 177, a fluid-flow conduit 176 with a proximal open end i 78, and a distal facing tapered needle conduit 185 placed in-line with the fluid flow. In such an embodiment, flow oflunctionai substance would only to established onoe tb© noodle eeotion punctures a film or septum of a cartridge. Additionally body 177 would he able to be removably retained :in tody 160 and would permit a user to easily exchange tody 187 without exposing the cartridge to significant portions of atmospheric gases. jpMSif Turning to FIG. 31, depleted Is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 186 of an exchangeable cartridge oomprlsed of a cartridge casing 184a functional substance 12, a plunging plug 188, an adhered distal sealant film 187, and an adhered proximal sealant film ltd. Furthermore the films 130 and 167 may be heat sealed films, adhesive adhered films, adhered elastomeric septa, or other analogous films that are fixed Id the distant ends ef the cartridge casing IBS and would preferably be removable by a user. fdSlilfl Turning to: FIG, 32, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 191 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of; a cartridge casing 193 with an open distal and, a functional substance 12, a plunging plug 192, and a compression Inserted proximal end-plug- 104. in such an emtodlmem the end-plug 114 may be removable pr^r to p§© of the cartridge or may b© pierced ψ a septum to establish fluid communication with funetfonai substance 1¾. In such an embodiment preferably the plunger plug 192 would establish &amp; seal with the easing Inner diameter bore sufficient to proven! atmospheric gas Influx, pbISi] jymitg to FIG, 33, deleted is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 195 of an exchangeable cartridge -comprised of a cartridge casing 197, a functional substance 12, an adhered distal sealant film 196, and an adhered proximal sealant film 190, Furthermore the films 126 and 198: may he heat sealed films, adhesive adhered films, adhered elastomeric septa, or other analogous films that are fixed to the distant ends of the cartridge casing 197 and would preferably he removable- by-a user, in such an embodiment, the cartridge lachs a plunger plug, which would otherwise be Installed on a plunger rod associated with an advancing member, |d0130] Turning to FIG, 34, depleted Is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 199 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge easing 1201, a functional substance 12, compression Inserted distal end-plug 200, and a compression Inserted proximal end-plug 202, In such an embodiment the end-plugs 200 and-282. may be removable prior to use of the cartridge or may be pierced by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional substance 12, PH4¾ Turning to PI.O; 34, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 193 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge casing 201 a functional substance 12, compression Inserted distal end-plug 200, and a compression Inserted proximal end-plug 202, In such an embodiment the end-plugs 200 and 202 may be removable prior to use of the cartridge or may be pierced by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional substance 12, p0l411 Turning to FIG.35, depicted Is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 203 of sn exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge casing 206* a functional substance 12, compression inserted proximal-.end-plug. 206, and a plunger plug having an advancing rod associated with If that may be inserted Into an advancing member, in such an embodiment the end-plug 206msy he removable poor to use of the cartridge .or may be pierced by a septum Id establish fluid osmmunfeaflon with functional substance 12, In an alternative embodiment (not depicted) a similar arrangement could be .envisaged where an adhered dim would take place of end-plug 206. PHM Turning to FIG. 36.. depicted Is a schematic side view of an embodiment 207 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge 20S having a film 208 with a pull tab adhered to the proximal end ©f the cartridge casing- In such an embodiment, the pull tab would make it easier for a user to manually remove fie film. In all previous: embodiments disclosed, wherein a film seal Is incorporated, those films may also alternatively include a pull tab as disclosed herein. !§Si43| Turning to FIS. 87, depleted Is a schematic side view of an embodiment 210 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge casing 212 having a slot passing down Its transverse length, which In various embodiments may be incorporated Into cartridges to provide thern with a key slot for fitting Into specific cartridge housing having a matching key, Alternatively, the key slot here depleted may alternatively be a protruding key that would serve the same function, but simply be protruding rather than recessed. f#144§ Turning to FIG, 38 a multi-device assembly 213 Is presented wherein a connection element 214 connects two devices of the present Invention 43 to an Identical device 43. Alternatively, two non-identical devises of the prasenf Invention may be connected together In a similar fashion, pdi4Sf Turning to FIG. 39, a figure is pmsented in order to illustrate an exemplary process of action that tie present Invention would undergo during use; a device 43 is presented wherein arrows representing physical force at its distal end .is transferred down to a cartridge and ooosecjuenily the force is exerted on tee functional sucstanoe 12, forcing It to be extruded through the extruding conduit tip and deposited exterior to the device, (noted as 12'} on a physical surface 2T5. poi46| Tyming to FIQ. 40» depicted is detail of a transverse cross sectional view or a cartridge housing 217 end extruding conduit tip 216 assembly wherein a heating band 2161s depicted as a heating band surrounding the cartridge housing 217 functioning to heat the functional substance· 12, in such an embodiment, the heating band may accept electrical communication and power from an external source or may receive electrical communication and powter from an onboard, element, in alternative embodiments, ine heater bans! 218 may fee Integra! to housing 217 or may fee manually removable, in an alternative embodiment, the heater hand may provide heat through a chemical process or be first heated fey an external source and provide a quantity of heat to the interior components for time thereafter. P0147J Turning to f 18.41, depleted is a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge casing having a main casing section 220', a tapered casing section 221, and an open end 222. In such an embodiment the cartridge Itself may contain a functional substance and in addition provide a reduced sects on for directly extruding the functional, substance without necessitating an additional extrusion ctenduit%>. ρδΐ4§1 Turning: to FIG. 42. depleted is a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of a cartridge 2.23 having an integral cartridge retaining element 225, which·, is depicted with threads; a cartridge casing 224; an integral tapered .extrusion conduit tip section 228; and an extrusion conduit flow channel 227. PH4S1 Turning to FIG. 43, depleted is a proximo! end perspective view of an embodiment of a cartridge 228, composed of a cartridge casing 229, a resistive cross-slit valve 230 fixed to the proximal and of the cartridge casing having sifts 231. pOiSdi White the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, as w$ be appreciated by those skiSled in the art, it is to: be understood that the Invention Is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements., and sush changes, modifications and rearrangements are Intended to be covered: by the following claims.

Claims (16)

1. What Is claimed is:

   1. A devsce tor dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising; . a cartridge housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, the cartridge housing configured to house an exchangeable cartridge including a cartridge plug and a functional substance; an extruding conduit tip at the proximal end of the cartridge housing, the top comprising a fluid flow conduit: and an advancing member configured to fit into the internal bore and configured to move axially through the bore; and wherein, when the advancing member moves towards the proximal end of the housing, it forces a metered amount of the functional substance through the extruding conduit tip,
2. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a multMobed pin and a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the muftMobed pin; and wherein a manual manipulation member comprises manually rotatable elements configured to advance a plunger through Internal bore when rotated.
3. 3. The device of claim 1, wherein the cartridge comprises a functional substance, a plunger plug, and a fluid control valve, being at least one of one way and bidirectional, along with configured to open in response to a pressure Inside the cartridge.
4. 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cartridge plug coupled to the plunger, the plug configured to establish a seal with the internal diameter of the interna! bore and to push the functional substance- through a fluid control valve when the plunger is advanced. δ. The device of claim 1 further comprising a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, wherein each cartridge housing Is configured to house an exchangeable cartridge and allow independent dispensing of functional substances therein,
5. 8. Tne devsce of claim 5, wherein the functional substances of the exchangeable cartridges are mixed prior to expulsion through the extruding conduit tip.

   7. The device of claim 6, wherein the advancing member fs configured to be controlled electronically; wherein the advancing member can be controlled by a remote operator; and. wherein the device Is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more functional substances, the metered amount being predetermined by the remote operator, 8. 1 he device of claim 7, wherein the advancing member Is controlled by pressure provided by a pneumatic system, and further comprising an electronic heating element.
6. 9. A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising: a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, the housing configured to contain a functional substance; an advancing member configured to fit into the internal bore and configured to move axially through the bore; and an advanceable stop configured to move axially relative to the housing and block the advancing member's movement through the internal bore, based on the advaneeable stop’s position relative to the housing; and wherein; when the advancing member moves towards the proximal end of the bousing, it forces a metered amount of the functional substance out of the proximal end, the metered amount determined by the position of the advaneeabie stop relative to the housing; wherem the advaneeabie stop comprises a helical thread configured to engage with a helical thread on the housing, and whereby rotation of the advaneeabie stop causes the advaneeabie slop to move axially relative to the housing: wherein the housing comprises a first graduated scale: whenarn a 360-degree turn of the advaneeabie stop causes the advaneeabie stop to move axially relative to the cartridge housing a distance of one unit on the first graduated scale; wherein the advaneeabie stop comprises a second graduated scale; wherein the second graduated scale is situated circumferentially around the advaneeabie stop; wherein the second graduated scale composes fractions of the first graduated scale, such that a partial rotation ot the advaneeabie stop Indicates a fractional advancement of the advaneeabie stop with respect to the first graduated scale.
7. 10. The device of claim 9, further comprising a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, wherein each cartridge housing is configured to house an exchangeable cartridge and allow independent dispensing of functional substances therein; wherern the functional substances of the exchangeable cartridge are mixed prior to expulsion through the extruding conduit tip; wherein the advancing member Is In electrical communication with an electronic control circuit and an electric motor; wherein the advancing member is configured to be controlled electronically; and wherein the advancing member can be controlled by a remove operator; and wherein the device is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more functional substances, the metered amount being predetermined by the remove operator.
8. 11, A method of dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the method comprising: Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising; st least a cartridge housing comprising an internal bore; an advancing member: and an advanceabte stop; and inserting at least one or two exchangeable cartridge containing a functional substance into the device; moving the advancing member a measured distance through the internal bore, thereby forcing a metered amount of functional substance out of the device.
9. 12, The method of claim 11 wherein the plunger Is advanced manually.
10. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the plunger is advanced electronically.
11. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the plunger is advanced by pressure provided fey a pneumatic system,
12. 15, The method of claim 11 wherein measured distance is defined by a visible graduated scale.
13. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the advsnceable stop to a position relative to the advancing member wherein the advanceafeie stop limits the rang© of movement of the advancing member, thereby limiting the amount of functional substance expelled from the device. 1?. A method of controlling an electronic dispensing device, the method comprising: providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance; and sending an electronic signal to the device, the signal comprising dosage information for one or more substances, wherein the electronic signal limits the device to dispensing only the one or more substances in the dosage indicated.
14. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the device comprises at least a first cartridge housing configured to house an exchangeable cartridge comprising a functional substance, and wherein the device further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing.
15. 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising dispensing two or more functional substances independently of each other, and/or further comprising mixing two or more functional substances prior to dispensing the substances,
16. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the signal is sent via remote operation, and/or wherein the signal is sent by a medical professional, copied to a medical professional or otherwise linked to proprietary and regulated data streams in compliant fashion.