AU2015333703B2 - Metered dosing method and mechanisms thereof - Google Patents

Metered dosing method and mechanisms thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2015333703B2
AU2015333703B2 AU2015333703A AU2015333703A AU2015333703B2 AU 2015333703 B2 AU2015333703 B2 AU 2015333703B2 AU 2015333703 A AU2015333703 A AU 2015333703A AU 2015333703 A AU2015333703 A AU 2015333703A AU 2015333703 B2 AU2015333703 B2 AU 2015333703B2
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
cartridge
housing
functional substance
exchangeable
proximal
Prior art date
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Active
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AU2015333703A
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AU2015333703A1 (en
Inventor
Bradley J. Douglass
Sytze Elzinga
Aaron KENDZIOREK
Jeffrey Charles Raber
Nicholas Grayson Sullivan
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Scientific Holdings LLC
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Scientific Holdings LLC
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Assigned to SCIENTIFIC HOLDINGS, LLC reassignment SCIENTIFIC HOLDINGS, LLC Request for Assignment Assignors: The Werc Shop, LLC
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31533—Dosing mechanisms, i.e. setting a dose
    • A61M5/31545—Setting modes for dosing
    • A61M5/31548—Mechanically operated dose setting member
    • A61M5/31555—Mechanically operated dose setting member by purely axial movement of dose setting member, e.g. during setting or filling of a syringe
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/14—Infusion devices, e.g. infusing by gravity; Blood infusion; Accessories therefor
    • A61M5/168—Means for controlling media flow to the body or for metering media to the body, e.g. drip meters, counters ; Monitoring media flow to the body
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/19—Syringes having more than one chamber, e.g. including a manifold coupling two parallelly aligned syringes through separate channels to a common discharge assembly
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/20—Automatic syringes, e.g. with automatically actuated piston rod, with automatic needle injection, filling automatically
    • A61M5/2053—Media being expelled from injector by pressurised fluid or vacuum
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/30—Syringes for injection by jet action, without needle, e.g. for use with replaceable ampoules or carpules
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M5/315—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms
    • A61M5/31596—Pistons; Piston-rods; Guiding, blocking or restricting the movement of the rod or piston; Appliances on the rod for facilitating dosing ; Dosing mechanisms comprising means for injection of two or more media, e.g. by mixing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/44—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests having means for cooling or heating the devices or media
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C—APPARATUS FOR APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05C17/00—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces
    • B05C17/005—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes
    • B05C17/01—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes with manually mechanically or electrically actuated piston or the like
    • B05C17/0116—Hand tools or apparatus using hand held tools, for applying liquids or other fluent materials to, for spreading applied liquids or other fluent materials on, or for partially removing applied liquids or other fluent materials from, surfaces for discharging material from a reservoir or container located in or on the hand tool through an outlet orifice by pressure without using surface contacting members like pads or brushes with manually mechanically or electrically actuated piston or the like characterised by the piston driving means
    • B05C17/012—Stepwise advancing mechanism, e.g. pawl and ratchets
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61M—DEVICES FOR INTRODUCING MEDIA INTO, OR ONTO, THE BODY; DEVICES FOR TRANSDUCING BODY MEDIA OR FOR TAKING MEDIA FROM THE BODY; DEVICES FOR PRODUCING OR ENDING SLEEP OR STUPOR
    • A61M5/00—Devices for bringing media into the body in a subcutaneous, intra-vascular or intramuscular way; Accessories therefor, e.g. filling or cleaning devices, arm-rests
    • A61M5/178—Syringes
    • A61M5/31—Details
    • A61M2005/3128—Incorporating one-way valves, e.g. pressure-relief or non-return valves

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 [Οδδί] Ths present invention relates to handheld dispensing apparatus and more specifically to a configuration for metered dispensing of a functional substance,.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [9092} Metered dispensing methods are commonly used to dispense products whereby accurate delivery of a cpectoo amount of substance is required, such as to pharmaceutical applications tor dosage of a therapeutic substance. Metered dosages can ba required for topical, sublingual, oral or inhalable therapeutic reasons and could further be useful In administration of specific functional formulations tor nonpharmaceutical uses, such as cosmetic, food, flavor or additive uses.
(S9SS1 Simple to use, diverse and efficient tools for dispensing metered formulations are not readily available. Simple approaches like tincture droppers, gradated syringes nr general approaches like a pinch, a grain of rice, or a match head to describe the quantity are not sufficient for a large number of efficient and effective uses.
[0904] The present disclosure provides methods, apparatus and mechanisms for dispensing of substances in an accurate manner. Additionally the use of simple- devices to aid in calculation of Individualized dosages to disclosed,
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [00051 The present Invention relates to handheld metered dispensing apparatus tor 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 dosing a functional substance, a functional substance discioseo herein is Intended primarily to be a composition for exposure to a person, animal, or plant by consumption or topical application; furthermore, the substance Is intended to provide a function In context of biological activity or alleged bfotagical activity. Furthermore, the -present invention provides a means tor exchanging a functional substance, by means of an exchangeabiy retained cartridge tor re-use of a device of ths present invention for a plurality of functional substances.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS.
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device assembly in accordance with the present invention [OPS?] FIG, 2 is an exploded Mew of a device assembly of FIG. 1.
[OOOSJ RQ.3 Is a transverse cross sectional view I ci an embodiment of FIG. 1.
[3009] FIG. 4 is a transverse plan view ef one embodiment of the present invention utilizing a mechanical rotating element advancing member.
[SOTO] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG, 4.
[Wil] rIG, 6 Is a transverse cross sectional view II of the embodiment of FIG. 4.
[6012] FIG. 7 is a detail cross sectional view 33 of FIG. 6 rotated 90 degrees from the plane of view to Illustrate further detail and illustrate an Interaction between a rotating element and an advanceable screw.
[0813] FIG. 8 Is a top view of ths mechanism housing of the embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrating depressed lobes in an annular housing feature.
W FIG. 9 is a proximal perspective view of a multMobed pin of the embodiment of FIG. 4..
[0915] FIG, W is a transverse plan view of an embodiment of ths present Invention employing an advanceable stop mechanism.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 including cartridge viewing slot.
¢017] FIG. 12 Is a transverse cross sectional view 111 of FIG. 10.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a detail cross sectional view 64 of FIG. 12.
[001S] FIG. 14 is an exploded view of ths embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 [6028] FIG. 15 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of ths present invention employing an efeouoaliy powered advancing member.
[0821] FIG. 18 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 including a cartridge viewing slot in the device housing.
[0022] FIG. 17 is a transverse cross sectional view ot the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15.
[0023] FIG, 18 is a detail cross sectional view 75 of FIG, 17.
[0024] FIG. 19 is an exploded, view of an embodiment depicted In FIG. 15
WO 2016/061062
PCT/US2015/055272 [8S2S] FIG. 20 is perspective plan view of an embodiment of ths present invention employing a pneumatic advancing member.
[0028] FIG. 21 fe a transverse cross sectional view V of FIG. 20.
[082?] FIG. 22 is a detail cross sectional view 122 of FK1 21.
[082§] FIG. 23 is an exploded view of ths embodiment depicted in FIG. 20.
[8029] FIG, 24 is distal perspective plan view of an embodiment of ths present invention housing. multiple cartridges in one cartridge housing.
[8838] RG. 25 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 24. [0931] FIG. .2.6 is a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of an SSPCRE.
[0032] FIG. 27 Is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an SSPCRE including a unidirectional valve.
[0833] FIG. 28 is a transverse cross .sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an SSPCRE Including a distsi facing needle conduit [0034] FIG. 29 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an MSPGRE including a unidirectional valve.
[883S] FIG. 38 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an MSPCRE including a distal facing needle conduit.
[8030] FIG. 31 is a transverse cross sectional view ci one embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.
[0037] FIG. 32 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.
[8038] FIG. 32 is a transverse crass sectional view of an alternative embodiment cf an exchangeable cartridge.
FIG. S3 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.
[8848] FIG. 34 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.
[8841] FIG. 36 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge.
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MG. 36 is a tmnsvsrse cross sectow! view of an alternative embodiment of sn exchangeable cartrtegs iiluterstlog s variant end film type.
(W431 FIG. 37 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge casing having a key slot.
JWM] FIG. 38 is a transverse cross sectional Mew of an alternative embodiment of the present invention wherein two devices of the pmsem invention are fixed together into a single device.
IW4SJ FIG. 39 is a transverse cross sectional vtew of an alternative embodiment of FIG. 10, Illustrating the functional action of the present invention.
P©4S] FIG. 40 is a date!I transverse cross sections! Mew of an embodiment of the present invention including a heating band associated with the cartridge housing.
[fXWJ FIG. 41 is a transverse cross sectional view of an alternative embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge casing having a tapered proximal end providing an extrusion conduit ftMMSj FIG. 42 is a transverse cross sectoral view of an aWnstive embodiment of an exchangeable cartridge having an integral conduit tip and cartridge retaining element.
ptWj FIG. 43 is a proximal end perspective Mew of a cartridge having a proximal end resistive crosses® valve.
[tW0| FIG. 44 is an embodi ment of the tip of the present Invention.
(»1] FIG. 45 is an embodiment of th® tip of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIFWH OF THE bWEf^TIOH |W52] illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to disclose the advantageous teachings of the present Invention but in no way are meant to limit the scope of the present disclosure, in this dfeclosurs, relational terms such as first and second» top and .bottom, proximal and distal, upper and lower, and the like may ba used solely to distinguish one entity or action from another entity or ambn without nscessadly requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such enttfes or actions. In this disclosure, the use of the term “distal* with relation to ths anatomy of the present invention may be used to distinguish the end of the disclosed assembly that fe at the farthest end from the extruding conduit, while the “proximal* end refers to the farthest
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PCT/US2015/055272 end of th® extruding conduit. However, the relative positions and orientations of components or features of a handheld metered extrusion device are described and depicted for illustrative purposes and are not required unless expressly stated. Furthermore, accessary items or other elements may be distal to the extrusion conduit in some embodiments.
in this disclosure, the term “functional substance* shall be understood to represent a chemical species, composition, nr mixture thereof, which is intended to be a viscous or free flowing liquid, but 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 bs comprised of any single chemical species or combination of chemical species having desirable properties and being suitable for extrusion out of ths device and suitable ter use in the present inventian. Furthermore, the functional substance need not be liquid, but may for example ba crystalline, or otherwise solid without department from the scope of the invention. Th® functional substance may comprise a consumable and/or pharmaceutical composition.
pS5fH Furthermore, in embodiments of ths 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 functional casing, in such an embodiment, the reservoir and casing may ba composed of different materials.
(W-S6] In embodiments of the present invention a cartridge may include a proximal end feature, which may serve to retain the cartridge io an extrusion tip section. Such a feature may include helical threads, flexible tabs, magnetic features, or any other suitable mechanism for retaining tee 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 the environment.
[POST] in 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 receiving and containing an exchangeable funteonte 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 functions! substance from the proximal end of the extrusion conduit.
gXW] 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
WO 2016/061062
PCT/US2015/055272 the easing may be sealed completely, end where present, ths casing may Include open ends that may be seated for storage and shipment by removable adhered film and/or puncturabls septs. Additionally, in various embodiments, a cartridge may also include a plug in one end, preferably at the distal end, which may serve as a plunger when actuated by a piston associated with a metering advancing member. In yet other embodiments, one or bath 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 and prevent the influx of atmospheric gases that may cause adverse reactions with the functional substance or otherwise spoil ths contents.
(Od§S] tn additional embodiments of a cartridge, a cartridge may indude a proximal section that may serve as th® extrusion conduit. Preferably, th® section proximal end would be of a reduced bore to provide a user ease of placement of the extruded substance at a particular location. In such an embodiment, a cartridge may also feature sealing ends end oops suitable for providing proper seal and storage conditions while not in use.
tOOSd] 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 [0061] 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 te proximal end. In embodiments including a unidirectional valve, the valve would serve to prevent revere® flow of fluids into tire cartridge and to retain a functional substance in ths cartridge white net in use. In an embodiment including s 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 cartridge whenever desired by preventing the free flow of fluid out of the proximal end. Only when pressure is applied by an advancing member would the fluid bs permitted to flow through the valve. The pressure required to “crack” the valve would be obvious to one skilled in the art and would preferably bs designed to accommodate ease of use and function of 'the present invention.
[0062] Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention a cartridge may be manually insertabte and removably retained in a housing, which in turn may be retained, supported, andfor partially or wholly enclosed by a cartridge retaining element feature or section.
[0063] Furthermore. a cartridge casing may be constructed from any suitable material, which may include, but is in no way limited tex glass, stainless steel, plastic film, brass, aluminum.
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PCT/US2015/055272 ceramic or ceramic composites, plastic, polymeric, composites, zinc, and coated metsls such as nickel plated brass..
(PG&4I Functional liquids that may be advantageously contained in cartridges according to the invention include, without limitation, esters, acetate esters, alcohols, acids, lactones, carbonyls» amides, phenols, isoprenes, terpenes, thiols, saturated and unsaturated thfosulfinates, hemiterpenss, monoterpsnes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes. tmmpenes.. sesquiterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyterpenes, norisopsenoids, and derivatives thereof, such as terpin hydrate, a derivative of turpentine; natural flavor compounds such as those often found In fruits, including but not limited tot Gamma Decaiactone, Gamma Oetalactone, Butyric Acid, 2-Methyl Butyric Acid, Propnonic Add, Isovaleric Acid, isobutyric Acid, Cinnamic Acid, Phenethyl Alcohol, Ethyl Butyrate, Ethyl isobulyrate» Ethyl-2-Methyl Butyrate, Ethyl Isovalerate, Methyl Cinnamate, Ethyl Proprionate, Ethyl Hexanoate, isoamyl Isovalerate., Phenethyl Acetate, (Z)-3-hexenal, beta-ionone, hexanal, beta-damascenone, l-penten-3-one. 3methylbutanal, (E)-2-hexanal, 2-lsobutylthfazde, Vnitrophenytethane, (E)-2-hegtenais furanones. g^-dimethyi-A-hydroxy-S^Hjduranone, mothyi 2-methylbutanoaies ethyl 2methylpropanoate, methyl hexanoate, methyl butanoate, tmns-2-hexenai,. ethyl-2methylbutenoate, ethyl butanoate, trans-2-hexenol, hexyl acetate, hexyl butanoate, 1butante, t-hexanol, ois-3-hexenal, cis-3-hexeol, cis~3-hexenyl acetate, ethyl hexanoate, propyl 2-methytbutanoate,. 2-methyM-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 1 -octanol,2phenyleihanol, 1,3-oct-5(Z)-enedtof, 1,3-octenedlol, 4-vlnylguaiaool, eugenol, 2methylbutanoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetlc acid, 3-hydroxy-bete-damascone, 4 hydmxy-S-methoxyphenylacetic sold, 3-oxo-aipha-lonol, vomifolioi, 3-oxo-p-lonol, dehydrcvomlfoliol, mseoslde; and/or natural flavor compounds such as those found in vegetables; Including but not limited to: dimethyl sulfide, thlosuifinates, disulfides, polysulfides, a-ptepene-l-sulfinothfofe acid S«2~propenyl ester (slltein), methanesulfinothioic acid S-2-propsnyi ester, S-propene-t-sulfinothioic acid S^(E,Z)~ ^propenyl ester, 2propene-l-sulfinothioio acid S-methyl ester, Linoleic acid, (E)-2-nonenol, (E)-2-nonenal, (Z)-3-nonenol, (Z)-3-npnenal, G9 Carbonyls. (Z,Z>3,6-nonadtenal, (E,Z}-2,e-nonadienal,
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3«methylbutanoates, 2-phenethyl esters, 2-phsnethyl 3-methylbutanoate, (E)-2-hexenyi 3-methylbutanoate» benzyl© 3-methylbutanoate, (E)-24igx@nyt 3*meihylbutanoate, benzyl 3<nethylbutanoate, methyl 3<tethylbutancate, butyl 3-methylbutanoate, 3methylbutanoate, butyl 3-methylbutanoate, 3-methyibutyl 3 rrteteylbutanoate, (£)-2pentenyl 3-methylbutanoate, 2-phenothyl hexanoate, sesquiterpene alcohol, cubenol, phthalides, 3-butylphthalides, 3-butuyi-4f5^dlhydrophailde, cis and trans terms of 3butyl-3a,4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalide, (Z)~Ogustilide.< 1 -(E,2)^,5,-undecatriene., sesqulnterpene hydrocarbons, alpha-copane, aipha-muurotene, alpha-calacorene, cadinenes, Z-acatyM-pyrroline, 2-ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazlne, acetaldehyde, 3melhylbutanal, 4-vinyigtteiacty, S-aceiyhhiazote, 2-acetyl-2-thlazoline, 2-(1 ~ hydroxyehtyilAS-dihydrothtezote, 2,S-DImetiiyi-4~hydrgxy-3(2H)furanone, hydrogen sulfide, methanethfol, ethanethiol, ooia-1 J-dien-S-one, linalool, (E,E)-deca-2,4-dtenal, p-mentha-1 ,3,4-triene, myrcene, 2“Sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine., myristtaln, (E,E)-deca2,4-dtenal, (2)“dsc-6-enal, Beta-phellandrene, (Z)-hex-3-enai, (Z)-hex-3-enol, (Z)-hex-3enyl acetate, vanillin, menthol, methyl salicylate, 3,7-gualadiene, delta-cadinene, cannabinoids, nicotine, caffeine, citicoline, and taurine. The current invention may also employ the vast array of melanoidins, a class of chemicals produced by Maiilard reactions, wherein amino adds and reducing sugars are heated together to produce complex compositions of chemicals derived therefrom. In addition, Alkaloids, steroids, indoles, dtophss, pharmaceutical formulations, therapeutic formulations, biologies, protein solutions, recombinant protein solutions, amino add polymers, natural or recombinant/ synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid polymers, natural or recombinant/ synthetic ribonuclefc polymers, solutions ot naturally derived or recombinant single or double stranded RNA solutions, solutions of natural or recombinant plasmids, natural or recombinant/ synthetic cosmlds, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protests, algae,, prions, or other microorgantems, particles, organelles thereof, extracts from plants, including essential oils, and/ or other bidlogleal or biologically active components and materials may be utilized.
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CARTRIDGE HOUSING i Ths present invention includes a cartridge housing for housing and/or retaining at feast one exchangeable cartridge. As a further aspect of ths cartridge housing, the housing may serve as anchor for cartridges, cartridge retaining elements, metered advancing members, or other features of the present invent’on that would Interact with the exchangeable cartridge, in various embodiments, the housing may integrally contain an entirety or portion of certain elements of the present invention, such as an extrusion conduit or an advancing member, [dOlBl in one embodiment of a cartridge housing,; the cartridge housing includes a proximal opening for receiving an exchangeable cartridge and a distal end for interfacing with or being integral with a metered advancing member. Furthermore in such an embodiment, a removably fixed cartridge retaining element would exist at ths proximal ©nd to retain the cartridge in the housing. in a similar but alternative embodiment, a cartridge having at least an integral extrusion conduit tip and housing anchoring element may be removably retained by the housing at its proximal end, '[WST] in an alternative embodiment of a cartridge housing, the cartridge housing may receive a cartridge from its distal end st a distal opening. Furthermore, la such an embodiment, the cartridge would be retained by a removably fixed distal cartridge retaining efement which may comprise a metered advancing member or an adaptor to a metered advancing member, in such an 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 element at its proximal end. The proximal retaining element may Interact with ths 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 ss a Hold flow conduit.
Furthermpre, In various embodiments and assemblies of disclosed elements, the cartridge housing may be constructed to accept a cartridge from either Its proximal or distal end.
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PCT/US2015/055272 [SOSBI.As a further aspect of the previously disclosed features of extrusion conduit tips, SSPCRE, and ySPCRE, an extrusion tip er assembly in general may include a feature for exohangeabiy fixing a proximal end feature of an exchangeable cartridge to the extrusion tip. In such an arrangement... the exchangeable cartridge could be fixed to ths extrusion tip, resulting in a tlp/cartridge complex which could then be inserted and exchangeably fixed to the cartridge housing. Any suitable anchoring mechanism could be employed, where for example, a threaded feature of the exhusion tip body or assembly body.
fdbhd] In an additional embodiment, a cartridge housing may be composed of a housing structure and a heating jacket or element to surround a cartridge or ba in contact with a cartridge in such a way to deliver heat energy to the functional substance retained in the exchangeable cartridge.
Wrs] 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 as a microwave, which may infuse a notable abundance of heat energy into the housing 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 significant amount of heat.
I'GOTiJ As a further aspect of embodiments of cartridge housings, a cartridge housing may include a visible graduated scale on its exterior to communicate to ths user a particular measurement in relation to the amount of functional substance extruded by the device. Furthermore, to aid in the visualization of the.contents of the exchangeable cartridge, a housing may indude a viewing port in its side, such as a slot. Alternatively, the housing may ba constructed from a visibly dear material, such as polycarbonate plastic, that would permit the viewing of its contents. In such an embodiment, a graduated scate may also bs included and may be printed on an interior or exterior surface.
W2] 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, th® valve may be removesbly retained by a pretective cover that is sis® removesbly retained. An example of such an arrangement would bs a protruding proximal conduit tube section, which could retain a valve having a sleeve section that
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PCT/US2015/055272 its over the end of the tube.. Furthermore, the arrangement could be made to receive a removeably retained cap, having so axial through hole, that cavers and prevents th® valve from bs pushed off the end of the tub® white still permitting flow of the extrudate from the valve. Such an assembly would advantageously permit a user to install a flow control valve directly at the point of extrusion so as to minimize unwanted excess flow from the conduit tube after the extrusion event.
(0073} When an apparatus according to the present invention inc-lodes a cartridge that has integrated into h an extrusion conduit tip, the cartridge may be removably retained to a cartridge housing by a retention element that serves only to lock the cartridge into the housing. The element .may comprise an annular object that may be threaded or otherwise made to be able to anchor to a cartridge housing and claim or otherwise fix 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 pOTdJ When an apparatus -according to ths present invention includes a proximal cartridge retaining element, ths cartridge retaining element may comprise a single section or two or more separate sections removably or irremovably connected together, in any proximal cartridge retaining element embodiment, the element as a whole would serve io 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 end 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 [O0TS] When an apparatus according to. the present Invention includes a single section proximal cartridge retaining element, alternatively termed ’’SSPQRE* herein, the element would be composed- of at least a feature at its distal end for connecting to a cartridge housing at the cartridge housing’s proximal end, a fluid flow conduit from its axial end to end, and may or may not indude various features or etements provided in-line with the fluid conduit. Furthermore a SSPCRE would contain a fluid flow conduit from end to end made to be in fluid communication with a functional substance retained in an exchangeable cartridge arsd a port or orifice at its proximal end for permitting the extrusion of functional substance out of the proximal end of the
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PCT/US2015/055272 assembly thereof. Furthermore, the single ssctfon proximal cartridge retaining element may ate© house other elements such as unidirecdonel valves, heating elements, or other functional elements interposed between the SSPCRE and th® cartridge housing. Furthemsore, the SSFGRE may also partially house one end of the exchangeable cartridge if the cartridge protrudes from the cartridge housing to some 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 end of an exchangeable cartridge. Furthermore, the SSPCRE may contain a septum or septa for accepting a needle from an external device for refilling a housed exchangeable cartridge or for accepting fluid flow from the present invention. As a further feature, the SSPCRE may contain a heating element, such as a resistive coil or any other suitable heating 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 tn Interface favorable with external devices or objects, As a whole, the SSPCRE would function to retain en 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 unidirectional flow control.
PROXIMAL CARTRIDGE RETAINING ELEMENT MULTIPLE SECTIONS gWS] When an apparatus according to the present Invention includes a cartridge retaining element comprised of multiple sections, alternatively termed fe4SFCRE’: 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 end. Furthermore the element would include a fluid flow conduit from end to end in fluid communicaflon with the functional substance retained in an exchangeable 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 proximal end of the present invention, [dd??] In one embodiment of a MSPCRE consisting of two bidtinct setlions, the two ssetions would compose a first cartridge retaining section fcr acnrrecting with a cartridge housing, retaining an exchangeable cartridge, and establishing fluid communication with a functional substance. The second section proximal to the first would function as an extended extrusion conduit tip having an open ended fluid flow conduit through Its core. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, interposed between the two sections or Integrated with one or both of the sections would also be additional features, etemenfe or sections that may provide other desirable functions, such as unidirectional flow, a distinct housing section for a unidirectional
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PCT/US2015/055272 valve, 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.
ASMOSPHERIC EXPOSURE REDUCTION [hfWl As a further elaboration of the previously disclosed features of extrusion conduit tips, SSPCRE, and MSPCRE, the elements may provide a system for reducing atmospheric gas exposure by including a reduced diameter orifice, a punciurabfe septum, and/or include a unidirectional valve that would permit flow of functional substance out of the exchangeable cartridge, white also preventing influx of atmospheric gases into the cartridge. In embodiments employing a punciurable septum, the septum would preferably consist of an elastomeric and/or polymeric film or series thereof, which could bs punctured by a conduit needle. Furthermore, preferably the septum material would consist of chemical resistant materials, which could also be used in applications for food goods exposure. 'Exemplary materials are silicone, PTFE .(Polytetrafluoroethylene), Viton©, Nylon, PEEK (Polyether ether ketone), and BoPET (Biaxiallyoriented polyethylene terephthalate): but would not be limited to such materials, in all cases, one skilled in the art would mcugnme appropriate materials, applications, and uses thereof.
|W7f| Furthermore, Embodiments of such elements employing a unidirectional valve may utilize any suitable valve, butter example could employ duckbill umbrella, umbrelia/duck combinations, cross slit dame, or ball valves. Preferably the valves would consist of chemically resistant and food exposure suitebfe materials such as silicone, fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber polyisoprene, butyl, ethane propylene, nitrile, or any other suitable material, but would net be limited to such materials. In all cases, one skilled in the art would recognize appropriate materials, applications, and uses thereof.
DISTAL CARTRIDGE RETAINING ELEMENTS [OSWf 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.
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PROXIMAL CAP [C1W1] 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 he located proximal to the extrusion conduit element and would serve to cover the exposed end of the extrusion conduit to further prevent atmospheric exposure, contain accidental teaks, 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, multipie proximal caps may bs provided.
METERED ADVANCING MEMBERS [0002] 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 tectite 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 preinstalled in a cartridge to provide the same result.
fPWSJ A metered advancing member of the present invention would function to drive the flow of functional substance out of the exchangeable oarfridge 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 the casing to force extrusion out of the cartridge, such as with a plate or with rollers·.
BMMM] In accordance with the present Invention, a metered advancing member may be comprised of any suitable mechanism that performs die intended function of the present
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PCT/US2015/055272 invention. In particular, severs! embodiments am described in cteteit herein, but it should be appreciated that many attarnatives and mechanistic designs and features thereof, such as electrical elements, are contemplated and envisaged and one skilled in the art would recognize that the mechanisms and features dwefosad herein in generality can be extended to ether variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.
[W851 Furthermore, in various embodiments, metered advancing members disclosed herein may be coupled or combined with any other features of the invention either in part or in whole, such as cartridge housing, attachment adaptors, cartridge retaining elements, or other features disclosed herein. For example, a mechanism housing may be combined with a cartridge housing to comprise a single part. Additionally said advancing members may optionally be controlled through wireless communication mechanisms.
MECHANISM DISCLOSURES
SIMPLE
OWS] In one embodiment of a metered advancing member, the metered advancing member would consist of a mechanism housing, a plunger rod, a finger grip, and a housing distal and cap. In one embodiment, the mechanism housing may ba combined with a cartridge housing, to represent a single part, and may with its interior bore Uidlngly engage with a ringer grip attached to a plunger rod, the plunger rod alone, or both simultaneously. 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 functional substance. Alternatively, the finger grip wouid be associated with the plunger rod and the plunger rod would siidingly 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 venations, the mechanism housing would provide a slot for the finger grip to pass through, which would also be abutted by a graduated scale marked on the visible exterior surface of the housing to indicate the relative position of ths plunger and advancement distances possible or already performed. 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 the initial construction or intermittent deconstruction of the assembly, in an alternative embodiment, a similar arrangement could be provided whereby a tactite feedback mechanism would be included wherein a portion of the finger grip would interact 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
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PCT/US2015/055272 could be a spring metal flange, would form a resistive confect with the slot features as each feature is passed. Such a mechanism could be used to indicate the advancement of a defined distance that corresponds with a defined volume of functional substance extruded, in all embodiments, preferably the sliding action of ths rod would bs accompanied by a moderate resistance to movement so the rod does not slide freely back and forth without force generated by a user’s, hand.
SCREW AN CLICK [WS7] In an alternative embodiment of a metered advancing member, the metered advancing member may comprise a scrmwdnven plunger .and an element rotated by a user to drive the screw plunger, in embodiments utilising a screwfenven plunger or plunger rod, the screw maybe driven by rotating action provided by a user. In various embodiments, ths advancement of the screw may be accompanied by a tactile feedback, such as a clicking action. Furthermore in various embodimente, the advancing distance may be preset or adjustable by the user.
fWSBl Furthermore, in one embodiment, the advancement of a said plunger screw could be provided by a user driven rotating element that doss not become displaced in the proximal or distal direction, bat. rather would only rotate in position about its axis. This could be achieved by employing a plunger with, for example, a square-like or rectangular-like shaft having two flat faces, and two externally threaded radial feces. With such an arrangement, the shaft could be rotated by a user’s manual rotational of th® rotating· element, which would apply force on the shaft’s fiat faces white the threads simultaneously interact with a stationary threaded hole in the housing, causing ths screw to advance along its axis In accordance with ths pitch of the helical thread. Furthermore, ths manually rotated element would permit the shaft to slide through its body along the flat faces as ths smew 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 amend the rotated element, which would coordinate with the position of the distal end of the screw shaft to indicate to the user the position of the screw in relation to the cartridge.
(W8SJ Furthermore, in an additional embodiment, the manually rotated element may have associated with it a composition of etemente that may provide a tectite feedback when the manually rotatable element is rotated to indicate a certain advancement of the element. In one embodiment, the manually mtatabfe element may retain a length of spring metal sheet or wire with a radially protruding tab or bend that would interact with an inferior diameter slot of a hollow
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PCT/US2015/055272 cylindrical housing. in such an arrangement, the spring metal fab would interact with a series of raised features of foe slot to cause a resistance to rotation and a “ciiok” like tactite feedback.
[0090] In an alternative embodiment a resistance to rotation and a “click* like tactite feedback could be provided by rotational coordination of a manually rotatable element with a muitMoba pin with protruding lobes having a hole bored through its center to permit the free passage of a dual Hat-sided advancing screw. Furthermore, the muitidobed pin would be arranged to be forced into and interact with matching arrangement of recessed lobes in an annular section of the mechanism housing, which would also have located at its center a threaded hole for mating with the advancement screw. Furthermore, as a final feature, the multi-lobed-pin would be forced into the recessed lobes with a metal spring backed up against a slot in the manually rotatable element.. In concert, as ths manually rotatable element is rotated, the multi-lobed pin is forced to rotate with it and is forced up the recessed lobs ridges and out of the recessed lobe depressions. As the pin is forced upward, and rotates ever a lobe ridge, it presents a resistance to rotation and slidmgiy advanced toward the distal end of the assembly in a slot provided for its travel. Once the rotation has permitted the mtatidobed pin to fall back into the recessed lobe depressions, the force of the spring causes it to snap bank into the recessed lobes. As a result the process causes a “click” like tactile feedback to the user rotating the element. In such an embodiment, the 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 screw to a fully retracted position, allowing the replacement of ths cartridge.
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 “dick tactile feedback that would indicate the actuator advancement of a predetemiined amount or an amount selected by a user. The term Mick” infers either the generation of a unique sound, tactite feedback, or both simultaneously. Furthermore,, in the preferred embodiment, the advancement of the mechanism would also be able to be visually indicated to the user as a quandty or advancement along a graduated scale.
[0092] For the generation of a tactite feedback associated with an advancement, a variety of mechanisms could be employed to achieve the function. in uno embodiment, the depression of an element associated with foe mechanism could be utisiaed tn cause a short and prosat advancement of the actuator by driving a piston or screw or short distance or rotation. Furthermore, in such a mechanism fos element depressed would return to its original position io
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PCT/US2015/055272 permit additional advancements. Such a mechanism would appear similar to a reirautabte ink pen..
ADVANCEABLE STOP MECHANISM [8893] In other embodiments of a metenng mechanism, ths mechanism may comprise a depressibte piston limited by an advanceable stop. In smbudiments employing these elements, the stop block would preferably be advanceable· toward toe proximal end of th® assembly and housed within it would be a depressfble piston, in such embodiments, the advancement of the stop would preferably not engage with the depresslble piston whilst advancing and would remain in its original position until acted upon and depressed by a user. Functionally, the interdependent association between the two elements would permit a user to advance the stop a desire distance before driving ths piston and the subsequent extrusion of a functional substance out of the exchangeable cartridge at its proximal end. Onos a user would like to depress ths piston and expel the functional substance, the 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, then expel toe volume in a single rapid event.
[8894] In one embodiment of ths present invention, an advancing member consisting of an advanceable atop and a depressible piston may comprise an assembly wherein an advanceable stop may consist of an axial bore and an internal helical thread engaged with an external helical thread cn the distal end of a cartridge housing, whereby the rotation of the advanceable stop would cause a traversing of the cartridge housing, whereby the rotation of the advanceable stop would cause a traversing of the cartridge housing. Preferably, the advanoeabte stop would be assembled in such a fashion that, upon reaching the ends of travel the advanceable step would be halted. Most notably, by limiting the travel, a user would not bs inconvenienced by unintentionally disengaging the threads when unscrewing 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 the two components. Where used, a snap ring may consist of a ring having, open and disconnected ends that are partially recessed 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 stomping. The wire profile may be round, square, triangular, or any other geometry that may serve th® halting function and would not be limited to such profiles. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, preferable the stop block could be -advanced in the disteHo-proximal direction or
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PCT/US2015/055272 proximaMo-dlstal, wherein the later would permit s user to exchange an exhausted functional substance cartridge with a new cartridge.
|WS§I In embodiments employing an advanceable stop and a depressible piston preferably the advancing member would have associated with it a visible indication of position and advancement distance. Visible indication could be provided by a graduated scale, multiple scales, nr multiple graduated scales visibly interacting with one another to indicate a position, in embodiments employing a single graduated scale, th®.scale would preferably be located on a visible section of the apparatus and may be partially or wholly covered or made not visible as the advanceable 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 seal® than the other. For example, one scale may indicate a mass as milligrams, white another may indicate a volume as milliliters.
[tKW] In one embodiment, a pair of graduated scales may interact visibly with one another to indicate an advancement. For example, a scale spanning a proximai-to-distal axial length would be marked on a visible surface, such as the outer surface of the cartridge housing, whilst a scale marked on th® outer circumference of an advanceabte stop may exist toward its leading proximal edge. In such an embodiment, the advanceable 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 housing. Together, the rotating scale marked on the advanceable stop would indicate a fractional advancement of a graduation on the scale marked on the housing as rotation oocura. For example, the engaged thread may have a pitch of 1mm and the graduations on the housing may be interspersed by a 1mm distance. A full (360-dsgree) rotation by a uses' would cause the advanceable stop to traverse 1mm of the housing, but it may be that a user would like to be abte to traverse a Smaller distance white still having 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 visibfe surface of the advanceable stop and would coordinate with a marking on ths cartridge housing to provide Indication of the displacement resulting from a partial ruistlon.
(feW] in -further embodiments of the present invention employing an advanoeable stop and a depressive piston, the advanceabte stop may include a tactite feedback mechanism or frietionaliy resistant element to Indicate to th® user a certain displacement of ths advanceable
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PCT/US2015/055272 stop. In an embodiment employing a rotation advanced stop, a Fictionally resistant or click type of tactite feedback may be employed to Indicate the displacement of the stop in relation to a full or partial rotation.
[888S] In additional embodiments of metering advancing members, various embodiments may Include an electronically driven and controlted 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.
In embodiments comprised' of an electronic motor driven actuation mechanism, the system would preferably bo comprised of a user interaction interface, an electronic control circuit a battery, an electronic motor, a power transfer system, an advanceable piston, and a housing.
¢01 SOJAs 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 a push button, or a slider, twist knob or collar; or an electro-mechanical switch, such as a touch screen or other tough sensor which may for example ba comprised in a dlsplay/control panel or wirelessly connected.
[88181] As an additional aspect of the present invention with respect to the present embodiment, a selectively engageable thread system may be employed to permit the user to slide the adwnceable stop along its axis without rotation until the user chooses to engage the helical thread that is used to advance toe advanceable stop when selecting a volume of extrudate to extrude. Such a composition would function by mechanically engaging or disengaging the helical threads of the cartridge housing and the advanoeabie rotatable element. Far example, in such a case, the cartridge housing section may include a plurality of threaded blocks that can be retracted away from or extended out to the point of engagement In one embodiment, the cartridge housing would be arranged to have an array of radial slots for housing radially extendible blocks, each having a single outwardly projecting helical threaded face. The blocks may ba extended and retracted through any suitable mechanism, where for example, in the
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PCT/US2015/055272 case of three blocks, a loberi cam may be positioned below ths blocks toward the center axis where the lobed cam is rotated by 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 arrangement, the lobes of the cam would be designed to force the blocks outward radially to an extent that their threaded faces would become engaged with the internal thread of the advanceable rotetable element of the advanceable atop. While in this state, the threads would be engaged and rotation of the advanoeabte step would cause a translation across· the cartridge housing with respect to the pitch of ths helical thread. Whan a user would like to disengage the thread to retract the advancsable stop to a new position to avoid inconvenient screwing action, the user could twist th® plunger pin, causing the blocks to retract to the lower section of the lobed cam, become disengaged with the thread, and release the advanoeable stop from the thread. Reengaging the thread could be performed by one® more rotating the plunger pin to a position where the lobes push ths blocks back out to a point of thread engagement [0011131 In on® embodiment, the control circuit includes a memory storage element capable of recording and storing usage data relevant to the user,, as well as any other information delivered to the device by mesne of electrical communication by either a direct wire connection or a wireless comm unication mechanism. This date may include, for example, cumulative consumption of the functional substance over a given time period; volumes of functional substance us® by the user; time periods between uses: temperature profiles of on® 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 wars connected, and/or particular encoded information identifying attributes of a component, such as its part of serial number, a 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 ths present invention. Ona suited m the art will appreciate drat dress types of date are disclosed by way of exampfe and should mt be considered to limit th® scope of information that may be stored in the memory storage element within the scope of the invention. [00183] Preferably, an electronic controller includes one or more processing slemenWprocessora. For example, the processors could be used to determine what is displayed on display/control panel and/or to actuate automatically advancing members or elements in accordance with date and logic processed by the processors. One skilled in thss art
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PCT/US2015/055272 will appreciate the diverse extensions of the use of processors in ths present invention, which are by n© means restricted to ths processing examples disclosed herein.
[90104] As an aftsrnaWe to simple manual actuation, actuation of an advancing member may occur automatically in response to ths input, of a passcode matching a valid passcode stored in a memory of a ccnfroifer. Alternatively, a corned passcode entry may only “unlock th® advancing function of the device, without automatically initiating advancement, but Instead permitting a user to actuate advancement manually. For instance, after the passcode is succeesfuiiy validated, a user may press a simple button nr switch to initiate actuation. The atomization element may respond to a single manual actuation following passcode validation, a predetermined plural number of manual actuations, for a predetermined amount of time elapsed after passcode validation, or until ths processor receives an aftirmative user command to '’lock3 the bevies again, such as by re-entry of a passcode to toggle back to a tacked state, or by a simple manual switch or button. The password may be input by a user directly into dispiay/conirol panel er communicated 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®, RFID, or optical connection, for example.
[001WJ In one embodiment, the controller may also include or he operatively linked to a wireless communication element (not shown in-figures) capable of transmitting to another wireless communication device or receive information from said wirefess communication device. In general, many wireless network typos are contemplated in this disclosure end may include, but are not necessarily limited to WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide 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 be controlled by a personal electronic device such as a smartphone, for purposes of passcode-enabled aotustion or Ipcking/unlocking 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 monftorlng/treoking. storage, and analysis of usage data on the personal electronic device.
[0019S] Furthermore as an additional aspect of the electrical control circuit, preferably the circuit would be designed so as fo be able to recewe and transmit to a battery or a heating element an electrical current from a charging lead, as well as including electrical communicattan elements for transmission of data between device 130 and external computation and/or data storage devises. In one embodiment, a connection port (not shown in figures) at the proximal end of a
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PCT/US2015/055272 battsr/controlfer housing ar at the exlnis'ion conduit san be mated with other elements extending pretonialiy or distally therefrom. When included, such a connection port may also permit electrical communication from the circuitry to one or more actuation mechanisms.
IPSWI As a further aspect of th® present invention, ths cartridge housing or advancing member may have associated within ri a scanner or sensor for detecting a datum or dets thorn an exchangeable cartridge or other object that may then be displayed to a user on the device with an electronic· display or used by th® electronic control circuit to alter the actuation in accordance io the data received.
fWltfS] Advantageously, efeotricsl controller may be designed to regulate battery charge rate with respect to voltage and current and could prevent battery overcharge. Furthermore, preferably th® electrical control elements would prevent revere® polarity damage to th® circuit elements er battery, by incorporating appropriately configured elements such as diodes, PNP Transistors, or a P-channel FET, iWHos] As a further aspect of an electronic motor fur use in various embodiments, th® motor may be driven by alternating or direct electrical current and would be In electrical communfcation with a control circuit. in a vary simple embodiment, an electrical control circuit rosy 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, |W1 W As a further aspect of a power transmission assembly, ths 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 from an electrical motor to an advancing piston. Alternatively, in an additional embodiment, a belt driven or frictional clutch systems may employed.
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PNEUMATIC SYSTEM i&Oiil] In an addlfcnai embodiment of a metering advancing member, a pneumatic system may be employed by use of a portable compressed gas container in association with an advancement mechanism. In such an embodiment, gas pressure provided by an onboard pressure reservoir, such as a compressed carbon dioxide gas cartridge/ tank, which may be exchangeable or integrated and refillable, could be used to drive a pneumatic cylinder piston, in one embodiment, the compressed gas tank may be exchanged through a port on a distal portion of the devise 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 have a slot permanently cut out of the side of ths device housing io permit the exchange of the tank from the side. In ail embodiments, preferably the exchangeable tank would mount dependably to 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 the device or efements thereof;
;]W112] 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, doubleacting, or telescoping cylinder design could be employed as well as cylinder arrangements having a return spring to cause the piston to return to a home/ 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 ths 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 doprsssibio button to allow a user io 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, ths valve assembly may accept a pressurized gas or other fluid from an external tins, such as a gas line from an air compressor.
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In an additional embodiment of the. present Invention, a cartridge housing may comprise multiple cartridge retaining sections, so as to permit the containment of multiple exchangeable cartridges in a single housing. Furthermore, in such an embodiment a single advancing member may be employed to operate functionally with multiple cartridges Individually or simultaneously. In such an embodiment, th© 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 cartridge to the next by radially rotating the mechanism from one cartridge to another along the cartridge distribution array pattern. This maybe achieved by appending an advancing member to a center spindle that would pennlt the advancing member to reach each cartridge of rotated to the cartridge location.
[00114] In an alternative embodiment, a multi-cartridge housing may be employed that is operated upon by multiple advancing members associated with one or more cartridges.
[(OGTVS] Furthermore in an alternative arrangement, multiple individual cartridge housing advancing members may bo fixed together into a single unit by an adaptor cr other element that may tlx them together into a single multi-operational unit.
pdf 16] 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-sito mixing of substances prior to final extmsion 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 or more functional substances together via an element of ths present invention prior to final extrusion. In one embodiment, a single gauge may bs used to operatively select the volume of extrudate 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 extrudate from each cartridge, in yet another embodiment, a mechanism may be employed whereby extrusion rate 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 from each of multiple cartridges, to one embodiment, a proximal
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PCT/US2015/055272 cartridge retaining element may provide facility and/or conduit for mixing of multiple substances and final extrusion, to ether embodiments, the proximal cartridge retaining element may be composed of multiple sections or elements. Furthermore, In alternative embodiments, cartridges may bo retained by distal elements and mixing and / or mixing mechanisms may exist as Integral feaiures of cartridge housing or housings, [00117] As a further aspect of all the embodiments disclosed herein and envisaged within the scope of the. present invention, the materials of which the components would preferably be constructed with may comprise hard materials, such as metals and pfosfe, opaque or otear substances, such as colored or optically dear piasfes or glass. Furthermore, one skilled in the art would recognize proper material choices for various ombcdfmsnts and variations thereof and no component should be limited in any way to a certain material of construction or way of manufacture.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [06118] in accordance with aspects of the present invention, various embodiments of the present invention and its components will now be described in greater detail in reference to figures and drawings.
iiWM91 According to one embodiment of the present invention, presented' in FIG. 1 is a schematic drawing of a complete metered dispensing device 1 incorporating a manually moveable slide driven advancing member. The assembly comprises first a cartridge housing 2 with an 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 6 for permitting travel of the finger grip, a distal housing cap 4 for retaining the sliding piston, and a visible graduated scale 7 for indicating ths relative posltton of the plunger rod. As further detail· an exploded view of metered dispensing device 1 is presented in FIG. 2 and a transverse sectional 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 the extruding conduit tip 11; a extrusion conduit tip 11 having a fluid-flow conduit 13, which may alternatively be comprised of multiple sections or elements In various embodiments previously disclosed; an exchangeable cartridge id containing a functional substance 12 (depicted in FIG. 3 only); a cartridge plug 9, which may be standalone nr fixed to plunger rod 8; a cartridge housing 2 also providing house for fee advancing member having a sliding slot 6 and a visible graduated scale 7 (depicted in FiG. 2 only); a plunger rod 8 fixed to finger grip 5; a finger grip 5 having a shape that slfoingiy engages with the internal 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.
[mssi According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, presented in FIG. 4 is a schematic drawing of a complete metered dispensing device 14 Incorporating a manually rotatable element for driving a screw plunger. In accordance with FIG. 1, the assembly 14 comprises a manually rotatable element 15, a cartridge housing 16, an extrusion conduit tip 17, and a proximal cap 13. As further detail· an exploded vtew presented in FIG. 5 presents the internal and external components of the
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PCT/US2015/055272 assembly. Th® assembly is comprised of first a manually rotatable element 15, which may include grip features and textures; a coil spring 23 for providing pressure against muitMobed pin 22, an advanceable screw 20, a cartridge housing and advancing member 16, an exchangeable cartridge 19 containing a functional substance (not depicted), an extrusion conduit tip 17, which may alternatively be comprised of multiple sections or elements in various embodiments previously disclosed: and finally a proximal cap 18 for providing cover for the extrusion conduit tip 17. In further elaboration, a transverse cross sectional view il of device assembly 14 is illustrated in FIG. S. Presented is the assembly- and various parts and features comprised of first a manually rotatable element 15, having on its exterior a textured surface 24 for improving user interaction; an advanceabie screw 20, wherein ths open interior region 25 of element 15 depicts the orientation where clearance in provided for the screw threaded region to pass through Its canter; a helical spring 23 in contact with a retaining feature cf element 15 and a distal face of the multi-lobed pin 22 for providing pressure of protruding lobes 26 into the recessed lobes 27 of the cartridge / mechanism housing 18; a threaded hole 28 of the annular feature of housing 16 for engaging with the threaded section of plunger shaft 20; an exchangeable cartridge casing 19 retained in housing 16 by a retaining feature 2§ of housing IS; a cartridge plug 30, a functional substance 12, an extrusion conduit tip 17 having a fluid-flow-conduit 32; and finally a proximal cap 18. Providing further detail, depicted In FIG. 7 is a partial detail view 33 of sectional view II at a 90 degree axial rotation at cross sectional view 11. Figure 7 illustrates further detail of device assembly 14 and in particular shows the association of the two flattened sides of the advancing screws with the. internal features of manually rotatable element 15, illustrating how the internal features are able to act upon the screw and rotate It, pet21] l Figure 7 illustrates further detail of the advancing member wherein the assembly comprises a manually roiaiabte element 15; a grip texture 24, an interior cavity 25 for permitting the advancement of the screw plunger 20, a spring retaining feature 35 of element 15; a spring slot 34 of element 15; an annular extrusion 3S of element 15 fixed into a slot 39 in the inner diameter of the bora of the mechanism housing 16, which serves-to retain the element IS from dislodging from housing 16, but also permit its axial rotation; a sliding slot 36 of element 15 for mating with and
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PCT/US2015/055272 permitting a space for multi-lobed pin 22 to slide vertically during its rotation with element 15; a bore 37 in muMi-lobed pin 22 for free passage of the advancing plunge? 20; a depressed lobe, section 27 of an annular feature of housing 16 for Interaction with protruding lobes 23 of multi-lobed pin 22: a threaded hole in the center of the annular feature of housing 16: and finally an open chamber of housing 16 tor free rotation of advancing plunger 20, As further elaboration on the depressed lobe features of the annular section of housing 1Ss FIG. 8 is atop view of housing IS illustrating four depressed lobes 27 and threaded hole 28. Furthermore, FIG, 9 Is an orthogonal side view of multi-lobed pin 22, showing further detail of the pin wherein the pin includes four protruding lobe sections 26; a center through-hole 37, a square shaped section 41 for mating with element 15 depicted in Figures 4-7 to transfer rotational motion to the pin; and a short, annular section for alignment with the axially oriented helical spring 23 depicted in Figures 5-7.
[Wt22] As an additional embodiment of the present invention utilizing an advanceabte stop block advancaable mechanism, FIG. 10 is a schematic view of device 43, comprised of a cartridge housing 46; an sdvancesbte 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 depressible 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 43; and finally a proximal end cap 47 for providing cover far an extrusion conduit tip. Furthermore, in a similar but alternative embodiment, FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment 43’ having a slot 50 extending an axial length of the cartridge housing. Turning to FIG, 12, further detail is depicted in a transverse cross sectional view III of device 43 derived tram FIG-10 noting mafor interior features and elements. Continuing further details of device 43 in FIG. 12, the assembly comprises first a cartridge housing 46, partially containing an exchangeable cartridge casing SS containing a functfonal substance 12 and a plug 55; Connected to housing 46 at its proximal end is an extrusion conduit tip 60 with a fluid-flow conduit channel 61 and open end 62 abutted to the interior surface of proximal cap 47 while also partially containing ths proximal end of exchangeable cartridge casing 56 and functional substance 12 and being threaded with threads of its own 57 into the threaded
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PCT/US2015/055272 end 58 of housing 46; an advanceabte stop housing 45 threaded on its interior to housing 46 with threads 83; a distal stop block 52 installed in advanceable stop housing 45; and finally a depresses piston rod 43 with a distal end 44 aligned into channels provided by stop block 52 and piston reteinsr 54.
[00123] Turning to FIG, 13S a detail section 64 of HG. 12. is illustrated to finer details of device 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 12, and plug 55; an advanceable stop housing 45 having threads 63 meshed with threads 55 of housing 48 and having an annular slot 69 out. into a slot proximal of the threads 85 containing an oring for providing a moderate resistance to the helical rotation of ths advanceabfe stop housing 45 as the o-ring transverses the exterior surface of housing 46; a piston retainer 54 having interior slot 67 retaining an o-ring 66 for 'providing a moderate resistance to the sliding motion of depresses piston rpd 53; a piston retainer 54 having an exterior slot 72 retaining a snap ring 71, the snap ring of which Is 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 cut into the proximal end of depressibie piston rod 53 retaining a snap ring 73 for preventing the rod from sliding out of ths distal end of the piston retainer 54. As further detail, an exploded view of device 43 is provided in FIG.
illustrating the details of device 43 discussed herein in an exploded view. 'ipGi241 In yet an additional embodiment of the present Invention comprising an eieobonfcaily 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 79, and an electranfo display 78. As an alternative but similar embodiment, FIG. 18 is a proximal side view of device 75' having a cartridge viewing slot 81. FIG. 17 is a transverse cross sectional view IV of device 75 depicting further detail of device 75, which comprises first δ device housing 76, which houses both a cartridge and an advancing member; a proximal cap 77 and a distal cap 81, both removably retained; a extrusion conduit tip 00 having a fluid-flow conduit 91 and open end 92 abutting the interior face of proximal cap 77; an exchangeable cartridge casing 89 containing a functional substance 12 and plug 88; an advanceable screw plunger 82 inside a sorsw housing section 83 of device
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PCT/US2015/055272 housing 76; and a user interface assembly comprising a button 80, a button 79, and an electronic display 78 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 IS) and battery 84 via an extension 103 (depicted in FIG. 19). in various embodiments, electrical cument flow may be achieved by an electrical element establishing contact with one lead of ths battery by a connection, such as 103, and otherwise establish a circuit by establishing contect with the device housing, which would also be .in electrical communication with the other lead of the battery. Also, in this and 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 ii.
PXH.2S] Furthermore a sectional detail view 33 depicted in FIG. 18 and an exploded view of device 75 depicted In FIG. 19 illustrates greater detail of the advancing member, which comprises Goss elements noted in FIG. 17 in addition to an electrical communication port 104 extending from the electrical 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 W5 (depicted in FIG. 19) in gear reta-rec unit 98 to electrical motor 86 retained in housing slot 101 arte having rotational force transfer shaft 100 connected to drive gear 99; a gear retainer unit 98 retaining idler gear 96, which is mesnsd with drive gear 99 and meshed with actuator gear 95; a actuator gear 95 having a rectangular void section 102 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 faces for meshing with a threaded hole 87 of housing 76.
ptel28] in yet another embodiment, of the present invention, a pneumatic advancing member may be employed in the present Invention and is illustrated in FIG. 20 comprising a device 105 with a device housing 107, a manual valve adjustment knob 110, a cartridge viewing slot 108, and a proximal cap 109. Furthermore, FIG. 21 depicts a transverse cross sectional view V of device 105 illustrating major interior components, including a device- housing 107, containing an exchangeable cartridge comprised of casing 186, functional substance 12, and plug 114; an extrusion conduit tip 116 with
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PCT/US2015/055272 threaded section 115 for mating with device housing 107, having a fluid-flow channel 118 with a proximal open end abutted to an interior surface cf removably retained proximal cap 117; a plunger rod 113; a pneumatic cylinder 112; a valve body 110; a compressed gas cylinder 113 removably retained in a housing slot 121, Furthermore, in a sectional detail view 122 depicted In FIG. 22, further detail of ths 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 tor establishing fluid communication of pressurized gas of pressure tank 119 with ths valve assembly 110; a manually adjustable knob associated with the valve assembly to permit a user to adjust the flew and pressure settings of the gas flow into the pneumatic cylinder; a depression 123 In the distal housing cover 111 to provide space tor a depressible button 127; and a gas flow conduit 126 cf extended stem 123 of valve assembly 110 that directs gas flow from the pressure tank 119 to the pneumatic cylinder through a port 126 In the pneumatic cylinder 122 side wall. Furthermore, an exploded view of device 165 is depicted in FIG, 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, an a proximal end. or from a distal end of the device- housing.
[617127] In yet an additional embodiment of the present invention, a device assembly may comprise a cartridge housing capable of housing muiiipte cartridges. Figure 24 depicts a distal schematic viewed an assembly 131 comprised of a multi-cartridge housing 138, 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, ar? advancing member 137, and an advanceabfe plunger rod 138. Furthermore an exploded view of assembly 131 is provided in FIG. 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 advanceable plunger rod 138 associated with a section 143 of the advanceable mechanism 137; a-section 142 associated with the rotational axis 140 for controlled
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PCT/US2015/055272 placement of the advanceable mechanism, which is also associated with a passage 144 of multi-cartridge housing 144.
[C0123] embodiments- of the present invention disclosed herein, the extrusion conduit tip may be comprised ot simply a fluid flow channel, or may bs a cartridge retaining element comprised of additional features or even bs comprised of multiple sections having various functional features as previously disclosed.
(90129] Turning to FIG. 2Ss depicted is transverse sectional view of a SSPQRE 145 having a SSPCRE body 148, a cartridge receiving section 148, a threaded section 147, a fluid flow conduit 151 with a proximal 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 heal energy. Additionally, the heating element would be in electrical communication with an electrical 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 b® heated by placement in a microwave or heated by direct exposure to a heat source.
[09139] in an alternative embodiment tri the SSPCRE145 of FIG, 25, ths element 149 may be a unidirectional valve body.
[09131] In an alternative embodiment of the SSPCRE 145 of FIG. 26, the element 149 may be a pierceable septum from either a proximal or distal end.
[90132] Turning to FIG. 27, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an additional embodiment 152 of an SSPCRE comprised of a body 153, a cartridge reoeMng section 157, a threaded section 158, a fluid-flow conduit 154 with a proximal open end 155, and a unidirectional duck-bill stylo valve 156 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.
fWiM Turning to AG. 28, depicted to 3 transverse seetfenal viow of an additional embodiment 159 of an SSPCRE comprised of a body 160, a cartridge receiving section 185, a threaded section 163, a fluid-flow conduit 161 with a proximal open end 152, and a distal facing tapered needle conduit 164 placed in-line with the fluid flow. In such an embodiment, flow of functional substance would only be established once the needle section punctures a film or septum of a cartridge.
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PCT/US2015/055272 [00134] Turning to FIG. 25, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an additional embodiment 166 of a blSFC-RE comprised of two bodies 167 and 171, a cartridge receiving section 175, a threaded section 174 -of body 171 for mating with a cartridge housing, a threaded section 173 of body 171 for meshing with ©threaded section 172 of body 167, a fluid-flow conduit 168 with a proximal open end 169, and a unidirectional duck-bill style valve 156 associated with body 171 and placed in-line with the fluid flow. In such an embodiment, flow of functional substance would only be pennitted to flow from a distal end to a proximal end, but not the inverse. Additionally body 167 would be able to be removably retained in body 171 and would permit a user to easily exchange body 167 without exposing the cartridge to atmospheric gases.
J08135|' Turning io FIG. 30:i depicted is a transverse sectional view of an additional embodiment 178 of a MSPCRE comprised of two bodies 177 and 186, a cartridge receiving section 184, a threaded section 183 of body 180 for mating with a cartridge housing, a threaded section 182 of body 180 for meshing with a threaded section 181 of body 177, a fluid-flow conduit 178 with a proximal open end 173, and a distal facing tapered needle conduit 185 placed in-line with the fluid flow, in such an embodiment, flow of functional substance would only be established one© the needle section punctures a film or septum of a cartridge. Additionally body 177 would be able to be removably retained in body ISO and would permit a user to easily exchange body 167 without exposing the cartridge to significant portions of atmospheric gases.
:^O13S1 Turning to FIG. 31, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 186 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge casing 189, a functional substance 12, a plunging plug 188, an adhered distal sealant film 187, and an adhered proximal sealant film ISO, Furthermore the films 190 and 187 may be heat sealed films, adhesive adhered films, adhered- elastomeric septa, or other analogous fores that are fixed te ths distant ends of the cartridge casing 189 and would preferably be removable by a user.
ptlSTl Turning to HQ. 32, depleted is a transverse sectional vi&w of an embodiment 181 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge casing 193 with an open distal end, a funotlonaf substance 12, a plunging plug 192, and a compression inserted proximal end-plug 194. tn such an embodiment the end-plug 194 may be removable
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PCT/US2015/055272 prior to use of the cartridge or may bo pieroad by a septum to establish fluid communfcaWsn with functional substance 12< in such an embodiment preferably the plunger plug 192 would establish a seal with the casing inner diameter bore sufficient to prevent atmospheric gas Influx,
Turning to FIG. 33, depicted 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 tom 198. Furthermore the toms 196 and 198 may be heat sealed toms, adhesive adhered films, adhered elastomeric septa, or other analogous toms that are fixed to the distant ends of ths cartridge casing 197 and would preferably bs removable by a user, to such an embodiment, the cartridge iaohs a plunger plug, which would otherwise bs installed on a plunger rod associated with an advancing member.
pH39] Turning to FIG. 34, depicted Is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 199 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge casing 1201, a functional substance 12, compression Inserted d total end-plug 200, sod a compression inserted proximal end-plug 202, In such an embodiment ths end-plugs 200 and 292 may be removable prior to use. of the cartridge or may be pierced by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional substance 12.
OMH40] Turning to FIG, 34, depicted Is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 199 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, to 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.
[091411 Turning to FIG. 35, depicted is a transverse sectional view of an embodiment 203 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge easing 205, a functional substance 12, compression 'inserted proximal end-plug 206, and a plunger plug having an advancing rod associated with 9 that may be inserted into an advancing member. In such an embodiment ths end-plug 206 may ba removable prior io use of the cartridge or may be pierced by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional substance
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12, In an alternative embodiment (not depicted) s similar arrangement could be envisaged where an adhered dim would take place of end-plug 206.
turning Io FIG. 36. depicted is a schematic side view et an embodiment 207 of an exchangeable cartridge comprised of a cartridge .263 having a rim 209 with a puli tab adhered to the proximal end of the cartridge easing, tn such an embodiment, the pull tab would make it easier for a user io manually remove the Wrm in all previous embodiments disclosed, wherein a film seal is incorporated, these films may also alternatively include a puli' tab as disclosed herein, [99143] Turning to FIG. 37, depicted 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 them with a key slot for fitting into specific cartridge housing having a matching key. Alternatively, the key slot here depicted may alternatively be a protredfog key that would serve the same function, .but simply be protruding rather than recessed.
[00144] Turning to FIG. 38 a multi-device assembly 213 fe presented wherein a connection element 214 connects two devices of the present Invention 43 to an Identical device 43, Alternatively, two non-identical devices of the present invention may be connected together in a similar fashion.
Turning to FIG. 39, a figure is presented in order to illustrate an exemplary process of action that the 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 consequently the force is exerted on fee functional substance 12, forcing it to be extruded through the extruding conduit tip and deposited exterior to the device footed as 12‘) on a physical surface 215.
[@0148] Turning to AG. 40, depicted is detail of a transverse cross sectional view of a cartridge housing 217 and extruding conduit tip 21S assembly wherein a. heating band 216 is depicted as a heating band surrounding the cartridge housing 217 functioning to heat the functional substance 12. In such an embodiment, th© heating band may accept electrical communication and power from an external source or may receive electrical communication arid power from an onboard element. In alternative embodiments, ths
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PCT/US2015/055272 heater band 216 may be Integral to housing 217 or may be manually removable. In an alternative embodiment, ths heater band may provide heal through a chemical process or be nrst heated by an external source and provide a quantity of heat to the interior components for time thereafter.
¢8147] Taming to FIG. 41, depicted 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 section for directly extruding the functional substance without necessitating an additional extrusion conduit tip.
¢614¾ Turning to FIG. 42, depicted is a transverse cross sectional view of an embodiment of a cartridge 223 having an integral cartridge retaining element 225; which is depicted with threads; a cartridge casing 224; an integral tapered extrusion conduit tip sectfon 226; and an extrusion conduit flow channel 227.
[0CH4SJ Turning to FIG. 43, depicted is a proximal end perspective vlw of an embodiment of a cartridge 228, composed of a cartridge casing 229, a resistive crosssilt valve 230 fixed to the proximal end of the cartridge casing having slits 231.
pfolSb] White the invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, as will be appreciated by those touted in the art, it is to ba understood that the Invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications and rearrangements, and such changes, modifications and rearrangements arc intended to be covered by the following dates.
2015333703 02 Nov 2018

Claims (7)

  1. THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
    1. A device for 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; and further comprising a multi-lobed pin and a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the multi-lobed pin; and wherein a manual manipulation member comprises manually rotatable elements configured to advance a plunger through internal bore when rotated.
  2. 2. A device according to 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, and configured to open in response to a pressure inside the cartridge.
  3. 3. A device according to claim 1 further comprising a cartridge plug coupled to the plunger, the plug configured to establish a seal with the internal diameter of the internal bore and to push the functional substance through a fluid control valve when the plunger is advanced.
    29/10/18
    2015333703 02 Nov 2018
  4. 4. A device according to 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. 5. A device according to claim 4, wherein the functional substances of the exchangeable cartridges are mixed prior to expulsion through the extruding conduit tip.
  6. 6. A device according to claim 1, wherein the advancing member is 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.
  7. 7. A device according to claim 6, wherein the advancing member is controlled by pressure provided by a pneumatic system, and further comprising an electronic heating element.
    Dated this 29th day of April 2017
    Scientific Holdings, LLC
    Patent Attorneys for the Applicant
    PETER MAXWELL AND ASSOCIATES
AU2015333703A 2014-10-13 2015-10-13 Metered dosing method and mechanisms thereof Active AU2015333703B2 (en)

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US62/063,198 2014-10-13
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JP2017531499A (en) 2017-10-26
IL251660B (en) 2020-05-31
RU2017112763A (en) 2018-11-15
ES2638007R1 (en) 2017-11-06
GB201707675D0 (en) 2017-06-28
AU2015333703A1 (en) 2017-04-27
IL251660A0 (en) 2017-06-29
ES2638007A2 (en) 2017-10-18
WO2016061062A1 (en) 2016-04-21
GB2547831A (en) 2017-08-30
CA2964457A1 (en) 2016-04-21
RU2017112763A3 (en) 2018-11-15
RU2685686C2 (en) 2019-04-22
CZ2017259A3 (en) 2017-08-30
JP6507237B2 (en) 2019-04-24

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