JP2017531499A - Quantitative dispensing method and mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

An expandable metering system for managing dosing aliquots drives a cartridge housing for a replaceable cartridge with a stopper for containing the functional material and the amount of functional material metered throughout the tip. And an extruded conduit tip with a fluid flow conduit driven by a forward member. Manual, pneumatic, electrical, and / or electronic means for advancement, viewing slot, multiple metering and dispensing ports, combined with a one-way valve, are shown in two cartridges once as indicated by the graduated scale. Allows to be weighed.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hand-held dispensing device, and more specifically to a configuration for quantitative dispensing of functional substances.

  Quantitative dispensing methods are commonly used to dispense products, which require the precise delivery of a specific amount of a substance, such as in a pharmaceutical application for administration of a therapeutic substance. The Metered doses may be required for topical, sublingual, oral, or inhalable therapeutic reasons, as well as specific functional formulations for non-pharmaceutical applications such as cosmetic, food, flavoring, or additive applications May be useful in the administration of.

  Easy to use, diverse and efficient tools for dispensing metered formulations are not readily available. A simple approach such as a tincture dropper, graduated syringe, or a general approach such as a pinch of quantity, rice grain, or a match tip is not sufficient for many efficient and effective applications.

  The present disclosure provides methods, apparatus, and mechanisms for dispensing substances in a precise manner. In addition, the use of a simple device useful for calculating individualized doses is disclosed.

  The present invention relates to a hand-held quantitative dispensing device for quantitative extrusion of one or more functional substances. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to provide the user with a relatively simple and accurate means for administering functional substances. The functional materials disclosed herein are intended to be compositions for exposure to individuals, animals, or plants primarily through consumption or topical use, and further, the materials are biological It is intended to provide a function in the context of biological activity or unproven biological activity. In addition, the present invention provides a means for exchanging functional material using a cartridge that is retained replaceably for reuse of the device of the present invention for a plurality of functional materials.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device assembly according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the device assembly of FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view I of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 4 is a side plan view of one embodiment of the present invention utilizing a mechanical rotating element advancement member. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view II of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 7 is a detailed cross-sectional view 33 of FIG. 6 rotated 90 degrees from the plane of the drawing illustrating further details and illustrating the interaction between the rotating element and the advanceable screw. FIG. 8 is a top view of the mechanism housing of the embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrating a recessed leaf within the annular housing feature. FIG. 9 is a proximal perspective view of the multiple lobe pin of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 10 is a horizontal plan view of an embodiment of the present invention that employs an advanceable stop mechanism. FIG. 11 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 10 including a cartridge viewing slot. 12 is a cross-sectional view III of FIG. 13 is a detailed cross-sectional view 64 of FIG. FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. FIG. 15 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present invention that employs an electric advancement member. 16 is a perspective plan view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 15 including a cartridge viewing slot in the device housing. FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 18 is a detailed cross-sectional view 75 of FIG. FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. FIG. 20 is a perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present invention employing a pneumatic advancement member. 21 is a cross-sectional view V of FIG. 22 is a detailed cross-sectional view 122 of FIG. FIG. 23 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. FIG. 24 is a distal perspective plan view of an embodiment of the present invention housing a plurality of cartridges in a single cartridge housing. FIG. 25 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of SSPCRE. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of SSPCRE that includes a one-way valve. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of SSPCRE that includes a distal facing needle conduit. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of MSPCRE that includes a one-way valve. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of MSPCRE that includes a distal facing needle conduit. FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge illustrating a variant end film type. FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge casing having a key slot. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention in which two devices of the present invention are both secured to a single device. FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the alternative embodiment of FIG. 10 illustrating the functional operation of the present invention. FIG. 40 is a detailed cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention including a heating band associated with a cartridge housing. FIG. 41 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge casing having a tapered proximal end that provides an extruded conduit. FIG. 42 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a replaceable cartridge having an integral conduit tip and a cartridge retention element. FIG. 43 is a proximal end perspective view of a cartridge with a proximal end resistance cross slit valve. FIG. 44 is a tip embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 45 is a tip embodiment of the present invention.

  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 are intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. It has not been.

  In this disclosure, related terms such as first and second, top and bottom, proximal and distal, superior and inferior, and the like are not necessarily all actual terms between such entities or actions. It can be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another without requiring or suggesting a relationship or order. In the present disclosure, the use of the term “distal” with respect to the structure of the present invention can be used to distinguish the end of the disclosed assembly at the end furthest from the extruded conduit, while “proximal” The “end” refers to the farthest end of the extruded conduit. However, the relative positions and orientations of the components or features of the handheld metered extrusion device are not required unless described and depicted for illustrative purposes and explicitly described. Furthermore, accessory items or other elements may also be distal to the extrusion conduit in some embodiments.

  In this disclosure, the term “functional substance” is intended to be a viscous or free-flowing liquid, but when stored under physical conditions that will change the physical state of the composition. Are to be understood to represent chemical species, compositions, or mixtures thereof that may exist in a solidified or nearly solid state. A functional component consists of any single species or combination of species that has desirable properties, is suitable for extrusion from a device, and is suitable for use in the present invention. Also good. Further, the functional material need not be a liquid, but can be crystalline or otherwise solid, for example, without departing from the scope of the present invention. The functional substance may comprise a consumable and / or pharmaceutical composition.

  Furthermore, in an embodiment of the invention, the cartridge may consist of a functional substance reservoir section which may be protected or otherwise partially or fully surrounded by a functional casing. In such embodiments, the reservoir and casing may be made of different materials.

  In embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge may include a proximal end feature that may serve to retain the cartridge in the extruded tip section. Such features may include helical threads, flexible tabs, magnetic features, or any other suitable mechanism for retaining the cartridge at the extrusion tip. In addition, a sealing cap or protective cover may be provided to prevent exposure of the proximal end conduit section to the environment.

  Specifically, according to aspects of the present invention, an apparatus for quantitative extrusion of functional materials is provided. The apparatus may include metered extrusion of functional materials. The apparatus may comprise a metering advance member, a housing for receiving and containing a replaceable functional material cartridge, an extrusion conduit, and a removably associated extrusion conduit cover. The assembly of components will be configured to extrude a specific volume of functional material from the proximal end of the extrusion conduit.

  A replaceable functional material cartridge, sometimes referred to herein as a “cartridge” or “replaceable cartridge”, suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention comprises at least a casing and a functional It may consist of a substance. Further, the end of the casing may be completely sealed, and if present, the casing includes an open end that can be sealed for storage and shipping by a removable adhesive film and / or pierceable septum. But you can. In addition, in various embodiments, the cartridge also includes a plug at one end, preferably at the distal end, that can act as a plunger when actuated by a piston associated with the metering advancement member. But you can. In still other embodiments, one or both open ends of the casing seal the fluid within the cartridge, causing an adverse reaction with the functional material, or otherwise corrupting the contents, It may be sealed with a stopper, stopper, or other suitable element that will act to prevent flux.

  In additional embodiments of the cartridge, the cartridge may include a proximal section that may serve as an extrusion conduit. Preferably, the section proximal end will be a reduced hole to provide the user with ease of placement of the extruded material at a particular location. In such embodiments, the cartridge may also feature a suitable closed end and cap to provide proper sealing and storage conditions while not in use.

  In additional embodiments of the cartridge, the cartridge includes sections or elements that may serve to removably retain the cartridge in the cartridge housing or advancement member, eliminating the need for any other cartridge retaining element. But you can.

  As an additional feature of the cartridge of the present invention, the cartridge may include a fluid control valve at its proximal end, such as a one-way valve or a valve that is resistant to fluid flow. In embodiments that include a one-way valve, the valve will serve to prevent back flow of fluid into the cartridge and to retain functional material in the cartridge while not in use. In embodiments that include a resistance valve, preferably the valve will allow fluid flow only when the appropriate pressure is applied. In such embodiments, the resistance valve will allow the user to replace the cartridge whenever desired, by preventing free outflow of fluid from the proximal end. Only when pressure is applied by the advancement member will fluid be allowed to flow through the valve. The pressure required to “open” the valve will be apparent to those skilled in the art and will preferably be designed to accommodate the ease and function of the present invention.

  Further, in embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge may be manually insertable and may be removably retained within the housing, and thus the housing is retained by the cartridge retaining element, feature, or section, It may be supported and / or partially or fully encapsulated.

  In addition, the cartridge casing may contain coated metals such as glass, stainless steel, plastic film, brass, aluminum, ceramic or ceramic composites, plastics, polymer composites, zinc, and nickel plated brass, but how May be constructed from any suitable material, including but not limited to.

  Functional liquids that can advantageously be contained in the cartridge according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, esters, acetates, alcohols, acids, lactones, carbonyls, amides, phenols, isoprenes, terpenes, thiols, saturated and unsaturated thiols. Sulfinic acid, hemiterpene, monoterpene, sesquiterpene, diterpene, sesterterpene, triterpene, sesquaterpene, tetraterpene, polyterpene, norisoprenoid, and derivatives thereof such as terpentine, terpentine derivatives, gamma decalactone, gamma octane Lactone, butyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, propionic acid, isovaleric acid, isobutyric acid, cinnamic acid, phenethyl alcohol, ethyl butyrate, ethyl isobutyrate, ethyl-2-butyrate, ethyl isovalerate, methyl cinnamate, Ethyl pionate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl isovalerate, phenethyl acetate, (Z) -3-hexena, beta-ionone, hexanal, beta-damasenone, 1-penten-3-one, 3-methylbutanal, (E ) -2-hexanal, 2-isobutylthiazole, 1-nitrophenylethane, (E) -2-heptenal, furanone, 2.5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3 (2H) -furanone, methyl 2-methylbutanoate , Ethyl 2-methyl propanoate, methyl hexanoate, methyl butanoate, trans-2-hexenal, methyl ethyl-2-butanoate, ethyl butanoate, trans-2-hexenol, hexyl acetate, hexyl butanoate, 1-butanol 1-hexanol, cis-3-hexenal, cis-3-hexenol Cis-3-acetic acid hexenyl, ethyl hexanoate, propyl 2-methyl butanoate, 2-methyl-1-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 1-octanol, 2-phenylethanol, 1,3-oct-5 (Z) -enediol 1,3-octanediol, 4-vinyl guaiacol, eugenol, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxy-beta-damascone, 4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, 3-oxo-alpha-ionol Natural flavor compounds such as, but not limited to, those often found in fruits, and / or dimethyl sulfide, thiol, including, but not limited to, bomifoliol, 3-oxo-β-ionol, dehydrobomifoliol, roseoside Sulfinic acid, disulfide, polysulfide 2-propene-1-sulfinothioic acid S-2-propenyl ester (allysine), methanesulfinothioic acid S-2-propenyl ester, 2-propene-1-sulfinothioic acid S- (E, Z) -1-propenyl ester 2-propene-1-sulfinothioic acid S-methyl ester, linoleic acid, (E) -2-nonenole, (E) -2-nonenal, (Z) -3-nonenole, (Z) -3-nonenal, C9 Carbonyl, (Z, Z) -3.6-nonadienal, (E, Z) 2,6-nonadienal, methyl 3-butanoate, 2-phenethyl ester, 2-phenethyl 3-methyl butanoate, (E) -2 -Hexenyl 3-methyl butanoate, benzyl 3-methyl butanoate, (E) -2-hexenyl 3-methyl butanoate, benzyl 3-methyl butanoate, Methyl butyl 3-butanoate, methyl butyl 3-butanoate, methyl 3-butanoate, methyl butyl 3-butanoate, methyl 3-methylbutyl 3-butanoate, (E) -2-pentenyl 3-methyl butanoate, 2- Cis and trans forms of phenethyl hexanoate, sesquiterpene alcohol, cubenol, phthalide, 3-butylphthalide, 3-butyl-4,5-dihydrophthalide, 3-butyl-3a, 4,5,6-tetrahydrophthalide, ( Z) -ligustylide, 1- (E, Z) -3,5, -undecatriene, sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, alpha-copaene, alpha-muololene, alpha-caracolene, kadinene, 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline, 2 -Ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, acetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 4-vinylguay Acol, 2-acetylthiazole, 2-acetyl-2-thiazoline, 2- (1-hydroxyethyl) -4,5-dihydrothiazole, 2,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3 (2H) -furanone, hydrogen sulfide , Methanethiol, ethanethiol, octa-1,5-dien-3-one, linalool, (E, E) -deca-2,4-dienal, p-menta-1,3,4-triene, myrcene, 2 -Sec-butyl-3-methoxypyrazine, myristicin, (E, E) -deca-2,4-dienal, (Z) -dec-6-enal, beta-ferrandrene, (Z) -hex-3-enal (Z) -hex-3-enol, (Z) -hex-3-ethyl acetate, vanillin, menthol, methyl salicylate, 3,7-guaiadiene, delta-cadine , Including cannabinoids, nicotine, caffeine, citicoline, as well as taurine, but not limited to, natural flavor compounds such as those found in vegetables. The present invention also provides a myriad of melanoidins, a type of chemical produced by the Maillard reaction, in which an amino acid and a reducing sugar are heated together to produce a composite composition of chemicals derived therefrom. It may be adopted. In addition, alkaloids, steroids, indoles, diazepines, pharmaceutical formulations, therapeutic formulations, biological materials, protein solutions, recombinant protein solutions, amino acid polymers, natural or recombinant / synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid polymers, natural or recombinant / synthetic ribonucleic acid polymers, Solutions of natural or recombinant single or double stranded RNA, solutions of natural or recombinant plasmids, natural or recombinant / synthetic cosmids, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protists, algae, prions, or other microorganisms, particles, Organelles, extracts from plants including essential oils, and / or other biological or biologically active ingredients and materials may be utilized.

Cartridge Housing The present invention includes a cartridge housing for storing and / or retaining at least one replaceable cartridge. As a further aspect of the cartridge housing, the housing may serve as an anchor for a cartridge, cartridge retaining element, metering advancement member, or other feature of the invention that will interact with a replaceable cartridge. . In various embodiments, the housing may integrally contain all or part of an element of the invention, such as an extruded conduit or advancement member.

  In one embodiment of the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing includes a proximal opening for receiving a replaceable cartridge and a distal end for interlocking with or integral with the metering advance member. Further, in such embodiments, a releasably secured cartridge retaining element will be present at the proximal end to retain the cartridge within the housing. In a similar but alternative embodiment, a cartridge having at least an integral extruded conduit tip and a housing anchoring element may be removably retained by the housing at its proximal end.

  In an alternative embodiment of the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing may receive the cartridge from its distal end at the distal opening. Further, in such embodiments, the cartridge will be retained by a removably secured distal cartridge retaining element that may comprise a metered advance member or an adapter to the metered advance member. In such embodiments, the housing may include an internal feature at its proximal end for retaining the cartridge inside the housing, or alternatively, removably secured to its proximal end. A cartridge retaining element may be received. The proximal retaining element may interact with the cartridge to assist in retaining it in the housing, or alternatively, the extruded conduit is simply removable at the proximal end of the housing Or it may be permanently fixed and will only serve as a fluid flow conduit. Further, in various embodiments and disclosed element assemblies, the cartridge housing may be constructed to receive a cartridge from either its proximal or distal end.

  As a further aspect of the above disclosed features of the extrusion conduit tip, ie SSPCRE and MSPCRE, the extrusion tip or assembly generally provides features for interchangeably securing the proximal end feature of the replaceable cartridge to the extrusion tip. May be included. In such an arrangement, the replaceable cartridge can be secured to the extrusion tip and then inserted into the cartridge housing, resulting in a tip / cartridge complex that can be interchangeably secured. For example, any suitable anchoring mechanism with threaded features of the extruded tip body or assembly body may be employed.

  In additional embodiments, the cartridge housing surrounds or is in contact with the cartridge in such a manner as to deliver thermal energy to the housing structure and functional material that is retained in the replaceable cartridge. May consist of a heating jacket or element.

  In a further additional embodiment, the cartridge housing may consist of a housing structure, or in advance or after, to extend the warming state of the cartridge installed in the housing itself or of the elements. It may be associated with that element that can be heated via an external heat source, such as a microwave, that can inject a significant amount of thermal energy into it. Further, in embodiments employing specific elements to retain most of the heat, the material will preferably consist of a material capable of retaining a significant amount of heat.

  As a further aspect of the cartridge housing embodiment, the cartridge housing has a visible graduated scale on its exterior to communicate to the user certain measurements related to the amount of functional material extruded by the device. May be included. In addition, the housing may include a viewing port, such as a slot, on its side to help visualize the contents of the replaceable cartridge. Alternatively, the housing may be constructed from a visually clear material, such as polycarbonate plastic, that will allow viewing of its contents. In such embodiments, a scaled scale may also be included and printed on the inner or outer surface.

  As a further aspect of the conduit tip containing the valve, during extrusion, the valve can be as recent as possible so that the valve can help maintain excessive fluid flow from the conduit and prevent extrusion of too much material. You may arrange | position so that it may be located in a position range. Further, in such an arrangement, the valve may be removably retained by a protective cover that is also removably retained. An example of such an arrangement would be a protruding proximal conduit section that can retain a valve having a sleeve section that fits over the end of the tube. In addition, the arrangement accepts a releasably retained cap with an axial through hole that covers the valve and prevents the valve from being pushed away from the end of the tube while still allowing extrusion flow from the valve. Can be made. Such an assembly would advantageously allow the user to install a flow control valve directly at the extrusion point so as to minimize unnecessary excess flow from the conduit after the extrusion event. .

  When the device according to the present invention includes a cartridge with an extruded conduit tip incorporated therein, the cartridge may be removably retained in the cartridge housing by a retaining element that only serves to lock the cartridge into the housing. Good. The element may comprise an annular object that can be tethered or otherwise made to be anchored to the cartridge housing and capable of acquiring or otherwise securing the cartridge in place. In additional embodiments, the cartridge having a housing retaining element incorporated into the cartridge may also have a mooring mechanism that retains the cartridge into the housing, but to retain it in the housing. , No auxiliary parts will be required.

Proximal Cartridge Retention Device When a device according to the present invention includes a proximal cartridge retention element, the cartridge retention element can be a single section, or two or more separate connected together either detachably or non-removably. A section may be provided. In any proximal cartridge retention element embodiment, the element as a whole serves to retain at least the replaceable functional material cartridge in or in the cartridge housing, and also includes several In an embodiment, a fluid flow conduit may be provided through the body between its axial ends, which may or may not be interposed by other functional elements such as valves or other features.

Single Section of Proximal Cartridge Retention Element When an apparatus according to the present invention includes a single section proximal cartridge retention element, alternatively referred to herein as “SSPCRE”, the element is at least a cartridge housing. A feature at its distal end for connecting to the cartridge housing at the proximal end of the body and a fluid flow conduit between its axial ends, including various features or elements provided along the fluid conduit It may or may not be included. In addition, SSPCRE provides a fluid flow conduit between the ends made to be in fluid communication with the functional material retained in the replaceable cartridge and the extrusion of the functional material out of the proximal end of the assembly. It will contain a port or orifice at its proximal end to enable. In addition, the single segment proximal cartridge retaining element may also house other elements such as a one-way valve, heating element, or other functional element that is interposed between the SSPCRE and the cartridge housing. Good. Further, SSPCRE may also partially house one end of the replaceable cartridge when 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 location to pierce the septum and / or film on the end of the replaceable cartridge. In addition, the SSPCRE may contain one or more septa for receiving a needle from an external device to replenish a contained replaceable cartridge or to receive a fluid flow from the present invention. As a further feature, the SSPCRE may contain a heating element such as a resistance coil or any other suitable heating element. As a further additional feature, the structure of the SSPCRE may include geometric features such as slots, electrical contacts, or other features that may allow it to work advantageously with external devices or objects. Overall, SSPCRE retains replaceable cartridges, provides fluid flow paths for extrusion, functions to provide a heat source, and provides other features for mating with external devices, or Fluid backflow may be prevented via unidirectional flow control.

Multiple Sections of Proximal Cartridge Retention Element When an apparatus according to the present invention includes a cartridge retention element consisting of multiple sections, alternatively referred to herein as “MSPCRE”, the element assembly is at least of the assembly The distal end will have a feature for removably connecting to the proximal end of the cartridge housing, or a section, or a section feature. In addition, the element includes a fluid flow conduit in fluid communication between the functional material that is retained in the replaceable cartridge, and extrusion of the functional material at a specific location outside the proximal end of the present invention. And an open end of the fluid flow conduit at the proximal end of the assembly of sections that would allow.

  In one embodiment of the MSPCRE consisting of two distinct sections, the two sections are connected to the cartridge housing, retain the replaceable cartridge, and establish a fluid communication with the functional material. It will constitute a retention category. A second section proximal to the first section will function as an extended extrusion conduit tip having an open ended fluid flow conduit through its core. Further, in alternative embodiments, one-way flow, distinctly different housing sections for one-way valves, bulkheads, flow restrictors, heating elements, adapters for rapid replacement of extrusion conduit tips, or functions of the apparatus Additional features, elements, or sections that may provide other desirable functions, such as any other feature or element that can enhance the distance between the two sections, or with one or both of the sections Will be integrated. Further, the MSPCRE may consist of a plurality of sections that collectively may constitute any part or feature of the above-disclosed embodiments or features of the extruded conduit tip or single section proximal cartridge retaining element. .

Atmospheric exposure reduction As a further refinement of the above-disclosed features of extruded conduit tips, ie SSPCRE and MSPCRE, the element comprises a reduced diameter orifice, a system for reducing atmospheric gas exposure by including a pierceable septum And / or a one-way valve that would allow functional material to flow out of the replaceable cartridge while also preventing inflow of atmospheric gas into the cartridge. In embodiments employing a pierceable septum, the septum will preferably consist of an elastomer and / or polymer film or series thereof that can be pierced by a conduit needle. Furthermore, preferably the septum material will consist of a chemical resistant material that may also be used in applications for food exposure. Exemplary materials are silicone, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), Viton (C), nylon, PEEK (polyetheretherketone), and BoPET (biaxially oriented polyethylene terephthalate), but are not limited to such materials. Will. In all cases, those skilled in the art will recognize the appropriate materials, applications, and their use.

  Further, embodiments of such elements that employ one-way valves may utilize any suitable valve, such as, for example, a duckbill, umbrella, umbrella / duck combination, cross slit, dome, or ball A valve may be employed. Preferably, the valve is comprised of a suitable material that is chemically and food sensitive such as silicone, fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber polyisoprene, butyl, ethanepropylene, nitrile, or any other suitable material. It will be, but will not be limited to such materials. In all cases, those skilled in the art will recognize the appropriate materials, applications, and their use.

Distal Cartridge Retention Element According to the present invention, in one embodiment, the cartridge housing has an opening at its distal end for receiving a replaceable cartridge, and a cartridge retention for retaining the cartridge within the housing. Elements. In such embodiments, the cartridge retaining element is a composition of the retaining element and metering advancement member, or a cartridge that may simply be at the distal end of the assembly or interposed between the housing and the metering advancement member. It may be a retaining element.

Proximal Cap As an additional aspect of the present invention, preferably the device is alternatively provided with a releasably retained proximal cover, referred to herein as a “proximal cap”. Let's go. The proximal cap is located proximal to the extruded conduit element and may result from piercing by the reduced end of the extruded conduit, further preventing atmospheric exposure, preventing accidental leakage, preventing damage to the conduit It will serve to cover the exposed end of the extruded conduit to prevent injury or to be provided for general storage or aesthetic purposes. In embodiments having multiple extruded conduits, multiple proximal caps may be provided.

Metering Advancement Member According to the present invention, the cartridge housing will have a metering advancement member that includes or is associated with a metering advancement member. Such a mechanism can be driven distally by driving a piston or screw into the replaceable cartridge at its proximal end, or otherwise activating or compressing the functional material out of the replaceable cartridge. It will interact with a replaceable functional material cartridge at the end. In addition, the advancement member preferably includes a metering capability that will allow the user to advance and act on the desired quantity, either by visual indicator, by tactile feedback, or both at the same time. I will. Further, in various embodiments, the metering advancement member may include a visual graduation scale to indicate to the user the advancement distance and the volume of the cartridge contents. In addition, the advance piston, screw, or other suitable element may have a permanently associated plunger plug to drive the functional material out of the replaceable functional material cartridge, or alternatively May interact with a stopper pre-installed on the cartridge to provide the same result.

  The metered advance member of the present invention will function to drive the functional material flow out of the replaceable cartridge in a metered and controlled manner. In all embodiments of the metered advancement member, the advancement member acts on the distal end of the replaceable cartridge and applies pressure to the pinned material using a plunger to force the functional material out of its proximal end. Will push. Alternatively, when a cartridge having a casing made of a film of flexible material is employed, the advancement member pushes the amount of extrusion out of the cartridge, such as with a plate or with a roller. The casing may be squeezed gradually so that it does.

  According to the present invention, the metering advance member may consist of any suitable mechanism that performs the intended function of the present invention. Specifically, although several embodiments are described in detail herein, many alternatives and mechanical designs and features thereof, such as electrical elements, have been considered and envisioned, and those skilled in the art It will be appreciated that the features and features generally disclosed herein may be extended to other variations without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

  Further, in various embodiments, the metered advance member disclosed herein can be any other of the invention such as a cartridge housing, mounting adapter, cartridge retaining element, or other feature disclosed herein. And may be connected or combined in part or in whole. For example, the mechanism housing may be combined with the cartridge housing so as to include a single pad. In addition, the advancement member may optionally be controlled through a wireless communication mechanism.

Mechanism Disclosure Simple Example In one embodiment of the metered advance member, the metered advance member will consist of a mechanism housing, a plunger rod, a finger grip, and a housing distal end cap. In one embodiment, the mechanism housing may be combined with the cartridge housing to represent a single pad, using its internal hole, a finger grip attached to the plunger rod, the plunger rod alone, or You may slidably engage both at the same time. Both the finger grip and the rod will maintain axial alignment inside the housing to allow the plunger rod to interact with the replaceable cartridge and activate the functional mass flow. Alternatively, the finger grip is associated with a plunger rod that slides with an annular slot interposed between the cartridge and the advancement member that will maintain the plunger rod in axial alignment with the cartridge. Will move and engage. In all variants, the mechanism housing is by a graduated scale marked on the visible outer surface of the housing to indicate the relative position of the plunger and advancement distance that is possible or has already taken place. Will provide a slot for the finger grip to pass through. In addition, in both cases, preferably the distal end of the housing has a cover or cap that can be held permanently or removably to allow initial construction or intermittent deconstruction of the assembly. Will. In an alternative embodiment, a similar arrangement may be provided, whereby a haptic feedback mechanism is included and a portion of the finger grip interacts with a series of raised or recessed features along the length of the slot, When pushed through the slot, the elements of the finger grip, which may be, for example, a spring metal flange, will form a resistive contact with the slot feature as each feature is passed. Such a mechanism can be used to indicate a defined distance advance corresponding to a defined volume of the functional material being extruded. In all embodiments, the sliding action of the rod will preferably be accompanied by a slight resistance to movement so that the rod does not slide freely back and forth without the force generated by the user's hand. .

Screws and Clicks In an alternative embodiment of the metered advance member, the metered advance member may comprise a screw driven plunger and an element that is rotated by the user to drive the screw plunger. In embodiments utilizing a screw driven plunger or plunger rod, the screw may be driven by a rotational action provided by the user. In various embodiments, the advancement of the screw may involve tactile feedback, such as a click action. Further, in various embodiments, the advance distance may be preset by the user or may be adjustable.

  Further, in one embodiment, the advancement of the plunger screw is provided by a user-driven rotating element that is not displaced in the proximal or distal direction, but rather only rotates in place around its axis. Can be done. This can be accomplished, for example, by employing a plunger with a square-like or rectangular-like shaft having two planes and two external threaded radial surfaces. With such an arrangement, the shaft can be rotated by the user's manual rotation of the rotating element and will apply a force to the plane of the shaft, while the threads are simultaneously stationary threads within the housing. It interacts with the perforated holes and advances the screw along its axis according to the pitch of the helical thread. Further, the manually rotated element will allow the shaft to slide through its body along a plane as the screw advances. In such embodiments, the manually rotated element may be visibly clear and will coordinate with the position of the distal end of the screw shaft to indicate to the user the position of the screw associated with the cartridge. There may be a scaled scale printed on it, which may be located circumferentially around the element to be rotated.

  Further, in an additional embodiment, the manually rotated element has a component arrangement associated therewith that can provide haptic feedback when the manually rotatable element is rotated to indicate some advancement of the element. May be. In one embodiment, the manually rotatable element may hold a single spring metal plate or wire with radially projecting tabs or bends that will interact with the inner diameter slot of the hollow cylindrical housing. Good. In such an arrangement, the spring metal tab will interact with a series of raised features in the slot to cause resistance to rotation and tactile feedback such as “clicks”.

  In an alternative embodiment, resistance to rotation and tactile feedback, such as a “click” sound, with a protruding lobe having a hole drilled through its center to allow free passage of a flat double-sided advance screw, It can be provided by rotational cooperation of manually rotatable elements with multiple leaf pins. In addition, the multi-lobe pin will also have a threaded hole in its center to engage the advance screw and push into the mating arrangement of the recessed lobe in the annular section of the mechanism housing. Will be advanced and arranged to interact with it. Furthermore, as a final feature, the multi-leaflet pin will be pushed into the recessed leaflet with the metal spring retracted relative to the slot in the manually rotatable element. At the same time, when the manually rotatable element is rotated, the multiple lobe pin is forced to rotate with it and pushed out of the recessed lobe ridge and out of the recessed lobe recess. Will. When the pin is pushed upward and rotates over the leaf ridge, it presents resistance to rotation and slides forward toward the distal end of the assembly within the slot provided for its advancement. It is done. Once the multiple lobe pin is allowed to rotate back into the recessed lobe recess, the spring force causes it to bounce back into the recessed lobe. As a result, the process causes tactile feedback, such as a “click” to the user to rotate the element. In such embodiments, the manually rotatable element may also feature a visual scale that cooperates with the advanceable screw position. Further, in such an embodiment, rotation can occur in either direction, allowing the user to return the screw to the fully retracted position and allowing cartridge replacement.

  As a further aspect of an embodiment of a metered advance member in which haptic feedback features will be employed, the mechanism may provide a “click sound” haptic that will indicate a predetermined amount or a user selected amount of actuator advancement. Feedback may be employed. The term “click sound” implies either unique sound generation, haptic feedback, or both simultaneously. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the advancement of the mechanism could also be visually shown to the user as a quantity or advancement along a graduated scale.

  With respect to generating haptic feedback associated with advancement, various mechanisms can be employed to accomplish this function. In one embodiment, pressing of an element associated with the mechanism can be utilized to cause a short preset advance of the actuator by driving a piston or screw or a short distance or rotation. Further, with such a mechanism, the pressed element will return to its original position to allow additional advancement. Such a mechanism would be considered similar to a retractable ink pen.

Advanceable Stop Mechanism In other embodiments of the metering mechanism, the mechanism may include a pushable piston that is limited by the advanceable stop. In embodiments employing these elements, the stop block will preferably be advanceable toward the proximal end of the assembly, within which the pushable piston will be housed. In such embodiments, the advancement of the stop will preferably not engage the pushable piston while moving forward and will remain in its original position until acted upon and depressed by the user. Functionally, the interdependency relationship between the two elements allows the user to stop at the desired distance before driving the piston and subsequent extrusion of the functional material out of the replaceable cartridge at its proximal end. Will be able to move forward. Once the user wishes to depress the piston and release the functional material, the user will apply pressure to the distal end of the piston and depress it until it contacts the stop. The described mechanism and process will allow the user to select the volume of functional material to release and then release that volume in a single rapid event.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the advancement member comprising an advanceable stop and a pushable piston may comprise an assembly, the advanceable stop comprising the axial bore and the distal end of the cartridge housing. It may consist of an internal helical thread that is engaged with an upper external helical thread, whereby rotation of the advanceable stop causes a crossing of the cartridge housing, thereby rotating the advanceable stop Cause crossing of the cartridge housing. Preferably, the advanceable stop will be assembled in such a way that when the end of travel is reached, the advanceable stop will be stopped. Most notably, by limiting the progression, the user can unintentionally disengage the thread at the distal end of the cartridge housing when the part is removed at the end of the progression, Will not suffer inconvenience. This can be achieved by the use of snap rings during manufacturing assembly or by other features of the two components. When used, the snap ring may consist of a ring with an open and cut end that is partially recessed to allow partial compression of the ring towards its axial center. In various embodiments, the ring may consist of variously shaped wires formed into an annular structure, or may be a ring produced by stamping. The wire outline may be circular, square, triangular, or any other geometric shape that may serve a stop function and would not be limited to such an outline. Further, in such embodiments, preferably the stop block may be advanced in a distal to proximal direction or a proximal to distal direction, the latter being a functional material that has been used up by the user. It will be possible to replace the cartridge with a new cartridge.

  In embodiments employing an advanceable stop and a pushable piston, preferably the advancement member will have a visual indication of position and advancement distance associated therewith. The visual indicator may be provided by a scaled scale, a plurality of scales, or a plurality of scaled scales that interact visually with each other to indicate position. In embodiments employing a single graduated scale, the scale is preferably located on a visible section on the device and is partially or fully covered or visible when the advanceable stop is moved. May thus indicate an advanced distance or a distance that is still available for advancement. Multiple scales may be employed in a single assembly of the present invention, where one scale may exhibit a different scale scale than the other scale. For example, one scale may indicate mass as milligrams while another scale may indicate volume as milliliters.

  In one embodiment, a pair of graduated scales may interact visually with each other to indicate advancement. For example, a scale that spans the proximal to distal axial length would be marked on a visible surface, such as the outer surface of the cartridge housing, while being marked on the outer periphery of the advanceable stop. The scale may be present towards its leading proximal edge. In such an embodiment, the advanceable stop will partially surround the marked cartridge housing and engage a helical thread on the housing. The rotation of the advanceable stop causes it to traverse the length of the housing and, consequently, the scale marked on the housing. Together, the rotating scale marked on the advanceable stop will indicate a partial advancement of the scale on the scale marked on the housing as rotation occurs. For example, the engaged threads may have a pitch of 1 mm, and the scales on the housing may be scattered by a distance of 1 mm. A full (360 degree) rotation by the user would have caused the advanceable stop to traverse the housing 1 mm, but resulted in a partial rotation while the user wanted to be able to traverse a smaller distance A finer scale may still be available to indicate displacement. In such an arrangement, finer graduations will be marked on the visible surface of the advanceable stop and will coordinate with the markings on the cartridge housing to provide an indication of displacement due to partial rotation. Let's go.

  In a further embodiment of the invention employing an advanceable stop and a pushable piston, the advanceable stop may include a tactile feedback mechanism or a friction resistant element to indicate to the user some displacement of the advanceable stop. Good. In embodiments employing a rotational advance stop, friction resistant or click-type haptic feedback may be employed to indicate stop displacement associated with full or partial rotation.

  In additional embodiments of the metered advance member, various embodiments may include electronic drive and controlled actuation of the advance piston. In such a mechanism, the electronically controlled actuator could be controlled by the user, preferably by interaction with a button or other control interface associated with the housing. The electrical actuation may be driven by a motor or solenoid. Further embodiments of electrically driven operation may be wirelessly linked to the controller using a human interface.

  In an embodiment comprising an electronic motor driven actuation mechanism, the system preferably includes a user interaction interface, an electronic control circuit, a battery, an electronic motor, a power transmission system, an advanceable piston, and a housing. Will consist of:

  As a further aspect of the user interaction interface, the interface may simply be a single button or switch, or multiple buttons, keypads, or other switches that will be in electrical communication with an electrical control circuit. Will have elements. Further, the user interaction interface may include a display screen that is controlled by an electronic control circuit. In addition, the manual switch or button can be a push button or any type of mechanical switch such as a slider, torsion knob, or collar, or touch, for example, included in a display / control panel or can be connected wirelessly An electromechanical switch such as a screen or other touch sensor may be provided.

  As an additional aspect of the present invention with respect to this embodiment, when selecting the volume of extrudate to extrude, until the user chooses to engage the helical thread used to advance the advanceable stop A selectively engageable thread system may be employed to allow the user to slide the advanceable stop along its axis without rotating. Such a configuration would work by mechanically engaging or disengaging the cartridge housing and the helical thread of the advanceable rotatable element. For example, in such a case, the cartridge housing section may include a plurality of threaded blocks that can be retracted away from the engagement point or expanded there. In one embodiment, the cartridge housing is arranged to have an array of radial slots for receiving radially expandable blocks, each having a single outwardly projecting helical threaded surface. It will be. The block may be expanded and retracted through any suitable mechanism, for example, in the case of three blocks, the leaf cam is below the block towards the central axis where the leaf cam is rotated by the plunger pin. May be positioned. The blocks may be retained in their housing slots toward the central axis by a circular spring, such as a garter spring or an end connection expansion spring. In such an arrangement, the cam leaves are radially outward to the extent that their threaded surfaces will be engaged with the internal thread of the advanceable rotatable element of the advanceable stop. It will be designed to push the block. While in this state, the threads are engaged and rotation of the advanceable stop will cause translation across the cartridge housing relative to the pitch of the helical threads. When the user wishes to disengage the thread and retract the advanceable stop to a new position to avoid inconvenient propulsion, the user twists the plunger pin and moves the block to the lower section of the leaf cam Will retract, disengage from the thread and release the advanceable stop from the thread. Re-engaging the threads can be done by rotating the plunger pin once again to a position where the foliate pushes the block and retracts to the thread engagement point.

  In one embodiment, the control circuit records and stores usage data associated with the user, as well as any other information that is delivered to the device using telecommunications via either a direct wired connection or a wireless communication mechanism. A memory storage element capable of This data can include, for example, cumulative consumption of functional material over a given time period, volume of functional material usage by a user, time period between uses, temperature profile of one or more components, power consumption history, Alternative usage modes such as stored preferences or settings and previous combinations of components connected in the device assembly, and in what order they were connected, and / or, for example, serial numbers Part thereof may include specific encoded information that identifies attributes of a component such as a flavor or substance that it contains or may contain. Further, the stored data may be used by the processing unit to control the mechanism of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these types of data are disclosed by way of example and should not be considered as limiting the scope of information that can be stored in memory storage elements within the scope of the present invention.

  Preferably, the electronic controller includes one or more processing elements / processors. For example, the processor may be used to determine what is displayed on the display / control panel and / or to automatically actuate the advancement member or element according to data and logic processed by the processor. Can be done. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the various extensions of the use of the processor in the present invention which are in no way limited to the processing embodiments disclosed herein.

  As an alternative to simple manual actuation, actuation of the advancement member may occur automatically in response to input of a passcode that matches a valid passcode stored in the controller memory. Alternatively, only the correct passcode entry does not automatically initiate advancement, but instead allows the user to manually activate advancement to “unlock” the advance function of the device. Good. For example, after the passcode has been validated without failure, the user may press a simple button or switch to begin operation. The nebulization element is a single manual activation following passcode verification, such as by re-entering a passcode that toggles to a locked state, or by a simple manual switch or button, over a predetermined amount of time that has elapsed after passcode verification. Alternatively, a predetermined number of manual actuations may be responded until the processor receives a positive user command to “lock” the device again. The password is entered directly by the user into the display / control panel, or from a separate input device or token such as the user's personal smartphone, magnetic key card, barcode image, etc., Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth (Registered trademark), RFID, or may be communicated to the controller via an optical connection.

  In one embodiment, the controller also includes or is operable with a wireless communication element (not shown) that can transmit to or receive information from another wireless communication device. May be linked to. In general, many wireless network types are contemplated in this disclosure, including WPAH (Wireless Personal Area Network), WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network), WAN (Wide Area Network), or any other suitable wireless network and communication type. Although it may include, it is not necessarily limited to them. Advantageously, the wireless network connectivity (passing the need for a multi-key user interface on the inhalation device itself) passcode-enabled activation or lock / lock of one or more functions of the dispensing device For the purpose of facilitating the release and monitoring / tracking, storage and analysis of usage data on personal electronic devices, the dispensing device according to the present invention communicates with or is controlled by a personal electronic device such as a smartphone. Makes it possible to

  Further, as an additional aspect of the electrical control circuit, preferably the circuit is designed so that it can receive current from the charging lead and transmit it to the battery or heating element, as well as the device 130 and external calculations and And / or including a telecommunications element for transmission of data to and from the data storage device. In one embodiment, a connection port (not shown) at the proximal end of the battery / controller housing or in the pusher conduit is mated with other elements extending proximally or distally therefrom. be able to. When included, such connection ports may also allow electrical communication from the circuit to one or more actuation mechanisms.

  As a further aspect of the invention, the cartridge housing or advancement member may have a scanner or sensor for detecting one or more data from a replaceable cartridge or other object associated therewith. The data may then be used by the electronic control circuit to change operation according to the data displayed to or received by the user on the device with the electronic display.

  Advantageously, the electrical controller may be designed to adjust the battery charge rate with respect to voltage and current, and may prevent battery overcharge. Furthermore, preferably the electrical control element will prevent reverse polarity damage to the circuit element or battery by incorporating a suitably contoured element such as a diode, PNP transistor, or P-channel FET.

  As a further aspect of an electronic motor for use in various embodiments, the motor may be driven by alternating or direct current and will be in electrical communication with the control circuit. In a very simple embodiment, the electrical control circuit may simply include electrical communication between the motor and the battery, interposed by a current switch. In more sophisticated mechanisms, the control circuit may include other features disclosed herein and may be in electrical communication with the electric motor. Further, in alternative embodiments, the advancement member may include a plurality of electric motors.

  As a further aspect of the power transmission assembly, the power transmission comprises a series of spur gears, worm gears, bevel gears, planetary gears, or any other suitable gear for transmitting rotational force from the electric motor to the forward piston. May be. Alternatively, in additional embodiments, a belt driven or friction clutch system may be employed.

Pneumatic System In an additional embodiment of the metering advancement member, a pneumatic system may be employed through the use of a portable compressed gas container associated with the advancement mechanism. In such embodiments, the gas pressure provided by a built-in pressure reservoir, such as a compressed carbon dioxide gas cartridge / tank, which can be replaceable or integral and refillable, is used to drive the pneumatic cylinder piston. obtain. In one embodiment, the compressed gas tank may be exchanged through a port on the distal portion of the device housing or the proximal portion of the device housing. In yet another embodiment, the compressed gas tank may be exchanged through a hinged door or a sliding door on the side of the device housing. In additional embodiments, the device housing may have a slot that is permanently cut out from the side of the device housing to allow tank replacement from the side. In all embodiments, preferably the replaceable tank is in place with the valve assembly in place to prevent excessive gas leakage from its connection point where pressurized gas is in fluid communication with the device or elements thereof. It will surely be mounted in connection.

  In various embodiments of the pneumatic embodiment of the present invention, the piston will drive a plunger rod for actuating the outflow of functional material from the cartridge. In embodiments employing pneumatic cylinders, a single-acting, double-acting, or telescoping cylinder design, and a cylinder arrangement having a return spring to cause the piston to return to the home / starting position when no pressure is provided, Can be employed. The operation of the pneumatic piston will preferably be controlled using a valve mechanism that will be interposed between the pressure reservoir and the pneumatic cylinder. Furthermore, preferably the valve assembly allows the user to change the flow rate and pressure delivered to the cylinder and also allows the user to manually activate the flow, such as a pushable button A switch will also be included. In an alternative embodiment, a screw driven by a rapid compressed gas flow through a turbine or other similar element may be used to advance the screw-driven actuator. In yet additional embodiments, the valve assembly may receive pressurized gas or other fluid from an external line, such as a gas line from an air compressor.

  In additional embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge housing may comprise a plurality of cartridge retention sections to allow for the inclusion of a plurality of replaceable cartridges within a single housing. Further, in such embodiments, a single advancement member may be employed to functionally operate with multiple cartridges individually or simultaneously. In such an embodiment, the mechanism will require an additional mechanism to move the advancement member to each cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridge housing may contain a plurality of cartridges distributed in a radial array fashion so that a single advancement member can be separated from one cartridge along another cartridge distribution array pattern. The mechanism may be advanced from one cartridge to the next by rotating the mechanism radially to the cartridge. This can be accomplished by adding an advancement member to the central spindle that will allow the advancement member to reach each cartridge rotated to the cartridge location.

  In alternative embodiments, multiple cartridge housings may be employed that are acted upon by a plurality of advancement members associated with one or more cartridges.

  Further, in an alternative arrangement, multiple individual cartridge housing advancement members are secured together in a single unit by an adapter or other element that can secure them together into a single multi-operation unit. May be.

  In additional embodiments, the functional material extruded from each cartridge is shared channel to provide convenience to the user and / or facilitate in-situ mixing of the material prior to final extrusion from the present invention. Multiple cartridges may be arranged in such a way that they can be combined together. In one embodiment, the user may choose to extrude a single material at a time, or alternatively, the user may select two or more through the elements of the invention prior to final extrusion. More than functional materials may be mixed together. In one embodiment, a single gauge may be used to operably select the volume of extrudate from each of the plurality of cartridges. In another embodiment, multiple scales may be employed to provide the user with the ability to select a specific volume of extrudate from each cartridge. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism may be employed whereby the extrusion rate and amount can be controlled individually for each cartridge at the same time. In such embodiments, an electronically driven or pneumatic advance member may be employed to provide selective control of the extrusion rate from each of the plurality of cartridges. In one embodiment, the proximal cartridge retention element may provide equipment and / or conduits for mixing of multiple materials and final extrudates. In other embodiments, the proximal cartridge retention element may consist of multiple sections or elements. Further, in alternative embodiments, the cartridge may be retained by the distal element and the mixing and / or mixing mechanism may be present as an integral feature of one or more cartridge housings.

  As a further aspect of all embodiments disclosed herein and envisioned within the scope of the present invention, the materials from which the components will preferably be constructed are hard materials such as metals and plastics, colored or optical It may also contain opaque or transparent materials such as transparent plastic or glass. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize appropriate material selections for the various embodiments and variations thereof, and any component should not be limited in any way to certain structural materials or manufacturing methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In accordance with aspects of the present invention, various embodiments of the present invention and its components will be described in more detail with reference to the figures and drawings.

  In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 presents a schematic view of a complete metered dispensing device 1 incorporating a manually movable sliding drive advancement member. The assembly initially comprises a cartridge housing 2 with an installed proximal cap, to allow the housing 2 and a finger grip 5 associated with a piston (not depicted) to allow the finger grip to proceed. An advancement member comprising: a forward advancement slot 6; a distal housing cap 4 for retaining a sliding piston; and a visually graduated scale 7 for indicating the relative position of the plunger rod; Integrated. As a further detail, an exploded view of the metering device 1 is presented in FIG. 2 and a cross-sectional view I is presented in FIG. 2 and 3 provide further details of the internal components, the assembly initially includes a proximal cap for providing a cover for the extruded conduit tip 11 and, alternatively, the various disclosed above. In an embodiment, the extrusion conduit tip 11 with a fluid flow conduit 13, which can consist of a plurality of sections or elements, and a replaceable cartridge 10 containing a functional material 12 (depicted only in FIG. 3), and stand-alone Also provided is a housing for the advancement member, which can be or can be fixed to the plunger rod 8, having a cartridge plug 9, a sliding slot 6, and a visible scaled scale 7 (depicted only in FIG. 2). The cartridge housing 2 to be fixed, the plunger rod 8 fixed to the finger grip 5, and the inner hole of the housing 2 so as to maintain the axial alignment of the plunger rod and the finger grip. Shaped to engage a finger grip 5, finally, maintaining the sliding component in a fixed position, comprising a distal housing cover to facilitate manufacture.

  According to an additional embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 4 presents a schematic view of a complete metered dispensing device 14 incorporating a manually rotatable element for driving a screw plunger. According to FIG. 1, the assembly 14 includes a manually rotatable element 15, a cartridge housing 16, an extrusion conduit tip 17, and a proximal cap 18. As a further detail, the exploded view presented in FIG. 5 presents the internal and external components of the assembly. The assembly initially includes a manually rotatable element 15, which may include grip features and texture, a coil spring 23 for providing pressure against the multiple leaf pin 22, an advanceable screw 20, and a cartridge housing. And an advancement member 16, a replaceable cartridge 19 containing a functional material (not depicted), and alternatively an extruded conduit tip 17 that may consist of multiple sections or elements in the various embodiments disclosed above. And finally a proximal cap 18 to provide a cover for the extruded conduit tip 17. In further refinement, a cross-sectional view II of device assembly 14 is illustrated in FIG. Initially, a manually rotatable element 15 having a textured surface 24 on its exterior for improving user interaction and an open inner region 25 of the element 15 for the threaded region to pass through its center. The retaining feature of the element 15 to provide an advanceable screw 20 that depicts the orientation in which the gap is provided and the pressure that causes the protruding leaf 26 to protrude into the recessed leaf 27 of the cartridge / mechanism housing 16 and A helical spring 23 in contact with the distal face of the multi-leaflet pin 22, a threaded hole 28 in the annular feature of the housing 16 for engaging the threaded section of the plunger shaft 20, and the housing 16 Extrusion conduit tip 1 having a replaceable cartridge casing 19 retained in housing 18 by a retention feature 29, cartridge plug 30, functional material 12, and fluid flow conduit 32. When, finally, consists of a proximal cap 18. The assembly as well as various parts and features have been presented. To provide further details, FIG. 7 depicts a partial detail view 33 of section view II at 90 degree axial rotation of section view II. FIG. 7 illustrates further details of the device assembly 14 and in particular the interior of the manually rotatable element 15 illustrating how the internal features can act on the screw and rotate it. Figure 2 shows the relevance of two flat sides of an advance screw to a feature.

  FIG. 7 illustrates further details of the advancement member, the assembly comprising a manually rotatable element 15, a grip texture 24, an internal cavity 25 to allow advancement of the screw plunger 20, and a spring retention of the element 15. Within the bore diameter of the mechanism housing 16 that serves to prevent the feature 35, the spring slot 34 of the element 15 and the element 15 from being removed from the housing 16, but also allows its axial rotation. Of the element 15 to mesh with the annular extrusion 38 of the element 15 secured into the slot 39 of the element 15 and to allow space for the multiple leaf pin 22 to slide vertically with the element 15 during its rotation. An annular feature of the housing 16 for interacting with the sliding slot 35, the hole 37 in the multiple leaf pin 22 for free passage of the advance plunger 20, and the protruding leaf 26 of the multiple leaf pin 22. The leaflet segment 27 recessed consists of a threaded hole in the center of the annular features of the housing 16, and finally, the housing 16 open chamber for free rotation of the forward plunger 20. As further details about the recessed leaves of the annular section of the housing 16, FIG. 8 is a top view of the housing 16 illustrating four recessed leaves 27 and screw holes 28. Further, FIG. 9 is an orthogonal side view of the multi-lobe pin 22 showing further details of the pin, the pin transmitting four projecting lobe sections 26, a central through-hole 37, and rotational motion to the pin. A square section 41 for engaging with the element 15 depicted in FIGS. 4-7 and a short annular section for aligning with the axially oriented helical spring 23 depicted in FIGS. 5-7 .

  As an additional embodiment of the present invention utilizing an advanceable stop block advanceable mechanism, FIG. 10 includes an advancement having a cartridge housing 46 and a textured surface 47 to improve the user's ability to rotate the body. Stop in cooperation with a possible stop housing 45, a distal end cover to provide a stop block surface for the pushable piston rod distal end 44, and a graduated scale printed on the cartridge housing 49 4 is a schematic view of a device 43 consisting of a radially printed graduated scale 48 on a block housing 45 and finally a proximal end cap 47 to provide a cover for the extruded conduit tip. FIG. . Further, in a similar but alternative embodiment, FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment 43 'having a slot 50 extending the axial length of the cartridge housing. Referring to FIG. 12, further details are depicted in cross-sectional view III of device 43 derived from FIG. 10, describing the main internal features and elements. Continuing with further details of the device 43 of FIG. 12, the assembly initially includes a cartridge housing 46 partially including a replaceable cartridge casing 56 containing the functional material 12 and the plug 55, and the vicinity thereof. With the fluid flow conduit channel 61 and open end 62 abutting the inner surface of the proximal cap 47 connected to the housing 46 at the distal end, while the proximal end of the replaceable cartridge casing 56 and the functional material 12 Is also partially contained and screwed onto the housing 46 with an extruded conduit tip 60 and thread 63 that are screwed into the threaded end 58 of the housing 46 with its own thread 57. The advanceable stop housing 45, the distal stop block 52 installed in the advanceable stop housing 45, and finally the stop block 52 and the piston retaining device 5 And a depressible piston rod 43 with a distal end 44 that is aligned into the channel provided by the.

  Referring to FIG. 13, the detail section 64 of FIG. 12 is shown to further details of the device 43. FIG. 13 initially contains a cartridge housing 46 containing a replaceable cartridge with a casing 56 abutted against the proximal surface of the piston retainer 54 and also containing the functional material 12 and a plug 55. And a thread 63 mated with the thread 65 of the housing 46 to provide a slight resistance to the helical rotation of the advanceable stop housing 45 as the O-ring crosses the outer surface of the housing 46. A slight resistance to the sliding motion of the advanceable stop housing 45 and the pushable piston rod 53 with an annular slot 69 cut into the proximal slot of the thread 65 containing an O-ring for A piston retainer 54 having an internal slot 67 that retains an O-ring 66 for providing and a piston retainer having an external slot 72 that retains a snap ring 71. The device 54, the snap ring retaining the snap ring retained in the slot 46 of the housing 46, which provides the function of locking the piston retaining device 54 in place in the housing 46; Cut to the proximal end of the pushable piston rod 53 that holds the piston retainer 54 and finally a snap ring 73 to prevent the rod from sliding out of the distal end of the piston retainer 54. Further details of 43 are illustrated, including recessed slots 74. As a further detail, an exploded view of device 43 is provided in FIG. 14, which illustrates details of device 43 discussed herein in exploded view.

  In a further additional embodiment of the present invention comprising an electronically operated advancement member, FIG. 15 comprises a housing 76, a proximal cap 77, a button 80, a button 79, and an electronic display 78. FIG. 75 is a proximal side view illustrating 75. In an alternative but similar embodiment, FIG. 16 is a proximal side view of device 75 ′ with cartridge viewing slot 81. FIG. 17 shows a device housing 76 that houses both the cartridge and the advancement member, a proximal cap 77 and a distal cap 81 that are both removably retained, and an inner surface of the proximal cap 77. Advancement inside the screw housing section 83 of the device housing 76, the extruding conduit tip 90 having a fluid flow conduit 91 and an open end 92 in contact, a replaceable cartridge casing 89 containing the functional material 12 and the plug 88. In electrical communication with the screw screw 82 and the electric motor 86 via the extension 104 (depicted in FIGS. 18 and 19) and the battery 84 via the extension 103 (depicted in FIG. 18); A user interface comprising a button 80, a button 79, and an electronic display 78 in electrical communication with the electronic control circuit 85. And a assembly, depicting further details of the device 75 is a cross-sectional view IV of the device 75. In various embodiments, the current may be achieved by an electrical element that establishes contact with one lead of the battery by a connection, such as 103, and otherwise in electrical communication with the other lead of the battery. Establish a circuit by establishing contact with the device housing. Also, in this and other embodiments, the battery may be replaceable by removing a cover, such as cover 81, or may be rechargeable and externally accessible on the housing or associated elements. It may be charged through a simple conductor.

  Further, the detailed cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 18 and the exploded view of the device 75 depicted in FIG. 19 are electrical control circuits that serve to connect the electrical control circuit 85 to user interface features 80, 79, and 78. From the electrical communication port 104 extending from 85 and the electrical control circuit 85 through the passage port 105 (depicted in FIG. 19) in the gear retainer unit 98, it is retained in the housing slot 101 and connected to the drive gear 99. A gear retainer unit for retaining an idler gear 96 that has a rotational force transmission shaft 100 connected, extends to an electric motor 86, meshes with a drive gear 99, and meshes with an actuator gear 95. 98 two partially threaded surfaces for mating with two flat lateral surfaces and a threaded hole 87 in the housing 76 In addition to the actuator gear 95 having a rectangular gap section 102 at its axial center (depicted in FIG. 19) to provide a contact surface with the advance screw 82 having a radial surface of FIG. Figure 3 illustrates further details of the advancement member comprising these elements.

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a pneumatic advancement member may be employed with the present invention and device 105 with device housing 107, manual valve adjustment knob 110, cartridge viewing slot 108, and proximal cap 109. Is shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 21 abuts the device housing 107 containing the replaceable cartridge, comprising the casing 106, the functional material 12, and the plug 114, and the inner surface of the releasably retained proximal cap 117. Extrusion conduit tip 116 with threaded section 115 for mating with device housing 107, fluid flow channel 118 with proximal open end, plunger rod 113, pneumatic cylinder 112, and valve body 110 1 depicts a cross-sectional view V of device 105 illustrating major internal components, including a compressed gas cylinder 119 that is removably retained within a housing slot 121. Further, in the detailed cross-sectional view 122 depicted in FIG. 22, a pneumatic cylinder piston 124 associated with the plunger rod 113 and a needle conduit 130 for establishing fluid communication of the valve assembly 110 and the pressurized tank 119 with pressurized gas. A distal that provides a space for a manually adjustable knob associated with the valve assembly and a pushable button 127 that allows the user to adjust the flow rate and pressure settings of the gas flow into the pneumatic cylinder. A recess 128 in the housing cover 111 and a gas flow conduit 126 in the expansion stem 123 of the valve assembly 110 that directs gas flow from the pressure tank 119 to the pneumatic cylinder through a port 126 in the sidewall of the pneumatic cylinder 122. In addition to the more specific features, the features disclosed above in FIGS. 20 and 21 Including further details of the advancement member is illustrated. In addition, an exploded view of the device 105 is depicted in FIG. 23 illustrating the various features disclosed in FIGS. 20-22. In all embodiments, preferably the compressed gas tank is preferably replaceable through a door in the housing, whether on the side, on the proximal end, or from the distal end of the device housing. Let's go.

  In yet additional embodiments of the present invention, the device assembly may comprise a cartridge housing capable of housing a plurality of cartridges. FIG. 24 shows a multi-cartridge housing 139, an array of extrusion conduit tips 132, an array of cartridge housing slots 134, an array of cartridges 135, and an advancement member rotating axle 140 that also has a cartridge viewing slot 133. FIG. 2 depicts a distal schematic view of an assembly 131 consisting of a channel, an advancement member 137 and an advanceable plunger rod 138. In addition, advancement associated with threaded section 141 of push-out conduit 132 for connection with cartridge housing 139, advanceable plunger rod 138 associated with section 143 of advanceable mechanism 137, and passage 144 of multiple cartridge housing 144. In addition to the section 142 associated with the rotating axle 140 for controlled placement of the enabling mechanism, an exploded view of the assembly 131, comprising the details disclosed in FIG. 24, is provided in FIG.

  In all embodiments of the invention disclosed herein, the extrusion conduit tip may simply consist of a fluid flow channel, or consist of additional features, or further as disclosed above. The cartridge retaining element may be composed of a plurality of sections having the following functional characteristics.

  Referring to FIG. 26, the SSPCRE body 146, the cartridge receiving section 148, the threaded section 147, the fluid flow conduit 151 with the proximal open end 150, and the heater element features that are arranged in line with the fluid flow. A cross-sectional view of SSPCRE 145 with 149 is depicted. In such embodiments, the functional mass stream will pass through or around the element to gain thermal energy. In addition, the heating element will be in electrical communication with a power source (not shown) or may be an element capable of retaining most of the heat over a usable time period. Such elements can be heated by placing them in a microwave oven or heated by direct exposure to a heat source.

  In an alternative embodiment of SSPCRE 145 of FIG. 26, element 149 may be a one-way valve body.

  In an alternative embodiment of SSPCRE 145 of FIG. 26, element 149 may be a pierceable septum from either the proximal or distal end.

  Referring to FIG. 27, a main body 153, a cartridge receiving section 157, a threaded section 158, a fluid flow conduit 154 with a proximal open end 155, and a one-way duckbill valve positioned in alignment with the fluid flow. A cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment 152 of SSPCRE consisting of 156 is depicted. In such embodiments, functional material flow would only be allowed to flow from the distal end to the proximal end, not the other way around.

  Referring to FIG. 28, a body 160, a cartridge receiving section 165, a threaded section 163, a fluid flow conduit 161 with a proximal open end 162, and a distal face-to-face tapered needle that is positioned in line with the fluid flow. A cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment 159 of SSPCRE consisting of a conduit 164 is depicted. In such embodiments, functional mass flow will only be established once the needle segment has punctured the film or septum of the cartridge.

  Referring to FIG. 29, two bodies 167 and 171, a cartridge receiving section 175, a threaded section 174 of the body 171 for mating with the cartridge housing, and a threaded section 172 of the body 167. MSPCRE comprising a threaded section 173 of the body 171, a fluid flow conduit 168 with a proximal open end 169, and a one-way duckbill valve 156 associated with the body 171 and disposed in alignment with the fluid flow. A cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment 166 is depicted. In such embodiments, functional material flow would only be allowed to flow from the distal end to the proximal end, not the other way around. In addition, the body 167 can be removably retained in the body 171 and allow a user to easily replace the body 167 without exposing the cartridge to atmospheric gas.

  Referring to FIG. 30, two bodies 177 and 180, a cartridge receiving section 184, a threaded section 183 of the body 180 for mating with the cartridge housing, and a threaded section 181 of the body 177. Additional embodiments of MSPCRE consisting of a threaded section 182 of the body 180 of the body, a fluid flow conduit 178 with a proximal open end 179, and a distal-facing tapered needle conduit 185 positioned in alignment with the fluid flow. A cross-sectional view of 176 is depicted. In such embodiments, functional mass flow will only be established once the needle segment has punctured the film or septum of the cartridge. In addition, the body 177 can be removably retained within the body 180, allowing the user to easily replace the body 167 without exposing the cartridge to the majority of atmospheric gases. I will.

  Referring to FIG. 31, a cross-section of an embodiment 186 of a replaceable cartridge comprising a cartridge casing 189, a functional material 12, a plunge plug 188, an adhesive distal sealant film 187, and an adhesive proximal sealant film 190. The figure is depicted. In addition, films 190 and 187 are secured to the distal end of cartridge casing 189 and are preferably heat-bonded films, adhesive-bonded films, adhesive elastomeric septa, or other that may be removable by the user. A similar film may be used.

  Referring to FIG. 32, an embodiment of a replaceable cartridge embodiment 191 comprising a cartridge casing 193 with an open distal end, a functional material 12, a plunge plug 192, and a compressed end proximal end plug 194. A cross-sectional view is depicted. In such embodiments, end plug 194 may be removable prior to use of the cartridge, or may be punctured by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional substance 12. In such embodiments, preferably the plunger plug 192 will establish a sufficient casing bore and seal to prevent atmospheric gas flux.

  Referring to FIG. 33, a cross-sectional view of a replaceable cartridge embodiment 195 comprising a cartridge casing 197, a functional material 12, an adhesive distal sealant film 196, and an adhesive proximal sealant film 198 is depicted. Yes. Further, the films 186 and 198 are secured to the distal end of the cartridge casing 197 and are preferably heat-bonded films, adhesive-bonded films, adhesive elastomeric septa, or other that would be removable by the user A similar film may be used. In such embodiments, the cartridge lacks a plunger plug that would otherwise be placed on the plunger rod associated with the advancement member.

  Referring to FIG. 34, a replaceable cartridge embodiment 199 comprising a cartridge casing 1201, a functional material 12, a compression-inserted distal end plug 200, and a compression-inserted proximal end plug 202. The cross-sectional view is depicted. In such embodiments, end plugs 200 and 202 may be removable prior to use of the cartridge, or may be punctured by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional material 12.

  Referring to FIG. 34, a replaceable cartridge embodiment 199 comprising a cartridge casing 201, a functional material 12, a compression inserted distal end plug 200, and a compression inserted proximal end plug 202. The cross-sectional view is depicted. In such embodiments, end plugs 200 and 202 may be removable prior to use of the cartridge, or may be punctured by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional material 12.

  Referring to FIG. 35, an exchange consisting of a cartridge casing 205, a functional material 12, a compression inserted proximal end plug 206, and a plunger plug having an associated advance rod that can be inserted into the advance member. A cross-sectional view of a possible cartridge embodiment 203 is depicted. In such embodiments, end plug 206 may be removable prior to use of the cartridge, or may be punctured by a septum to establish fluid communication with functional material 12. In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), a similar arrangement can be envisioned where the adhesive film will replace the end plug 206.

  Referring to FIG. 36, a schematic side view of a replaceable cartridge embodiment 207 consisting of a cartridge 208 having a film 209 with a pull tab adhered to the proximal end of the cartridge casing is depicted. In such embodiments, the pull tab will make it easier for the user to manually remove the film. In all the previous disclosed embodiments where a film seal is incorporated, these films may alternatively also include pull tabs as disclosed herein.

  Referring to FIG. 37, in various embodiments, the transverse length of a cartridge that can be incorporated into a cartridge to provide them with a key slot for fitting into a specific cartridge housing having a matching key. Depicted is a schematic side view of a replaceable cartridge embodiment 210 consisting of a cartridge casing 212 with a downwardly passing slot. Alternatively, the key slot depicted here may alternatively be a protruding key that would perform the same function, but could protrude rather than simply be concave.

  Referring to FIG. 38, a multiple device assembly 213 is presented in which a connection element 214 connects two devices 43 of the present invention to the same device 43. Alternatively, two non-identical devices of the present invention may be connected together as well.

  Referring to FIG. 39, a diagram is presented to illustrate an exemplary process of action that the present invention will undergo during use, and an arrow representing the physical force at its distal end is transmitted down to the cartridge. And, as a result, a force is exerted on the functional material 12 to force it to be extruded through the extrusion conduit tip and deposited on the physical surface 215 (denoted as 12 ') outside the device. 43 is presented.

  Referring to FIG. 40, a cross-section of the cartridge housing 217 and extrusion conduit tip 219 assembly, wherein the heating band 216 is depicted as a heating band surrounding the cartridge housing 217 that functions to heat the functional material 12. Details of the figure are depicted. In such embodiments, the heating band may receive telecommunications and power from an external source, or may receive telecommunications and power from built-in elements. In alternative embodiments, the heater band 216 may be integral with the housing 217 or manually removable. In alternative embodiments, the heater band may provide heat throughout the chemical process or may be initially heated by an external source and provide a certain amount of heat to the internal components over a subsequent period of time.

  Referring to FIG. 41, a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a replaceable cartridge casing having a main casing section 220, a tapered casing section 221 and an open end 222 is depicted. In such embodiments, the cartridge itself contains the functional material and may additionally provide a reduced section for direct extrusion of the functional material without the need for additional extrusion conduit tips. .

  Referring to FIG. 42, an embodiment of a cartridge 223 having an integral cartridge retention element 225, a cartridge casing 224, an integral tapered extrusion conduit tip section 226, and an extrusion conduit flow channel 227, depicted with threads. The cross-sectional view is depicted.

  Referring to FIG. 43, a proximal end perspective view of an embodiment of the cartridge 228 is depicted, comprising a cartridge casing 229 and a resistance cross slit valve 230 secured to the proximal end of the cartridge casing having a slit 231. .

  Although the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, as would be understood by one skilled in the art, the present invention is capable of numerous changes, modifications, and rearrangements, and such changes, modifications. And rearrangements are intended to be subject to the following claims.

The present invention relates to a hand-held quantitative dispensing device for quantitative extrusion of one or more functional substances. Furthermore, the present invention is intended to provide the user with a relatively simple and accurate means for administering functional substances. The functional materials disclosed herein are intended to be compositions for exposure to individuals, animals, or plants primarily through consumption or topical use, and further, the materials are biological It is intended to provide a function in the context of biological activity or unproven biological activity. In addition, the present invention provides a means for exchanging functional material using a cartridge that is retained replaceably for reuse of the device of the present invention for a plurality of functional materials.
For example, the present invention provides the following.
(Item 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, wherein the cartridge housing is configured to house a replaceable cartridge that includes a cartridge plug and a functional material. A cartridge housing,
An extrusion conduit tip at the proximal end of the cartridge housing, the upper portion comprising a fluid flow conduit;
An advancement member configured to fit into the internal hole and configured to move axially through the hole;
With
The device, wherein the advancement member pushes a metered amount of the functional material through the extrusion conduit tip as it moves toward the proximal end of the housing.
(Item 2)
And further comprising a multiple leaf pin and a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the multiple leaf pin such that the manually operated member advances the plunger through the internal bore when rotated. The device of item 1, comprising a manually rotatable element configured.
(Item 3)
The cartridge includes a functional material, a plunger plug, and a fluid control valve configured to open in response to pressure inside the cartridge and being at least one of one-way or two-way. The device of item 1, comprising.
(Item 4)
The cartridge further includes a cartridge plug coupled to the plunger, the plug pushing the functional substance through a fluid control valve to establish a seal with the inner diameter of the inner bore and when the plunger is advanced. The device of item 1, wherein the device is configured as follows.
(Item 5)
The apparatus further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, each cartridge housing containing a replaceable cartridge and allowing independent dispensing of functional material therein. The device of item 1, wherein the device is configured as follows.
(Item 6)
6. The device of item 5, wherein the functional material of the replaceable cartridge is mixed prior to release through the extrusion conduit tip.
(Item 7)
The advancement member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator;
7. The device of item 6, wherein the device is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more functional substances, wherein the metered amount is pre-determined by the remote operator.
(Item 8)
8. The device of item 7, wherein the advancement member is controlled by pressure provided by a pneumatic system and further comprises an electronic heating element.
(Item 9)
A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising:
A housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, wherein the housing is configured to contain a functional material;
An advancement member configured to fit into the internal hole and configured to move axially through the hole;
Based on the position of the advanceable stop with respect to the housing, the advanceable stop is configured to move in the axial direction with respect to the housing and prevent movement of the advancement member through the internal hole. When,
With
As the advancement member moves toward the proximal end of the housing, it pushes a metered amount of the functional material out of the proximal end, and the metered amount is measured by the housing. Determined by the position of the advanceable stop relative to the body,
The advanceable stop includes a helical thread configured to engage a helical thread on the housing such that rotation of the advanceable stop causes the advanceable stop to move to the housing. Move axially relative to the body,
The housing includes a first scale with a scale.
The 360 degree turn of the advanceable stop portion moves the advanceable stop portion axially relative to the cartridge housing by a unit distance on the first scaled scale,
The advanceable stop includes a second scaled scale,
The second scaled scale is located circumferentially around the advanceable stop;
The second scaled scale is a fraction of the first scaled scale so that a partial rotation of the advanceable stop is a partial advance of the advanceable stop relative to the first scaled scale. A device with.
(Item 10)
The apparatus further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, each cartridge housing containing a replaceable cartridge and allowing independent dispensing of functional material therein. Configured as
The functional material of the replaceable cartridge is mixed prior to release through the extrusion conduit tip;
The advancement member is in electrical communication with an electronic control circuit and an electric motor;
The advancement member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator;
The device of item 9, wherein the device is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more functional substances, wherein the metered amount is pre-determined by the remote operator. .
(Item 11)
A method of dispensing a measured amount of a functional substance, the method comprising:
Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising:
At least a cartridge housing having an internal hole;
An advancement member;
An advanceable stop,
A step comprising:
Inserting at least one or two replaceable cartridges containing functional material into the device;
Moving the advancement member through the inner bore at a measured distance, thereby pushing a metered amount of functional material out of the device;
Including a method.
(Item 12)
12. A method according to item 11, wherein the plunger is manually advanced.
(Item 13)
Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the plunger is electronically advanced.
(Item 14)
Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the plunger is advanced by pressure provided by a pneumatic system.
(Item 15)
Item 12. The method of item 11, wherein the measured distance is defined by a visible scale.
(Item 16)
Further comprising adjusting the advanceable stop to a position relative to the advancement member, the advanceable stop limiting a range of movement of the advancement member and thereby the functional material released from the device. Item 12. The method according to Item 11, wherein the amount is limited.
(Item 17)
A method for controlling an electronic dispensing device, the method comprising:
Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of functional material;
Transmitting an electronic signal to the device, the signal comprising dosing information of one or more substances, the electronic signal causing the device to perform the one or more in the indicated dosing A step, limited to dispensing only over substances, and
Including a method.
(Item 18)
The device comprises a first cartridge housing configured to contain at least a replaceable cartridge comprising a functional substance;
The device further comprises a second cartridge housing that is substantially similar to the first cartridge housing.
Item 18. The method according to Item17.
(Item 19)
Further comprising dispensing two or more functional substances independent of each other, and / or
19. The method of item 18, further comprising the step of mixing two or more functional substances prior to the step of dispensing the substances.
(Item 20)
The signal is transmitted via remote operation, and / or the signal is transmitted by a medical professional, copied to a medical professional, or otherwise linked to a dedicated and regulated data stream in a compliant manner. 20. The method according to item 19.

Claims (20)

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, wherein the cartridge housing is configured to house a replaceable cartridge that includes a cartridge plug and a functional material. A cartridge housing,
An extrusion conduit tip at the proximal end of the cartridge housing, the upper portion comprising a fluid flow conduit;
An advancement member configured to fit into the internal hole and configured to move axially through the hole;
With
The device, wherein the advancement member pushes a metered amount of the functional material through the extrusion conduit tip as it moves toward the proximal end of the housing.   And further comprising a multiple leaf pin and a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the multiple leaf pin such that the manually operated member advances the plunger through the internal bore when rotated. The device of claim 1, comprising a manually rotatable element configured.   The cartridge includes a functional material, a plunger plug, and a fluid control valve configured to open in response to pressure inside the cartridge and being at least one of one-way or two-way. The device of claim 1, comprising:   The cartridge further includes a cartridge plug coupled to the plunger, the plug pushing the functional substance through a fluid control valve to establish a seal with the inner diameter of the inner bore and when the plunger is advanced. The device of claim 1, configured as follows.   The apparatus further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, each cartridge housing containing a replaceable cartridge and allowing independent dispensing of functional material therein. The device of claim 1, configured as follows.   6. The device of claim 5, wherein the functional material of the replaceable cartridge is mixed prior to release through the extrusion conduit tip. The advancement member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator;
The device of claim 6, wherein the device is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more functional substances, the metered amount being pre-determined by the remote operator.   The device of claim 7, wherein the advancement member is controlled by pressure provided by a pneumatic system and further comprises an electronic heating element. A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising:
A housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, wherein the housing is configured to contain a functional material;
An advancement member configured to fit into the internal hole and configured to move axially through the hole;
Based on the position of the advanceable stop with respect to the housing, the advanceable stop is configured to move in the axial direction with respect to the housing and prevent movement of the advancement member through the internal hole. When,
With
As the advancement member moves toward the proximal end of the housing, it pushes a metered amount of the functional material out of the proximal end, and the metered amount is measured by the housing. Determined by the position of the advanceable stop relative to the body,
The advanceable stop includes a helical thread configured to engage a helical thread on the housing such that rotation of the advanceable stop causes the advanceable stop to move to the housing. Move axially relative to the body,
The housing includes a first scale with a scale.
The 360 degree turn of the advanceable stop portion moves the advanceable stop portion axially relative to the cartridge housing by a unit distance on the first scaled scale,
The advanceable stop includes a second scaled scale,
The second scaled scale is located circumferentially around the advanceable stop;
The second scaled scale is a fraction of the first scaled scale so that a partial rotation of the advanceable stop is a partial advance of the advanceable stop relative to the first scaled scale. A device with. The apparatus further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, each cartridge housing containing a replaceable cartridge and allowing independent dispensing of functional material therein. Configured as
The functional material of the replaceable cartridge is mixed prior to release through the extrusion conduit tip;
The advancement member is in electrical communication with an electronic control circuit and an electric motor;
The advancement member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator;
The device of claim 9, wherein the device is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more functional substances, the metered amount being pre-determined by the remote operator. device. A method of dispensing a measured amount of a functional substance, the method comprising:
Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, the device comprising:
At least a cartridge housing having an internal hole;
An advancement member;
An advanceable stop,
A step comprising:
Inserting at least one or two replaceable cartridges containing functional material into the device;
Moving the advancement member through the inner bore at a measured distance, thereby pushing a metered amount of functional material out of the device;
Including a method.   The method of claim 11, wherein the plunger is manually advanced.   The method of claim 11, wherein the plunger is electronically advanced.   The method of claim 11, wherein the plunger is advanced by pressure provided by a pneumatic system.   The method of claim 11, wherein the measured distance is defined by a visible scale.   Further comprising adjusting the advanceable stop to a position relative to the advancement member, the advanceable stop limiting a range of movement of the advancement member and thereby the functional material released from the device. 12. A method according to claim 11, wherein the amount is limited. A method for controlling an electronic dispensing device, the method comprising:
Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of functional material;
Transmitting an electronic signal to the device, the signal comprising dosing information of one or more substances, the electronic signal causing the device to perform the one or more in the indicated dosing A step, limited to dispensing only over substances, and
Including a method. The device comprises a first cartridge housing configured to contain at least a replaceable cartridge comprising a functional substance;
The device further comprises a second cartridge housing that is substantially similar to the first cartridge housing.
The method of claim 17. Independently of each other, further comprising dispensing two or more functional substances and / or mixing the two or more functional substances prior to the step of dispensing said substances The method of claim 18, further comprising a step.   The signal is transmitted via remote operation, and / or the signal is transmitted by a medical professional, copied to a medical professional, or otherwise linked to a dedicated and regulated data stream in a compliant manner. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein

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