JP6507237B2 - Quantitative dispensing method and mechanism - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to hand-held dispensing devices, and more particularly to arrangements for quantitative dispensing of functional substances.

  Quantitative dispensing methods are commonly used to dispense products, thereby requiring accurate delivery of specific amounts of substances, such as in pharmaceutical applications for the administration of therapeutic substances. Ru. Quantitative administration may be required for topical, sublingual, oral, or inhalable therapeutic reasons, and further, specific functional formulations for non-pharmaceutical applications such as cosmetic, food, flavor or additive applications May be useful in the administration of

  Easy-to-use, versatile and efficient tools for dispensing metered formulations are not readily available. Simple approaches such as tincture droppers, graduated syringes, or general approaches such as single-handed, rice grain, or match-indicating quantities are not sufficient for many efficient and effective applications.

  The present disclosure provides methods, devices, and mechanisms for the dispensing of substances in an accurate manner. In addition, the use of a simple device to help calculate personalized dosing 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 substance disclosed herein is intended to be a composition for exposure to an individual, an animal or a plant, mainly by consumption or topical application, and further, the substance is an organism 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 replacing functional material using a cartridge that is replaceably retained for reuse of the device of the present invention for multiple functional materials.
The present invention provides, for example, the following.
(Item 1)
A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, said device comprising
A cartridge housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, wherein the cartridge housing is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge that includes a cartridge stopper and a functional material. And the cartridge housing,
An extrusion conduit tip at the proximal end of the cartridge housing, the upper portion comprising a fluid flow conduit;
An advancing member configured to fit into the inner bore and configured to move axially through the bore;
Equipped with
The device, wherein the advancing member pushes a metered amount of the functional substance through the extrusion conduit tip as it moves towards the proximal end of the housing.
(Item 2)
The manual operation member may further include a pin having a plurality of lobes and a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the pin having the plurality of lobes , the manual actuation member being rotated internally. The device according to claim 1, comprising a manually rotatable element configured to advance the plunger through the hole.
(Item 3)
The cartridge includes a functional substance, 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 according to item 1, comprising.
(Item 4)
The cartridge further comprises 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 internal bore and when the plunger is advanced. The device according to item 1, configured to:
(Item 5)
The apparatus further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, each cartridge housing receiving a replaceable cartridge and enabling independent dispensing of functional material therein The device according to item 1, configured to:
(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 advancing member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator
The device according to 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.
(Item 8)
The device according to claim 7, wherein the advancing member is controlled by the pressure provided by the pneumatic system and further comprises an electronic heating element.
(Item 9)
A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, said device comprising
A housing having a proximal end, a distal end and an internal bore, the housing being configured to contain a functional substance,
An advancing member configured to fit into the inner bore and configured to move axially through the bore;
An advanceable stop that is configured to move axially relative to the housing based on the position of the forwardable stop relative to the housing to prevent movement of the advancement member through the internal bore. When,
Equipped with
The advancing member, when moving toward the proximal end of the housing, pushes a metered amount of the functional substance out of the proximal end, the metered amount being Determined by the position of the forwardable stop relative to the body,
The forwardable stop comprises a helical thread configured to engage a helical thread on the housing, whereby rotation of the forwardable stop comprises housing the forwardable stop. Move axially with respect to the body,
The housing comprises a first graduated scale,
The 360 degree pivoting of the forwardable stop axially moves the forwardable stop relative to the cartridge housing by a distance of one unit on the first graduated scale;
The forwardable stop comprises a second graduated scale,
The second graduated scale is circumferentially located around the forwardable stop,
The second graduated scale may include a fraction of the first graduated scale such that a partial rotation of the advanceable stop indicates a partial advancement of the advanceable stop relative to the first graduated scale. The device that comprises.
(Item 10)
The apparatus further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing, each cartridge housing receiving a replaceable cartridge and enabling 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 advancing member is in electrical communication with an electronic control circuit and an electric motor,
The advancing member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator
The device according to 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 .
(Item 11)
A method of dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, said method comprising
Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of functional substance, said device comprising
A cartridge housing provided with at least an internal hole;
An advancing member,
Forwardable stop,
Providing the steps of
Inserting into the device at least one or two replaceable cartridges containing functional substances;
Moving the advancement member a measured distance through the internal bore, thereby forcing a metered amount of functional material out of the device;
Method, including.
(Item 12)
The method according to item 11, wherein the plunger is advanced manually.
(Item 13)
A method according to item 11, wherein the plunger is advanced electronically.
(Item 14)
12. A method according to item 11, wherein the plunger is advanced by the pressure provided by the pneumatic system.
(Item 15)
12. A method according to item 11, wherein the measured distance is defined by a visible calibrated scale.
(Item 16)
Adjusting the advanceable stop to a position relative to the advancement member, the advanceable stop limiting the range of movement of the advancement member, whereby functional material released from the device The method according to item 11, wherein the amount is limited.
(Item 17)
A method of controlling an electronic dispensing device, said method comprising
Providing a device for dispensing a metered amount of functional substance;
Transmitting an electronic signal to the device, wherein the signal comprises administration information of one or more substances, and the electronic signal comprises one or more of the device in the indicated administration. Limit the dispensing to only those substances that exceed
Method, including.
(Item 18)
The device comprises a first cartridge housing configured to receive at least a replaceable cartridge comprising functional material,
The device further comprises a second cartridge housing substantially similar to the first cartridge housing,
The method according to item 17.
(Item 19)
The method further comprises the step of dispensing two or more functional substances independently of each other, and / or mixing the two or more functional substances prior to the step of dispensing the substance 19. The method of item 18, further comprising a step.
(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 as well as regulatory data stream in a compliant manner Item 19. The method according to Item 19.

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. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view I of the embodiment of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of one embodiment of the present invention utilizing a mechanical rotating element advancing member. FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the embodiment of FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view II of the embodiment of FIG. 7 is a detail cross-sectional view 33 of FIG. 6 rotated 90 degrees from the plane of the figure, illustrating further detail and illustrating the interaction between the rotating element and the advanceable screw. 8 is a top view of the mechanism housing of the embodiment of FIG. 4 illustrating the recessed rounded recess in the annular housing feature. FIG. 9 is a proximal perspective view of a pin with multiple lobes of the embodiment of FIG. 4; FIG. 10 is a side plan view of an embodiment of the present invention employing an advanceable stop mechanism. 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 employing a motorized advancing member. FIG. 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. 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 advancing member. 21 is a cross-sectional view V of FIG. 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 top view of an embodiment of the present invention housing multiple cartridges in one cartridge housing. 25 is an exploded view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a SSPCRE. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a SSPCRE that includes a one-way valve. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a SSPCRE including a distal facing needle conduit. FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the MSPCRE, including a one-way valve. FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the MSPCRE, including a distal facing needle conduit. Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a replaceable cartridge. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the replaceable cartridge. FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the replaceable cartridge. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the replaceable cartridge. FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the replaceable cartridge. FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment of the 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 key slots. FIG. 38 is a cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the present invention in which two devices of the present invention are secured together in 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 that includes 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 providing an extrusion 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 having a proximal end resistive cross slit valve. FIG. 44 is an embodiment of the tip of the present invention. FIG. 45 is an embodiment of the tip of the present invention.

  Illustrative embodiments and exemplary applications will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings so as 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 the present disclosure, related terms such as first and second, top and bottom, proximal and distal, superior and inferior, and equivalents are not necessarily any actual such between entities or actions. Relationships or sequences may also be used only to distinguish one entity or action from another without requiring or implying. In the present disclosure, while the use of the term "distal" with respect to the structure of the present invention may be used to distinguish the end of the disclosed assembly at the end farthest from the extrusion conduit, "proximal" The "end" refers to the farthest end of the extrusion conduit. However, the relative positions and orientations of the components or features of the hand-held metering extrusion device are not required unless described and depicted and explicitly described for illustrative purposes. Additionally, accessory items or other elements may also be distal of the extrusion conduit in some embodiments.

  In the present disclosure, the term "functional material" is intended to be a viscous or free flowing liquid, but when stored under physical conditions that will alter the physical state of the composition. It is to be understood that the chemical species, compositions or mixtures thereof, which may exist in the solidified or nearly solid state. The functional component comprises any single chemical species or combination of chemical species that have desirable properties, are suitable for extrusion from the device, and are suitable for use in the present invention It is also good. Furthermore, the functional substance need not be liquid, but may, for example, be crystalline or otherwise solid without departing from the scope of the present invention. The functional substance may comprise a consumable and / or a pharmaceutical composition.

  Furthermore, in embodiments of the present invention, the cartridge may consist of functional substance reservoir sections, which may also be partially or completely surrounded by a protective or otherwise functional casing. In such embodiments, the reservoir and the casing may be 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 push 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. Additionally, a sealing cap or protective cover may be provided to prevent exposure of the proximal end conduit section to the environment.

  In particular, according to an aspect of the present invention, an apparatus is provided for the quantitative extrusion of functional material. The apparatus may include the quantitative extrusion of functional material. The apparatus may include a metering advancement member, a housing for receiving and containing a replaceable functional material cartridge, an extrusion conduit, and a releasably 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.

  Interchangeable functional material cartridges, which may also be referred to herein as “cartridges” or “replaceable cartridges”, suitable for use with embodiments of the present invention, at least a casing and a functional It may be made of substance. Furthermore, the end of the casing may be completely sealed and, if present, the casing comprises an open end which can be sealed for storage and shipping by means of a removable adhesive film and / or a pierceable septum. May be. In addition, in various embodiments, the cartridge also includes a plug at one end, preferably at the distal end, which can also function as a plunger when actuated by a piston associated with the metering advancement member. May be. In still other embodiments, one or both open ends of the casing may seal the fluid within the cartridge and cause an adverse reaction with the functional substance or otherwise spoil the contents. It may be sealed with stoppers, plugs or other suitable elements that will act to prevent flux.

  In additional embodiments of the cartridge, the cartridge may include a proximal section, which may serve as an extrusion conduit. Preferably, the sectioned 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 sealed end as well as a cap suitable to provide adequate sealing and storage conditions while not in use.

  In additional embodiments of the cartridge, the cartridge includes segments or elements that can serve to releasably retain the cartridge in the cartridge housing or advancement member so as to eliminate the need for any other cartridge retention elements. May be.

  As an additional feature of the cartridge of the present invention, the cartridge may include at its proximal end a fluid control valve, such as a one-way valve or a valve resistant to fluid flow. In embodiments that include a one-way valve, the valve will serve to prevent backflow of fluid into the cartridge and to retain functional material in the cartridge while not in use. In embodiments that include a resistive valve, preferably, the valve will only allow fluid flow when an appropriate pressure is applied. In such embodiments, the resistive valve will allow the user to replace the cartridge whenever desired, by preventing free flow of fluid from the proximal end. Fluid will only be allowed to flow through the valve when pressure is applied by the advancement member. 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 of use 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, such that the housing is retained by the cartridge retention element, feature or section, It may be supported and / or partially or completely enclosed.

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

  The functional liquids according to the invention which may advantageously be contained in the cartridge are, but not limited to, esters, acetates, alcohols, acids, lactones, carbonyls, amides, phenols, isoprenes, terpenes, thiols, saturated and unsaturated thios. Sulfinic acids, hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterterpenes, triterpenes, sesquialterpenes, tetraterpenes, polyterpenes, norisoprenoids, and derivatives thereof such as terpin hydrate, derivatives of terpentin, gamma decalactone, gamma octa Lactone, butyric acid, 2-methylbutyric acid, propionic acid, isovaleric acid, isobutyric acid, cinnamic acid, phenethyl alcohol, ethyl butyrate, ethyl isobutyrate, methyl ethyl 2-butyric acid, ethyl isovalerate, methyl cinnamate, Ethyl peonate, ethyl hexanoate, isoamyl isovalerate, phenethyl acetate, (Z) -3-hexeneer, beta-ionone, hexanal, beta-damacenone, 1-penten-3-one, 3-methylbutanal, (E ) -2-hexanal, 2-isobutylthiazole, 1-nitrophenyl ethane, (E) -2-heptenal, furanone, 2.5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3 (2H) -furanone, methyl methyl 2-butanoate Ethyl, methyl 2-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, methyl propyl 2-butanoate, 2-methyl-1-butanol, benzyl alcohol, 1-octanol, 2-phenylethanol, 1,3-octo-5 (Z) -enediol 1,3-octanediol, 4-vinyl guaiacol, eugenol, 2-methylbutanoic acid, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic acid, 3-hydroxy-beta-damascone, 4hydroxy-3-methoxyphenylacetic acid, 3-oxo-alpha-ionol , Natural flavor compounds such as, but not limited to, often found in fruits, including, but not limited to, bomifoliol, 3-oxo-β-ionol, dehydrobomifoliol, roseoside, and / or dimethyl sulfide, thio Sulfinic acid, Disulfide, Polysulfide 2-propene-1-sulfinothioic acid S-2-propenyl ester (alicin), 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-nonenol, (E) -2-nonenal, (Z) -3-nonenol, (Z) -3-nonenal, C9 Carbonyl, (Z, Z) -3.6-nonadienal, (E, Z) 2, 6-nonadienal, methyl 3-butanoate, 2-phenethyl ester, methyl 2-phenethyl 3-butanoate, (E) -2 Methyl hexenyl 3-butanoate, methyl benzyl 3-butanoate, methyl (E) -2-hexenyl 3-butanoate, methyl benzyl 3-butanoate, Methyl 3-butanoate methyl, butyl 3-butanoate methyl, 3-butanoate methyl, butyl 3-butanoate methyl, 3-methylbutyl 3-butanoate methyl, (E) 2-pentenyl 3-butanoate methyl, 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)-ligustilide, 1-(E, Z)-3, 5-undecatriene, sesquiterpene hydrocarbon, alpha-copaene, alpha-muurolene, alpha-caracorene, casinene, 2- acetyl-1-pyrroline, 2 -Ethyl-3,6-dimethylpyrazine, acetaldehyde, 3-methylbutanal, 4-vinylguay Alcohol, 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-ferandrene, (Z) -hex-3-enal , (Z) -hex-3-enol, (Z) -hex-3-acetic acid, vanillin, menthol, methyl salicylate, 3,7-guaiadiene, delta-kazine , 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 innumerable melanoidins, which are one type of chemical substance produced by the Maillard reaction, in which an amino acid and a reducing sugar are heated together to produce a complex composition of chemicals derived therefrom. It may be adopted. In addition, alkaloid, steroid, indole, diazepine, pharmaceutical preparation, therapeutic preparation, biological substance, protein solution, recombinant protein solution, amino acid polymer, natural or recombinant / synthetic deoxyribonucleic acid polymer, natural or recombinant / synthetic ribonucleic acid polymer, Solutions of naturally derived or recombinant single or double stranded RNA, solutions of natural or recombinant plasmids, natural or recombinant / synthetic cosmids, viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, algae, prions or other microorganisms, particles, their Organelles, extracts from plants containing essential oils, and / or other biologically 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 the cartridge, the cartridge retention element, the metering advancement member, or other features of the invention that will interact with the replaceable cartridge. . In various embodiments, the housing may integrally contain all or part of certain elements of the invention, such as extrusion conduits or advancement members.

  In one embodiment of the cartridge housing, the cartridge housing includes a proximal opening for receiving the replaceable cartridge and a distal end for interlocking with or integral with the metering advancement member. Further, in such embodiments, a releasably secured cartridge retention element will be present at the proximal end to retain the cartridge in the housing. In a similar but alternative embodiment, the cartridge having at least an integral extrusion conduit tip and a housing anchoring element may be releasably 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 the removably secured distal cartridge retention element, which may comprise a dose advancing member or an adapter to the dose advancing member. In such embodiments, the housing may include internal features at its proximal end for retaining the cartridge inside the housing or, alternatively, be removably secured to its proximal end. Cartridge retention elements may be received. The proximal retention element may interact with the cartridge to help retain it in the housing, or alternatively, the extrusion 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. Furthermore, in various embodiments and assemblies of the disclosed elements, the cartridge housing may be constructed to receive the cartridge from either its proximal or distal end.

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

  In additional embodiments, the cartridge housing encloses 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 lodged in the replaceable cartridge. , Heating jacket or element.

  In a further additional embodiment, the cartridge housing may consist of a housing structure or, prior to or after, the housing itself or an element to extend the warming state of the cartridge installed thereon It may be associated with that element, which may be heated via an external heat source such as microwaves, into which significantly rich thermal energy may be injected. Furthermore, in embodiments employing specific elements to hold most of the heat, the material will preferably consist of a material capable of holding 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 convey to the user specific measurements related to the amount of functional material extruded by the device. May be included. Additionally, 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 of a visibly clear material such as polycarbonate plastic, which will allow for the visibility of its contents. In such embodiments, a graduated scale may also be included and printed on the inner or outer surface.

  As a further aspect of the conduit tip including the valve, the valve should be kept as recent as possible so that, during extrusion, the valve can help to keep excess fluid flow out of the conduit and prevent the extrusion of too much material. It may be arranged to be positioned in the order range. Furthermore, in such an arrangement, the valve may be releasably retained by a protective cover, which is also releasably 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 receives a releasably retained cap having an axial through hole that covers the valve and prevents the valve from being pushed away from the end of the tube while still permitting extruded flow out of the valve. Can be made to Such an assembly would advantageously allow the user to install a flow control valve directly at the extrusion point to minimize unwanted excess flow from the conduit after the extrusion event .

  When the device according to the invention comprises a cartridge incorporating an extrusion conduit tip therein, the cartridge may be releasably retained in the cartridge housing by a retaining element which only serves the function of locking the cartridge into the housing. Good. The element may comprise an annular object which may be threaded or otherwise fabricated so as to be anchored to the cartridge housing and to obtain or otherwise fix the cartridge in place. In an additional embodiment, the cartridge, having a housing retention element incorporated into the cartridge, may also have an anchoring mechanism for retaining the cartridge into the housing, but to retain it in the housing , Would not need any auxiliary parts.

Proximal Cartridge Retaining Device When the device according to the present invention includes a proximal cartridge retaining element, the cartridge retaining element may be a single segment, or two or more separate removable or nonremovable connected together. It may have a division. In the embodiment of the optional proximal cartridge retention element, the element as a whole serves at least the function of retaining the replaceable functional material cartridge in or on the cartridge housing, and In embodiments, fluid flow conduits may or may not be interposed by other functional elements such as valves or other features, and may be provided through the body between their axial ends.

Single-section of the proximal cartridge retention element When the device according to the invention alternatively comprises a single-segment proximal cartridge retention element, referred to herein as "SSPCRE", the element comprises at least a cartridge housing The proximal end of the body comprises features at its distal end for connection to the cartridge housing and fluid flow conduits between its axial ends, including various features or elements provided along the fluid conduits It may or may not be included. In addition, the SSPCRE is configured to be in fluid communication with the functional material to be clamped in the replaceable cartridge, and an end-to-end fluid flow conduit and 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 allow. In addition, the single segment proximal cartridge retention element may also house other elements such as a one way valve, heating element, or other functional element interposed between the SSPCRE and the cartridge housing Good. Additionally, the SSPCRE may also partially receive one end of the replaceable cartridge if the cartridge protrudes from the cartridge housing to a measurable extent. As an additional feature, the SSPCRE may have a tapered needle segment around the fluid flow conduit at the distal location to puncture the septum and / or the film on the end of the replaceable cartridge. In addition, the SSPCRE may contain one or more septums to receive the needle from the external device to refill the contained replaceable cartridge or to receive fluid flow from the present invention. As a further feature, the SSPCRE may contain a heating element, such as a resistive coil or any other suitable heating element. As 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 advantageously interface with external devices or objects. Overall, the SSPCRE holds the replaceable cartridge, provides a fluid flow path for extrusion, functions to provide a heat source, and also provides other features for meshing with external devices, or Fluid backflow may be prevented via one way flow control.

Multiple Segments of the Proximal Cartridge Holding Element When the device according to the invention alternatively comprises a cartridge holding element consisting of a plurality of sections, referred to herein as "MSPCRE", the element assembly is at least of the assembly The distal end will have features, sections, or features of sections for releasably connecting to the proximal end of the cartridge housing. In addition, the element includes a fluid flow conduit in end-to-end fluid communication with the functional material to be retained in the replaceable cartridge, and extrusion of the functional material at a specific location external to the proximal end of the invention. And an open end of the fluid flow conduit at the proximal end of the assembly of sections.

  In one embodiment of the MSPCRE consisting of two distinct sections, the two sections connect with the cartridge housing, hold the replaceable cartridge and establish a first cartridge for establishing fluid communication with the functional material It will constitute a retention category. The second section, proximal to the first section, will function as an extended extrusion conduit tip with an open ended fluid flow conduit through its core. Furthermore, in an alternative embodiment, one way flow, clearly different housing sections for one way valves, partition walls, flow restrictors, heating elements, adapters for rapidly replacing extrusion conduit tips, or the function of this device Additional features, elements, or segments that may provide other desirable functions, such as any other features or elements that may enhance the activity, are also interposed between the two segments, or with one or both of the segments. Will be integrated. In addition, the MSPCRE may consist of multiple sections, which collectively may constitute any part or feature of the above disclosed embodiments or features of the pusher conduit tip or single-section proximal cartridge retaining element .

Atmospheric Exposure Reduction As a further refinement of the extruded conduit tip, ie, the above disclosed features of SSPCRE and MSPCRE, this element is a system for reducing atmospheric gas exposure by including a reduced diameter orifice, a pierceable septum. And / or may also include a one way valve that will allow the outflow of functional material from the replaceable cartridge while also providing for and / or preventing the inflow of atmospheric gas into the cartridge. In embodiments employing a pierceable septum, the septum will preferably consist of an elastomeric and / or polymeric film or series of them that can be pierced by a conduit needle. Furthermore, preferably, the septum material will consist of a chemical resistant material which can also be used in food exposure applications. 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, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize appropriate materials, applications, and their use.

  Additionally, embodiments of such elements employing one-way valves may utilize any suitable valve, for example, duckbill, umbrella, umbrella / duck combination, cross slit, dome, or ball A valve can be employed. Preferably, the valve comprises a suitable chemical resistant and food exposed material such as silicone, fluorosilicone, fluoroelastomer, natural rubber polyisoprene, butyl, ethane propylene, nitrile or any other suitable material. Although, it will not be limited to such materials. In all cases, one of ordinary skill in the art would recognize appropriate materials, applications, and their use.

Distal Cartridge Retaining Element According to the present invention, in one embodiment, the cartridge housing includes an opening at its distal end for receiving a replaceable cartridge, and a cartridge retaining for retaining the cartridge in the housing. It may have an element. In such embodiments, the cartridge retention element may be a composition of the retention element and the metering advancement member, or simply a cartridge that may be at the distal end of the assembly or between the housing and the metering advancement member. It may be a holding 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". I will. The proximal cap is located proximal to the extrusion conduit element to further prevent atmospheric exposure, prevent accidental leaks, prevent damage to the conduit, may result from piercing by the reduced end of the extrusion conduit It will serve the function of covering the exposed end of the extrusion conduit as it prevents injury or is provided for general storage or aesthetic purposes. In embodiments having multiple extrusion 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 may be distally driven by driving a piston or screw into the replaceable cartridge at its proximal end or otherwise activating or compressing a functional substance out of the replaceable cartridge. It will interact with the 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 operate in the desired quantity, either by visual indicia, by tactile feedback, or simultaneously both. I will. Additionally, in various embodiments, the metering advancement member may include a visible scale scale to indicate to the user the advancement distance and the volume of the cartridge contents. In addition, the advancing piston, screw or other suitable element may have a permanently associated plunger plug for driving the functional substance out of the replaceable functional substance cartridge or otherwise Similarly, it may interact with a plug pre-installed on the cartridge to provide the same result.

  The metering advancement 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 metering advancement member, the advancement member acts on the distal end of the replaceable cartridge and applies a pressure to the trapped material using a plunger to force the functional material out of its proximal end I will push it. Alternatively, when the cartridge is employed having a casing made of a film of flexible material, the advancing member pushes the amount of extrusion out of the cartridge, such as with a plate or with a roller The casing may be progressively squeezed to

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

  Further, in various embodiments, the metering advancement member disclosed herein can be any other of the present invention, such as a cartridge housing, a mounting adapter, a cartridge retention element, or other features disclosed herein. And, either partially or fully linked or combined. For example, the mechanism housing may be combined with the cartridge housing to provide 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 a quantitative advancement member, the quantitative advancement 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, with its internal bore used to attach a finger grip to the plunger rod, the plunger rod alone, or It may be slidably engaged with both at the same time. The finger grip and the rod will both maintain axial alignment inside the housing so as to allow the plunger rod to interact with the replaceable cartridge and activate functional material flow. Alternatively, the finger grip is associated with the plunger rod, which will be in axial alignment with the cartridge to maintain the plunger rod, sliding with an annular slot interposed between the cartridge and the advancing member Will be engaged. In all variants, the mechanism housing is by means of a graduated scale marked on the visible outer surface of the housing to indicate the relative position of the plunger and the advancing distance that is possible or has already taken place The finger grip will also 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 permanently or releasably retained to allow for initial construction or intermittent deconstruction of the assembly Will. In an alternative embodiment, a similar arrangement may be provided, whereby a tactile feedback mechanism is included, wherein a portion of the finger grip interacts with the raised or recessed features in series along the length of the slot, the finger grip Are pushed through the slots, the elements of the finger grip, which may be, for example, spring metal flanges, will form a resistive contact with the slot features as each feature is passed through. Such a mechanism can be used to indicate an advance of a defined distance corresponding to a defined volume of functional material to be extruded. In all embodiments, the sliding action of the rod will preferably carry a slight resistance to movement so that the rod does not slide back and forth freely without the force generated by the user's hand .

Screws and Clicks In an alternative embodiment of the quantitative advancing member, the quantitative advancing 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 the rotational action provided by the user. In various embodiments, advancement of the screw may involve tactile feedback, such as clicking. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the advancement distance may be preset or adjustable by the user.

  Furthermore, in one embodiment, the advancement of the plunger screw is provided by a user driven rotational element which is not displaced in the proximal or distal direction but rather will only rotate in place about its axis It can be done. This may be achieved, for example, by employing a plunger with a square-like or rectangular-like shaft having two flats and two externally threaded radial faces. With such an arrangement, the shaft can be rotated by manual rotation of the user of the rotating element, which will apply a force to the plane of the shaft, while the threads at the same time, the resting thread in the housing Interact with the spiked hole and advance the screw along its axis according to the pitch of the helical thread. Furthermore, the manually rotated element will allow the shaft to slide through its body along a plane as the screw is advanced. In such embodiments, the manually rotated element may be visibly clear and would cooperate 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 , May have a graduated scale printed thereon, which may be circumferentially located around the element to be rotated.

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

In an alternative embodiment, a protruding lobe having a hole drilled through its center so that resistance to rotation and tactile feedback such as "clicks" allow free passage of the flat double-sided advance screw. Can be provided by rotational association of the manually rotatable element with a pin having a plurality of lobes. In addition, the pin with the plurality of rounded projections will also have a threaded hole at its center, for engaging the advancing screw, of the recessed round recess in the annular section of the mechanism housing It will be pushed into the meshing arrangement and arranged to interact with it. Furthermore, as a final feature, the pin with the plurality of lobes is pushed into the recessed rounded recess with a metal spring retracted relative to the slot in the manually rotatable element It will be done. Simultaneously, the manual rotatable element is rotated, the pin having a plurality of lobes forcibly rotated therewith, above the elevation of the recessed shaped round recess and recessed shape, round It will be allowed to pushing the recess of the recess to the outside. As the pin is forced upwards and rotates on the ridge of the rounded recess, it presents resistance to rotation and slides towards the distal end of the assembly in the slot provided for its advancement It is done. Once rotation allows the pin with multiple lobes to retract into the recess of the recessed round recess , the force of the spring causes it to spring back into the recessed round recess . As a result, the process causes haptic feedback such as "clicks" to the user rotating the element. In such embodiments, the manually rotatable element may also feature a visible scale that cooperates with the advanceable screw position. Furthermore, in such embodiments, rotation can occur in either direction, allowing the user to return the screw to the fully retracted position, allowing replacement of the cartridge.

  As a further aspect of the quantitative advancement member embodiment, a haptic feedback feature will be employed, the mechanism will indicate a predetermined amount or user-selected amount of actuator advancement, a "click sound" tactile sensation Feedback may be employed. The term "click sound" implies either unique sound generation, tactile feedback, or both simultaneously. Further, in a preferred embodiment, the advancement of the mechanism could also be visually indicated to the user as a quantity or advancement along a graduated scale.

  Various mechanisms may be employed to accomplish this function with regard to the generation of haptic feedback associated with advancement. In one embodiment, depression of the element associated with the mechanism may be utilized to cause a short preset advance of the actuator by driving a piston or screw or short distance or rotation. Furthermore, in such a mechanism, the element to be depressed will return to its original position to allow for additional advancement. Such a mechanism would be considered similar to a retractable ink pen.

Advanceable Stop Mechanism In another embodiment of the metering mechanism, the mechanism may comprise a depressible piston which is limited by the advanceable stop. In embodiments employing these elements, the stop block will preferably be advanceable towards the proximal end of the assembly, inside of which the pushable piston will be housed. In such embodiments, the advancement of the stop will preferably not engage the depressible piston while advancing and will remain in its original position until actuated and depressed by the user. Functionally, the interdependent relationship between the two elements is due to the actuation of the piston and its stopping at the distance desired by the user prior to the subsequent extrusion of the functional substance out of the replaceable cartridge at its proximal end Will make it possible to move forward. Once the user desires to depress the piston to release the functional substance, the user will apply pressure to the distal end of the piston and depress it until it contacts the stop. The mechanisms and processes described will allow the user to select the volume of functional material to release and then release the volume in a single rapid event.

  In one embodiment of the invention, the advancing member, comprising an advanceable stop and a depressible piston, may comprise an assembly, the advanceable stop comprising an axial bore and a distal end of the cartridge housing The inner helical thread may be engaged with the upper outer helical thread, whereby rotation of the advanceable stop causes traversal of the cartridge housing, whereby rotation of the advanceable stop is effected. Cause crossing of the cartridge housing. Preferably, the advanceable stop will be assembled in such a way that the advanceable stop will be stopped when reaching the end of the progression. Most notably, by limiting the advancement, the user unintentionally disengages the thread at the distal end of the cartridge housing when removing parts at the end of the advancement; You will not suffer any inconvenience. This may 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 open and broken ends that is partially recessed to allow partial compression of the ring towards its axial center. In various embodiments, the ring may be of wire of various profiles formed into an annular structure or may be a ring produced by stamping. The wire profile may be circular, square, triangular or any other geometric shape that may serve a stop function and would not be limited to such a profile. Furthermore, in such embodiments, preferably, the stop block may be advanced in a distal to proximal direction or in a proximal to distal direction, the latter being functional material depleted by the user It will be possible to replace the cartridge with a new cartridge.

  In embodiments employing an advanceable stop and a depressible 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 graduated scale, a plurality of scales, or a plurality of scaled scales that visually interact with each other to indicate position. In embodiments employing a single graduated scale, the scale is preferably located on the visible section on the device and partially or completely covered or visible when the advanceable stop is moved It may not be targeted, thus indicating an advanced distance or a distance 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 visually interact with each other to indicate an advance. For example, a scale spanning the proximal to distal axial length will be marked on a visible surface such as the outer surface of the cartridge housing while being marked on the periphery of the advanceable stop A scale may be present towards its leading proximal edge. In such embodiments, 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 that is marked on the housing. Together, the rotary scale, which is marked on the advanceable stop, will indicate the partial advance of the scale on the scale which is marked on the housing when rotation takes place. For example, the engaged threads may have a pitch of 1 mm, and the graduations on the housing may be interspersed by a distance of 1 mm. A full (360 degree) rotation by the user will cause the advanceable stop to traverse the housing 1 mm, but the user desires to be able to cross a smaller distance, resulting in being caused by the partial rotation A finer scale may still be available to indicate displacement. In such an arrangement, the finer scale is marked on the visible surface of the advanceable stop and cooperates with the marking on the cartridge housing to provide an indication of displacement due to partial rotation I will.

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

  In additional embodiments of the metering advancement member, the various embodiments may include electronic actuation and controlled actuation of the advancing piston. In such a mechanism, the electronically controlled actuator would preferably be controlled by the user by interaction with a button or other control interface associated with the housing. Electrical actuation may be driven by a motor or solenoid. Further embodiments of electrically driven actuation may be wirelessly linked to the controller using a human interface.

  In embodiments 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 transfer system, an advanceable piston, and a housing. It will consist of

  As a further aspect of the user interaction interface, the interface may simply be a single button or switch, or may be in electrical communication with the electrical control circuit, a plurality of buttons, keypads or other switches Will have elements. Additionally, the user interaction interface may include a display screen controlled by electronic control circuitry. In addition, manual switches or buttons may be push buttons or mechanical switches of any type such as sliders, torsion knobs or collars, or touch, for example, included in a display / control panel or wirelessly connected. An electromechanical switch such as a screen or other touch sensor may be provided.

As an additional aspect of the invention relating to this embodiment, when selecting the volume of extrudate to be extruded, 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 rotation. Such an arrangement would work by mechanically engaging or disengaging the cartridge housing and the helical threads 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 or extended to the engagement point. 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 helically threaded surface. It will Block, through any suitable mechanism may be caused to extend and retract, for example, in the case of three blocks, toward the central axis which is rotated by a cam plunger pin having a lobe, the lobes A cam having may be positioned below the block. The blocks may be retained into their housing slots towards the central axis by circular springs such as garter springs or end connection expansion springs. In such an arrangement, it lobes cam, to the extent that would their threaded surface is engaged with the internal threads of the advanceable rotatable element of advanceable stop, radially outwardly Will be designed to push the block. While in this state, the threads are engaged and rotation of the advanceable stop will cause a translational movement across the cartridge housing relative to the pitch of the helical thread. When the user wishes to disengage the threads and retract the advanceable stop to a new position and avoid inconvenient propulsion, the user twists the plunger pin and the block of the cam with a rounded projection. It will be retracted to the lower section, disengaged from the thread, and release the forwardable stop from the thread. Re-engaging the threads can be done by rotating the plunger pin once more to a position where the lobes push the block back 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 delivered to the device using telecommunications via either a direct wired connection or a wireless communication mechanism. Memory storage elements that can The data may, for example, be the cumulative consumption of functional material over a given period of time, the volume of functional material usage by the user, the period of time between uses, the temperature profile of one or more components, the power consumption history, Stored preferences or settings, and previous combinations of connected components within the device assembly, and alternative modes of use, such as in what order they were connected, and / or, for example, of the serial number It may also include specific encoded information identifying a portion of the component, such as a flavor or substance it contains or may contain. Furthermore, the stored data may be used by the processing unit to control the mechanism of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that these types of data are disclosed as an 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 comprises one or more processing elements / processors. For example, the processor may use to determine what is displayed on the display / control panel and / or automatically activate the advancing member or element in accordance with the data and logic processed by the processor. It can be done. Those skilled in the art will appreciate 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 advancing member may occur automatically in response to the entry of a passcode that matches a valid passcode stored in the controller's memory. Alternatively, only the correct passcode input does not automatically initiate advancement, but instead allows the user to manually activate advancement to "unlock" the device's advancement feature. Good. For example, after the pass code has been validated without failure, the user may press a simple button or switch to initiate actuation. The atomization element is a single manual actuation following passcode verification, such as by re-entering the passcode toggling into a locked state, or by a simple manual switch or button, for a predetermined amount of time elapsed after passcode verification Alternatively, it may respond to a predetermined plurality of manual actuations until the processor receives an affirmative user command to "lock" the device again. The password may be entered directly by the user into the display / control panel or, for example, from a separate input device or token such as the user's personal smartphone, magnetic key card, barcode image, Wi-Fi, infrared, Bluetooth It may be communicated to the controller via (registered trademark), RFID, or an optical connection.

  In one embodiment, the controller also includes or is operable with a wireless communication element (not shown) capable of transmitting to another wireless communication device or receiving information from the wireless communication device It may be linked to In general, many wireless network types are considered 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 contain, it is not necessarily limited to them. Advantageously, wireless network connectivity can be used to pass code enable operation or lock / lock of one or more functions of the dispensing device (eliminating the need for multi-key user interface on the inhalation device itself) The dispensing device according to the invention communicates with or is controlled by a personal electronic device such as a smartphone for the purpose of facilitating the release and monitoring / tracking, storing and analyzing of usage data on the personal electronic device. Make it possible.

  Furthermore, as an additional aspect of the electrical control circuit, preferably, the circuit is designed to receive current from the charging lead and transmit it to the battery or heating element, as well as the device 130 and the external calculation and And / or include telecommunications elements 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 at the extrusion conduit is mated with other elements extending proximally or distally therefrom be able to. When included, such connection ports may also enable electrical communication from the circuit to one or more actuation mechanisms.

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

  Advantageously, the electrical controller may be designed to adjust the battery charge rate to voltage and current, and may prevent battery overcharge. In addition, preferably, the electrical control element will prevent reverse polarity damage to the circuit element or battery by incorporating appropriately contoured elements such as diodes, PNP transistors or P-channel FETs.

  As a further aspect of the electronic motor for use in various embodiments, the motor may be driven by alternating current 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 the electrical communication between the motor and the battery, interposed by the current switch. In more sophisticated arrangements, the control circuit comprises the other features disclosed herein and may be in electrical communication with the electric motor. Further, in alternative embodiments, the advancing member may include a plurality of electric motors.

  As a further aspect of the power transfer assembly, the power transfer comprises a series of spur gears, worm gears, bevel gears, planet gears, or any other suitable gear for transferring rotational power from the electric motor to the advancing 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, the pneumatic system may be employed by the use of a portable compressed gas container associated with the advancement mechanism. In such embodiments, the gas pressure provided by the built-in pressure reservoir, such as a compressed carbon dioxide gas cartridge / tank, which may 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 replaced through a hinged door or slide door on the side of the device housing. In additional embodiments, the device housing may have a slot that is permanently cut out of the side of the device housing to allow replacement of the tank from the side. In all embodiments, preferably, the replaceable tank is in position with the valve assembly to prevent excess gas leakage from its connection points where pressurized gas is brought into fluid communication with the device or element thereof. It will be mounted reliably in relation.

  In various embodiments of the pneumatic embodiment of the present invention, the piston will drive a plunger rod to actuate the outflow of functional material from the cartridge. In embodiments employing pneumatic cylinders, single-acting, double-acting, or telescoping cylinder designs, as well as cylinder arrangements having a return spring to cause the piston to return to the home / start position when pressure is not provided, It can be adopted. The actuation of the pneumatic piston will preferably be controlled using a valve mechanism which will be interposed between the pressure reservoir and the pneumatic cylinder. In addition, 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 or the like. It will also include a switch. 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 a screw driven actuator. In further 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 multiple cartridge retention sections to allow for the inclusion of multiple replaceable cartridges in a single housing. Further, in such embodiments, a single advancing member may be employed to functionally operate with multiple cartridges, either individually or simultaneously. In such embodiments, the mechanism may require additional mechanisms to move the advancing member to each cartridge. In one embodiment, the cartridge housing may contain a plurality of cartridges distributed in a radial array fashion, such that a single advancing member may extend from one cartridge to another along the cartridge distribution array pattern. The cartridge may be advanced from one cartridge to the next by rotating the mechanism radially to the cartridge. This can be accomplished by adding an advancing member to the central spindle which will allow the advancing member to reach each cartridge rotated to the cartridge location.

  In alternative embodiments, multiple cartridge housings may be employed which are actuated by a plurality of advancing members associated with one or more cartridges.

  Further, in an alternative arrangement, a plurality of individual cartridge housing advancement members may be secured together into a single unit by an adapter or other element that may secure them together into a single multiple operating unit It may be done.

  In an additional embodiment, the functional channels extruded from each cartridge are shared channels to provide convenience to the user and / or to facilitate in situ mixing of materials prior to final extrusion from the present invention. Multiple cartridges may be arranged in such a way that they can be combined within. In one embodiment, the user may elect to extrude a single substance at a time, or alternatively, the user may, via the elements of the invention, two or more prior to final extrusion. Functional materials above may be mixed together. In one embodiment, a single gauge may be used to operatively select the volume of extrudate from each of the plurality of cartridges. In another embodiment, multiple meters may be employed to provide the user with the ability to select a particular volume of extrudate from each cartridge. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism may be employed whereby the extrusion rate and amount can be simultaneously controlled for each cartridge simultaneously. In such embodiments, an electronically driven or pneumatic advancement 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 the plurality of materials as well as the final extrudate. In other embodiments, the proximal cartridge retention element may be comprised of multiple sections or elements. Further, in alternative embodiments, the cartridge may be retained by the distal element, and a mixing and / or mixing mechanism may be present as an integral feature of one or more cartridge housings.

  As a further aspect of all the embodiments disclosed herein and envisioned within the scope of the present invention, the materials by which the components will preferably be constructed are hard materials such as metals and plastics, coloring or optics Opaque or transparent materials such as transparent plastics or glass. Moreover, those skilled in the art will recognize appropriate material choices for the various embodiments and their variations, and no component should be limited in any way to any structural material or manufacturing method.

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 further detail with reference to the figures and drawings.

  According to one embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 presents a schematic view of a complete dispensing device 1 incorporating a manually movable sliding drive advancing member. The assembly initially comprises a cartridge housing 2 with a proximal cap installed, to enable the housing 2 and the finger grip 5 associated with the piston (not depicted) and the finger grip to advance An advancing member comprising an advancing slot 6 of the cartridge, a distal housing cap 4 for retaining the sliding piston, and a visible graduated scale 7 for indicating the relative position of the plunger rod; Integrated. As a further detail, an exploded view of the dispensing device 1 is presented in FIG. 2 and a cross-sectional view I is presented in FIG. FIGS. 2 and 3 provide further details of the internal components, the assembly initially comprising a proximal cap for providing a cover for the extruded conduit tip 11 and, alternatively, the variety disclosed above. An extruded conduit tip 11 having a fluid flow conduit 13 which may consist of a plurality of sections or elements in an embodiment of the present invention, and a replaceable cartridge 10 containing functional material 12 (depicted only in FIG. 3) Also provided is a housing for an advancing member, having a cartridge bung 9, a sliding slot 6, and a visually graduated scale 7 (depicted only in FIG. 2), which may or may be fixed to the plunger rod 8. Cartridge housing 2, 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 dispensing device 14 incorporating a manually rotatable element for driving a screw plunger. According to FIG. 1, the assembly 14 comprises 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 may first include a manually rotatable element 15, which may include gripping features and textures, a coil spring 23 for providing pressure against a pin 22 having a plurality of lobes, and an advanceable screw 20. , Cartridge housing and advancing member 16 and replaceable cartridge 19 containing functional material (not depicted) and, alternatively, extrusion, which may consist of multiple sections or elements in the various embodiments disclosed above Consisting of a conduit tip 17 and, finally, a proximal cap 18 for providing a cover for the extruded conduit tip 17. For further refinement, a cross-sectional view II of device assembly 14 is illustrated in FIG. First, manually rotatable element 15 having textured surface 24 on its outside for improving user interaction, and open interior area 25 of element 15 for the threaded region to pass through its center An advanceable screw 20 depicting the orientation in which the gap is provided, and of the element 15 for providing the pressure of the projecting lobe 26 into the recessed rounded recess 27 of the cartridge / mechanism housing 16. Threaded with a helical spring 23 in contact with the distal surface of the pin 22 having a retention feature and a plurality of lobes, and an annular feature of the housing 16 for engaging the threaded section of the plunger shaft 20 A replaceable cartridge casing 19 retained in the housing 18 by means of the bore 28 and the retention feature 29 of the housing 16, the cartridge plug 30, the functional substance 12 and the fluid flow conduit 32 An extrusion duct tip 17, eventually made of the proximal cap 18. The assembly as well as various parts and features have been presented. To provide further detail, FIG. 7 depicts a partial detail 33 of the cross-sectional view II at 90 degree axial rotation of the cross-sectional 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 feature can act on the screw to rotate it. Figure 7 shows the association of the two flat sides of the advancing screw with the feature.

FIG. 7 illustrates further details of the advancing member, the assembly comprising a manually rotatable element 15, a grip texture 24, an internal cavity 25 for enabling the advancement of the screw plunger 20, and spring retention of the element 15. Within the inner diameter of the hole of mechanism housing 16, which serves to inhibit feature 35, spring slot 34 of element 15 and removal of element 15 from housing 16, but also to allow its axial rotation. The annular extrusion 38 of the element 15 which is fixed into the slot 39 of the slot, meshed, to allow a space for the pin 22 with a plurality of rounded projections to slide vertically with the element 15 during its rotation The sliding slot 35 of the element 15 and the hole 37 in the pin 22 with a plurality of lobes for the free passage of the advancing plunger 20 and the projection of the pin 22 with a plurality of lobes A round recess segment 27 recessed annular features of the housing 16 for interaction with have protrusions 26, and the screw holes in the center of the annular features of the housing 16, and finally, because of the free rotation of the forward plunger 20 And the open chamber of the housing 16 of As further detail on the recessed round recess of the annular section of the housing 16, FIG. 8 is a top view of the housing 16 illustrating four recessed round recesses 27 and screw holes 28. As shown in FIG. Furthermore, FIG. 9 is an orthogonal side view of a pin 22 having a plurality of lobes, showing further details of the pin, the pin comprising four projecting lobe sections 26, a central through hole 37, and a rotation. A square section 41 for meshing with the element 15 depicted in FIG. 4-7 so as to transfer movement to the pins, and for aligning with the axially oriented helical spring 23 depicted in FIG. 5-7. And a short annular section.

  Advanceable Stop Block As an additional embodiment of the present invention utilizing an advanceable mechanism, FIG. 10 advances with cartridge housing 46 and textured surface 47 to improve the ability of the user to rotate the body. Stop in cooperation with a graduated stop printed on the cartridge housing 49, and a distal end cover for providing a stop block housing 45 and a stop block surface for the pushable piston rod distal end 44 FIG. 10 is a schematic view of device 43 consisting of a radially printed graduated scale 48 on block housing 45 and finally a proximal end cap 47 for providing a cover for the extrusion conduit tip . 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 the cross-sectional view III of the device 43 derived from FIG. 10, which describes the main internal features and elements. Continuing with further details of the device 43 of FIG. 12, the assembly initially includes the cartridge housing 46 partially containing the replaceable cartridge casing 56 containing the functional material 12 and the plug 55, and its vicinity. The proximal end of the replaceable cartridge casing 56 and the functional material 12 with the fluid flow conduit channel 61 and the open end 62 abutting the inner surface of the proximal cap 47 connected to the housing 46 at the apical end The extrusion conduit tip 60, which also partially contains and is screwed with its own thread 57 into the threaded end 58 of the housing 46, and threading the housing 46 on its inside with the thread 63 , The distal stop block 52 installed in the forwardable 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 illustrated to further details of the device 43. FIG. 13 initially contains a replaceable cartridge with a casing 56 that is abutted against the proximal surface of the piston retention device 54, and also contains functional material 12 and a plug 55. And a thread 63 engaged 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 traverses the outer surface of the housing 46 And a slight resistance to the sliding movement of the pushable piston rod 53, with the annular slot 69 cut into the proximal slot of the thread 65, containing an O-ring for A piston retention device 54 having an internal slot 67 for retaining an O-ring 66 for providing, and a piston retention device having an outer slot 72 for retaining a snap ring 71. Device 54, the snap ring retaining the snap ring retained in slot 70 of housing 46, which provides the function of locking piston retaining device 54 in position in housing 46, Cut off at the proximal end of the pushable piston rod 53, which holds the piston retention device 54 and finally the snap ring 73 for preventing the rod from sliding out of the distal end of the piston retention device 54 Figure 43 illustrates further details of 43, including embedded slots 74. As an additional detail, an exploded view of device 43 is provided in FIG. 14, which illustrates details of device 43 discussed herein in the exploded view.

  In yet a further additional embodiment of the present invention comprising an electronically actuated 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 'having cartridge viewing slot 81. FIG. FIG. 17 shows, first, the device housing 76 containing both the cartridge and the advancing member, the proximal cap 77 and the distal cap 81, both of which are releasably retained, and the inner surface of the proximal cap 77. Advancement inside a screw housing section 83 of an exchangeable cartridge casing 89 containing a pusher conduit tip 90, functional material 12 and plug 88, having a fluid flow conduit 91 and an open end 92 in contact Also in electrical communication with the electric motor 86 via the possible threaded plunger 82 and 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 of the leads of the battery by a connection such as 103 or otherwise in electrical communication with the other lead of the battery Establish a circuit by establishing contact with the device housing. Also, in the present and other embodiments, the battery may be replaceable by removing the cover, such as cover 81, or may be rechargeable and accessible externally on the housing or an element associated therewith. It may be charged through various leads.

  Further, the exploded cross-sectional view depicted in FIG. 18 and the exploded view of device 75 depicted in FIG. 19 serves to connect electrical control circuitry 85 to user interface features 80, 79 and 78. The electrical communication port 104, which extends from 85, from the electrical control circuit 85, through the pass port 105 (depicted in FIG. 19) in the gear holding device unit 98, is held in the housing slot 101 to the drive gear 99. A gear holding device unit for retaining idler gear 96, which has a torque transmission shaft 100 connected, extends to an electric motor 86, is engaged with a telecommunications port 97, a drive gear 99 and is engaged with an actuator gear 95. 98, with two flat lateral surfaces and two partially threaded for meshing with screw holes 87 of housing 76 In addition to the actuator gear 95 having a rectangular air gap section 102 at its axial center (depicted in FIG. 19) for providing a contact surface with the advancing screw 82, having a radial surface of Fig. 6 illustrates further details of the advancing member comprising these elements being

  In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a pneumatic advancement member may be employed in the present invention, and the device 105 with the device housing 107, the manual valve adjustment knob 110, the cartridge viewing slot 108, and the proximal cap 109. Is illustrated in FIG. Furthermore, FIG. 21 abuts against the device housing 107, which comprises a replaceable cartridge consisting of the casing 106, the functional substance 12, and the plug 114, and the inner surface of the releasably retained proximal cap 117. An extrusion conduit tip 116 with a threaded section 115 for meshing with the device housing 107 having a fluid flow channel 118 with a proximal open end, a plunger rod 113, a pneumatic cylinder 112 and a valve body 110 FIG. 13 depicts a cross-sectional view V of device 105 illustrating major internal components, including a compressed gas cylinder 119 removably retained in housing slot 121. FIG. Further, in the detailed cross-sectional view 122 depicted in FIG. 22, the pneumatic cylinder piston 124 associated with the plunger rod 113 and the needle conduit 130 for establishing fluid communication of the pressurized gas of the valve assembly 110 and the pressure tank 119. A manually adjustable knob associated with the valve assembly and a distal end providing space for the depressible button 127, which allows the user to adjust the flow rate and pressure setting of the gas flow into the pneumatic cylinder Including a recess 128 in the housing cover 111 and a gas flow conduit 126 of the expanded stem 123 of the valve assembly 110 that directs gas flow from the pressure tank 119 to the pneumatic cylinder through the port 126 in the pneumatic cylinder 122 sidewall; 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 device 105 is depicted in FIG. 23, which illustrates the various features disclosed in FIGS. In all embodiments, preferably, the compressed gas tank is preferably replaceable through the door in the housing, whether on the side, on the proximal end or from the distal end of the device housing I will.

  In further additional embodiments of the present invention, the device assembly may comprise a cartridge housing capable of housing a plurality of cartridges. FIG. 24 also receives a multi-cartridge housing 139, an array of pusher conduit tips 132, an array of cartridge housing slots 134, an array of cartridges 135, and an advancing member rotary axle 140, having cartridge viewing slots 133. And a distal schematic view of the assembly 131, consisting of the channel of FIG. In addition, the threaded section 141 of the extrusion conduit 132 for connection with the cartridge housing 139, the advanceable plunger rod 138 associated with the section 143 of the advanceable mechanism 137, the advancement also associated with the passage 144 of the multi-cartridge housing 144 An exploded view of the assembly 131, consisting of the details disclosed in FIG. 24, is provided in FIG. 25 in addition to the section 142 associated with the rotating axle 140 for controlled placement of the enabling mechanism.

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

  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 heater element features disposed in unison with the fluid flow And a cross-sectional view of SSPCRE 145 is depicted. In such embodiments, a functional material stream will pass through or around the element to obtain thermal energy. In addition, the heating element will be in electrical communication with a power supply (not shown), or it will be an element capable of holding most of the heat for a usable period of time. Such elements can be heated by placing in a microwave oven, or can be heated by direct exposure to a heat source.

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

  In the 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 one-way duckbill-type valve disposed in fluid flow conduit 154 with body 153, cartridge receiving section 157, threaded section 158, proximal open end 155, and fluid flow. A cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment 152 of the SSPCRE is depicted, consisting of 156. In such embodiments, functional material flow will only be allowed to flow from the distal end to the proximal end, not the reverse.

  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 facing tapered needle positioned in line with the fluid flow A cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment 159 of the SSPCRE, comprising conduit 164, is depicted. In such embodiments, functional material flow will be established only once the needle section punctures the film or septum of the cartridge.

  Referring to FIG. 29, the two main bodies 167 and 171, the cartridge receiving section 175, the threaded section 174 of the main body 171 for meshing with the cartridge housing, and the threaded section 172 of the main body 167 for meshing , A threaded section 173 of the body 171 of the body, a fluid flow conduit 168 with a proximal open end 169, and a one-way duckbill-type valve 156 associated with the body 171 and positioned in line with the fluid flow A cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment 166 of FIG. In such embodiments, functional material flow will only be allowed to flow from the distal end to the proximal end, not the reverse. Additionally, the body 167 can be removably retained within the body 171 and will allow the user to easily replace the body 167 without exposing the cartridge to atmospheric gas.

  Referring to FIG. 30, the two main bodies 177 and 180, the cartridge receiving section 184, the threaded section 183 of the main body 180 for meshing with the cartridge housing, and the threaded section 181 of the main body 177 for meshing Additional embodiment 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 disposed coincident with the fluid flow A cross-sectional view of 176 is depicted. In such embodiments, functional material flow will be established only once the needle section punctures 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 most of the atmospheric gas. I will.

  Referring to FIG. 31, a cross section of an exchangeable cartridge embodiment 186 comprising a cartridge casing 189, functional material 12, plunging plug 188, adhesive distal sealant film 187, and adhesive proximal sealant film 190. The figure is depicted. Additionally, films 190 and 187 are secured to the distal end of cartridge casing 189 and preferably will be removable by the user, heat fusible film, adhesively bonded film, adhesive elastomeric septum, or other It may be a similar film.

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

  Referring to FIG. 33, a cross-sectional view of an alternate cartridge embodiment 195 comprising a cartridge casing 197, functional material 12, an adhesive distal sealant film 196, and an adhesive proximal sealant film 198 is depicted. There is. Additionally, the films 186 and 198 are fixed to the distal end of the cartridge casing 197 and preferably will be removable by the user, a heat fusible film, an adhesive bonded film, an adhesive elastomeric partition, or other It may be a similar film. In such an embodiment, the cartridge lacks a plunger plug that would otherwise be installed on the plunger rod associated with the advancement member.

  Referring to FIG. 34, the replaceable cartridge embodiment 199 consisting of a cartridge casing 1201, functional material 12, a compressed inserted distal end plug 200, and a compressed inserted proximal end plug 202. A cross-sectional view of the 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, an embodiment of a replaceable cartridge 199 consisting of a cartridge casing 201, a functional material 12, a compression inserted distal end plug 200, and a compressed insertion proximal end plug 202. A cross-sectional view of the 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, the replacement comprises a cartridge casing 205, the functional substance 12, a compressed inserted proximal end plug 206, and a plunger plug having an advancing rod associated therewith which can be inserted into the advancing member. A cross-sectional view of a possible cartridge embodiment 203 is depicted. In such embodiments, the end plug 206 may be removable prior to use of the cartridge or may be pierced by a septum to establish fluid communication with the functional substance 12. In an alternative embodiment (not depicted), a similar arrangement could be envisioned where an adhesive film would replace the end plug 206.

  Referring to FIG. 36, a schematic side view of a replaceable cartridge embodiment 207 comprising 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 embodiments disclosed where film seals are incorporated, these films may alternatively also include pull tabs as disclosed herein.

  Referring to FIG. 37, in various embodiments, its transverse length may be incorporated into a cartridge to provide them with a key slot for fitting into a specific cartridge housing having a matching key. A schematic side view of a replaceable cartridge embodiment 210 comprising a cartridge casing 212 having a downwardly passing slot is depicted. Alternatively, the key slot depicted here may alternatively be a protruding key which will perform the same function but may protrude more than simply recessed.

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

  Referring to FIG. 39, a figure is presented to illustrate an exemplary process of action that the present invention will experience during use, with an arrow representing the physical force at its distal end communicating downward to the cartridge. And as a result, a force is exerted on the functional substance 12 to force it through the extrusion conduit tip and deposit it on the physical surface 215 outside the device (denoted as 12 ') 43 are presented.

  Referring to FIG. 40, a cross section of cartridge housing 217 and extruded conduit tip 219 assembly depicted as a heating band surrounding cartridge housing 217 that functions to heat functional material 12. Details of the figure are depicted. In such embodiments, the heating band may receive telecommunication and power from an external source, or may receive telecommunication and power from a built-in element. In alternative embodiments, the heater band 216 may be integral with the housing 217 or may be manually removable. In an alternative embodiment, the heater band may provide heat through a chemical process or may be initially heated by an external source to provide an amount of heat to the internal components over 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 may contain functional material and, in addition, may provide a reduced section for direct extrusion of functional material without the need for additional extrusion conduit tips. .

  Referring to FIG. 42, an embodiment of the 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. A cross-sectional view of the is depicted.

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

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

Claims (3)

A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, said device comprising
A cartridge housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, wherein the cartridge housing is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge including a plug and a functional material. A cartridge housing,
An extrusion conduit tip at the proximal end of the cartridge housing, the extrusion conduit tip comprising a fluid flow conduit;
An advancing member configured to fit into the inner bore and configured to move axially through the inner bore;
The advancing member, when moving toward the proximal end of the cartridge housing, pushes a metered amount of the functional substance through the extrusion conduit tip.
The device is a pin having a plurality of lobes, a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the pin having the plurality of lobes, a manually rotatable element, and rotated. And a manually rotatable element configured to advance a plunger of the advancement member through the internal bore,
The pin having the plurality of lobes is rotated as the manually rotatable element is rotated,
The replaceable cartridge further comprises a fluid control valve, the fluid control valve being configured to open in response to pressure inside the replaceable cartridge, the fluid control valve being the replaceable cartridge One-way valve that prevents backflow of fluid inwards,
device. A device for dispensing a metered amount of a functional substance, said device comprising
A cartridge housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and an internal bore, wherein the cartridge housing is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge including a plug and a functional material. A cartridge housing,
An extrusion conduit tip at the proximal end of the cartridge housing, the extrusion conduit tip comprising a fluid flow conduit;
An advancing member configured to fit into the inner bore and configured to move axially through the inner bore;
The advancing member, when moving toward the proximal end of the cartridge housing, pushes a metered amount of the functional substance through the extrusion conduit tip.
The device is a pin having a plurality of lobes, a coil spring configured to provide pressure against the pin having the plurality of lobes, a manually rotatable element, and rotated. And a manually rotatable element configured to advance a plunger of the advancement member through the internal bore,
The pin having the plurality of lobes is rotated as the manually rotatable element is rotated,
The replaceable cartridge further comprises a fluid control valve, the fluid control valve being configured to open in response to pressure inside the replaceable cartridge, the fluid control valve being the replaceable cartridge One-way valve that prevents backflow of fluid inward,
The plug is connected to the plunger, and the plug pushes the functional substance through the fluid control valve so as to seal at least one end of the casing of the replaceable cartridge and when the plunger is advanced Configured to
device. The advancing member is configured to be electronically controlled;
The advancement member can be controlled by a remote operator
3. The device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is configured to deliver a metered amount of one or more types of functional substances, the metered amount being selected by the remote operator. The device according to one item.

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