WO2021165785A1

WO2021165785A1 - Dispensing device for a dental substance

Info

Publication number: WO2021165785A1
Application number: PCT/IB2021/051040
Authority: WO
Inventors: Paul J. HOMNICK; Andreas J. Boehm; Bruce R. Broyles
Original assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
Priority date: 2020-02-19
Filing date: 2021-02-09
Publication date: 2021-08-26

Abstract

A dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe.

Description

DISPENSING DEVICE FOR A DENTAL SUBSTANCE

Background

Dental substances are often provided in packages holding a sufficient amount of substance for multiple applications. A dentist typically uses portions of such substances for application in a patient’s mouth. A dentist may for example place a portion of a dental substance on a pad or into a well and use a dental instrument for applying it within a patient’s mouth. Dental impression materials may for example be filled into a dental impression tray which is then placed in a patient’s mouth to obtain a dental impression from the patient’s teeth. However, in many situations dental substances may also be placed into a patient’s mouth directly from a package in which the substance is contained. Today there are a variety of packages that allow for direct application of substances into a patient’s mouth.

Dental substances further are often prepared from two or more components that are mixed together just before use. Often the individual components are obtained as portions from larger packages, for example from tubes, bags or cartridges. There are packages on the market that allow manual or automatic dispensing of two or more components at desired amounts and at an appropriate ratio for mixing. Furthermore, there are packages that allow dispensation of portions of readily mixed substances from individually stored components.

An automatic dispensing and mixing system is for example available under the designation 3M™ ESPE™ Pentamix™ from 3M ESPE AG, Germany, and allows automatic dispensing and mixing of two- component dental impression materials. The 3M™ ESPE™ Pentamix™ system is typically used as a tabletop device for filling dental impression trays. However, the 3M™ ESPE™ Pentamix™ system further has an interface which allows a hand-held syringe to be filled with a portion of a readily mixed dental substance. A re-usable syringe for use with the 3M™ ESPE™ Pentamix™ system is for example available under the designation Elastomer Syringe from 3M ESPE AG, Germany.

A manual dispensing device is available under the designation 3M™ ESPE™ Garant™ Dispenser from 3M Company, and it allows manual dispensing of two-component substances through a static mixer so that a readily mixed substance can be obtained. The 3M™ ESPE™ Garant™ Dispenser allows direct application of the mixed substance into a patient’s mouth because it is provided in the form of a hand-held applicator which carries the dental impression material, and it includes a mixing tip. The mixing tip is dimensioned so that it can be placed even in relatively narrow spaces in a patient’s mouth.

U S. Patent No. 8,328,553 titled “Device for Dispensing Material” discloses another dispensing device for storing and dispensing dental substances. The device comprises a cartridge for the dental substance, and a nozzle. The nozzle is pivotable with respect to the cartridge between a first position in which the capsule is closed for storage and a second position in which the capsule is opened for dispensing the dental substance. U.S. Patent No. 9,427,290 titled “Dispensing Device for a Dental Substance,” discloses yet another dispensing device which has an outlet for the dental substance, and a valve for opening and closing the outlet. The device is switchable between a storage mode and an operative mode.

Although there are a variety of solutions for application of dental substances into a patient’s mouth there is still a desire for an application device that allows easy handling, and which is relatively inexpensive.

Summary

The present disclosure provides dispensing device for dental substances and methods of using dispensing devices for dental substances.

In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe; and an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of using a dispensing device for dental substances. This method comprises: providing a dispensing device comprising: a dispensing nozzle having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet; a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet, wherein the first chamber contains a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber contains a second component of a dental substance; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe; an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe, wherein the adapter connects the static mixing nozzle to the dual syringe, and wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet; releasably interlocking the dispensing nozzle with auto close valve; removing the dispensing nozzle from the dual syringe by turning both the nozzle and auto close valve from the first position the second position, whereby the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1 is assembled view of the dispensing device in one embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 is an exploded view of portions of the dispensing device an of Figure 1 ;

Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing device of Figure 2, where the valve and nozzle are in a first position;

Figure 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the dispensing device of Figure 2, where the valve and nozzle are in a second position;

Figure 5 is a view taken along line 5-5 in Figure 3;

Figure 6 is a view taken along line 6-6 in Figure 4;

Figure 7 is an exploded view of portions of another dispensing device;

Figure 8 is an exploded view of portions of yet another dispensing device; and

Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a protective cover convenient for use with the dispensing devices of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Static mixers are used to mix or activate two-component materials on-demand immediately prior to applying the product. The mixers contain flow diverting portions to maintain separability of the components and then combine flows of the two materials, which effectively mixes the two materials after an adequate number of elements. This mixing is highly dependent on material properties and chemistry. Static mixers like this are very commonly used for dental materials, since they quickly and effectively mix two-part systems on demand for the dental practitioner, which saves time and increases the practitioner’s confidence in the clinical outcome of the procedure.

However, there are several drawbacks of static mixers. One primary drawback for dental applications is the large size of commercially available static mixing tips. Dentists prefer to use many two- part materials intraorally, which is highly challenging for many of the mixing tips on the market. A second drawback is the amount of wasted material in most of these large mixing tips currently on the market. Many dental applications use a few tens of milligrams per application - but hundreds of milligrams of product are “wasted” in the static mixing tip. This amount of waste, in combination with the unwieldly size of commercially available mixing tips, is highly undesirable for dental practitioners. The materials within the static mixers may harden after use, rendering the static mixer nozzle useless. Finally, there are no (or few) examples of auto-close two-part delivery devices on the market - most devices have a cap that is easy to lose. Or, others allow the user to keep the used tip on so the cured material in the tip acts as a cap. However, this option is not possible for some aging-sensitive materials.

The present invention provides a dispensing device for dental materials that has an auto close valve which is convenient for use with two-part component dental materials and a static mixer. A dentist may conveniently remove the static mixer nozzle and the auto close valve with automatically shut off the two streams of the component materials. A dentist may then attach a new static mixer nozzle for the next patient, and the auto close valve automatically opens. This configuration allows for less waste, especially with a high-bulk delivery device, such as the Sultzer MixPac™ S-Systems and L-Systems. There is no cap to lose in a busy dental office. The delivery device avoids cross-contamination by accidently attaching the wrong nozzle to the wrong syringe. The present invention offers a convenient and low-cost alternative to others in the marketplace.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dental material is provided in the form of two components A and B, which in combination form the hardenable dental composition. Preferably, the so formed hardenable composition corresponds to the dental material. Hardenable compositions which are obtainable by mixing include, in particular, dental materials including dental composite cements, dental glass ionomer cements, flowable dental composite materials, filled dental adhesives etc. Other examples include a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, a dental adhesive, dental retraction material, endodontic restoration material, orthodontic adhesive material, dental crown temporization material, and dental varnish material. Usually, a hardenable dental composition obtained from mixing typically comprises a hardenable matrix, a filler, and a catalyst or initiator system.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a perspective and exploded view of a dispensing device 10 for a dental substance and the mixing and delivery of a reactive composition according to the present disclosure. The container 20 includes a first chamber 22 and a second chamber 24 for first component and second component to from a dental substance. In the illustrated embodiment, these supplies are integrated into a dual syringe 26. In this embodiment, the first and second components are impelled from the first chamber 22 and a second chamber 24 respectively by the action of a dual plunger 28, although other mechanisms for accomplishing this action will be known to the routine practitioner. The plunger 28 has two plunger rods for displacing the two components toward a dispensing nozzle 19. The dispensing nozzle 19 forms a dispensing outlet 17 at a front end of the dispensing nozzle 19. The device 10 is operable by hand, and to assist the device 10 has a finger plate arranged at the cartridge 20 and a finger plate in the example is arranged at a rear end of the chambers 22, 24.

The first chamber 22 and the second chamber 24 have a first dispensing port 30 and second dispensing port 32, respectively. In this embodiment, dual syringe 26 has a first locking projection 34 and a second locking projection 36. These serve to interact with locking flanges 38 and 40 on adapter 60 to provide a nonreleasable attachment, thus connecting the adapter to the syringe with a non-reversable connection or engagement connection. Adapter 60 in turn can releasably connect with a nozzle base In another embodiment, the adapter 60 connects to the syringe device via a bayonet connection (not illustrated). In yet an alternative embodiment, the adapter may connect to the syringe in a reversible connection or reengagement connection (not shown).

In one embodiment, adapter 60 is shaped internally to receive flow splitting portion (not illustrated) and to hold it in fluid communication with dual syringe 26 and static mixer 12, as will be described with more particularity in connection with the figures below. The device of the invention may be advantageous in that it may help keep the dental substances encapsulated even when the dispensing portion 21 , comprising the collar 11 , static mixer 12 and dispensing nozzle 19, is removed from the adapter 60. For example a user of the device may only be enabled to remove the static mixer 12 and dispensing nozzle 19 in the second position, when the device may be ready for storage, when the first and second outlets 46, 48 are closed. The substances are then enclosed within the device 10. Therefore the device 10 may be advantageously usable in combination with substances that are sensitive to moisture, air and/or light. The device 10 may thus be advantageous for storing substances over a certain storage time. The device 10 also allows a used static mixer 12 and dispensing nozzle 19 to be replaced by a one once the device was used. Thus the device 10 may help in fulfilling relatively strict hygiene requirements because it may allow a fresh nozzle 19 to be used for each use, for example if different patients are to be treated with the same device 10. Further, the device 10 may be used as a package containing multiple doses of two- or multi -component substances, for example hardenable substances. In that case the individual components of the substance may be co-dispensed and mixed in the static mixer 12. The dispensing device 10 of the invention may enable the static mixer 12 and dispensing nozzle 19, which after use typically gets blocked when the mixed substances harden, to be replaced by a fresh one for the next use. Therefore waste may be minimized, in particular in view of disposal of exchangeable nozzle portions 19. The dispensing device 10 thus may be relatively environmentally compatible and may help to save costs for the user. Lastly, the device may be generally light weight, and/or may provide for a relatively convenient handling.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate a dispensing portion 21 including a nozzle 19, a static mixer 12, and a collar 11. The static mixer 12 is within the dispensing nozzle 19. The static mixer 12 has a cascade of mixing elements 14, a first inlet 13 and a second inlet 15. Each mixing element 14 is based on a helical shape or a helicoid. The structure of such a helical mixing element can be basically imagined as a planar sheet of material which, held at opposite ends, is twisted or wound by 180 degrees, although other methods (for example injection molding) are typically used to manufacture such a structure. The overall outer shape of such a mixing element 14 is based on a cylindrical helix. Each mixing element has an entry edge for the material and an exit edge. With respect to a flow of the dental material through the static mixer 12, the material enters each mixing element 14 at the entry edge and exits each mixing element 14 at the exit edge. The entry and exit edges of two adjacent mixing elements 14 are angularly offset relative to each other. Therefore, the flow of the two components of the dental material is divided and partial divisional streams thereof merged multiple times as the dental material flows through the static mixer unit 12. Thus, the dental material is mixed. One exemplary example of a suitable static mixer is discussed in in PCT Publication No. 2016/205181, “A Systems Comprising a Static Mixer and a Dispensing Device for Dental Materials,” which is hereby incorporated by reference. Although, the Figures illustrate that dispensing portion 21 as being a static mixer nozzle, other nozzles may be used for dispensing dental substances that do not need to be mixed, for instance dental substances that are air cured. Figure 2 illustrates one embodiment of the auto close valve 40. The auto close valve 40 includes a first inlet 42 connected to a first outlet 46, and a second inlet 44 connected to a second outlet 48. Auto close valve 40 also includes a slot 58 on the front surface of the valve 40 and a groove 59 partially around the perimeter of the valve 40. The portion of the static mixer having inlets 13, 15 is shaped to press fit into slot 58. Auto close valve 40 is shaped to fit into well 76 of adapter 60, and will rotate between a first position and a second position, as illustrated in Figures 5 and 6. The valve 40 has a rotation axis that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dispensing device 10. The tongue 70 within the adapter 60 lock within the grove 59 of auto close valve 40, making it such that the auto close valve 40 is not releasable from the adapter 60. Additionally, tongue 70 provides a stop to limit the rotation of valve 40 according to the terminal limits of groove 59. In one embodiment, the first position relative to the second position is within eighty to one hundred degrees. In a preferred embodiment, the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

Adapter 60 includes a first inlet 62 and a second inlet 64 (neither shown), and a first outlet 66 and a second outlet 68. The first outlet 66 is opposite the first inlet 62 and the second outlet 68 is opposite the second inlet 64. Adapter has a groove 72 for releasably attaching the adapter to the dispensing portion 21. Adapter 60 also has a collar 74 for attachment to the dual syringe 26. Collar 74 includes a clip that reversibly connects the adapter to the syringe. However, there are other means known in the art for attachment between the dispensing portion, adapter 60, and dual syringe 26.

An example of a commercially available syringe and nozzle 19 illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 is sold by 3M Company based in Saint Paul, MN as 3M™ Intra-oral Syringe

Figures 3 and 5 illustrate the dispensing device 10 in a first position. Figures 4 and 6 illustrate the dispensing device in a second position. In the first position, the first inlet 42 of the auto close valve 40 is aligned with the first outlet 66 of adapter 60 and the second inlet 44 of the auto close valve 40 is aligned with the second outlet 68 of the adapter. Also, while in the first position, the first inlet 42 of the auto close valve is aligned with the first dispensing outlet 30 of the dual syringe and the second inlet 44 of the auto close valve is aligned with the second dispensing outlet 32 of the dual syringe 26. While in the first position, the dental material components are in fluid communication through the dental dispensing device. For example, the first dental component is in fluid communication from the first chamber 22, through the first dispensing outlet 30, through the first inlet 62 of the adapter 60, through the first outlet 66 of the adapter 60, through the first inlet 42 of the auto close valve 40, through the first outlet of the auto close valve 40, and into the first inlet 13 of static mixer 12 , where it is mixed with the second component by the mixer elements 14, and then finally through the outlet 17 of the dispensing portion 19. Additionally, while in the first position, the second dental component is in fluid communication from the second chamber 24, through the second dispensing outlet 32, through the second inlet 64 of the adapter 60, through the second outlet 68 of the adapter 60, through the second inlet 44 of the auto close valve 40, through the second outlet 48 of the auto close valve 40, and into the second inlet 15 of static mixer 12 , where it is mixed with the first component by the mixer elements 14, and then finally through the outlet 17 of the dispensing portion 19. The dual syringe 26 has a longitudinal axis A-A that runs the length of the dual syringe. In rotating the auto close valve 40 about axis A-A from the first position to the second position, the auto close valve 40 moves approximately eighty to one hundred degrees from the first position relative to the second position in a preferred embodiment. In a more preferred embodiment, the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position. Tongues 70 are spaced within the interior of well 76, of adapter 60 and engage with the groove 59 of the auto close valve 40. Due to the configuration of the groove 59, the ends of the groove 59 act as a stop for rotating the valve 40. Also, once the auto close valve 40 is placed within the well 76 of the adapter 60, it may not be removed without damaging the valve 40 and/or adapter 60. Tongues 70 and groove 59 contribute to the non-removable configuration of valve 40 within the well 76 of adapter 60. This non removeable configuration is important to prevent the loss of valve 40 between uses of dispensing device 10, when a first used dispensing portion 21 is replaced with a second unused dispensing portion 21.

While in the first position, all of the inlets and outlets of the various portions of the dispensing device 10 are lined up to allow the first and second components to flow out of the chambers 22, 24, through the adapter 60, through the valve and into the dispensing portion 21. Specifically, the first component of the dental substance flows out of the first dispensing outlet 30 of the first chamber 22, into the first inlet 62 and out of the first outlet 66 of the adapter 60, into the first inlet 42 and out of the first outlet 46 of the auto close valve 40, and into the first inlet 13 of the static mixer 12. In addition, the second component of the dental substance flows out of the second dispensing outlet 32 of the second chamber 24, into the second inlet 64 and out of the second outlet 68 of the adapter 60, into the second inlet 44 and out of the second outlet 48 of the auto close valve 40, and into the second inlet 15 of the static mixer 12.

In the first position, which is the open position, moving the plunger 28 forward (in a direction toward the dispensing nozzle 19) causes the dental material to flow through the chambers 22, 24, adapter 60, auto close valve 40 and dispensing portion 21. As mentioned above, the static mixer 12 has mixing elements 14 (which causes the dental material to mix as it flows through the static mixer 12. Thus, the dental material is dispensed from the dispensing outlet 17 is in a mixed condition.

In the second position, which is the closed position, the first inlet 42 of the auto close valve 40 is not aligned with the first outlet 66 of adapter 60 and the second inlet 44 of the auto close valve 40 is not aligned with the second outlet 68 of the adapter. Also, while in the second position, the first inlet 42 of the auto close valve 40 is not aligned with the first dispensing outlet 30 of the dual syringe and the second inlet 44 of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second dispensing outlet 32 of the dual syringe 26. While in the second position, auto close valve 40 seals the dental material components within their respective chambers. In some embodiments, while in the second position, auto close valve 40 hermetically seals the dental material components within their respective chambers. This configuration ensures that the two components do not mix, and lengthens their shelf life. In some embodiments, additionally this configuration also ensures that the two components individually do not react, oxidize, or otherwise degrade when exposed to air, and thus lengthens their shelf life. The first chamber 22 of the dual syringe 26 is for receiving a first component of dental substance. The second chamber 24 of the dual syringe 26 is for receiving a second component of a dental substance. The first component is different from the second component and are such that first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition. The first and second components stored in the first and second chambers 22, 24 respectively are flowable and are composed to harden or otherwise increase in viscosity (typically by a chemical reaction) once they are mixed. Examples of such dental compositions may include dental filling materials, a dental impression materials, a dental sealants, and a dental adhesives. Other examples of such dental compositions may include dental retraction materials, endodontic restoration materials, orthodontic adhesive materials, dental crown temporization materials, and dental varnish material.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a dental syringe 26 for use with the auto close valve 40 of the present invention. The dental syringe 26 includes a holder 20 with a dual plunger 28, and the first chamber 22 and second chamber 24. The syringe 26 further includes two bayonet tabs 34, 36 and two recesses 38 for receiving the protrusions (not illustrated) in the adapter 60 thereby allowing the syringe 26 to be locked with the adapter 60 in a defined orientation. All other parts illustrated in Figure 7 are the same as discussed relative to the other figures. An example of a commercially available illustrated in Figure 7 is sold by Sulzer Mixpak based in Winterthur, Switzerland

Figure 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a synnge 26. In syringe 26, the dental components are combined in ratios other than a 1: 1 ratio. Instead, the syringe is designed to combine the dental components in ratios such as 1:2, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:10. Thus, the second chamber 24 is designed to contain a larger volume of the second component, compared to the chamber 22 that is containing the first component. The first chamber has a plug 23 shaped to enclose the end of first chamber 22. The second chamber also has a plug 25 shaped to enclose the end of the second chamber 24. Opposite the caps 23, 25, the syringe includes a first dispensing outlet 30 for the first component to be dispensed out of the first chamber 22 and a second dispensing outlet 32 for the second component to be dispensed out of the second chamber. The individual components then flow into an adapter 60 and valve 40 as described above. The syringe chamber portion may originally be provided with a stopper 61 and locking ring cap 4, which are removed before the introduction and use of adapter 60, auto close valve 40, and dispensing portion 21. An example of a commercially available dual chamber cartridge system similar to the dual chambers illustrated in Figure 8 is Sulzer MIXPACX 400mL C-SYSTEM cartridges sold by Sulzer of Winterthur, Switzerland.

Easily, Figure 9 illustrates an optional protective cover 80. The protective cover is preferably configured for encasing at least those portions of the syringe which are provided for operation, in particular manual operation of the syringe by a user. The protective cover is preferably further configured such that it can be removably combined with (or attached to) the syringe 26. Therefore, the protective cover may be removed from the syringe after use and can be disinfected separately in absence of the syringe. The disinfected protective cover 80 may be reused with the same or another syringe after. The cover includes a first portion 82 for protecting the first and second cambers 22, 24, and a second portion 84 for protecting the adapter 60 and auto close valve 40.

The protective cover 80 comprises a tubular protective shaft. The protective shaft preferably has a geometrically determined shape. The protective cover 80 is preferably tailor-made based on the shape of the syringe 26. This means that preferably the protective cover fits precisely on the syringe at minimized play between the syringe and the protective cover. The protective shaft is further preferably non-foldable.

The dual syringe 26 and the protective cover 80 may be assembled, with the syringe 26 being received within the protective shaft. The syringe 26 and the protective shaft are preferably assembled by inserting of the syringe into the protective shaft. In other words the cartridge and the protective shaft are preferably assembled via telescopic mating or telescopic movement of the cartridge and the protective shaft relative to each other.

The protective cover 80 is advantageous in that it helps maximizing the hygiene level in the use of syringes 26 for dispensing dental substances. The invention is further advantageous in that provides a protective cover that can be re-used, in particular a protective cover that can be disinfected using a high- level disinfection method. Thus the invention helps minimizing waste, in particular helps minimizing plastic waste as it may occur using disposable covers.

The protective cover is configured such that the syringe 26 can be operated for dispensing the dental substance from the syringe 26 by only touching the protective cover and without touching the syringe. The syringe is configured so that it can be operated with or without the protective cover, although the advantages of the invention are provided in combination of the syringe and the protective cover only.

In an embodiment the protective cover 80 comprises a front portion extending at a uniform cross- section along a longitudinal axis. In particular, the front portion preferably has an outer surface that extends at a uniform cross-section along the longitudinal axis. For example the front portion or the outer surface of the front portion may extend at a circular cross-section and thus may be cylindrical. Or the front portion or the outer surface of the front portion may extend at a cross-section based on two side by side circles. Thus the front portion may have a shape of a double-barrel structure. Other shapes are possible. For example the front portion or the outer surface of the front portion may extend at an elliptical cross-section, or the cross-section may be based on a square, a rectangle or any other appropriate shape. Accordingly, the chamber preferably extends at a uniform inner cross-section that is based on the outer cross-section of the cartridge along the longitudinal axis.

In an embodiment the protective cover 80, in particular the protective shaft and the protective cap, are made of a plastic material selected from among PP (polypropylene), COC (cyclic olefin polymer), PC (polycarbonate), ASA (acrylonitrile styrene acrylate), ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer). The protective cover 80, in particular the protective shaft and the protective cap, preferably each have a wall thickness of at least 0.2 mm. Thus, the protective cover, in particular the protective shaft and the protective cap, are provided with a geometrically determined shape and provided with a temperature stability that is sufficient for a high-level disinfection method. Such a high-level disinfection method is typically based on an automatic disinfection in which an object to be disinfected is placed in a device and exposed to chemicals and/or to high temperatures. Examples of protective covers are disclosed in co pending European Patent Application No. 19189704.0, fded August 2, 2019, the disclosure of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

The dispensing device 10 of the present invention may include other portions, such as additional flow spitting adapters, not illustrated.

In another aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a kit of parts, comprising the dispensing device 10, a plurality of dispensing portions 21, and the first chamber 22 and second chamber 24 filled with a first component and second component respectively of a dental substance. The kit is useful for dentists to conserve on the dental substance by using one source of supply, and a different dispensing portion 21 with each new patient.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, the invention provides a kit of parts, comprising one or more dispensing portions 21, one or more adapters 60, and one or more auto close valves 40.

After use, dispensing portion 21 may be removed from the dual syringe 26 by turning both the collar 11 and auto close valve 40 from the first position to the second position, during which the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter 60, and removing the dispensing portion 21 (including the collar 11, static mixer 12, and dispensing nozzle 19) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe and away from the adapter 60. The used dispensing portion 21 is thus removed from the device 10. A new dispensing portion 21 may be attached to the device 10 by engaging the dispensing portion 21 with the auto close valve 40 and adapter 60, rotating the collar 11 and auto close valve 40 from the second position to the first position, so as to allow the outlets 30, 32 in the syringe to be in fluid communication with the inlets 42, 44 of the auto close valve, and to allow the dental material components to flow from the syringe 26 to the static mixer 12.

In other embodiments of the dispensing device for dental substances 10, the device could dispense only one material, thus only having one chamber. The auto close valve 40 and adapter 60 would still function the same as discussed above and serve the same purpose to protect the dental substance in the chamber, such as from prematurely curing, oxidize, or otherwise degrade when exposed to air, and thus lengthens its shelf life. In this embodiment, the dispensing portion 21 would not need mixing elements.

Exemplary Embodiments

Embodiment 1 is a dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe; and an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe.

Embodiment 2 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1 further comprising a dispensing portion having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet, wherein the adapter connects the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

Embodiment 3 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 2, wherein the dispensing portion further includes mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet.

Embodiment 4 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 5 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 4, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

Embodiment 6 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

Embodiment 7 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

Embodiment 8 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein the first inlet of the adapter is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, and wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the adapter.

Embodiment 9 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non-reversable engagement mechanism.

Embodiment 10 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the adapter connects to the syringe by a bayonet connection.

Embodiment 11 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance.

Embodiment 12 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 11 further including the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

Embodiment 13 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 12, wherein when the auto close valve is in the first position, the first component is in fluid communication between the first chamber, the first outlet of the dual syringe, the first inlet of the adapter, the first outlet of the adapter, the first inlet of the auto close valve, the first outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle, and the second component is in fluid communication between the second chamber, the second outlet of the dual syringe, the second inlet of the adapter, the second outlet of the adapter, the second inlet of the auto close valve, the second outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle.

Embodiment 14 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 13 further comprising a dual piston which is movable along a longitudinal axis of the device within the first and second chamber for urging the first and second components of the dental substance toward the outlets of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 15 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 14, wherein the dual piston has a common pressure plate for simultaneous advancing the pistons by advancing the pressure plate.

Embodiment 16 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the chambers each extend along the longitudinal axis with a generally uniform cross-section, and wherein the two cross-sectional areas are dimensioned to form a volumetric ratio between the two chambers of one of among 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:10.

Embodiment 17 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental fdling material, a dental impression matenal, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

Embodiment 18 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 1, wherein a non-reversible interlocking connection is created between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.

Embodiment 19 is a kit of parts, comprising: one or more auto close valves each having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, one or more adapters for housing the auto close valve, wherein each adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds one auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein each adapter comprises a first inlet, and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, one or more dispensing portions each having a first inlet, and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the adapter, and the first outlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first inlet of the dispensing portion, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the adapter, and the first outlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first inlet of the dispensing portion.

Embodiment 20 is the kit of parts of Embodiment 19, further including one or more a dual syringe each having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet.

Embodiment 21 is the kit of parts of Embodiment 20, wherein each dual syringe comprises a first chamber for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber for receiving a second component of a dental substance, wherein the dental substance is selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive. Embodiment 22 is the kit of parts of Embodiment 19, further including one or more dispensing portions each having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet.

Embodiment 23 is the kit of parts of Embodiment 21, wherein the dispensing portions further includes mixer elements between each inlet and outlet.

Embodiment 24 is the kit of Embodiment 19 further comprising wherein the adapters are designed to connect the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

Embodiment 25 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 26 is the kit of Embodiment 25, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

Embodiment 27 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

Embodiment 28 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

Embodiment 29 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein the first inlet of the adapter is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, and wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the adapter.

Embodiment 30 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non-reversable engagement mechanism.

Embodiment 31 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the adapter connects to the syringe device via a bayonet interaction

Embodiment 32 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance.

Embodiment 33 is the kit of Embodiment 29 further including the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

Embodiment 34 is the kit of Embodiment 33, wherein when the auto close valve is in the first position, the first component is in fluid communication between the first chamber, the first outlet of the dual syringe, the first inlet of the adapter, the first outlet of the adapter, the first inlet of the auto close valve, the first outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle, and the second component is in fluid communication between the second chamber, the second outlet of the dual syringe, the second inlet of the adapter, the second outlet of the adapter, the second inlet of the auto close valve, the second outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle.

Embodiment 35 is the kit of Embodiment 34 further comprising a dual piston which is movable along a longitudinal axis of the device within the first and second chamber for urging the first and second components of the dental substance toward the outlets of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 36 is the kit of Embodiment 35, wherein the dual piston has a common pressure plate for simultaneous advancing the pistons by advancing the pressure plate.

Embodiment 37 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the chambers each extend along the longitudinal axis with a generally uniform cross-section, and wherein the two cross-sectional areas are dimensioned to form a volumetric ratio between the two chambers of one of among 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1: 10.

Embodiment 38 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

Embodiment 39 is the kit of Embodiment 19, wherein a non-reversible interlocking connection is created between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.

Embodiment 39 is a method of using a dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: providing a dispensing device comprising: a dispensing nozzle having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet; a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet, wherein the first chamber contains a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber contains a second component of a dental substance; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe; an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe, wherein the adapter connects the static mixing nozzle to the dual syringe, and wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet; releasably interlocking the dispensing nozzle with auto close valve; removing the dispensing nozzle from the dual syringe by turning both the nozzle and auto close valve from the first position the second position, whereby the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device. Embodiment 40 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein in the removing step the auto close valve is moved from first position to second position by rotational movement of the dispensing valve.

Embodiment 41 is the method of Embodiment 40, wherein in the removing step, the dispensing nozzle is removed from the syringe device by rotating in the direction of the second position.

Embodiment 42 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the adapter and the first inlet of the auto close valve are both aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve are both aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the adapter and the first inlet of the auto close valve are both not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve are both not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 43 is the method of Embodiment 39, further comprising: removing the adapter from the dispensing device and rupturing the adapter.

Embodiment 44 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the dispensing nozzle comprises an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet, and mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the adapter connects the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

Embodiment 45 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 46 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

Embodiment 47 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

Embodiment 48 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein in the removing step, the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

Embodiment 49 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non-reversable engagement mechanism.

Embodiment 50 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the dispensing portion further includes mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet.

Embodiment 51 is the method of Embodiment 39 further comprising creating a non-reversible interlocking connection between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve. Embodiment 52 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance.

Embodiment 51 is the method of Embodiment 52 further including the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

Embodiment 53 is the method of Embodiment 39, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

Embodiment 54 is a dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 55 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54 further comprising an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe.

Embodiment 56 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54 further comprising a dispensing portion having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet, and mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet wherein the adapter connects the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

Embodiment 57 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

Embodiment 58 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

Embodiment 59 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

Embodiment 60 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein the first inlet of the adapter is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, and wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the adapter.

Embodiment 61 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non-reversable engagement mechanism.

Embodiment 62 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance, the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

Embodiment 63 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 62, wherein when the auto close valve is in the first position, the first component is in fluid communication between the first chamber, the first outlet of the dual syringe, the first inlet of the adapter, the first outlet of the adapter, the first inlet of the auto close valve, the first outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle, and the second component is in fluid communication between the second chamber, the second outlet of the dual syringe, the second inlet of the adapter, the second outlet of the adapter, the second inlet of the auto close valve, the second outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle.

Embodiment 64 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression matenal, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

Embodiment 65 is the dispensing device of Embodiment 54, wherein a non-reversible interlocking connection is created between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe; and an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe.

2. The dispensing device of claim 1 further comprising a dispensing portion having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet, wherein the adapter connects the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

3. The dispensing device of claim 2, wherein the dispensing portion further includes mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet.

4. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

5. The dispensing device of claim 4, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

6. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

7. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

8. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein the first inlet of the adapter is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, and wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the adapter.

9. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non- reversable engagement mechanism.

10. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the adapter connects to the syringe by a bayonet connection.

11. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance.

12. The dispensing device of claim 11 further including the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

13. The dispensing device of claim 12, wherein when the auto close valve is in the first position, the first component is in fluid communication between the first chamber, the first outlet of the dual syringe, the first inlet of the adapter, the first outlet of the adapter, the first inlet of the auto close valve, the first outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle, and the second component is in fluid communication between the second chamber, the second outlet of the dual syringe, the second inlet of the adapter, the second outlet of the adapter, the second inlet of the auto close valve, the second outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle.

14. The dispensing device of claim 13 further comprising a dual piston which is movable along a longitudinal axis of the device within the first and second chamber for urging the first and second components of the dental substance toward the outlets of the dual syringe.

15. The dispensing device of claim 14, wherein the dual piston has a common pressure plate for simultaneous advancing the pistons by advancing the pressure plate.

16. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein the chambers each extend along the longitudinal axis with a generally uniform cross-section, and wherein the two cross-sectional areas are dimensioned to form a volumetric ratio between the two chambers of one of among 1 : 1, 1 :2, 1:3, 1 :4, 1:5 and 1: 10.

17. The dispensing device of claim 1 , wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

18. The dispensing device of claim 1, wherein a non-reversible interlocking connection is created between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.

19. A kit of parts, comprising: one or more auto close valves each having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, one or more adapters for housing the auto close valve, wherein each adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds one auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein each adapter comprises a first inlet, and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, one or more dispensing portions each having a first inlet, and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the adapter, and the first outlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first inlet of the dispensing portion, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the adapter, and the first outlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first inlet of the dispensing portion.

20. The kit of parts of claim 19, further including one or more a dual syringe each having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet.

21. The kit of parts of claim 20, wherein each dual syringe comprises a first chamber for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber for receiving a second component of a dental substance, wherein the dental substance is selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

22. The kit of parts of claim 19, further including one or more dispensing portions each having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet.

23. The kit of parts of claim 21, wherein the dispensing portions further includes mixer elements between each inlet and outlet.

24. The kit of claim 19 further comprising wherein the adapters are designed to connect the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

25. The kit of claim 19, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

26. The kit of claim 25, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

27. The kit of claim 19, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

28. The kit of claim 19, wherein the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

29. The kit of claim 19, wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein the first inlet of the adapter is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, and wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the adapter.

30. The kit of claim 19, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non-reversable engagement mechanism.

31. The kit of claim 19, wherein the adapter connects to the syringe device via a bayonet interaction

32. The kit of claim 19, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance.

33. The kit of claim 29 further including the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

34. The kit of claim 33, wherein when the auto close valve is in the first position, the first component is in fluid communication between the first chamber, the first outlet of the dual syringe, the first inlet of the adapter, the first outlet of the adapter, the first inlet of the auto close valve, the first outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle, and the second component is in fluid communication between the second chamber, the second outlet of the dual syringe, the second inlet of the adapter, the second outlet of the adapter, the second inlet of the auto close valve, the second outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle.

35. The kit of claim 34 further comprising a dual piston which is movable along a longitudinal axis of the device within the first and second chamber for urging the first and second components of the dental substance toward the outlets of the dual syringe.

36. The kit of claim 35, wherein the dual piston has a common pressure plate for simultaneous advancing the pistons by advancing the pressure plate.

37. The kit of claim 19, wherein the chambers each extend along the longitudinal axis with a generally uniform cross-section, and wherein the two cross-sectional areas are dimensioned to form a volumetric ratio between the two chambers of one of among 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5 and 1:10.

38. The kit of claim 19, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

39. The kit of claim 19, wherein a non-reversible interlocking connection is created between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.

40. A method of using a dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: providing a dispensing device comprising: a dispensing nozzle having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet; a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet, wherein the first chamber contains a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber contains a second component of a dental substance; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe; an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe, wherein the adapter connects the static mixing nozzle to the dual syringe, and wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet; releasably interlocking the dispensing nozzle with auto close valve; removing the dispensing nozzle from the dual syringe by turning both the nozzle and auto close valve from the first position the second position, whereby the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

41. The method of claim 40, wherein in the removing step the auto close valve is moved from first position to second position by rotational movement of the dispensing valve.

42. The method of claim 41, wherein in the removing step, the dispensing nozzle is removed from the syringe device by rotating in the direction of the second position.

43. The method of claim 40, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the adapter and the first inlet of the auto close valve are both aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve are both aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the adapter and the first inlet of the auto close valve are both not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve are both not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe.

44. The method of claim 40, further comprising: removing the adapter from the dispensing device and rupturing the adapter.

45. The method of claim 40, wherein the dispensing nozzle comprises an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet, and mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the adapter connects the dispensing nozzle to the dual syringe.

46. The method of claim 40, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

47. The method of claim 40, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is approximately ninety degrees relative to the second position.

48. The method of claim 40, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

49. The method of claim 40, wherein in the removing step, the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

50. The method of claim 40, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non-reversable engagement mechanism.

51. The method of claim 40, wherein the dispensing portion further includes mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet.

52. The method of claim 40 further comprising creating a non-reversible interlocking connection between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.

53. The method of claim 40, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance.

54. The method of claim 53 further including the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

55. The method of claim 40, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

56. A dispensing device for dental substances, comprising: a dual syringe having a first chamber with a first outlet and a second chamber with a second outlet; an auto close valve having a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, wherein in a second position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the auto close valve is not aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe.

57. The dispensing device of claim 56 further comprising an adapter for housing the auto close valve, wherein the adapter comprises a retaining portion that holds the auto close valve within the adapter, and wherein the adapter connects to the dual syringe.

58. The dispensing device of claim 56 further comprising a dispensing portion having an inlet, an outlet opposite the inlet, and mixer elements between the inlet and the outlet wherein the adapter connects the dispensing nozzle to the dual synnge.

59. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the auto close valve rotates between the first position and the second position, and the first position is within eighty to one hundred degrees relative to the second position, and wherein the auto close valve rotates around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the dual syringe.

60. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the auto close valve hermetically seals the first and second chambers when the auto close valve is in the second position.

61. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the auto close valve remains housed in the adapter after the nozzle is removed from the device.

62. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the adapter includes a first inlet and a first outlet opposite the first inlet, and a second inlet and a second outlet opposite the second inlet, wherein the first inlet of the adapter is aligned with the first outlet of the dual syringe and the second inlet of the adapter is aligned with the second outlet of the dual syringe, and wherein in a first position, the first inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the first outlet of adapter and the second inlet of the auto close valve is aligned with the second outlet of the adapter.

63. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the adapter is connected to the syringe with a non- reversable engagement mechanism.

64. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the first chamber is for receiving a first component of dental substance, and a second chamber is for receiving a second component of a dental substance, the first component in the first chamber and the second component in the second chamber, wherein the first component is different from the second component and wherein the first and second component chemically react when combined to form a hardenable dental composition.

65. The dispensing device of claim 64, wherein when the auto close valve is in the first position, the first component is in fluid communication between the first chamber, the first outlet of the dual syringe, the first inlet of the adapter, the first outlet of the adapter, the first inlet of the auto close valve, the first outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle, and the second component is in fluid communication between the second chamber, the second outlet of the dual syringe, the second inlet of the adapter, the second outlet of the adapter, the second inlet of the auto close valve, the second outlet of the auto close valve, and the inlet of the dispensing nozzle.

66. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein the chambers contain components of a dental substances, such that when combined said substances react to form a dental composition selected from among a dental filling material, a dental impression material, a dental sealant, and a dental adhesive.

67. The dispensing device of claim 56, wherein a non-reversible interlocking connection is created between the adapter and the dispensing device, such that the adapter may not be removed from the dispensing device without causing damage to at least one of the adapter, the dispensing device, or the auto close valve.