Abstract: A fluid-delivery system, a fluid-delivery device, and an adapter are described herein for applying fluid to tissue. The adapter generally includes a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion includes a grasping handle to be grasped by a grasping instrument having a pair of jaws, and a collar surrounding the grasping handle to increase a grip on the pair of jaws. The distal portion is adapted to connect with the fluid-delivery device. The fluid-delivery device generally includes a tip to apply the fluid to the tissue, a tip saturator to supply the tip with the fluid, a flow regulator to control fluid flow to the tip saturator, and a fluid housing to contain the fluid which is appliable to the tissue. The fluid-delivery system includes the adapter connected with the fluid-delivery device. The fluid-delivery system is particularly advantageous for marking tissues during endoscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: An extrusion apparatus configured to releasably secure therein a filter and two syringes so as to provide stability during the extrusion process. The extrusion apparatus includes a body that is rectangular in form. The body includes a top surface wherein the top surface has formed therein a filter receiving member. The filter receiving member is centrally located on the body. Operably coupled to the filter receiving member on opposing sides thereof is a first syringe channel and a second syringe channel. The first syringe channel and the second syringe channel include a passage having an outer wall. The outer wall of the passage of the first syringe channel and the second syringe channel is annular in form and has a circumferential radius that requires longitudinal insertion of syringes and inhibits the upward movement thereof once the syringes are disposed therein. A heating assembly is further included in the body.

Abstract: A syringe-to-syringe mixing apparatus comprises first and second syringes adapted to be coupled at their respective outlets to fluidly connect the syringes. The first syringe includes a plunger having a hollow plunger barrel and a distal end defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen is initially closed by a septum, which in one embodiment is an elastomeric stopper mounted over the end of the plunger. The mixing apparatus further includes a third syringe slidably disposed within the plunger barrel. The third syringe includes a hollow needle adapted to pierce the septum to allow fluid from the third syringe to be injected into fluid within the coupled first and second syringes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for producing a hardenable mass, preferably bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material or bone cement or similar material. A mixing container (3) has a mixing space (4) in which at least one powder and at least one liquid component (5, 6) are mixed to provide the hardenable mass (2). A piston means (7) is provided in the mixing space (4) of the mixing container (3). At least one means (8) which is rotatable relative to the mixing container (3) cooperates with the piston means (7) for, in a retaining position (P1), retaining said piston means (7) relative to the mixing container (3) and, by rotation to a release position (P2), releasing the piston means (7) such that said piston means can move in a direction (U) towards at least one opening (49) through which said mass (2) can pass out of the mixing space (4).

Abstract: The invention is a device for processing materials comprising a mixing chamber having a valve for removal of the material from the mixing chamber and a piston which fits within the mixing chamber in a manner such that the piston can be moved to remove substantially all material from the mixing chamber via the valve; at least one, preferably at least two, retractable mixing element(s) wherein each of such elements is movable in and out of the mixing chamber through a port wherein the element and port are configured such that during mixing and when the element is withdrawn from the mixing chamber substantially no material is removed from the mixing chamber via the port. The invention is also a method of using such a device and a system comprising use of such devices in an automated or partially automated array.

Abstract: The invention concerns a double-chamber device for mixing at least two viscous substances, comprising: cylindrical and coaxial first and second communicating vessels, each hermetically sealed at one end by a mobile piston, and provided at its second end with a slightly conical bottom end, the two vessels being arranged, preferably vertically, in mirror symmetry relative to a meridian plane perpendicular to their common axis; a central mixing element connecting the two vessels at the two slightly conical bottom ends; and a high pressure hydraulic device for automatically activating the pistons in a coordinated reciprocating movement. A worm screw injection device in communication with one of the vessels or with the mixing element may be used to inject the substances. Mixing of substances may include driving the pistons in a coordinated reciprocal motion to collapse one vessel while expanding the other, forcing the substances through the central mixing element.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided for mixing and dispensing a plurality of components and a method for its use. The system includes a first assembly having first and second separate chambers capable of holding first and second components respectively, a second assembly having third and fourth separate chambers capable of holding third and fourth components respectively, and a coupling device for movably coupling the first and second assemblies such that the second assembly is movable relative to the first assembly between a first position wherein the first, second, third and fourth chambers remain isolated from one another, and a second position wherein at least the first and third, and second and fourth chambers are in communication with one another via at least one conduit therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing a liquid or a paste, particularly a highly viscous or sticky liquid or paste, includes two or more cylindrical storage chambers, and at least one interconnecting conduit interconnecting the storage chambers. The liquid or paste is processed in the interconnecting conduit by a suitable processing device or mechanism that is operably associated with the interconnecting conduit. A piston displaces the liquid or paste from one cylindrical storage chamber to another through the interconnecting conduit, such that the liquid or paste is processed by the processing device or mechanism during its displacement.

Abstract: This invention relates to devices, methods, and systems for mixing materials, and in particular provides linkages and containers such as syringes in operative arrangement such that actuation of the linkages can move material from one container to another thereby mixing the material. This invention may be used in a wide variety of applications, including industrial, domestic, and medical.

Abstract: A wrap spring clutch syringe ram pushes at least one syringe with virtually instantaneous starting and stopping, and with constant motion at a defined velocity during the intervening push. The wrap spring clutch syringe ram includes an electric motor, a computer, a flywheel, a wrap spring clutch, a precision lead screw, a slide platform, and syringe reservoirs, a mixing chamber, and a reaction incubation tube. The electric motor drives a flywheel and the wrap spring clutch couples the precision lead screw to the flywheel when a computer enables a solenoid of the wrap spring clutch. The precision lead screw drives a precision slide which causes syringes to supply a portion of solution into the mixing chamber and the incubation tube. The wrap spring clutch syringe ram is designed to enable the quantitative study of solution phase chemical and biochemical reactions, particularly those reactions that occur on the subsecond time scale.

Abstract: A cascading orifice mixer for mixing a viscoelastic material comprising a plurality of chambers connected in series, including a first chamber, at least one intermediate chamber and a last chamber, each chamber including an orifice providing fluid communication between adjacent chambers thereby defining a substantially unidirectional sequential flow path through the chambers is disclosed. Each chamber has a variable volume ranging from a minimum volume to a maximum volume and the chambers are adapted to transport the viscoelastic material along the sequential flow path by transporting the viscoelastic material from a filled chamber containing a quantity of the viscoelastic material to a next adjacent empty chamber wherein the filled chamber and the next adjacent chamber are each at or near the maximum volume for the respective chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mixing a polymer with an agglomerates of one or more compounds in a pair of opposed pressure cylinders with a nozzle block there between using moving the pistons to force the polymer with the agglomerates from pressure cylinders into the other and back so that the agglomerates are broken up and dispersed throughout the polymer.

Abstract: A cascading orifice mixer for mixing a viscoelastic material comprising a plurality of chambers connected in series, including a first chamber, at least one intermediate chamber and a last chamber, each chamber including an orifice providing fluid communication between adjacent chambers thereby defining a substantially unidirectional sequential flow path through the chambers is disclosed. Each chamber has a variable volume ranging from a minimum volume to a maximum volume and the chambers are adapted to transport the viscoelastic material along the sequential flow path by transporting the viscoelastic material from a filled chamber containing a quantity of the viscoelastic material to a next adjacent empty chamber wherein the filled chamber and the next adjacent chamber are each at or near the maximum volume for the respective chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices for mixing, preparing and administering therapeutic compositions, and more particularly to a system comprising two syringes and a locking ring wherein two compositions are mixed between the two syringes immediately prior to administration.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a liquid component and a powdered component to form a bone filler has first and second syringes each having a barrel, a plunger and an exit port. The plunger is moveable with the barrel of each syringe along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. An end portion of each plunger extends beyond the end of each barrel when the plunger tip is spaced from the exit port and can be activated to move the plunger tip toward the exit port. A mechanism for mixing the liquid and powdered components is operatively connected to each of the barrels and plungers of the first and second syringes so that the relative sliding movement of first and second parts of the mechanism simultaneously moves the plungers and barrels of the first and second syringes relative to one another to move the combined liquid and powdered components back and forth between the first and second syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a liquid component and a powdered component to form a bone filler has first and second syringes each having a barrel, a plunger and an exit port. The plunger is moveable with the barrel of each syringe along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. An end portion of each plunger extends beyond the end of each barrel when the plunger tip is spaced from the exit port and can be activated to move the plunger tip toward the exit port. A mechanism for mixing the liquid and powdered components is operatively connected to each of the barrels and plunger of the first and second syringes so that the relative sliding movement of first and second parts of the mechanism simultaneously moves the plungers and barrels of the first and second syringes relative to one another to move the combined liquid and powdered components back and forth between the first and second syringe.

Abstract: A mixing adaptor enables a material to be transferred from a first delivery means to a second delivery means and enables another material to be transferred from the second delivery means to the first delivery means. The adaptor has (i) a hollow main body having a first end, a second end, an interior surface and an exterior surface; and (ii) a septum positioned within the interior surface of the main body. A first channel is defined by a first portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a first side of the septum. The first channel has a primary opening at the first end of the main body and a secondary opening at the second end of the main body. A second channel is defined by a second portion of the interior surface of the main body and by a second side of the septum. The second channel has a primary opening at the second end of the main body and a secondary opening at the first end of the main body.

Abstract: Fluid mixing methods and systems are disclosed. In but one implementation, a fluid mixing method includes providing a mixing passageway having a mixing element therein. A fluid to be mixed is passed in both of opposing directions through at least a portion of the mixing passageway to mix said fluid. In one aspect, at least one fluid reservoir is provided having a mixing passageway connected in fluid communication therewith. Preferably, two fluid reservoirs are provided, with the mixing passageway extending therebetween. A fluid to be mixed is provided in at least one reservoir. At least some of the fluid from the fluid reservoir is flowed into the mixing passageway in a flow direction. After flowing fluid into the mixing passageway, at least some of the fluid within the mixing passageway is flowed in a reversed flow direction and from the mixing passageway back into the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion and delivery assembly (16) includes first and second syringes (18,20) containing a first, fluid material (32) and a second material (34), fluidly coupled together at their distal ends (22,24) by a fluid transfer assembly (2). The fluid transfer assembly includes a double Luer fitting (4) and an elongated, hollow, perforated tube (6) extending into the interior (26) of the second syringe. This permits the first, fluid material in the first syringe to be properly dispersed into the second material within the second syringe by simply pressing the plunger (28) of the first syringe. The sizing, spacing and positioning of the holes (14) in the tube can be adjusted to provide even or uneven fluid distribution within the second syringe. After dispersion, the fluid transfer assembly is dismounted from the second syringe to permit combined material (36) within the second syringe to be dispensed.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion and delivery assembly (49) includes first and second syringes (28,50) containing a hemostatic solution (38) and a flowable gel material (58), fluidly coupled together by a fluid transfer assembly (2). The fluid transfer assembly includes a double Luer fitting (4) and a hollow tube (6), having openings (24,22) at its ends (16,18), reciprocally mounted within the fitting. This permits the hemostatic solution in the first syringe to be evenly dispersed into the flowable gel material within the second syringe by simply pressing the plunger (46) of the first syringe. After dispersion, the fluid transfer assembly is dismounted from the second syringe to permit combined material (62) within the second syringe to be dispensed.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing a particulate material into a liquid includes a pair of variable volume receptacles interlinked by a communication passage. A combined volume of liquid and particulate material is received within the variable volumes, and the volume of the variable volumes is alternately reduced and to force the materials back and forth through the connection passage. The variable volumes may be formed from a rigid walled cylinder having a free floating piston therein, and the piston and inner diameter may have a tight, sealed gap therebetween. To load the piston into the cylinder without effecting the seals, a load apparatus may be used to depress the seals inwardly of the piston and align the piston in the cylinder.

Abstract: A driving device for a vortex mixing apparatus comprises holders for holding a mixing unit of a type having at each opposite end a pumping diaphragm for imposing a pulsatile flow on a liquid passing through a primary channel in the unit. Two pistons are each arranged to cooperate with a respective one of the diaphragms and to reciprocate between a retracted position clear of the unit and an extended position in which it extends into a housing of the unit and compresses the respective diaphragm. Driving mechanisms are normally arranged to reciprocate the pistons in phase at the same frequency such that when one piston is moving from its retracted position to its extended position the other is moving from its extended position to its retracted position and vice versa. Control mechanisms are arranged, upon stopping of the driving mechanisms, to cause both pistons to adopt retracted positions so that the unit may be inserted into, and removed from the holders without interference from the pistons.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a post-foaming gel comprising, a first cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive a gel base and a second compartment, a second cylinder having a chamber and a slidable piston separating the chamber into a first compartment to receive the gel base and a second compartment, a conduit connecting the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, a device for reciprocating the pistons in the first and second cylinders to cycle the gel base through the conduit between the first compartments of the first and second cylinders, and a device for introducing a foaming agent to the gel base while it is being cycled between the cylinders.

Abstract: Apparatus for mixing or otherwise agitating fluid material comprises an elongated vessel (1) to contain the material, means (6, 7, 9, 10) to impose oscillatory motion upon the material in a lengthwise direction, and a plurality of stationary obstacles (19, 35) mounted on the inner wall (2) of the vessel and arranged in sequence lengthwise. The obstacles present sharp ridge-form tips (20, 37) each ridge pointing in a direction (30) at right angles to that of the oscillating motion. Each adjacent pair of obstacles and the length of vessel wall between them define a trough-shaped space (26) in which the oscillating motion repeatedly forms vortices and then ejects those vortices vigorously into the remainder of the fluid outside the trough, so promoting the agitation of that fluid. The invention applies particularly to cylindrical vessels in which the obstacles are ring-shaped (19) or are constituted by the successive turns of a helix (35).

Abstract: The invention refers to a high-pressure mixing device, for at least two chemical components to be mixed, in particular of the type having a movable mixing chamber, in which the mixing chamber communicates with an outlet duct for discharging the mixture therefrom through a lateral passage and in which the component inlet apertures open directly into the mixing chamber but are oriented so as to face away from the lateral passage in a direction which is opposite to the flow of the mixture in the outlet duct.

Abstract: A mixing head essentially comprises a housing with a mixing chamber which has inlet orifices for the individual plastics components and an outlet orifice for the plastics component mixture. In the mixing chamber is located an expulsion plunger of identical cross-section, which plunger is connected to a working piston which can be actuated by a pressure medium, the plunger being movable to and fro between a mixing position, which leaves the inlet orifices open, and a position in the region of the front outlet orifice, in which it seals the inlet orifices from the mixing chamber. The mixing head moreover has a restrictor which can be pushed into and out of the mixing chamber by a pressure medium.

Abstract: Apparatus for high pressure impingement mixing includes a mixing chamber and aftermixer chamber located on opposite sides of, and perpendicular to, a transfer dispense chamber. Two or more reactive components are injected into the mixing chamber. The resultant mixture is directed across the transfer dispense chamber into the aftermixer chamber, and from the aftermixer chamber back into the transfer dispense chamber and around the crossing mixture to the outlet of the transfer dispense mixer for dispensing. Each chamber includes a plunger which is actuated sequentially to interrupt mixing and clean the respective chamber. The device provides effective and intimate mixing of the reactive components and dispenses a stable emulsion so that the device can be used in applications presently suitable only for low pressure mixing devices. It may also be used in existing high pressure applications but without the need for conventional aftermixer devices and gating systems disposed in the forming molds.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for intimately blending two liquid phases, such as is required, for example, in the plastics materials industry, the method including causing the two liquids to flow under throttled conditions through a nozzle after having been pressurized. The admixture is intimate and is obtained quickly, premature cross-linking and incrustation formation being thus effectively prevented.