Devices, assemblies and methods for delivering medicaments

Abstract

A valve assembly for a medical device includes a housing for storing a medicament and a funnel downstream of the housing for receiving the medicament. The housing includes a first end, and the funnel includes a second end positioned adjacent the first end. The valve assembly includes a first plate coupled to the housing at the first end and a second plate coupled to the funnel at the second end. The first plate includes at least one opening, and the second plate includes at least one opening in fluid communication with the opening of the first plate. The first and second plates are positioned against each other, and an outer surface of the first or second plate includes textured surface elements configured to displace the medicament stored in the housing in response to movement of the first or second plate relative to each other.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 357,883, filed on July 1, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0002] Aspects of the present invention generally relate to devices, assemblies, and methods for delivering medicaments. More specifically, in embodiments, the present invention relates to devices, assemblies, and methods for delivering powdered medicaments, such as hemostats. Background Art

[0003] In certain medical procedures, it may be necessary to minimize or stop bleeding within the body. For example, endoscopic medical procedures may require hemostasis of bleeding tissue within the gastrointestinal tract, such as within the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.

[0004] During endoscopic surgery, a user inserts a sheath of an endoscope into a patient's body cavity. The user controls the endoscope using a handle of the endoscope during the procedure. The user passes one or more tools through a working channel of the endoscope via, for example, a port in the handle to deliver therapy at a surgical site near the distal end of the endoscope. The surgical site is remote from the operator.

[0005] To achieve hemostasis at a remote site, a hemostatic agent may be delivered by a device inserted into the working channel of an endoscope. For example, agent delivery may be achieved by a system that can be manually operated. However, such a system may require multiple steps or actuations to achieve delivery, or may not achieve a desired agent delivery rate or a desired agent dosage. In addition, the system may cause the agent to block certain portions of the delivery device, inconsistent agent dosage, or may cause the agent to fail to reach the treatment site deep within the GI tract. The present invention may address one or more of these or other problems in the art. Summary of the invention

[0006] Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in conjunction with any of the other disclosed aspects.

[0007] According to one example, a valve assembly for a medical device includes a housing for storing a medicament, the housing including a first end; a funnel positioned downstream of the housing for receiving the medicament from the housing, the funnel including a second end positioned adjacent to the first end; a first plate coupled to the housing at the first end, the first plate including at least one opening; and a second plate coupled to the funnel at the second end, the second plate including at least one opening fluidly connected to at least one opening of the first plate; wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned against each other, and an outer surface of at least one of the first plate or the second plate includes one or more textured surface elements configured to cause a medicament stored in the housing to shift in response to movement of at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to each other.

[0008] Any of the valve assemblies disclosed herein may include any of the following features. One or more textured surface elements include ridges, protrusions, protrusions, protrusions, ribs, teeth, baffles, pits, recesses or cavities. The first plate is configured to rotate or translate relative to the second plate. The one or more textured surface elements are configured to agitate the medicament in the housing and release the agitated medicament from the housing and release it into the funnel in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to each other. The outer surface of each of the first plate and the second plate includes one or more textured surface elements. The one or more textured surface elements positioned on the outer surface of the first plate are configured to engage the one or more textured surface elements positioned on the outer surface of the second plate, thereby displacing the medicament stored in the housing. At least one of the first plate or the second plate is configured to translate relative to each other in the longitudinal direction when the one or more textured surface elements of the first plate engage the one or more textured surface elements of the second plate. Each of the first plate and the second plate is configured to move relative to each other so as to displace the medicament stored in the housing to release it into the funnel. One or more textured surface elements positioned on the outer surface of at least one of the first plate or the second plate are configured to extend into at least one opening on the first plate or the second plate positioned opposite to the one or more textured surface elements. The one or more textured surface elements are configured to vibrate the housing in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to each other to displace the medicament stored in the housing. The first plate and the second plate are porous so that each of the first plate and the second plate includes a plurality of openings in fluid communication with each other. At least one of the funnel or the housing is in fluid communication with a fluid source of the medical device, and the fluid received from the fluid source at the funnel or the housing is configured to move at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to the other. The funnel is configured to direct the fluid to the medicament received therein to agitate the medicament in the funnel. The funnel is in fluid communication with the delivery conduit of the medical device and is configured to direct a mixture of the fluid and the medicament received in the funnel to the delivery conduit. The valve assembly also includes an actuator coupled to at least one of the housing or the funnel, the actuator being configured to move at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to the other.

[0009] According to another example, a valve assembly for a medical device includes a housing for storing a medicament, the housing including a first end; a funnel positioned downstream of the housing for receiving the medicament from the housing, the funnel including a second end positioned adjacent to the first end; and a porous mesh positioned between the first end and the second end; wherein the porous mesh is configured to move relative to the housing and the funnel to displace the medicament stored in the housing for release into the funnel.

[0010] Any of the valve assemblies disclosed herein may include any of the following features. At least one of the funnel or the housing is in fluid communication with a fluid source of the medical device, and the fluid received from the fluid source at the funnel or the housing is configured to move the porous mesh. The valve assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the porous mesh, wherein the actuator is configured to move the porous mesh relative to the housing and the funnel. The porous mesh is configured to rotate, translate laterally, or translate vertically relative to the housing and the funnel.

[0011] According to another example, a valve assembly for a medical device includes a housing, which includes: a chamber for storing a medicine; a first funnel positioned downstream of the chamber for receiving the medicine from the housing, the first funnel including a first porous surface; and a second funnel positioned downstream of the first funnel for receiving the medicine from the first funnel, the second funnel including a second porous surface; an inlet, the inlet being connected to a fluid source fluid of the housing and the medical device; an outlet, the outlet being connected to a delivery conduit fluid of the housing and the medical device; and wherein the first funnel is configured to receive fluid from the inlet via the first porous surface to agitate the medicine received from the housing therein, and to direct the agitated medicine toward the second funnel, and the second funnel is configured to receive fluid from the inlet via the second porous surface to agitate the medicine received from the first funnel therein, and to direct the agitated medicine toward the outlet.

[0012] It is understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are merely exemplary and explanatory of the invention as claimed, rather than restrictive descriptions. As used herein, the terms "comprise", "include", "contain", "includes" or any other variant thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, so that a process, method, article, device, assembly or equipment including a list of elements includes not only those elements, but may include other elements that are not explicitly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article or equipment. In the case where the element is not circular, the term "diameter" may refer to the width. The term "top" refers to the direction or side of the device relative to its orientation during use, and the term "bottom" refers to the direction or side of the device relative to its orientation during use, which is opposite to the "top". The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "exemplary". The term "approximately" or similar terms (e.g., "substantially") include values ​​of + / -10% of the value. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0014] Figure 1 An exemplary delivery device is shown.

[0015] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1Schematic diagram of an exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0016] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0017] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0018] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0019] Figure 6 Shows Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0020] Fig. 7A Shown in the first position Figure 6 A partial side view of a valve assembly.

[0021] Figure 7B The second position is shown Figure 6 A partial side view of a valve assembly.

[0022] Figure 8 Shows Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0023] Fig. 9 Shows Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0024] Fig. 10A Shown in the first position Figure 1 A partial side view of another exemplary valve assembly of a delivery device.

[0025] Fig. 10B The second position is shown Fig. 10A A partial side view of a valve assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a dispensing device having a valve assembly for selectively delivering a medicament (e.g., a powdered medicament) to a site of a medical procedure. The valve assembly may include a series of funnels for fluidly coupling a pressurized medium source (e.g., a gas tank) with a housing storing the medicament, from which a pressurized fluid (e.g., gas) may be released. The medicament may be received in the housing of the dispensing device and selectively fluidly connected to the pressurized fluid via the series of funnels. Thus, when the medicament is received in one or more funnels, the pressurized fluid selectively directed to the funnel from the pressurized fluid source may travel toward the funnel and enter the funnel via a porous insert to agitate the medicament before delivery to the target site of the medical procedure. Various aspects of the dispensing device and valve assembly, such as a series of funnels, may facilitate fluidization of the medicament with the flow of a pressurized fluid before delivering the medicament. The dispensing device and valve assembly may help selectively control the flow of the pressurized fluid to help, for example, help prevent or minimize blockage during delivery.

[0027] Other embodiments of the valve assembly may include a corresponding surface plate at the interface between the housing and at least one funnel. Each of the surface plates may include one or more openings to facilitate the release of the medicament from the housing and the receipt of the medicament in the funnel. At least one of the surface plates may include one or more textured surface elements, which are configured to interact with the relative plate to facilitate the release of the medicament from the housing and release into the funnel. The textured surface element of one surface plate may abut against the relative surface plate to move the medicament stored in the housing by displacing and / or moving the particles from an initial static state. Therefore, when the medicament is released from the housing in response to the movement generated by the engagement of the surface plate, and in particular the textured surface element, the medicament enters the funnel to agitate the medicament with the pressurized fluid before being delivered to the target site of the medical procedure. Various aspects of the dispensing device and the valve assembly, such as the surface plate and the textured surface element, can promote the fluidization of the medicament with the flow of the pressurized fluid before delivering the medicament, which can help to selectively control the flow of the pressurized fluid, for example, to help prevent or minimize blockage during delivery.

[0028] Figure 1A delivery device 10 is shown that can be a medicament (e.g., powder) delivery device. The delivery device 10 can include a handle body 12. The handle body 12 can include or can be configured to receive a housing 14 (or other source or container) storing material (e.g., medicament). The housing 14 can be coupled to the handle body 2 to provide the medicament to the handle body 12. In some aspects, the cover / housing of the medicament can be screwed onto the housing 14 or otherwise coupled to the housing 14 to supply the medicament to the housing 14. The medicament can be, for example, a powdered medicament, such as a hemostatic agent. The medicament can alternatively be another type of medicament or material, or another form of medicament (e.g., a liquid or gel medicament), and can have any desired function. The housing 14 can be removably attached to other components of the delivery device 10, including components of the handle body 12.

[0029] The handle body 12 can have various features that will be discussed in further detail herein. U.S. Patent Application No. 16 / 589,633, filed on October 1, 2019 and published on April 2, 2022 as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020 / 0100986A1 (the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), discloses features of exemplary delivery devices and systems. Features of the present invention can be combined with any of the features described in the above-mentioned applications. The features described herein can be used alone or in combination and are not mutually exclusive. Where possible, similar reference numerals and / or terms are used to represent similar structures.

[0030] Still refer to Figure 1 , the delivery device 10 may include an actuating mechanism 30 for activating the flow of a pressurized fluid (e.g., gas) from a pressurized medium source in fluid communication with the delivery device 10. The actuating mechanism 30 may be selectively actuated (e.g., manually pressed) or otherwise moved or actuated to control the delivery of a material (e.g., a powdered medicament) and a pressurized fluid. The actuating mechanism 30 may include one or more other actuating elements, such as, for example, a button, a slider, a lever, a trigger, a dial, and various other suitable actuators. A single pressurized fluid or a combination of a powdered medicament and a pressurized fluid may be delivered from an outlet 34 of the handle body 12. The outlet 34 may be in fluid communication with a catheter 36 or another delivery catheter for delivering a combination of a medicament and a fluid to a desired location in a patient's body cavity.

[0031] Figure 2 Various aspects of an exemplary valve assembly 100 are shown. The valve assembly 100 can be at least partially housed within one or more of the handle body 12 or the housing 14 of the delivery device 10 (see Figure 1 The actuation mechanism 30 may be configured to selectively deliver pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source (not shown) of the delivery device 10 to the valve assembly 100 .

[0032] The valve assembly 100 may include a first housing 110, a second housing 120, and a third housing 130. The first housing 110 may include at least a pair of side walls 112 and a lower wall 114, thereby defining a chamber 116 for storing a medicament. The second housing 120 may include at least a pair of side walls 122, an upper wall 124, and a lower wall 126, thereby defining a cavity for accommodating a first funnel 128. The third housing 130 may include at least a pair of side walls 132, an upper wall 134, and a lower wall 136, thereby defining a cavity for accommodating a second funnel 138.

[0033] In this example, at least a portion of the first funnel 128 can be coupled to each of the upper wall 124 and the lower wall 126 along opposite ends of the first funnel 128 such that the first funnel 128 can be fluidly sealed within the second housing 120. At least a portion of the second funnel 138 can be coupled to each of the upper wall 134 and the lower wall 136 along opposite ends of the second funnel 138 such that the second funnel 138 can be fluidly sealed within the third housing 130. As described herein, the first funnel 128 and the second funnel 138 can be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid via a porous insert positioned along the sidewalls of the respective funnels.

[0034] Each of the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 can be coupled to at least another housing of the housing of the valve assembly 100. For example, the first housing 110 can be positioned upstream of the second housing 120 along the lower wall 114 and attached to the second housing 120. The second housing 120 can be positioned downstream of the first housing 110 along the upper wall 124 and attached to the first housing 110. The second housing 120 can also be coupled to the third housing 130 along the lower wall 126 and positioned upstream thereof. The third housing 130 can be positioned downstream of the second housing 120 along the upper wall 134 and attached to the second housing 120.

[0035] Still refer to Figure 2 , each of the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 can be in fluid communication with each other. In this example, the lower wall 114 and the upper wall 124 can jointly define a first opening 115 between the first housing 110 and the second housing 120, so that the first housing 110 (and specifically the chamber 116) can be in fluid communication with the second housing 120 (and specifically the first funnel 128) via the first opening 115. The lower wall 126 and the upper wall 134 can jointly define a second opening 125 between the second housing 120 and the third housing 130, so that the second housing 120 (and specifically the first funnel 128) can be in fluid communication with the third housing 130 (and specifically the second funnel 138) via the second opening 125.

[0036] In this example, the diameter of the first opening 115 can be larger than the second opening 125. As described in detail herein, the relative sizes of the first opening 115 and the second opening 125 can control the flow of medicament from the first housing 110 to the second housing 120, and the flow of medicament and pressurized fluid from the second housing 120 and the third housing 130, respectively. In other embodiments, the first opening 115 can be relatively smaller and / or the same size as the second opening 125. In further embodiments, one or more of the first opening 115 and / or the second opening 125 can be omitted entirely, such that the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 can be in fluid communication with each other via various other suitable mechanisms, such as conduits, tubes, channels, etc.

[0037] The lower wall 136 of the third housing 130 may include a third opening 135 for fluidly coupling the third housing 130 (and specifically the second funnel 138) to the tubing 140 of the valve assembly 100. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the second funnel 138 may extend through the third opening 135 to fluidly couple with the tubing 140, while in other embodiments, the tubing 140 may extend into the third housing 130 via the third opening 135 to fluidly couple with the second funnel 138. The tubing 140 may be in fluid communication with the outlet 34 of the handle body 12 (see Figure 1 ), so that the tubing 140 can be fluidly coupled to the catheter 36. As described herein, the tubing 140 can be configured to deliver the mixture of the agent and fluid received from the first housing 110, the second housing 120, and the third housing 130 to a desired location in the body cavity via the catheter 36. In some embodiments, the tubing 140 can be flexible.

[0038] Still reference Figure 2 , a first funnel 128 may be disposed within the second housing 120 between the upper wall 124 and the lower wall 126, and a second funnel 138 may be disposed within the third housing 130 between the upper wall 134 and the lower wall 136. The first funnel 128 may include at least one insert 127 positioned along at least a portion (e.g., a sidewall) of the first funnel 128, and the second funnel 138 may include at least one insert 137 positioned along at least a portion (e.g., a sidewall) of the second funnel 138. Each of the inserts 127, 137 may include a porous mesh configured to allow a pressurized fluid received from a pressurized fluid source to pass therethrough and enter the respective funnel 128, 138 while inhibiting the medicament received within the funnel 128, 138 from exiting.

[0039] As described herein, each of the second housing 120 and the third housing 130 can be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized medium of the delivery device 10. The pressurized fluid (from the source of pressurized medium) received in each housing 120, 130 can pass through the corresponding funnel 128, 138 via the corresponding insert 127, 137 to agitate the medicament received therein. Although each of the funnels 128, 138 is shown and described herein as including one insert, it should be understood that the funnels 128, 138 can include additional inserts without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0040] Still refer to Figure 2 , the second housing 120 may further include a first outlet channel 129 coupled to the first funnel 128 and extending outwardly from the first funnel 128, and specifically extending downstream from the first funnel 128. The first outlet channel 129 may be fluidly coupled to the first opening 115, such that a mixture of a medicament received in the first funnel 128 (e.g., from the first housing 110) and a pressurized fluid received in the first funnel 128 (e.g., from a pressurized medium source) may be mixed within the first funnel 128 and directed through the first outlet channel 129 to be delivered into the third housing 130 via the second opening 125. In some embodiments, the first outlet channel 129 may be coupled to a portion (e.g., a bottom wall) of the first funnel 128, while in other embodiments, the first outlet channel 129 may be integral (i.e., integrally formed) with the first funnel 128. In further embodiments, the first outlet channel 129 may be omitted entirely, such that the first funnel 128 may be directly coupled to the second opening 125.

[0041] The third housing 130 may include a second outlet channel 139 extending outwardly from the second funnel 138 and specifically extending downstream from the second funnel 138. The second outlet channel 139 may be fluidly coupled to the third opening 135 so that a mixture of a medicament received in the second funnel 138 (e.g., from the second housing 120) and a pressurized fluid received in the second funnel 138 (e.g., from a pressurized medium source) may be mixed within the second funnel 138 and directed through the second outlet channel 139 to be delivered to the tubing 140 via the third opening 135. In some embodiments, the second outlet channel 139 may be coupled to a portion of the second funnel 138 (e.g., a bottom wall), while in other embodiments, the second outlet channel 139 may be integral (i.e., integrally formed) with the second funnel 138. In further embodiments, the second outlet channel 139 may be omitted entirely so that the second funnel 138 may be directly coupled to the third opening 135 and / or the tubing 140.

[0042] Still refer to Figure 2, the valve assembly 100 may include a fluid channel 102 that is in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid (not shown) of the delivery device 10. The fluid channel 102 may include a first tube 104 fluidly coupled to the second housing 120 and a second tube 106 fluidly coupled to the third housing 130. Each of the tubes 104, 106 may be a portion of the fluid channel 102 that is separated from the main portion of the fluid channel 102 (i.e., via a bifurcation). As described herein, the valve assembly 100 may be configured to simultaneously deliver pressurized fluid to the first tube 104 and the second tube 106 via the fluid channel 102.

[0043] Each of the first tube 104 and the second tube 106 may include at least one restrictor mechanism 108 configured to control the flow rate of the pressurized fluid passing therethrough. For example, the restrictor mechanism 108 may be configured to reduce the pressure of the pressurized fluid received from the pressurized medium source of the delivery device 10. In some embodiments, the restrictor mechanism 108 may be selectively adjusted to control the flow rate of the pressurized fluid based on a user-defined pressure. The restrictor mechanism 108 may include various suitable devices, such as, for example, a metal plug having at least one opening, wherein the size of the opening may determine the flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough. In other embodiments, the first tube 104 and / or the second tube 106 may include two or more restrictor mechanisms 108 disposed therein, wherein the number of restrictor mechanisms 108 may also determine the flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough.

[0044] In this example, the first tube 104 can be fluidly coupled to the second housing 120 along a portion of the sidewall 122 that is positioned adjacent to the insert 127 of the first funnel 128. In other words, the first tube 104 can be positioned relative to the second housing 120 so that pressurized fluid received within the second housing 120 via the first tube 104 can be directed in a direction toward the location of the insert 127 on the first funnel 128. In this case, the pressurized fluid from the first tube 104 can be directed toward the insert 127 and received within the first funnel 128 to agitate the medicament received from the first housing 110 therein.

[0045] Still refer to Figure 2 , the second tube 106 can be fluidly coupled to the third housing 130 along a portion of the sidewall 132 positioned adjacent to the insert 137 of the second funnel 138. In other words, the second tube 106 can be positioned relative to the third housing 130 so that the pressurized fluid received within the third housing 130 via the second tube 106 can be directed in a direction toward the location of the insert 137 on the second funnel 138. In this case, the pressurized fluid from the second tube 106 can be directed toward the insert 137 and received within the second funnel 138 to agitate the medicament received from the second housing 120 therein.

[0046] In an exemplary use, the medicament stored in the chamber 116 can exit the first housing at the first opening 115 via gravity so that the medicament can be received in the second housing 120 at the second funnel 128. As described above, the size of the first opening 115 can at least partially determine the flow rate of the medicament exiting the chamber 116 into the first funnel 128. In response to the actuation mechanism 30 (see Figure 1 ) is actuated, pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source of the delivery device 10 can be delivered through the valve assembly 100 via the fluid passage 102.

[0047] At least a first portion of the pressurized fluid may be directed into the second housing 120 via the first tube 104, and at least a second portion of the pressurized fluid may be directed into the third housing 130 via the second tube 106. The flow rate of the pressurized fluid may be controlled by one or more restrictor mechanisms 108 disposed within each of the first tube 104 and the second tube 106. As described above, the first funnel 128 may be fluidly sealed within the second housing 120 with the first funnel 128 coupled to the upper wall 124 and the first outlet channel 129 at opposite ends and the first outlet channel 129 further coupled to the lower wall 126. Thus, the first portion of the pressurized fluid may enter the first funnel 128 only via the at least one insert 127.

[0048] Still refer to Figure 2 , the first portion of the pressurized fluid can at least partially agitate the medicament received in the first funnel 128 before directing the medicament toward the third housing 130 via the first outlet channel 129. In the case where the mixture of the medicament and the pressurized fluid is received in the second housing 120, and specifically in the first funnel 128, the valve assembly 100 can be configured to at least partially mix the medicament and the pressurized fluid in the first funnel 128 before being delivered to the second funnel 138. In this case, the second housing 120 can be configured to control the flow rate and / or volume of the medicament directed into the third housing 130. For example, the size (i.e., the cross-sectional width) of the first funnel 128 and / or the first outlet channel 129 can control the flow rate and / or volume of the medicament directed into the third housing 130. By limiting the flow rate and / or volume of the medicament delivered from the second housing 120 to the third housing 130, the valve assembly 100 can be configured to help prevent the second funnel 138 from becoming clogged.

[0049] With the second funnel 138 coupled to the upper wall 134 and the second outlet channel 139 at opposite ends and the second outlet channel 139 further coupled to the lower wall 136, the second funnel 138 can be fluidly sealed within the third housing 130. Thus, the second portion of the pressurized fluid can enter the second funnel 138 only via the at least one insert 137. The second portion of the pressurized fluid can fluidize (or otherwise further agitate) the medicament received from the second housing 120 within the second funnel 138 before, for example, directing the fluidized medicament toward the tubing 140 via the second outlet channel 139.

[0050] In this case, the third housing 130 can be configured to fluidize the at least partially agitated medicament and control the flow rate and volume of the medicament directed into the tubing 140. In this case, the valve assembly 100 can be configured to provide multiple stages of fluidization, such as at the second housing 120 and at the third housing 130. In this embodiment, the inflow flow rate of the medicament received in the second funnel 138 can be substantially similar to the outflow flow rate of the medicament leaving the second funnel 138. For example, the size (i.e., cross-sectional width) of the second funnel 138 and / or the second outlet channel 139 can control the flow rate and / or volume of the medicament directed into the tubing 140. By limiting the flow rate and / or volume of the medicament delivered from the third housing 130 to the tubing 140, the valve assembly 100 can be configured to help prevent the tubing 140 from becoming clogged.

[0051] In other embodiments, the valve assembly 100 can be configured to provide single-stage fluidization. In this case, the valve assembly 100 can be configured so that the first portion of the pressurized liquid received in the second housing 120 (via the first tube 104) can have a flow rate sufficient to move the medicament received in the first funnel 128 toward the second funnel 138 without substantially agitating the medicament. In other words, the first funnel 128 can be configured to guide the medicament received therein from the first housing 110 to the third housing 130 without substantially agitating and / or fluidizing the medicament. For example, the valve assembly 100 can control the flow rate of the first portion of the pressurized fluid received in the second housing 120 via a corresponding restrictor mechanism 108 disposed in the first tube 104 to help prevent agitation of the medicament in the first funnel 128.

[0052] Thus, the medicament received in the third housing 130, and specifically in the second funnel 138, may initially be agitated therein by the second portion of the pressurized fluid from the second tube 106. In this case, the second portion of the pressurized fluid may have a greater flow rate relative to the first portion of the pressurized fluid, wherein the flow rate of the second portion of the pressurized fluid sufficiently agitates and / or fluidizes the medicament in the second funnel 138 before being delivered to the tubing 140.

[0053] Reference now Figures 3 to 7B , showing aspects of another exemplary valve assembly 200A to 200E. The valve assembly 200A to 200E can be housed within the handle body 12 and / or the housing 14 (see Figure 1 In some embodiments, valve assemblies 200A to 200E may be selectively actuated (e.g., moved) by actuation mechanism 30. In this case, actuation mechanism 30 may be configured to deliver pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to valve assemblies 200A to 200E (e.g., via Figure 2 102 in the fluid channel 102), and provide corresponding movement of one or more components of the valve assembly 200A to 200E. Therefore, the actuation mechanism 30 can be configured to simultaneously establish fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and the valve assembly 200A to 200E, and also control the movement of the valve assembly 200A to 200E. As described herein, actuation of the actuation mechanism 30 can provide corresponding movement of the housing and / or the funnel to control the release of the medicament.

[0054] First reference Figure 3 , the valve assembly 200A may include a housing 210 that is substantially similar to at least the first housing 110 shown and described above. The housing 210 may include at least a pair of side walls 212 and a lower (open) end 214 that together define a chamber for storing a medicament. The housing 210 may be generally cylindrical, and the pair of side walls 212 may be generally circular. The valve assembly 200A may also include a first plate 216 coupled to the lower end 214, wherein the first plate 216 is configured to at least partially surround the housing 210 at the lower end 214. In some embodiments, the first plate 216 may be separate from the housing 210, while in other embodiments, the first plate 216 may be integral (i.e., integrally formed) with the housing 210. In this example, the first plate 216 may include one or more openings 218 that facilitate access to the chamber of the housing 210, such as for releasing a medicament stored therein.

[0055] The valve assembly 200A may include a funnel 220 that is substantially similar to the funnels 128, 138 shown and described above with respect to the valve assembly 100. The funnel 220 may include at least a sidewall 222, an upper (open) end 224, and an outlet channel 230 extending outwardly (e.g., downwardly) from the sidewall 222. The outlet channel 230 may be coupled to the sidewall 222, integral with the sidewall 222, and / or omitted entirely. The valve assembly 200A may also include a second plate 226 coupled to the upper end 224, wherein the second plate 226 is configured to at least partially surround the interior cavity of the funnel 220 at the upper end 224. In this example, the second plate 226 may include one or more openings 228 that facilitate access to the interior cavity of the funnel 220, such as for receiving a medicament from the housing 210. In some embodiments, the second plate 226 may be separate from the funnel 220, while in other embodiments, the second plate 226 may be integral (i.e., integrally formed) with the funnel 220.

[0056] In this example, the first plate 216 may include three openings 218, and the second plate 226 may include three openings 228. In other examples, the first plate 216 and / or the second plate 226 may include additional and / or fewer openings (see Figure 6 ). Although the first plate 216 and the second plate 226 are shown and described herein as having corresponding numbers (e.g., the same number) of openings, it should be understood that each plate 216, 226 can have a different number of openings relative to the other without departing from the scope of the present invention. The first plate 216 can be configured to form a face of the housing 210 at the lower end 214, and the second plate 226 can be configured to form a corresponding face of the funnel 220 at the upper end 224. Each of the faces formed by the first plate 216 and the second plate 226 can define a corresponding interface of the housing 210 and the funnel 220, respectively.

[0057] In some embodiments, one or more of the housing 210 and / or the funnel 220 may include at least one textured surface member, element, or feature positioned along a respective face, wherein the textured surface member is configured to facilitate agitation and / or release of medication stored in the housing 210 to be received in the funnel 220. In other words, the at least one textured surface member may provide a physical barrier, barrier, and / or obstruction between the housing 210 and the funnel 220 that is configured to generate turbulence and / or disturbance at an interface connection between the housing 210 and the funnel 220 as the textured surface member moves. The generated turbulence and / or disturbance may help displace and / or move out medication stored in the housing 210 to facilitate movement of the medication into the funnel 220. In other words, the at least one textured surface member may agitate medication within the housing 210, thereby pushing the medication out of the housing 210 and into the funnel 220. In some embodiments, the at least one textured surface member may be positioned along at least one of the first plate 216 or the second plate 226.

[0058] For example, Figure 3 As seen in FIG. 2 , the valve assembly 200A can include a plurality of textured surface members 229A positioned on the second plate 226. The plurality of textured surface members 229A can be sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured as sharp protrusions (e.g., pyramidal, conical, etc. protrusions) extending outwardly from the outer surface of the second plate 226. Although four textured surface members 229A are shown at particular locations along the second plate 226, it should be understood that the second plate 226 can include additional and / or fewer textured surface members 229A at various other relative locations along the second plate 226. It should also be understood that each of the plurality of textured surface members 229A positioned on the second plate 226 can have different shapes, sizes, and / or forms relative to each other.

[0059] When the housing 210 is coupled to the funnel 220, the plurality of textured surface members 229A can be configured to interface with the first plate 216. For example, when the lower end 214 is coupled to the upper end 224, the textured surface members 229A can abut, engage, and / or otherwise contact an outer surface of the first plate 216. In some embodiments, at least one of the first plate 216 or the second plate 226 can be configured to move relative to the other. For example, the first plate 216 and / or the second plate 226 can be configured to translate laterally, translate longitudinally, pivot, and / or rotate relative to each other. In other embodiments, at least one of the housing 210 or the funnel 220 can be configured to move relative to the other, thereby moving the corresponding first plate 216 or second plate 226 coupled thereto, respectively.

[0060] In response to the movement of the first plate 216 and / or the second plate 226, the plurality of textured surface members 229A can be configured to abut against the first plate 216 and generate a vibratory motion within the housing 210. The vibrations generated can help displace and / or remove the medicament stored within the housing 210. In some embodiments, the movement of the first plate 216 and / or the second plate 226 can be caused by the delivery device 10 ( Figure 1 ) is caused by the pressurized fluid received from the pressurized fluid source. For example, at least one of the housing 210 or the funnel 220 can be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source (e.g., as related to Figure 2 ), and the pressurized fluid received therein can cause at least one of the first plate 216 or the second plate 226 to move relative to the other.

[0061] In other embodiments, the valve assembly 200A may include an actuator (not shown) coupled to at least one of the housing 210 or the funnel 220. The actuator may be configured to move at least one of the first plate 216 or the second plate 226 relative to the other. For example, the actuator may include a cable, wire, rod, shaft, or various other suitable devices for applying a physical force (e.g., a pulling force, a pushing force, etc.) to one or more of the first plate 216 or the second plate 226. Actuation of the actuator may move the textured surface member 229A and cause vibration of the medicament stored within the housing 210. The actuator may be communicatively coupled to the actuation mechanism 30 such that actuation of the actuation mechanism 30 may provide movement of the actuator and corresponding movement of the textured surface member 229A.

[0062] Still refer to Figure 3 , when one or more of the first plate 216 and / or the second plate 226 are moved, the plurality of textured surface members 229A may engage against the outer surface of the first plate 216 and / or the plurality of openings 218 positioned on the first plate 216. In this example, the plurality of textured surface members 229A may be configured to continuously move relative to the first plate 216 while the actuation mechanism 30 remains actuated, thereby providing uninterrupted agitation of the medicament within the housing 210. When the medicament within the housing 210 is agitated, the agitated medicament may be released from the housing 210 via the openings 218 and received within the funnel 220 via the openings 228.

[0063] In other embodiments, the valve assembly may include a plurality of textured surface members positioned on the first plate 216 in place of and / or in addition to the second plate 226. For example, Figure 4As seen in the exemplary valve assembly 200B, the exemplary valve assembly 200B may include a plurality of textured surface members 219A positioned along an outer surface of the first plate 216. The valve assembly 200B may be configured similarly to the valve assembly 200A, such that like reference numerals are used to identify like components, except for the differences expressly described herein. In this case, the textured surface members 219A may be configured to engage an outer surface of the second plate 226 and / or the plurality of openings 228 in response to movement of the textured surface members 219A.

[0064] In this example, the plurality of textured surface members 219A can be sized, shaped, and / or configured similarly to the textured surface members 229A shown and described above, for example, as sharp protrusions extending outwardly from the outer surface of the first plate 216. It should be understood that whether the first plate 216, the second plate 226, or both include textured surface members, the valve assembly 200B can be configured and operable to agitate the medicament within the housing 210 in a manner substantially similar to that described above. Although the textured surface members are shown and described herein as sharp protrusions, it should be understood that the valve assembly 200B can include textured surface members having various suitable sizes, shapes, and / or configurations. For example, the textured surface members can include ridges, rounded protrusions, protrusions, protrusions, ribs, teeth, baffles, dimples, recesses, cavities, or other features capable of forming a physical structure.

[0065] For example, Figure 5 As seen in , the exemplary valve assembly 200C may include a plurality of textured surface members 229B, for example, in the form of elongated ridges extending across the outer surface of the second plate 226. Except for the differences explicitly described herein, the valve assembly 200C may be configured similarly to the valve assemblies 200A, 200B, such that the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components. The elongated ridges may have similar or different cross-sectional profiles, such as similar or different longitudinal lengths, transverse widths, and / or heights relative to each other. Additionally and / or alternatively, the valve assembly 200C may include a plurality of textured surface members in the form of elongated ridges on the first plate 216 to interact with the second plate 226. In this example, the plurality of textured surface members 229B may be positioned parallel to each other and spaced apart from the opening 228. The plurality of textured surface members 229B may be positioned on opposite sides of the opening 228 relative to the outer surface of the second plate 226.

[0066] In another example, Figure 6As seen in , the exemplary valve assembly 200D may include a plurality of textured surface members 229C, e.g., in the form of spherical extensions, protrusions, apexes, etc., extending across the outer surface of the second plate 226. The valve assembly 200D may be configured similarly to the valve assemblies 200A, 200B, 200C, except for the differences expressly described herein, such that the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components. The second plate 226 may include a single opening 228, e.g., located along a central portion of the second plate 226. In this case, the first plate 216 may include a corresponding single opening 218, e.g., located along a central portion of the first plate 216. The plurality of textured surface members 229C may be located in an annular array around the circumference of the opening 218.

[0067] As a further example, Fig. 7A and Figure 7B As shown in the cross-sectional side view of , the exemplary valve assembly 200E may include a plurality of textured surface members 219C on the first plate 216 that correspond to a plurality of textured surface members 229C on the second plate 226. Except for the differences explicitly described herein, the valve assembly 200E may be configured similarly to the valve assemblies 200A, 200B, 200C, 200D, such that the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components. In this case, when at least one of the first plate 216 or the second plate 226 moves (e.g., translates, pivots, rotates, etc.) relative to the other, the textured surface members 219C may engage the textured surface members 229C.

[0068] In this example, each of the textured surface members 219C, 229C can be moved from a first position, in which the textured surface members 219C, 229C are positioned linearly adjacent to each other, to a second position. Fig. 7A ), and in the second position, the textured surface members 219C, 229C may be at least partially offset and laterally adjacent to each other ( Figure 7B ). By repeatedly moving the textured surface members 219C, 229C between the first and second positions, the medicament stored in the housing 210 can be agitated within the housing 210 and released from the opening 218 to be received within the opening 228. It should be understood that, except for the differences described above with respect to the various textured surface members, the exemplary use of the valve assemblies 200A to 200E is Figures 3 to 7B Remains essentially the same.

[0069] Reference now Figures 8 to 9, various aspects of additional exemplary valve assemblies 300A, 300B are shown. Except for the differences expressly described herein, the valve assemblies 300A, 300B can be configured similarly to the valve assemblies 200A to 200E, such that the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components. The valve assemblies 300A, 300B can be housed within the handle body 12 and / or the housing 14 (see Figure 1 ). The valve assembly 300A, 300B can include a mesh assembly positioned between and coupled to the housing 210 and the funnel 220. As described herein, the mesh assembly can be configured to fluidly couple the housing 210 to the funnel 220, and further configured to move relative to at least one of the housing 210 or the funnel 220.

[0070] Specifically refer to Figure 8 , the valve assembly 300A may include a mesh assembly 302 disposed between the lower end 214 of the housing 210 and the upper end 224 of the funnel 220. The mesh assembly 302 may include a planar body 304 and a porous mesh 306 coupled to the planar body 304. The planar body 304 may be sized, shaped and / or configured to fit between the lower end 214 and the upper end 224, and in particular within the corresponding openings 218, 228. In some embodiments, the planar body 304 may have a disc-shaped, concave and / or convex profile. The porous mesh 306 may be stretched over the planar body 304 and configured to control the flow rate of the medicament leaving the housing 210 (via the opening 218) and entering the funnel 220 (via the opening 228). In other words, the porosity (i.e., the size of the plurality of holes) of the porous mesh 306 may determine the flow rate of the medicament received from the housing 210 within the funnel 220.

[0071] The mesh assembly 302 can be configured to move relative to at least one of the housing 210 or the funnel 220. For example, the mesh assembly 302 can be configured to translate laterally, translate longitudinally, rotate, and / or pivot relative to at least one of the lower end 214 of the housing 210 or the upper end 224 of the funnel 220. In some embodiments, the mesh assembly 302 can move independently relative to each of the housing 210 and the funnel 220. In other embodiments, the mesh assembly 302 can be fixed to at least one of the housing 210 and / or the funnel 220, such that the mesh assembly 302 can be configured to move in response to corresponding movement of the housing 210 and / or the funnel 220.

[0072] Still refer to Figure 8 In response to the movement of the mesh assembly 302, the planar body 304 can be configured to abut against the lower end 214 and generate a vibratory motion within the housing 210, thereby facilitating the displacement and / or removal of the medicament stored therein. In some embodiments, the movement of the mesh assembly 302 may be induced by the delivery device 10 ( Figure 1 ), such as via fluid passage 102. For example, at least one of housing 210 or funnel 220 can be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source, and the pressurized fluid received at housing 210 or funnel 220 can move mesh assembly 302, thereby causing planar body 304 to oscillate and / or vibrate with respect to lower end 214.

[0073] In other embodiments, the valve assembly 300A may include an actuator 308 coupled to the planar body 304. The actuator 308 may be configured to move the planar body 304 relative to one or more of the housing 210 or the funnel 220. For example, the actuator 308 may include a cable, wire, rod, shaft, or various other devices for applying a physical force (e.g., a pulling force, a pushing force, etc.) to the planar body 304, thereby generating movement of the mesh assembly 302 relative to the housing 210 and causing vibration of the medicament stored therein. The actuator 308 may be communicatively coupled to the actuation mechanism 30 (see Figure 1 ), such that actuation of the actuation mechanism 30 can provide movement of the actuator 308 and corresponding movement of the mesh assembly 302. In other embodiments, the actuator 308 can be communicatively coupled to a separate mechanism of the delivery device 10 for actuating the mesh assembly 302 independently of the actuation mechanism 30.

[0074] Instead, now refer to Fig. 9 , the valve assembly 300B may include a mesh assembly 312 disposed between the lower end 214 of the housing 210 and the upper end 224 of the funnel 220. Except for the differences explicitly described herein, the mesh assembly 312 can be substantially similar to the mesh assembly 32, so that the mesh assembly 312 can be configured and operated like the mesh assembly 302. The mesh assembly 312 can include a circular (e.g., round) body 314 having a central opening 317 along the top of the circular body 314. The circular body 314 can be porous and include a plurality of holes 316, which are configured to control the flow rate of the medicament leaving the housing 210 (via the opening 218) and entering the funnel 220 (via the opening 228). In other words, the porosity of the circular body 314 (i.e., the size, shape, number and / or position of the plurality of holes 316) can determine the flow rate of the medicament received from the housing 210 within the funnel 220.

[0075] The central opening 317 can be sized, shaped and / or configured to receive the medicament from the housing 210 (via the opening 218) within the circular body 314, and the circular body 314 can be configured to at least partially maintain the medicament therein before releasing the medicament into the funnel 220 (through the opening 228) via the plurality of holes 316. In this example, the circular body 314 can have a generally circular shape. The circular body 314 can be sized, shaped and / or configured to fit between the lower end 214 and the upper end 224, and in particular within the corresponding openings 218, 228. In other examples, the circular body 314 can have various other three-dimensional shapes and / or cross-sectional profiles, such as rectangular, square, cylindrical, elliptical, etc.

[0076] Still refer to Fig. 9 , the mesh assembly 312 can be configured to move relative to at least one of the housing 210 or the funnel 220. For example, the mesh assembly 312 can be configured to translate laterally, translate longitudinally, rotate, and / or pivot relative to the lower end 214 and / or the upper end 224. The mesh assembly 312 can move independently relative to the housing 210 and the funnel 220, or be fixed to at least one such that the mesh assembly 312 can move simultaneously with one of the housing 210 and / or the funnel 220. In response to the movement of the mesh assembly 312, the circular body 314 can be configured to abut against the lower end 214 and generate a vibratory motion within the housing 210, thereby displacing and / or removing the medicament.

[0077] Movement of the mesh assembly 312 may be caused by pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source, or by an actuator 318 of the mesh assembly 312. The actuator 318 may be coupled to the circular body 314 and configured to move the circular body 314 relative to the housing 210 and / or the funnel 220. The actuator 318 may be substantially similar to the actuator 308 shown and described in detail above.

[0078] Reference now FIG. 10A to FIG. 10B , illustrating aspects of another exemplary valve assembly 400. The valve assembly 400 may be configured similarly to the valve assemblies 200A to 200E, except for the differences expressly described herein, such that the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components. The valve assembly 400 may be housed within the handle body 12 and / or the housing 14 (see Figure 1). In some embodiments, valve assembly 400 can be selectively actuated (e.g., moved) by actuation mechanism 30. In this case, actuation mechanism 30 can be configured to deliver pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to valve assembly 400 and provide corresponding movement of one or more components or portions of valve assembly 400. Thus, actuation mechanism 30 can be configured to simultaneously establish fluid communication between the pressurized fluid source and valve assembly 400 and control movement of valve assembly 400.

[0079] The valve assembly 400 may include a fixed body 402 and a movable body 412. The fixed body 402 may define a housing that is coupled to the housing 210, such as along the lower end 214. The fixed body 402 may include a passage 404 disposed between an inlet 406 and an outlet 408. The passage 404 may be in fluid communication with a source of pressurized fluid via the inlet 406 and with the conduit 36 ​​( Figure 1 ) fluidly connected. The fixed body 402 can also be in fluid communication with the housing 210 so that the channel 404 can be fluidly coupled to the chamber 211 of the housing 210, such as through the opening 218 at the lower end 214 of the housing 210. As described herein, the valve assembly 400 can be configured to selectively fluidly couple the channel 404 to the chamber 211 in response to moving the movable body 412 between one or more positions.

[0080] refer to Fig. 10A , the movable body 412 can be at least partially received within the fixed body 402 and the housing 210 and configured to move (e.g., translate, rotate, etc.) relative thereto. The valve assembly 400 can include a shaft 410 coupled to the movable body 412 and extending through at least a portion of the fixed body 402, including the channel 404. Where the shaft 410 is received through the channel 404, the valve assembly 400 can include one or more gaskets 420 (e.g., O-rings) disposed about the shaft 410, for example, to help inhibit any fluid and / or medicament received in the channel 404 from exiting the fixed body 402, for example, around the shaft 410.

[0081] The movable body 412 can be movable (e.g., rotatable, translatable, etc.) relative to the fixed body 402 and the housing 210. The movable body 412 can be coupled to the shaft 410 so that movement of the movable body 412 can provide corresponding movement of the shaft 410, and vice versa. As described in detail below, the movable body 412 can be configured to rotate, for example, in response to the channel 404 receiving a pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source. In addition, the movable body 412 can be configured to translate in response to the shaft 410 translating relative to the fixed body 402. In some embodiments, the shaft 410 can be configured to translate through the fixed body 402 and relative to the housing 210 in response to actuation of the actuation mechanism 30. In other embodiments, the shaft 410 can translate in response to actuation of another actuator of the delivery device 10.

[0082] Still refer to Fig. 10A , the movable body 120 can have a longitudinal length defined between a first end 414 and a second end 416 opposite the first end 414. The first end 414 can be positioned within the channel 404, and the second end 416 can be positioned within the chamber 211. The valve assembly 300A can also include a plurality of paddles 422 that are coupled to the shaft 410 and extend laterally outward from the shaft 410. The plurality of paddles 422 can be positioned along the shaft 410 at the movable body 412, and in particular, relatively below the first end 414. With the shaft 410 disposed within the channel 404, the plurality of paddles 422 can be configured to interact with a pressurized fluid received in the channel 404 via the inlet 406.

[0083] As described in detail herein, the plurality of paddles 422 may be sized, shaped, and / or configured to move (e.g., rotate) the shaft 410 relative to the fixed body 402, and thereby move the movable body 412 relative to the housing 210, in response to the pressurized fluid encountering the paddles 422 within the channel 404. In other words, the pressurized fluid traveling from the inlet 406 through the channel 404 to the outlet 408 may contact the plurality of paddles 422 and urge them to rotationally move within the channel 404, thereby causing the shaft 410 and the movable body 412 to rotate simultaneously (see Fig. 10B ).

[0084] Still refer to Fig. 10A, the valve assembly 400 may include a plurality of arms 418 coupled to the movable body 412 and extending laterally outward from the movable body 412, such as adjacent to the second end 416. With the second end 416 disposed within the chamber 211, the plurality of arms 418 may be configured to contact the medicament stored within the housing 210. As described in detail herein, the plurality of arms 418 may be sized, shaped, and / or otherwise configured to agitate the medicament within the chamber 211 in response to movement of the movable body 412 relative to the housing 210. In some embodiments, the plurality of arms 418 may be positioned in an alternating arrangement along the longitudinal length of the movable body 412. The plurality of arms 418 may include rods having similar and / or different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., longitudinal length, width) relative to each other.

[0085] When the movable body 412 is in the first position (see Fig. 10A ), the first end 414 can be sized, shaped, and / or configured to interface with the lower end 214 of the housing 210. The lower end 214 can be defined by one or more surfaces 215 of the housing 210. In this example, the one or more surfaces 215 can be angled and can at least partially define the opening 218 of the housing 210 at the lower end 214. The first end 414 can include one or more walls and / or surfaces that are configured to cooperate with the one or more surfaces 215, so that when the movable body 412 is in the first position relative to the housing 210, the first end 414 can be configured to couple with the lower end 214. In this case, the first end 414 engages with the surface 215, and the movable body 412 seals the chamber 211 from the channel 404, thereby separating or isolating the fixed body 402 from the fluid of the housing 210 when the movable body 412 is in the first position, as shown in FIG. Fig. 10A shown.

[0086] In an exemplary use, the movable body 412 may be in a Fig. 10A 406. In the first position shown, the first end 414 is positioned against the surface at the lower end 214, thereby closing the opening 218. With the opening 218 closed by the movable body 412, the chamber 211 can be fluidly separated or isolated from the channel 404, so that the medicament stored in the chamber 211 can be inhibited from leaving the housing 210 and entering the channel 404. The plurality of paddles 422 can be positioned within the channel 404 at a position relatively higher than the inlet 406. In other words, the plurality of paddles 422 can be offset and / or misaligned with the inlet 406, so that the plurality of paddles 422 may not be in the fluid flow path between the inlet 406 and the outlet 408.

[0087] Reference now Fig. 10B, upon actuation of the actuation mechanism 30 or another actuator (not shown), the shaft 410 can translate downward relative to the fixed body 402 to move the movable body 412 to the second position. In this case, the first end 414 of the movable body 412 can be disengaged from the surface 215 at the lower end 214, thereby opening the opening 218. With the opening 218 opened by the movable body 412, the chamber 211 can be fluidly coupled to the channel 404, so that the medicament stored in the chamber 211 can leave the housing 210 and be received into the channel 404. A plurality of paddles 422 can be positioned within the channel 404 at a position aligned with the inlet 406 (i.e., between the inlet 406 and the outlet 408), so that the paddles 422 can be positioned in the fluid flow path between the inlet 406 and the outlet 408.

[0088] The actuating mechanism 30 can also deliver pressurized fluid from a pressurized fluid source to the channel 404 via the inlet 406. With a plurality of paddles 422 positioned within the fluid flow path between the inlet 406 and the outlet 408, the valve assembly 400 can be configured to rotate the shaft 410 and the movable body 412 in response to the pressurized fluid entering the channel 404 and pushing the paddles 422. In this example, the plurality of paddles 422 can include a variety of suitable sizes and / or shapes. For example, the paddles 422 can be shaped according to a propeller to maximize the capture of the pressurized fluid, thereby rotating the shaft 410 within the channel 404. In another example, the paddles 422 can be shaped according to turbine blades to induce downward motion to promote downward release of the agent from the housing 210 to the channel 404.

[0089] Still refer to Fig. 10B , where the movable body 412 is coupled to the shaft 410 along the first end 414, the movable body 412 can be configured to rotate with the shaft 410. In addition to or as an alternative to rotational movement, the shaft 410 and the movable body 412 can be configured to oscillate vertically. The plurality of arms 418 within the housing 210 can be configured to facilitate displacement and / or removal of the medicament stored in the chamber 211, thereby moving the medicament into the channel 404 (i.e., around the first end 414) via the opening 218. With the medicament received in the channel 404, the pressurized fluid can direct the agitated medicament toward the outlet 408 for delivery to the patient via the conduit 36 ​​( Figure 1), agitating the medicament within the fixed body 402 before the valve assembly 400 is opened. In other embodiments, the valve assembly 400 can be motorized so that the shaft 410 and the movable body 412 can be configured to translate and / or rotate in response to actuation of a motor, such as a battery-operated motor. Alternatively, the valve assembly 400 can include one or more coil springs that are pre-wound and configured to provide movement of the shaft 410 and the movable body 412. In this case, the coil spring can be selectively released to loosen, thereby causing movement of the shaft 410 and the movable body 412.

[0090] When actuation of the actuator mechanism 30 or other actuator is terminated, the delivery of pressurized fluid to the passage 404 can be terminated, thereby stopping further rotation of the paddle 422, the shaft 410, and the movable body 412. In addition, the shaft 410 can be translated upward toward the housing 210, thereby returning the movable body 412 to the first position ( Fig. 10A ), wherein the first end 414 engages against the surface 215 at the lower end 214. In this case, the movable body 412 can separate and / or isolate the chamber 211 from the channel 404 fluid, thereby inhibiting the medicament stored in the housing 210 from entering the fixed body 402.

[0091] Although the principles of the present invention are described herein with reference to illustrative examples for specific applications, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited thereto. Personnel with ordinary skills in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize that additional modifications, applications, and replacements of equivalents all fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered to be limited by the foregoing description.

Claims

1. A valve assembly for a medical device, comprising: a housing for storing a medicament, the housing comprising a first end; a funnel positioned downstream from the housing for receiving the medicament from the housing, the funnel including a second end positioned adjacent the first end; a first plate coupled to the housing at the first end, the first plate comprising at least one opening; as well as a second plate coupled to the funnel at the second end, the second plate comprising at least one opening in fluid communication with the at least one opening of the first plate; wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned against each other, and an outer surface of at least one of the first plate or the second plate comprises one or more textured surface elements configured to cause the medicament stored in the housing to shift in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to each other.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more textured surface elements comprise ridges, protrusions, projections, bumps, ribs, teeth, baffles, dimples, recesses, or cavities.

3. The valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plate is configured to rotate or translate relative to the second plate.

4. A valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more textured surface elements are configured to agitate the medicament in the housing and release the agitated medicament from the housing and into the funnel in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to each other.

5. A valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer surface of each of the first plate and the second plate comprises one or more textured surface elements.

6. The valve assembly of claim 5, wherein the one or more textured surface elements positioned on the outer surface of the first plate are configured to engage the one or more textured surface elements positioned on the outer surface of the second plate, thereby displacing the medicament stored in the housing.

7. The valve assembly of claim 6, wherein at least one of the first plate or the second plate is configured to translate in a longitudinal direction relative to each other when the one or more textured surface elements of the first plate engage the one or more textured surface elements of the second plate.

8. The valve assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the first plate and the second plate are configured to move relative to each other to displace the medicament stored in the housing for release into the funnel.

9. A valve assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more textured surface elements positioned on the outer surface of at least one of the first plate or the second plate are configured to extend into the at least one opening on the first plate or the second plate positioned opposite to the one or more textured surface elements.

10. The valve assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more textured surface elements are configured to vibrate the housing in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to each other to displace the medicament stored in the housing.

11. The valve assembly of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first plate and the second plate are porous such that each of the first plate and the second plate includes a plurality of openings in fluid communication with each other.

12. A valve assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the funnel or the housing is connected to a fluid source fluid of the medical device, and the fluid received from the fluid source at the funnel or the housing is configured to move at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to the other.

13. The valve assembly of claim 12, wherein the funnel is configured to direct the fluid toward the medicament received therein to agitate the medicament within the funnel.

14. The valve assembly of claim 13, wherein the funnel is in fluid communication with a delivery conduit of the medical device and is configured to direct the mixture of the fluid and the medicament received in the funnel toward the delivery conduit.

15. The valve assembly of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising an actuator coupled to at least one of the housing or the funnel, the actuator being configured to move at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to the other.

Images