Applicator caps for multi-component delivery systems

Abstract

A delivery system for mixing and delivering contents of a dual chamber applicator is disclosed. The applicator includes a distal end, a first chamber having a first outlet port defined on the distal end, and a second chamber having a second outlet port defined on the distal end, wherein the second chamber is separate from the first chamber. The applicator further includes a connector defined on the distal end of the applicator adjacent to the first outlet port and the second outlet port. The delivery system further includes an applicator cap couplable to the applicator via the connector, the applicator cap having a first gas release reservoir defined therein. The applicator cap is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the first outlet port to the first gas release reservoir to allow a first gas to flow from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, and wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the first outlet port from the first gas release reservoir to prevent the first gas from flowing from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir.

Description

APPLICATOR CAPS FOR MULTI-COMPONENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 498,684, entitled APPLICATOR CAPS FOR MULTI-COMPONENT DELIVERY SYSTEMS, and filed on April 27, 2023, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.BACKGROUNDField

[0002] The present disclosure generally relates to multi-component delivery systems, and more specifically, to components for facilitating the use of multi-component delivery systems. Technical Background

[0003] A number of procedures utilize dual barrel syringes for component delivery and / or removal. However, for some multi-component materials, it may be necessary to ensure that the syringes do not leak during periods of use and / or mix prematurely.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which:

[0005] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an illustrative delivery system including an applicator, an applicator cap, and an injection needle assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0006] FIG. 2A depicts a front view of an illustrative mixing apparatus including an applicator and an applicator cap according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0007] FIG. 2B depicts a front view of an illustrative delivery apparatus including an applicator and an injection needle assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0008] FIG. 3A depicts a perspective view of an illustrative connector of an applicator according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0009] FIG. 3B depicts a distal view of the illustrative connector of the applicator of FIG. 3A;

[0010] FIG. 4A depicts a perspective view of an illustrative corresponding connector of an applicator cap according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0011] FIG. 4B depicts a perspective view of an illustrative corresponding connector of an injection needle assembly according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0012] FIG. 5A depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative purge cap housing of an applicator cap according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0013] FIG. 5B depicts a top perspective view of an illustrative purge cap shaft of an applicator cap according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0014] FIG. 5C depicts a bottom view of the purge cap shaft of FIG. 5B;

[0015] FIG. 5D depicts an isometric view of an illustrative applicator cap with a purge cap shaft engaged with a purge cap housing according to one or more aspects shown and described herein;

[0016] FIG. 6A depicts a sectional side view of the applicator cap of FIG. 5D in a closed position according to one or more aspects shown and described herein; and

[0017] FIG. 6B depicts a sectional side view of the applicator cap of FIG. 5D in an open position according to one or more aspects shown and described herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure, in one form, is related to mixing and delivery systems for multi-component materials, such as multi-component hydrogels, multi-component spacers, and / or the like. The mixing and delivery systems described herein include components that deliver the multicomponent materials along an access path. The mixing and delivery systems described herein include a dual chamber applicator, a dual chamber applicator cap, and an injection needle assembly. The dual chamber applicator cap has two functional configurations that allow applicator, or syringe, chambers to either be sealed off from or open to internal content release reservoirs defined within the applicator cap itself. The intent of the disclosed applicator caps is to allow contents of applicator chambers such as gas, fluid, and / or air, for example, to be purged from the chambers as needed without allowing the contents from either chamber to mix, or otherwise come into contact, with the other. The disclosed applicator caps further serve to reduce a risk of contaminating an exterior environment with ejected fluids while purging aforementioned contents from the system.

[0019] As will be described in greater detail herein, the dual chamber applicator cap functions by first being coupled via a connector (e.g., a quarter turn connector or the like) to a dual chamber applicator (e.g., a dual chamber syringe). The dual chamber applicator cap includes a purge cap shaft and a purge cap housing. The purge cap shaft is rotatably supported within the purge cap housing and movable through a series of positions. With the purge cap shaft in a“closed” position, contents, including fluids and / or air, from the chambers are prevented from being expelled. The purge cap shaft is in the closed position when the purge cap shaft is rotated in a first (e.g., clockwise) direction until resistance is met. O-rings, or other suitable sealing materials, are positioned to create seals between the components of the applicator cap. When rotated in a second, opposite direction (e.g., counterclockwise) until resistance is met, the purge cap shaft is in an “open” position. In the open position, contents, including air and / or fluids, from the chambers can travel out of the applicator chambers through channels defined in the applicator cap and into reservoirs defined between the purge cap shaft and housing. One reservoir is defined on a first side of the applicator cap to receive contents from a first applicator chamber and a second reservoir is separately and / or distinctly defined on a second, opposite side of the applicator cap to receive contents from a second applicator chamber. The distinct nature of the reservoirs maintains a separation between the contents that have been purged from each applicator chamber. Small openings are further defined in the purge cap housing that extend into the reservoirs to prevent a buildup of pressure as contents from the system become accumulated within the reservoirs. Such openings allow the accumulated purged contents to flow out of the reservoirs and disperse into a surrounding environment. Upon completion of a desired purging, the purge cap shaft can be rotated with respect to the purge cap housing into the “closed” position to prevent further flow of contents out of the applicator chambers. The purge cap shaft and housing can be manufactured with any suitable array of materials, including polypropylene, for example. The sealing materials, or O-rings, could be manufactured using any suitable selection of materials, including Buna-N nitrile rubber, for example.

[0020] It should be understood that the term “quarter turn” as used herein refers to a rotation that completes about one fourth of a full rotation. That is, a quarter turn rotation rotates about 90° clockwise or counterclockwise. The components described herein are referred to as “quarter turn” components because the components allow about a 90° rotation of components relative to one another.

[0021] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts an illustrative delivery system 100 according to various embodiments. The delivery system 100 generally includes an applicator 110, an applicator cap 120, and / or an injection needle assembly 130. The various components for the delivery system 100 are keyed via a connection system (e.g., a quarter turn connection system or threaded connection system) such that the applicator 110 can be coupled to the applicator cap 120 when mixing components of a multi-component material, removed from the applicator cap 120, and coupled to the injection needle assembly 130 for further mixing and delivery of components,as indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 1 and described herein. When coupled to the applicator cap 120, the combination of the applicator cap 120 and the applicator 110 may be referred to herein as a mixing apparatus 200, as depicted in FIG. 2 A. When coupled to the injection needle assembly 130, the combination of the injection needle assembly 130 and the applicator 110 may be referred to herein as a delivery apparatus 250, as depicted in FIG. 2B.

[0022] Referring to FIG. 2B, when the applicator 110 is coupled to the injection needle assembly 130, the delivery apparatus 250 has a configuration to facilitate delivery of a flowable multi-component material to an injection site.

[0023] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2B, optionally, the delivery apparatus 250 may be used in conjunction with an introducer cannula 160. The introducer cannula 160 may facilitate insertion and withdrawal of the injection needle assembly 130 of the delivery apparatus 250 into and from a subject, respectively. As the injection needle assembly 130 is removed from the subject, the introducer cannula 160 may remain in place to maintain an access path in the tissue to a surgical site, such as for example, to receive and guide a second medical instrument, such as a biopsy device, to the surgical site where a biopsy is to be performed.

[0024] Referring again to FIG. 1, the applicator 110 generally includes a body 111 having a proximal end 111-1 and a distal end 111-2 spaced a distance apart from the proximal end 111- 1. The body 111 also defines a pair of syringes 112. The pair of syringes 112 are configured to separately carry each of a first component of the multi-component material and a second component of the multi-component material. In some embodiments, the multi-component material may be a sealant where the first component may include, for example, at least two N- hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) ester groups, and the second component may include, for example, at least two amine groups. For example, the first component may be a solution containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) succinimidyl succinate and the second component may be a solution containing albumin and / or polyethylenimine (PEI). In at least one instance, the first component and the second component are combined and mixed within a mixing chamber of the injection needle assembly 130, as will be described in greater detail herein.

[0025] The pair of syringes 112 includes an actuator 113, a first component chamber 112 A, and a second component chamber 112B. The first component chamber 112A may be, for example, a cylindrical tube that is configured to carry, or otherwise store, the first component of the multi- component sealant. The first component chamber 112A has a first outlet port 112A-1 (e.g., a first component port) defined on the distal end 111-2 of the applicator 110. The second component chamber 112B also may be, for example, a cylindrical tube that is configured to carry,or otherwise store, the second component of the multi-component material. The second component chamber 112B has a second outlet port 112B-1, or a second outlet port, (e.g., a second component port) defined on the distal end 111-2 of the applicator 110. In some aspects, the first component chamber 112A and the second component chamber 112B are arranged in a substantially, longitudinally parallel arrangement.

[0026] In some aspects, the actuator 113 includes a first piston 114A, a second piston 114B, and a handle 115. The handle 115 is in the form of a link member that perpendicularly extends between, and is connected to, each of the first piston 114A and the second piston 114B to facilitate simultaneous movement of the first piston 114A and the second piston 114B as the handle 115 is depressed or retracted. The first piston 114A is in the form of a plunger that is movably positioned in the first component chamber 112A proximal to the first component, and the second piston 114B is in the form of a plunger that is movably positioned in the second component chamber 112B proximal to the second component.

[0027] The first outlet port 112A-1 of the first component chamber 112A and the second outlet port 112B-1 of the second component chamber 112B may be arranged within the distal end 111-2 of the body 111 of the applicator 110. The first outlet port 112A-1 and the second outlet port 112B-1 are generally content, or fluid, outputs that are aligned with other ports of other components as described herein such that the first and second components can be dispensed from and / or received within the respective component chambers 112 A, 112B. In some aspects, the first outlet port 112A-1 may be concentrically aligned with the first component chamber 112A and the second outlet port 112B-1 may be concentrically aligned with the second component chamber 112B. However, in other aspects, such as the aspect depicted in FIG. 1, the first outlet port 112A- 1 may be located radially inward of a central area of the first component chamber 112A and the second outlet port 112B-1 may be located radially inward of a central area of the second component chamber 112B such that the first outlet port 112A-1 and the second outlet port 112B- 1 are as close as possible to a center axis Cl of the body 111 of the applicator 110 to facilitate alignment with the other components of the delivery system 100 described herein.

[0028] Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 A, and 3B, the body 111 of the applicator 110 further includes a connector 300 integrated with, or otherwise defined on, the distal end 111-2 of the applicator 110. More specifically, as depicted in FIG. 1, the various components of the connector 300 are integrated with the body 111 such that the connector 300 and the body 111 are a single monolithic piece. However, it should be understood that this is merely illustrative and the various components of the connector 300 may be separate pieces that are permanently or semi-permanently coupled with the body 111 of the applicator 110 (e.g., permanently or semipermanently joined with a distal coupling piece 116 of the applicator 110).

[0029] The connector 300 is generally located at the distal end 111-2 of the body 111 of the applicator 110 such that various components of the connector 300 are positioned adjacent to first outlet port 112A-1 and the second outlet port 112B-1. As will be described herein, the connector 300 is generally shaped and sized to releasably interlock with a corresponding connector 400 of the applicator cap 120 and / or with a corresponding connector 450 of the injection needle assembly 130. As will be described in greater detail herein, when the injection needle assembly 130 or the applicator cap 120 is coupled to the applicator 110 via the connectors 300, 400, 450 thereof, the various ports thereof are aligned with the first outlet port 112A-1 and the second outlet port 112B-1 of the applicator 110.

[0030] Still referring to FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B, in some embodiments, the connector 300 of the applicator includes a circular protrusion 302 extending distally (e.g., in the -x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 3 A) from the distal end 111-2 of the applicator 110, a semi-circular channel 304 (FIG. 3B) disposed within the distal end 111 -2 of the applicator 110 along a periphery of the circular protrusion 302, and a pair of bayonet coupling members (e.g., a first coupling member 306 A and a second coupling member 306B) disposed radially outward of the circular protrusion 302 and the semi-circular channel 304. As shown in FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B, the first outlet port 112A-1 and the second outlet port 112B-1 are disposed within the circular protrusion 302. That is, the outlet ports 112A-1, 112B-1 extending into, or otherwise exposing the contents of, the first component chamber 112A and the second component chamber 112B are located on the circular protrusion 302.

[0031] The circular protrusion 302 is generally shaped and sized to correspond to a recess formed in the injection needle assembly 130 and the applicator cap 120, as described in greater detail herein. The circular protrusion may generally be disposed on or around a central area of the distal end 111-2 of the body 111. In some embodiments, the circular protrusion 302 may be concentric with the body such that the center axis Cl of the body 111 extends through a center axis of the circular protrusion 302. The distance that the circular protrusion 302 extends away from the distal end 111-2 of the body is generally a distance that corresponds to a depth of the recess formed in the injection needle assembly 130 and the applicator cap 120 such that the circular protrusion 302 can be substantially, or completely, inserted therein, but is otherwise not limited by the present disclosure.

[0032] As particularly depicted in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the semi-circular channel 304 is disposed around a periphery of the circular protrusion 302 such that the semi-circular channel 304 defines an outer edge of about half of the circular protrusion 302. That is, the semi-circular channel 304 extends from a first side (e.g., in the +y direction of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 3 A and 3B) around the perimeter of the circular protrusion 302 to a second side (e.g., in the -y direction of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 3A and 3B). The semi-circular channel 304 is generally shaped and sized to receive a quarter circular extension 456 (FIG. 4 A) of the corresponding connector 400 of the applicator cap 120 (FIG. 1) or the quarter circular extension 456 of the corresponding connector 450 (FIG. 4B) of the injection needle assembly 130 (FIG. 1), as described in greater detail herein. While the aspects depicted in FIGS. 3 A and 3B depict the semicircular channel 304 as extending a full, or complete, semi-circle, the present disclosure is not limited to such. That is, the channel 304 may completely surround the circular protrusion 302 in other aspects (e.g., a full circular channel) or may only surround a portion of the circular protrusion 302 to an extent that is lesser than or greater than the semi-circular aspect depicted in FIGS. 3 A and 3B (e.g., a quarter circular channel or the like). However, it should be understood that, to ensure appropriate keying such that the various components of the delivery system 100 (FIG. 1) are appropriately aligned, secured, and rotatable via the respective connectors 300, 400, 450, the channel corresponds in size and / or shape to the size and / or shape of the extensions 456 of the corresponding connectors 400, 450.

[0033] Referring again to FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B, the first coupling member 306A and the second coupling member 306B each extend from the distal end 111-2 of the body 111 of the applicator 110 and are generally shaped and sized to retain, or otherwise secure, the applicator cap 120 or the injection needle assembly 130 when coupled to the applicator 110. Each of the first coupling member 306 A and the second coupling member 306B may be a bayonet style coupling member, an E-beam coupling member, or the like. For example, as particularly depicted in FIG. 1, the first coupling member 306A extends distally a particular distance from the distal end 111- 2 of the body 111, turns about 90 degrees, and extends inward toward the center axis Cl of the body 111, resulting in a first extension piece 306A-1 that extends in a direction generally coplanar with the center axis Cl of the body 111 (e.g., along the x-axis of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B) and a second extension piece 306A-2 that extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the center axis Cl of the body (e.g., along the z-axis of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B), thereby defining a pocket 307A between the distal end 111-2 of the body 111 and the second extension piece 306A-2. Similarly, the second coupling member 306B extendsdistally at a particular distance from the distal end 111-2 of the body 111, turns about 90 degrees, and extends inward toward the center axis Cl of the body 111, resulting in a first extension piece 306B-1 that extends in a direction generally coplanar with the center axis Cl of the body 111 (e.g., along the x-axis of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 1, 3 A, and 3B) and a second extension piece 306B-2 that extends in a direction that is generally perpendicular to the center axis Cl of the body 111 (e.g., along the z-axis of the coordinate axes of FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B), thereby defining a pocket 307B between the distal end 111-2 of the body 111 and the second extension piece 306B- 2.

[0034] As depicted in FIGS. 1, 3A, and 3B, the first coupling member 306A and the second coupling member 306B are located opposite one another, radially outward of the circular protrusion 302 and the semi-circular channel 304. However, this is merely illustrative, and other locations and spacing are contemplated and included within the scope of the present disclosure. Further, while the present aspect includes a pair of coupling members (e.g., the first coupling member 306A and the second coupling member 306B), this is also merely illustrative. That is, other amounts of coupling members are also contemplated and included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0035] Turning now to FIGS. 1, 4A, and 5D, the applicator cap 120 generally includes a body 121 having a distal end 121-1 and a proximal end 121-2 spaced a distance apart from the distal end 121-2. The distal end 121-2 of the body 121 of the applicator cap 120 includes the connector 400. The connector 400 of the applicator cap 120 includes a circular recess 402 sized to receive the circular protrusion 302 on the distal end 111-2 of the applicator 110 and a ramped lip 404 extending radially outward of the circular recess 402. In some aspects, the corresponding connector 400 of the applicator cap 120 may further include a quarter circular extension (not shown) that extends proximally (e.g., in the +x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) from the ramped lip 404.

[0036] The circular recess 402 is generally a recess that is defined by a wall 403 extending proximally (e.g., in the +x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) from the proximal end 121- 2 of the body 121 of the applicator cap 120. The wall 403 extends around the center axis C2 of the body 121 of the applicator cap 120 to form the circular recess 402. The wall 403 may be shaped and sized such that the circular recess 402 formed thereby corresponds to the shape and size of the circular protrusion 302 of the applicator 110. In some aspects, the wall 403 may be an extension of side walls of the body 121 of the applicator cap 120.

[0037] A plurality of cap ports 122A-1, 122B-1 extend out of the proximal end 121-2 of the body 121 of the applicator cap 120 within the circular recess 402. That is, the circular recess 402 includes the plurality of cap ports 122A-1, 122B-1 therein. In some aspects, the circular recess 402 may include one or more features (e.g., additional recesses, retention pieces, channels, etc.) that are adapted to hold at least one seal (e.g., a sealing element or the like) around the plurality of cap ports 122A-1, 122A-2. For example, a first seal 126 A may be held within the circular recess 402 around the first cap port 122A-1 and a second seal 126B may be held within the circular recess 402 around the second cap port 122B-1. The seals 126A, 126B may each be any seal that allows the applicator cap 120 to form a seal with the applicator 110 when brought together as described herein such that the first cap port 122A-1 is joined and sealed with the first outlet port 112A-1 (e.g., to form a fluid coupling between the first cap port 122A-1 and the first outlet port 112A-1) and the second cap port 122B-1 is joined and sealed with the second outlet port 112B-1 (e.g., to form a fluid coupling between the second cap port 122B-1 and the second outlet port 112B-1). For example, the seals may be O-rings, stadium shaped seals, oval seals, and / or the like. While a single seal is depicted herein for each port, the present disclosure is not limited to such. For example, a single seal, such as a figure eight shaped gasket or the like, may be used to individually seal the plurality of cap ports as described herein. However, it should be understood that the ports (e.g., the first cap port 122A-1 and the second cap port 122B-1) remain sealed from one another to avoid cross contamination of the components within the respective mixing chambers 112 A, 112B. It should also be understood that the term “seal” is not meant to be limiting, and may encompass any type of sealing element, sealing device, or the like.

[0038] The ramped lip 404 is generally formed by the wall 403 that defines the circular recess 402. That is, the ramped lip 404 generally extends radially outward from the wall 403. The ramped lip 404 is shaped and sized to be received and retained by the pair of coupling members 306A, 306B when the corresponding connector 400 is rotated relative to the connector 300, as described herein. That is, the ramped lip 404 has a first thickness (e.g., as defined along the x- axis of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) at one or more first portions thereof, which gradually increases to a second thickness (e.g., as defined along the x-axis of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) at one or more second portions thereof to allow for compressed holding of the ramped lip 404 by the pair of coupling members 306A, 306B within the pockets 307A, 307B thereof. In some aspects, the ramped lip 404 may extend around an entire periphery of the wall 403. In other aspects, the ramped lip 404 may extend only around a portion of the periphery of the wall 403. In such aspects, a plurality of ramped lips may be used.

[0039] While not depicted, in some aspects, the quarter circular extension 456 may extend proximally from the ramped lip 404. The quarter circular extension 456 is shaped to be received within the semi-circular channel 304 (FIG. 3B) and slidable within the semi-circular channel 304 (FIG. 3B) in a quarter turn motion from an unlocked state to a locked state. The arc length of such a quarter circular extension 456 may correspond to the length of the semi-circular channel 304 such that, when the quarter circular extension 456 is inserted into the semi-circular channel 304 and turned, the respective lengths prevent more than a quarter turn rotation.

[0040] In some aspects, the corresponding connector 400 further includes a pair of stops 406 (only one depicted in FIG. 4A). Each one of the pair of stops 406 extends distally (e.g., in the -x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 4 A, toward the distal end 121-1 of the body 121) from the ramped lip 404. Each one of the pair of stops 406 is aligned on the corresponding connector 400 such that the pair of stops 406 contact the coupling members 306A, 306B during a quarter turn rotating motion to hinder further rotational movement of the corresponding connector 400 relative to the connector 300 beyond a quarter rotation. It should be understood that any number of stops may be used, though the number of stops generally corresponds to the same number of coupling members (or less than the number of coupling members). For example, if the connector 300 includes two coupling members 306A, 306B, the corresponding connector 400 may include one stop 406 or two stops 406. In some aspects, the pair of stops 406 may extend radially outward from the wall 403 and may not be connected to the ramped lip 404.

[0041] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4B, the injection needle assembly 130 has a proximal end 130-1 that extends proximally (in the +x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) and a distal end 130-2 that extends distally (e.g., in the -x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1). The injection needle assembly 130 generally includes a hub 131 and an elongate hollow stylet 132 that extends distally (e.g., in the -x direction of the coordinate axes of FIG. 1) from hub 131. The elongate hollow stylet 132 has a proximal end 132-1 and a distal end 132-2. The hub 131 is fixedly attached, e.g., through overmolding, adhesive and / or pressed fit, to the proximal end 132- 1 of the elongate hollow stylet 132. The hub 131 includes a plurality of input ports (e.g., a first input port 132A-1 and a second input port 132B-1) of the injection needle assembly 130. The hub 131 is configured for removable connection to the applicator 110 via the corresponding connector 450 such that, when connected, the first input port 132A-1 of the injection needle assembly 130 is aligned and sealed with the first outlet port 112A-1 of the applicator 110 and the second input port 132B-1 of the injection needle assembly 130 is aligned and sealed with the second outlet port 112B-1 of the applicator 110, as described in greater detail herein.

[0042] In an embodiment, the features of the connectors 300, 400, 450 may advantageously result in a structure that allows a user to quickly connect and subsequently disconnect components (e.g., the applicator 110 with the applicator cap 120 and the injection needle assembly 130) in such a manner that a user can easily confirm that components are correctly sealed and aligned with one another to ensure the correct materials held within are mixed together and then subsequently delivered to a site on a subject. This improvement is shown, for example, in the quarter turn operation of the various components of the delivery system 100 (FIG. 1), but is not limited to such. That is, other quick connect / disconnect components are also contemplated and included in the scope of the present disclosure.

[0043] Referring now to 5A-5D, an applicator cap 500 similar in many aspects to the applicator cap 120 described herein, includes a housing 510, or body, (FIG. 5A) and a shaft 520, or handle (FIGS. 5B and 5C). The shaft 520 is movably received within the housing 510, as depicted in FIG. 5D.

[0044] Turning specifically to FIGS. 5B and 5C, the shaft 520, which may also be referred to as a purge cap shaft or a handle, is movably supported within the housing 510. The shaft 520 rotates within the housing 510 between an open position and a closed position, as described herein. The shaft 520 includes a proximal end 522, or base, and a distal end 521. The proximal end 522 of the shaft 520 includes a knob 525, protrusion, or the like to maintain, or otherwise secure and / or support, the shaft 520 within the housing 510. As depicted in FIGS. 5B and 5D, the distal end 521 of the shaft 520 can include one or more demarcations 523, 524 to indicate to a user a direction to rotate the shaft 520 in order to achieve a desired applicator cap position. For instance, a first demarcation 523 can be printed, or otherwise presented, on the shaft 520 to indicate to the user a direction to rotate the shaft 520 in order to place the applicator cap 500 in an open position. A second demarcation 524 can be printed, or otherwise presented, on the shaft 520 to indicate to the user a direction to rotate the shaft 520 in order to place the applicator cap 500 in a closed position. Such demarcations can include an image, such as an arrow, alphanumeric characters, or any suitable combination thereof. In certain instances, only one demarcation is present.

[0045] As shown in FIG. 5 A, the housing 510, or body, of the applicator cap 500 includes a slot 515 defined along a side wall 503 thereof. Such slot 515 extends from a distal end 511 of the housing 510 toward a proximal end 512. The slot 515 is sized to slidingly receive the knob 525, protrusion, or the like of the shaft 520 to allow for the shaft 520 to be inserted into housing 510 in an aligned, or otherwise preferred, orientation. A small interference feature located alongthe insertion slot 515 may be provided to mitigate the shaft 520 from unintentionally disconnecting from the housing 510.

[0046] The applicator cap 500 attaches to dual chamber applicator 110 as previously discussed herein (e.g., via a 90-degree turn). When the applicator cap 500 is attached to the applicator 110 and in a closed position (depicted in FIGS. 5D and 6A), the applicator cap 500 seals and prevents contents, such as gases and / or liquids, from exiting a chamber of the applicator 110. The shaft 520 (FIGS. 5B and 5C) can be rotated in one direction (e.g., counterclockwise) to open, allowing contents to exit the applicator 110 and flow, or otherwise migrate, into reservoirs defined within the applicator cap, as discussed hereinbelow. In various instances, the shaft 520 can be rotated 90 degrees in order to place the applicator cap in an open position. In other instances, the shaft 520 can be rotated less than 90 degrees in order to place the applicator cap in the open position. In other instances, the shaft 520 can be rotated more than 90 degrees in order to place the applicator cap in the open position. The contents that flow into the reservoirs from each particular chamber of the applicator are kept separate throughout the purging process, or other suitable use, via separate flow channels, or paths. The shaft 520 can then be rotated in a second, opposite direction (e.g., clockwise) to seal the applicator 110 again after a desired purging of applicator contents is complete.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 6 A and 6B, a first inlet port 518 A and a second inlet port 518B are defined in the housing 510 of the applicator cap 500. The first inlet port 518A is aligned with the first outlet port 112A-1 of the applicator 110, and the second inlet port 518B is aligned with the second outlet port 112B-1 of the applicator 110 when the applicator 110 is coupled to the applicator cap 500. In such instances, a flow path of the contents stored in the first component chamber 112A extends out of the first outlet port 112A-1 and through the first inlet port 518A when the applicator cap 500 is in an open position. Similarly, a flow path of the contents stored in the second component chamber 112B extends out of the second outlet port 112B-1 and through the second inlet port 518B when the applicator cap 500 is in an open position. The housing 510 further includes a first circular recess 519A and a second circular recess 519B. The first inlet port 518A is defined in the first circular recess 519A, and the second inlet port 518B is defined in the second circular recess 519B. In some aspects, the circular recesses 519A, 519B include one or more features (e.g., additional recesses, retention pieces, channels, etc.) that are adapted to hold at least one seal (e.g., a sealing element or the like) around the inlet ports 518A, 518B. For example, a first seal may be held within the first circular recess 519A around the first inlet port 518A and a second seal may be held within the second circular recess 519B around the secondinlet port 518B such that a seal is formed with the applicator 110 when brought together as discussed herein.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 5C and 6B, a pair of discrete slots 540A, 540B, such as rounded slots, are defined on the proximal end 522, or base, of the shaft 520. The pair of slots 540A, 540B are positioned such that they allow contents to exit the dual chamber applicator 110 when the applicator cap 500 is coupled to the applicator 110 and is configured in the open position, as described herein. The pair of discrete slots 540A includes a first slot 540A and a second slot 540B, such that the first slot 540A is separate and discrete from the second slot 540B. The first slot 540A is defined in the base 522 of the shaft 520 such that the first slot 540A extends from an interior portion of the shaft 520 to an exterior edge of the shaft 520. Similarly, the second slot 540B is defined in the base 522 of the shaft 520 such that the second slot 540B extends from an interior portion of the shaft 520 to an exterior edge of the shaft 520. A pair of apertures, or circular cut outs, 550A, 550B are further defined on the proximal end 522, or base, of the shaft 520. The pair of apertures 550A, 550B are not intended to be through holes. Stated another way, the apertures 550A, 550B do not extend through an entirety of the shaft 520, such as from the proximal end 522 to the distal end 521. The apertures 550A, 550B are sized and / or shaped to receive a seal, such as an O-ring or the like, therein. The apertures 550A, 550B defined on the proximal end 522 of the shaft 520 are adapted to hold a seal in an effort to form a seal, or other blockage, with the outlets of the applicator 110 when the shaft 520 is rotated to the closed position.

[0049] The applicator cap 500 is depicted in the closed position in FIG. 6A. When the applicator cap 500 is in the closed position, the apertures 550A, 550B defined in the proximal end 522 of the shaft 520 are aligned with the inlet ports 518A, 518B defined in the housing 510. As such, the seals supported within the apertures 550 A, 550B are aligned with the seals supported within the circular recesses 519A, 519B thereby preventing contents of the attached applicator 110 from exiting the respective chambers. Stated another way, when the applicator cap 500 is in the closed position, a fluid-tight seal is formed between the shaft 520 and the housing 510 and the contents of the attached applicator chambers are unable to flow, or otherwise pass, out of the dual chamber applicator.

[0050] Turning now to FIG. 6B, the applicator cap 500 is depicted in the open position. As discussed in greater detail herein, the applicator cap 500 is moved from the closed position shown in FIG. 6A to the open position of FIG. 6B by a rotation of the shaft 520 relative to the housing 510. When the applicator cap 500 is in the open position, the apertures 550A, 550B defined in the proximal end 522 of the shaft 520 are no longer aligned with the inlet ports 518A,518B defined in the housing 510. Instead, the inlet ports 518 A, 518B are aligned with the first slot 540A, and the second slot 540B, respectively. As such, the seals supported within the circular recesses 519A, 519B are aligned with open slots 540A, 540B, or channels, thereby creating a flow path for contents of the attached applicator 110 to exit the respective chambers. A first flow path is created to allow contents of the first component chamber 112A to flow out of the first outlet port 112A-1 of the applicator 110, through the first inlet port 518A of the housing 510, through the first slot 540A of the shaft 520 and into a first content release reservoir 560A. The first content release reservoir 560A is defined between the walls of the housing 510 and the adjacent walls of the shaft 520 on a first side of the applicator cap 500. More specifically, the first content release reservoir 560A is defined by the first slot 540A and an opposing surface of the housing 510. The first content release reservoir 560A can also be a gas release reservoir, or a fluid release reservoir, for example. A second flow path is created to allow contents of the second component chamber 112B to flow out of the second outlet port 112B-1 of the applicator 110, through the second inlet port 518B of the housing 510, through the second slot 540A of the shaft 520 and into a second content release reservoir 560B. The second content release reservoir 560B is defined between the walls of the housing 510 and the adjacent walls of the shaft 520 on a second, opposite side of the applicator cap 500. More specifically, the second content release reservoir 560B is defined by the second slot 540B and an opposing surface of the housing 510. As such, the purged contents of the first component chamber 112A and the second component chamber 112B remain separate from one another. The second content release reservoir 560B can also be a gas release reservoir, or a fluid release reservoir, for example.

[0051] As depicted in FIGS. 5A, 6A, and 6B, two channels 517A, 517B (e.g., vents) extend from the content release reservoirs 560A, 560B through a thickness of the housing to provide release areas. As contents of the applicator chambers are purged and accumulate in the content release reservoirs 560A, 560B, an unwanted pressure build-up can occur. The channels 517A, 517B defined in the housing 510 allow for the accumulated contents of the content release reservoirs 560A, 560B to flow, or otherwise exit, into a surrounding environment. Such channels 517A, 517B are sized so as to only permit flow out of the content release reservoirs 560A, 560B when a threshold pressure build-up occurs. As such, leaking and / or spillage of such accumulated contents is prevented.

[0052] While dual chamber applicators are described herein, it is envisioned that the disclosed applicator caps could be used with any applicator having any number of chambers. For example, the disclosed applicator caps can be used with a single chamber applicator. In suchinstances, the housing of the applicator cap includes one inlet port to be aligned with an outlet port defined in the single chamber applicator. The applicator cap can have a varying number of inlet ports, seals, and release reservoirs to correspond to a number of outlet ports defined in a distal end of an attached applicator.

[0053] It should now be understood that the disclosed delivery system allows the purging of contents, such as air, gas, and / or fluid, from a dual chamber applicator while maintaining separation of the contents stored in each respective chamber. Maintaining such separation is essential in instances where the contents of the dual chamber applicator combine to make a two- component material, such as a two-component hydrogel. The disclosed applicator caps further serve to reduce a risk of contaminating an exterior environment with ejected chamber contents while purging aforementioned contents from the system.

[0054] Further aspects are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses:

[0055] Clause 1 - A delivery system is disclosed, the delivery system comprising an applicator and an applicator cap couplable to the applicator. The applicator comprises a distal end, a first chamber comprising a first outlet port defined on the distal end, a second chamber comprising a second outlet port defined on the distal end, wherein the second chamber is separate from the first chamber, and a connector defined on the distal end of the applicator adjacent to the first outlet port and the second outlet port. The applicator cap is couplable to the applicator via the connector, the applicator cap comprising a first gas release reservoir defined therein. The applicator cap is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the first outlet port to the first gas release reservoir to allow a first gas to flow from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, and wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the first outlet port from the first gas release reservoir to prevent the first gas from flowing from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir.

[0056] Clause 2 - The delivery system of clause 1, wherein the applicator cap is movable between the open position and the closed position by rotating at least a portion of the applicator cap.

[0057] Clause 3 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 1 and 2, wherein the applicator cap comprises a housing and a shaft rotatably supported in said housing, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the applicator cap from the open position toward the closed position, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a second direction moves the applicator cap fromthe closed position toward the open position, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

[0058] Clause 4 - The delivery system of clause 3, wherein the housing comprises a first inlet port to be aligned with the first outlet port of the applicator and a second inlet port to be aligned with the second outlet port of the applicator.

[0059] Clause 5 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 3 and 4, wherein a first slot is defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the first gas release reservoir is defined by the first slot and an opposing surface of the housing.

[0060] Clause 6 - The delivery system of clause 5, wherein the first slot extends from an interior portion of the shaft to an exterior edge of the shaft.

[0061] Clause 7 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 5 and 6, wherein the applicator cap in the open position aligns the first slot defined in the base of the shaft with the first inlet port thereby allowing the first gas to flow from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir.

[0062] Clause 8 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 3-7, wherein a first aperture is defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the applicator cap further comprises a first seal positioned in the first aperture.

[0063] Clause 9 - The delivery system of clause 8, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position aligns the first aperture with the first inlet port thereby preventing the first gas from flowing into the first gas release reservoir.

[0064] Clause 10 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 4-9, wherein the housing comprises a first inlet port seal positioned around the first inlet port and a second inlet port seal positioned around the second inlet port.

[0065] Clause 11 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 2-10, wherein the applicator cap further comprises a second gas release reservoir defined therein, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the second outlet port to the second gas release reservoir to allow a second gas to flow from the second chamber into the second gas release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the second outlet port from the second gas release reservoir to prevent the second gas from flowing from the second chamber into the second gas release reservoir.

[0066] Clause 12 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 2-11, wherein a second slot and a second aperture are defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the second gas release reservoiris defined by the second slot and the opposing surface of the housing, and wherein the applicator cap further comprises a second seal position in the second aperture.

[0067] Clause 13 - A delivery system comprising an applicator and an applicator cap is disclosed. The applicator comprises two chambers separate from one another, each chamber comprising at least one outlet port on a distal end thereof and a connector disposed on a distal end of the applicator adjacent to the at least one outlet port of each chamber. The applicator cap is couplable to the applicator via the connector, wherein the applicator cap is movable between an open position that exposes the two chambers of the applicator to gas release reservoirs and a closed position that seals the two chambers from the gas release reservoirs.

[0068] Clause 14 - The delivery system of clause 13, wherein the applicator cap comprises a housing and a shaft rotatably supported in said housing, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the applicator cap from the open position toward the closed position, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a second direction moves the applicator cap from the closed position toward the open position, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

[0069] Clause 15 - The delivery system of clause 14, wherein a pair of discrete slots are defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the gas release reservoirs are defined by the respective discrete slot and an opposing surface of the housing, and wherein the open position of the applicator cap exposes the two chambers of the applicator to the pair of discrete slots defined in the base of the shaft to allow a gas to flow into the gas release reservoirs.

[0070] Clause 16 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 14 and 15, wherein a pair of apertures are defined in the base of the shaft, wherein each aperture is sized to receive a seal therein, and wherein the closed position of the applicator cap exposes the two chambers of the applicator to the pair of apertures to prevent the gas from flowing into the gas release reservoirs.

[0071] Clause 17 - A delivery system comprising an applicator and an applicator cap is disclosed. The applicator comprises a distal end, a chamber comprising an outlet port defined on the distal end, and a connector defined on the distal end of the applicator adjacent to the first outlet port. The applicator cap is couplable to the applicator via the connector, the applicator cap comprising a content release reservoir defined therein. The applicator cap is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the outlet port to the content release reservoir to allow a content of the chamber to flow from the chamber into the content release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the outlet port from the content release reservoir to prevent the content from flowing from the chamber into the content release reservoir.

[0072] Clause 18 - The delivery system of clause 17, wherein the applicator cap comprises a housing and a shaft rotatably supported in said housing, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the applicator cap from the open position toward the closed position, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a second direction moves the applicator cap from the closed position toward the open position, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

[0073] Clause 19 - The delivery system of clause 18, wherein the shaft comprises an aperture defined in a base of the shaft sized to receive a seal therein and a slot defined in the base of the shaft, wherein the content release reservoir is defined by the slot and an opposing surface of the housing, and wherein the slot is separate from the aperture.

[0074] Clause 20 - The delivery system of any one of clauses 19 and 20, wherein the housing comprises an inlet port defined in the housing, the inlet port to be aligned with the outlet port of the applicator and a seal positioned around the inlet port. The applicator cap in the open position exposes the outlet port of the applicator to the content release reservoir of the applicator cap to allow the content to flow from the chamber into the content release reservoir, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the outlet port from the content release reservoir to prevent the content from flowing from the chamber into the content release reservoir.

[0075] While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A delivery system, comprising: an applicator, comprising: a distal end; a first chamber comprising a first outlet port defined on the distal end; a second chamber comprising a second outlet port defined on the distal end, wherein the second chamber is separate from the first chamber; and a connector defined on the distal end of the applicator adjacent to the first outlet port and the second outlet port; and an applicator cap couplable to the applicator via the connector, the applicator cap comprising a first gas release reservoir defined therein, wherein the applicator cap is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the first outlet port to the first gas release reservoir to allow a first gas to flow from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, and wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the first outlet port from the first gas release reservoir to prevent the first gas from flowing from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir.

2. The delivery system of claim 1, wherein the applicator cap is movable between the open position and the closed position by rotating at least a portion of the applicator cap.

3. The delivery system of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the applicator cap comprises: a housing; and a shaft rotatably supported in said housing, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the applicator cap from the open position toward the closed position, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a second direction moves the applicator cap from the closed position toward the open position, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

4. The delivery system of claim 3, wherein the housing comprises: a first inlet port to be aligned with the first outlet port of the applicator; and a second inlet port to be aligned with the second outlet port of the applicator.

5. The delivery system of any one of claims 3 and 4, wherein a first slot is defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the first gas release reservoir is defined by the first slot and an opposing surface of the housing.

6. The delivery system of claim 5, wherein the first slot extends from an interior portion of the shaft to an exterior edge of the shaft.

7. The delivery system of any one of claims 5 and 6, wherein the applicator cap in the open position aligns the first slot defined in the base of the shaft with the first inlet port thereby allowing the first gas to flow from the first chamber into the first gas release reservoir.

8. The delivery system of any one of claims 3-7, wherein a first aperture is defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the applicator cap further comprises a first seal positioned in the first aperture.

9. The delivery system of claim 8, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position aligns the first aperture with the first inlet port thereby preventing the first gas from flowing into the first gas release reservoir.

10. The delivery system of any one of claims 4-9, wherein the housing comprises: a first inlet port seal positioned around the first inlet port; and a second inlet port seal positioned around the second inlet port.

11. The delivery system of any one of claims 2-10, wherein the applicator cap further comprises a second gas release reservoir defined therein, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the second outlet port to the second gas release reservoir to allow a second gas to flow from the second chamber into the second gas release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the second outlet port from the second gas release reservoir to prevent the second gas from flowing from the second chamber into the second gas release reservoir.

12. The delivery system of any one of claims 2-11, wherein a second slot and a second aperture are defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the second gas release reservoir is defined bythe second slot and the opposing surface of the housing, and wherein the applicator cap further comprises a second seal position in the second aperture.

13. A delivery system, comprising: an applicator, comprising: two chambers separate from one another, each chamber comprising at least one outlet port on a distal end thereof; and a connector disposed on a distal end of the applicator adjacent to the at least one outlet port of each chamber; and an applicator cap couplable to the applicator via the connector, wherein the applicator cap is movable between an open position that exposes the two chambers of the applicator to gas release reservoirs and a closed position that seals the two chambers from the gas release reservoirs.

14. The delivery system of claim 13, wherein the applicator cap comprises: a housing; and a shaft rotatably supported in said housing, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the applicator cap from the open position toward the closed position, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a second direction moves the applicator cap from the closed position toward the open position, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

15. The delivery system of claim 14, wherein a pair of discrete slots are defined in a base of the shaft, wherein the gas release reservoirs are defined by the respective discrete slot and an opposing surface of the housing, and wherein the open position of the applicator cap exposes the two chambers of the applicator to the pair of discrete slots defined in the base of the shaft to allow a gas to flow into the gas release reservoirs.

16. The delivery system of any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein apair of apertures are defined in the base of the shaft, wherein each aperture is sized to receive a seal therein, and wherein the closed position of the applicator cap exposes the two chambers of the applicator to the pair of apertures to prevent the gas from flowing into the gas release reservoirs.

17. A delivery system, comprising: an applicator, comprising:a distal end; a chamber comprising an outlet port defined on the distal end; a connector defined on the distal end of the applicator adjacent to the first outlet port; and an applicator cap couplable to the applicator via the connector, the applicator cap comprising a content release reservoir defined therein, wherein the applicator cap is selectively movable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the outlet port to the content release reservoir to allow a content of the chamber to flow from the chamber into the content release reservoir defined in the applicator cap, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position seals the outlet port from the content release reservoir to prevent the content from flowing from the chamber into the content release reservoir.

18. The delivery system of claim 17, wherein the applicator cap comprises: a housing; and a shaft rotatably supported in said housing, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a first direction moves the applicator cap from the open position toward the closed position, wherein a rotation of the shaft in a second direction moves the applicator cap from the closed position toward the open position, and wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

19. The delivery system of claim 18, wherein the shaft comprises: an aperture defined in a base of the shaft sized to receive a seal therein; and a slot defined in the base of the shaft, wherein the content release reservoir is defined by the slot and an opposing surface of the housing, and wherein the slot is separate from the aperture.

20. The delivery system of any one of claims 19 and 20, wherein the housing comprises: an inlet port defined in the housing, the inlet port to be aligned with the outlet port of the applicator; and a seal positioned around the inlet port, wherein the applicator cap in the open position exposes the outlet port of the applicator to the content release reservoir of the applicator cap to allow the content to flow from the chamber into the content release reservoir, wherein the applicator cap in the closed position sealsthe outlet port from the content release reservoir to prevent the content from flowing from the chamber into the content release reservoir.

Images