Apparatus for activating a cartridge containing multi-component materials and / or mixing them by vibration of the cartridge.

Abstract

Apparatus (1) comprising a vibratory mixer (2) suitable for a cartridge (6) having a longitudinal axis and comprising a multi-component material, preferably a two-component material, stored in at least two separated chambers in the cartridge (6), said vibratory mixer comprising a cartridge holder (21) and a drive means for the cartridge holder (21), wherein the cartridge holder (21) is configured to receive and lock only one end of the cartridge (6) and to maintain the longitudinal axis (6) of the cartridge on the cartridge holder (21) in a vertical position.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vibration mixer (also referred to as an "amalgamator") configured to mix components having the same or different properties stored in a cartridge. The present invention also relates to a cartridge activation machine configured to provide an activation configuration for a cartridge (e.g., a configuration that enables connecting separated chambers of a cartridge containing components stored for mixing together in a subsequent process) for use in combination with the vibration mixer of the present invention. The present invention also refers to an apparatus comprising both the vibration mixer of the present invention and the activation machine of the present invention. The present invention relates to systems comprising a vibration mixer and / or an activation machine, and preferably their use in the medical field such as the orthopedic field (e.g., bone repair) or the dental field, together with a cartridge containing a single-component material or a multi-component material.

Background Art

[0002] Cartridges suitable for mixing and dispensing materials are of particular interest for dental restoration applications in order to mix and dispense a multi-component dental restorative material onto the tooth in question. Dental restorative materials classically contain a powder component and a liquid component, which are mixed to form a dental cement. In particular, cartridges have been developed for dental restoration applications in which specific amounts of the powder component and the liquid component are pre-weighed and housed in separate chambers to prevent any inadvertent mixing of these two components. In such cartridges, it is possible to release the components from the separated chambers at the desired time and mechanically mix them together to form a dental cement that is dispensed from the cartridge.

[0003] Most cartridges have an elongated oval shape, so that commercially available vibratory mixers suitable for mixing the components in a cartridge often feature a cartridge holder with two arms for gripping the cartridge on both sides, as described in, for example, US Patent No. 4,871,261. However, such conventional vibratory mixers are not ergonomic, as they require handling the cartridge holder with two hands, making them uncomfortable for the operator to use. Furthermore, the cartridge holders of conventional vibratory mixers are not suitable for more sophisticated cartridges whose shape is not elongated oval. In addition, conventional vibratory mixers do not have means to ensure that the cartridge is correctly positioned on the cartridge holder, as the correct use of these devices can vary considerably from use to use. Consequently, the properties of the resulting material after the mixing process may change.

[0004] Another drawback of conventional vibratory mixers is that these machines are very large and take up a lot of space, significantly reducing the operator's workspace.

[0005] More specifically, the present invention aims to mitigate these drawbacks by proposing a vibrating mixer for mixing multi-component materials, preferably two-component materials, contained in a cartridge, which makes the vibration of the cartridge safer and provides the operator with more workspace than conventional devices while still being easy to operate.

[0006] Furthermore, there is a need to provide a starting machine for connecting a separated chamber of a cartridge containing the material components, and a starting machine suitable for cartridges with a high level of technical skill. In particular, there is a need to provide a device that includes both a starting unit and a vibrating mixer in order to reduce the number of devices for the operator while ensuring safety during the execution of these processes, and to improve the handling of multi-component cartridges suitable for dispensing materials in subsequent processes. [Overview of the Initiative]

[0007] For this purpose, the subject of the present invention is a device comprising a vibrating mixer suitable for a cartridge having a longitudinal axis and containing a multi-component material, preferably a bi-component material, which is housed in at least two separate chambers within the cartridge, wherein the vibrating mixer comprises a cartridge holder and a driving means for the cartridge holder, the cartridge holder being configured to accept and lock only one end of the cartridge and to maintain the longitudinal axis of the cartridge on the cartridge holder in a vertical position.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the cartridge holder comprises an arm configured to cooperate with a drive means for the cartridge holder located on an arm, preferably at one end of the arm, and a cartridge holding platform configured to cooperate with a locking means located at one end of a cartridge, preferably on the end of the cartridge. According to one embodiment, the arm of the cartridge holder has two ends, with the drive means for the cartridge holder located at one end and the cartridge holding platform located at the other end.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the cartridge holding platform includes means for locking the end of the cartridge, preferably the means for locking the end of the cartridge includes at least one projection, and more preferably two projections.

[0010] According to one embodiment, means for locking the end of a cartridge onto a cartridge holding platform are configured to cooperate with the base of the cartridge, preferably with the base of the cartridge having two opposing projections, more preferably the two opposing projections of the cartridge being two opposing locking wings. According to one embodiment, the cartridge holding platform includes projections having at least one groove in their internal volume to cooperate with the locking wings of the cartridge.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a starting machine configured to apply a thrust F0 to one end of a cartridge in order to provide a starting configuration for a cartridge to which separated chambers containing components of a multi-component material are connected so that the components can come into contact with each other.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a casing for housing a vibrating mixer and, optionally, a starting machine.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a lid that can be moved to a closed position, which preferably cooperates with the casing to form housings for a vibrating mixer and optionally a starter machine.

[0014] Another subject of the present invention is a system comprising the apparatus described above and a cartridge which is a cartridge for dispensing material, A sleeve having a longitudinal axis and including a distal wall with a discharge hole, A barrel defining a chamber configured to receive material, comprising a proximal open end and a fractureable distal wall at its distal end, wherein the distal wall of the barrel is configured to move within the sleeve along its longitudinal axis between a first position at a certain distance from the distal wall of the sleeve and a second position where the sealed portion of the distal wall of the barrel contacts the inner surface of the distal wall of the sleeve, A piston configured to seal the chamber of a barrel, the piston comprising a plate configured to move and engage in a sealed manner with the chamber of the barrel, Equipped with, The sleeve is equipped with an internal puncture element near the discharge hole, and the puncture element is configured to break the distal wall of the barrel when the barrel moves from a first position to a second position, and The system refers to a sleeve containing an annular cavity around the puncture element, the annular cavity being circumferentially bounded by a complementary oblique inner surface to the corresponding oblique outer surface of the barrel.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the present invention is a system comprising an apparatus and a cartridge for dispensing a material, wherein the cartridge contains a multi-component material stored in at least two separate chambers within the cartridge, and the cartridge is A sleeve having a longitudinal axis and including a distal wall with a discharge hole, A barrel defining a chamber configured to receive material, comprising a proximal open end and a fractureable distal wall at its distal end, wherein the distal wall of the barrel is configured to move within the sleeve along its longitudinal axis between a first position at a distance e1 from the distal wall of the sleeve and a second position where the sealed portion of the distal wall of the barrel contacts the inner surface of the distal wall of the sleeve, A piston configured to seal the chamber of the barrel, the piston comprising a plate configured to move and engage in a sealed manner with the chamber of the barrel, Equipped with, The sleeve is equipped with an internal puncture element near the discharge hole, and the puncture element is configured to break the distal wall of the barrel when the barrel moves from a first position to a second position, and The system refers to a sleeve containing an annular cavity around the puncture element, the annular cavity being circumferentially bounded by a complementary oblique inner surface to the corresponding oblique outer surface of the barrel.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the system consists of the vibrating mixer and cartridge defined above. According to one embodiment, the system consists of the starting machine and cartridge defined above. According to one embodiment, the system consists of the vibrating mixer, starting machine and cartridge defined above.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the piston of the cartridge includes a combination of a container and a plunger. The container defines a chamber and includes a proximal open end and an openable distal wall. The plunger is movable within the chamber of the container and includes a distal rod configured to apply pressure to the openable distal wall.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the container of the cartridge includes at least one inner radial feature configured to cooperate with at least one outer radial feature of the plunger to maintain the plunger at a distance from the openable distal wall of the container in the storage configuration of the cartridge. The cooperation between the inner radial feature and the outer radial feature of the plunger is releasable preferably under the influence of a thrust force applied by the activation machine of the device at the proximal end of the plunger.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the barrel of the cartridge further includes two completely opposing tabs near its proximal end. Each tab is configured to be received in a corresponding housing defined by a locking wing of the sleeve disposed near the proximal end to lock the barrel in a first position relative to the sleeve.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is a cartridge holder in a device comprising the vibration mixer described above or in the system described above. The cartridge holder is configured to receive and lock only one end of the cartridge and to maintain the longitudinal axis of the cartridge on the cartridge holder in a vertical position.

[0021] Another object of the present invention is a cartridge holder for a device comprising the vibration mixer described above, where the cartridge holder is configured to receive and lock only one end of the cartridge and to maintain the longitudinal axis of the cartridge on the cartridge holder in a vertical position.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the cartridge holding platform cooperates with the base of the cartridge and is configured to cooperate with the base of the cartridge, preferably having two opposing protrusions, and more preferably the two opposing protrusions of the cartridge are two locking wings of the sleeve of the cartridge.

[0023] Another object of the present invention is the use of the device or the system defined above in the medical field, preferably in the dental or orthopedic field, more preferably in dental restoration.

[0024] Another object of the present invention is the use of the system defined above for mixing multi-component materials stored in a cartridge in the medical field, said use comprising: · Locking only one end of the cartridge onto the cartridge holder of the device defined above; · Performing a vibration process to mix the multi-component materials stored in the cartridge. comprises.

[0025] The features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments of the device according to the present invention, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0026] [Figure 1] A perspective side view of a device according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the device comprising a vibration mixer and an activation machine onto which a cartridge is locked. [Figure 2A] A perspective side view of the cartridge holder of FIG. 1. [Figure 2B] A cross-sectional view of the cartridge holding platform of the cartridge holder of FIG. 2A along axis AA. [Figure 2C] A cross-sectional view of the cartridge holding platform of the cartridge holder of FIG. 2A along axis AA. [Figure 3]This is an exploded perspective view of a cartridge suitable for use in the apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and suitable for mixing and dispensing a two-component material containing a powder component and a liquid component. [Figure 4] Figure 3 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the cartridge in its initial storage configuration. [Figure 5] This is a longitudinal cross-section similar to that in Figure 4 for the first startup configuration of the cartridge. [Figure 6] This is a longitudinal cross-section similar to that in Figure 4, in the second startup configuration of the cartridge. [Figure 7] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the vibrating mixer of the apparatus. [Figure 8] Figure 7 is a perspective side view of the vibrating mixer. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the startup machine for the device shown in Figure 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0027] device 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective side view of apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising both a starting machine 3 for cartridge 6 and a vibrating mixer 2 for cartridge 6. According to this first embodiment, cartridge 6 cooperating with apparatus 1 of the present invention is a cartridge suitable for mixing and dispensing a binary material including powder and liquid components, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Figure 1 shows cartridge 6 in the starting process (for example, locked in the starting machine 3), but in a subsequent process, cartridge 6 is released from the starting machine and locked onto the cartridge holder 21 of the vibrating mixer 2 by either an operator or an automated system to carry out the mixing process.

[0028] Startup Machine 3 As shown in Figures 1 and 9, the starting machine 3 according to the first embodiment includes a lever 31 configured to cooperate with means 322 for applying thrust F0 to the end of a cartridge 6 that is received and locked on a starting platform 32 so that the cartridge 6 reaches a starting configuration (described herein and shown in Figures 5 and 6). According to this embodiment, the means 322 for applying thrust F0 is located below the starting platform 32 and is aligned with the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the cartridge 6 locked on the starting platform 32. In Figure 1, the surface of the starting platform 32 is oriented horizontally, but according to another embodiment, the surface of the starting platform 32 may be oriented vertically. Advantageously, the horizontal position of the starting platform 32 is more ergonomic for the operator handling the cartridge 6. According to one embodiment, the means 322 for applying thrust F0 to the cartridge 6 includes a starting piston 3221 (shown in Figure 9). When the lever 31 is lowered, a mechanical force is transmitted to the piston 3221 so that it moves slidably and applies thrust F0 to the base of the cartridge 6 locked on the starting platform 32. According to one embodiment, the lever 31 may be replaced with any other means suitable for transmitting force to the piston 3221 to apply thrust F0 to the base of the cartridge 6 locked on the starting platform 32. According to one embodiment, the starting piston 3221 is suitable for sliding within the cartridge 6. As shown in Figure 1, the cartridge 6 is locked on the starting platform 32 by only one of its ends. In particular, the base of the cartridge 6 is firmly held on the starting platform 32 thanks to the presence of two projections 321 cooperating with two opposing locking vanes 77 of the cartridge 6 shown in Figure 4. According to one embodiment, the number and shape of the projections on the starting platform 32 can be adequately adapted by those skilled in the art, taking into account the shape of the ends of the cartridge 6, and in particular the shape of the base of the cartridge 6, in order to firmly hold the cartridge 6 on the starting platform 32.In this invention, the projections on the startup platform 32 ensure good positioning of the cartridge 6 on the startup machine 3 and also ensure safety during the startup process of the cartridge 6 by allowing both the cartridge 6 to be locked onto the startup machine and the cartridge 6 to be removed after startup is complete.

[0029] Vibration Mixer 2 As shown in Figure 1, the vibrating mixer 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a cartridge holder 21 and a driving means 22 for the cartridge holder. In particular, the cartridge holder 21 shown in Figures 1 and 2 comprises a cartridge holding platform 211 suitable for receiving and locking only one end of a cartridge 6, preferably the base of the cartridge 6, and an arm 212 configured to connect the cartridge holder platform 211 to the driving means 22 for the cartridge holder. According to one embodiment, the length of the arm 212 is in the range of 30 mm to 60 mm, preferably 40 mm to 55 mm, and more preferably 52.5 mm. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the cartridge holding platform 21 has a circular shape and is adapted to the dimensions of the base of the cartridge 6. However, the cartridge holding platform 21 may have any suitable shape and dimensions suitable for receiving and locking one end of the cartridge 6 and enabling the vibrating process of the cartridge 6 by the vibrating mixer 2.

[0030] In particular, the base of the cartridge 6 is firmly held on the cartridge holding platform 211 thanks to the presence of two projections 2111 that cooperate with the two opposing locking vanes 77 of the cartridge 6 shown in Figure 4. According to one embodiment, the number and shape of the projections on the cartridge holding platform 211 can be adequately adapted by those skilled in the art, taking into account the shape of the ends of the cartridge 6, and especially the shape of the base of the cartridge 6, in order to firmly hold the cartridge 6 on the cartridge holding platform 211. In this invention, the projections on the cartridge holding platform 211 allow for both locking the cartridge 6 onto the cartridge holder 21 of the vibrating mixer 2 and removing the cartridge 6 after the vibrating process is completed, in order to ensure good positioning of the cartridge 6 in the vibrating mixer 2 and to ensure safety during the vibrating process (when mixing of components contained in the activated cartridge 6 occurs). According to one embodiment, the projections 2111 of the cartridge holder 21 and the projections 321 of the activation platform 32 are identical or configured to cooperate with the projections 77 of the cartridge 6.

[0031] The cartridge holding platform 211 may also further include secondary means for adequately positioning and receiving the cartridge 6. As shown in Figure 2B, the cartridge holding platform 211 includes a flat shaft 2112 in its internal volume corresponding to one diameter of the cartridge holding platform 211. The middle of the flat shaft 2112 includes a projection 2113 configured to cooperate with the plunger 10 of the cartridge. According to one embodiment, the projection 2113 is conical in shape. According to one embodiment, the shape and dimensions of the projection 2113 are configured to be received by the internal volume of the plunger 10 of the cartridge 6.

[0032] The cartridge holding platform 211 may also further include secondary means for securely locking the cartridge 6 onto the cartridge holder 21. In particular, the cartridge holding platform 211 may include one or more blocking elements 2114, as shown in Figure 2C, which may be blocking balls or blocking pins. In such cases, the cartridge holding platform 211 includes a housing 2115 for the blocking elements 2114. The blocking elements 2114 can move within and partially outside the housing 2115. The blocking elements 2114 can move between two positions, namely (i) an extended position and (ii) a retracted position. In the extended position, the blocking elements 2114 are partially held outside the housing 2115 by suitable means such as a spring. In the retracted position, the blocking elements 2114 are held within the housing 2115. When no cartridge is present, the blocking elements 2114 are in the extended position. When cartridge 6 is locked, the projection 77 of cartridge 6 applies pressure to the blocking element 2114, causing the projection 77 to retract until it is fully engaged with the projection 2111 of cartridge holder 21. Subsequently, the projection 77 is fully engaged with the projection 2111, and the blocking element 2114 returns to its extended position, thereby blocking the projection 77.

[0033] The drive means 22 for the cartridge holder 21 is configured to generate mechanical vibration (i.e., vibration) of the cartridge holder 21. In particular, as shown in Figure 7, the drive means 22 comprises a plate 220 on which a motor 221 connected to an axial support 222 is located, and the axial support 222 is configured to receive a vibrating shaft 223. As shown in Figure 1, the cartridge holder 21 is connected to the drive means 22 by a ring 213. In particular, the ring 213 of the cartridge holder 21 is configured to receive one end of the vibrating shaft 223 of the axial support 222, and the vibrating shaft 223 is located within the axial support 222, with the other end of the vibrating shaft 223, which is not connected to the ring 213, intersecting the plate 220 and engaged within a pulley system 224. As shown in Figure 8, the motor 221 and the vibrating shaft 223 cooperate with each other, thanks to a pulley system 224 located beneath the plate 220, so that when the motor 221 is moving, the pulley of the motor 221 moves the pulley of the vibrating shaft 223, causing the vibrating shaft 223 to vibrate. In this way, the cartridge holder 21 vibrates. Advantageously, when the vibrating process is performed by the vibrating mixer of the present invention, the vibrating motion of the cartridge holder 21 provides a slight tightening of the cartridge 6 to the cartridge holding platform 211, so that the cartridge 6 cannot be disengaged during the vibrating process. In this way, the vibrating mixer is safer for the operator.

[0034] The vibratory mixer 2 may further include means for limiting the noise and / or translational motion of the device on the workbench on which it is located during use. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the plate 220 is placed on the support 230 such that the plate 220 is lifted from the support 230, on which the motor 221, the shaft support 222, and the vibratory shaft 223 connected to the cartridge holder 221 are located. As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the four corners of the plate 220 are connected to the support 230 by mounting means having vibration damping properties. According to one embodiment shown in Figures 7 and 8, the mounting means having vibration damping properties includes a combination of a socket head bolt 231, a nut 232, at least one silent block 233, 235 and at least one spring 234. According to one embodiment, each corner of the plate 220 is sandwiched between two silent blocks 233a, 233b and / or 235a, 235b. Advantageously, the configuration of the mounting means to the plate 220 and support 230 shown in Figures 7 and 8 significantly reduces vibration noise and prevents the device from moving over the work area while the vibrating mixer is in use.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the mechanical vibration motion of the cartridge holder 21 is vertical vibration motion. According to one embodiment, the mechanical vibration motion of the cartridge holder 21 is along the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the cartridge 6. According to one embodiment, the mechanical vibration motion of the cartridge holder 21 is figure-eight vibration.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the vibrating mixer provides a mixing speed in the range of 8000 rpm to 12000 rpm. According to one embodiment, the vibrating mixer 2 vibrates the cartridge 6 during a mixing time in the range of 1 second to 60 seconds, preferably 5 seconds to 30 seconds. Advantageously, the use of the vibrating mixer of the present invention at a mixing speed in the range of 8000 rpm to 12000 rpm and a mixing time in the range of 1 second to 60 seconds results in a homogeneous mixing of the components contained in the cartridge.

[0037] Casing + Lid The apparatus 1 of the present invention may also include a casing (not shown) having a lid that can be moved to a closed position to form a housing for a cartridge 6 held by a cartridge holder 21 of the vibrating mixer 2, in cooperation with the casing. According to one embodiment, the casing in cooperation with the movable lid forms a housing for the vibrating mixer 2 and / or the starting machine 3 of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the lid is transparent, allowing the operator to observe the vibrating process. According to one embodiment, the casing includes a switch configured to drive the execution of the vibrating process. According to one embodiment, when pressed, the switch performs a vibrating process of the cartridge holder 21 for a predetermined period of time, preferably in the range of 1 to 60 seconds, more preferably 30 seconds.

[0038] cartridge In the present invention, the cartridge may be any cartridge suitable for the starting machine 3 and / or vibrating mixer 2 of the present invention. In particular, the cartridge may contain any suitable material that can be mixed by the vibrating mixer 2 of the present invention, preferably the material being a medical composition such as bone graft material or dental material. According to one embodiment, the cartridge may be a medical cartridge such as a dental cartridge. According to one embodiment, the cartridge described in WO2021 / 013752 (International Publication No. 2021 / 013752) is particularly suitable for use with the apparatus 1 of the present invention, in particular for use with the vibrating mixer 2 and / or starting machine 3 of the present invention. According to one embodiment, the cartridge 6 has no freely movable elements (e.g., steel balls or strikers) in its internal volume, preferably for mixing the multi-components contained in the cartridge during the vibrating process. According to one embodiment, the cartridge 6 has no freely movable elements in its internal volume that are independent of the components of the cartridge (e.g., steel balls) for mixing the multi-components contained in the cartridge, preferably during the vibrating process.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of a cartridge 6 suitable for both mixing and dispensing a two-component dental restorative material containing powder and liquid components, and suitable for use with the apparatus according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 3, the cartridge 6 comprises a continuous tubular member having a circular cross-section, configured such that one is inserted into the other while they are aligned along their longitudinal axis X-X'. In this embodiment, the tubular member of the cartridge 6 includes an outer sleeve 7, a barrel 8, a liquid container 9, and a plunger 10, extending from the outermost element to the innermost element.

[0040] The sleeve 7 comprises a body 71 including a proximal open end 711 and a distal end 712 defined by the distal wall 72 of the sleeve. A discharge hole 73 is provided in the distal wall 72, from which a tubular discharge nozzle 70, formed from the body 71 of the sleeve and a single component, extends. The thickness t of the peripheral wall 70a of the discharge nozzle 70. 70 The diameter decreases from the discharge hole 73 toward the free end 70b of the discharge nozzle. Thanks to this particular geometric shape combined with the constituent material of the discharge nozzle 70, which is a transparent polymer, preferably in this example a transparent amorphous copolyester, the discharge nozzle 70 can maintain a constant inner diameter even when bent, while being deformable. In this way, the discharge nozzle 70 has a constant diameter for dispensing material while being operable.

[0041] The distal wall 72 of the sleeve 7 is equipped with an internal puncture element 79 aligned with a discharge hole 73, which is intended to break the destructible distal wall 89 of the barrel 8. The puncture element 79 is a tubular element that protrudes inward from the distal wall 72 of the sleeve to maintain fluid communication with the discharge hole 73. Thanks to this arrangement, when the distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 is broken, the tubular puncture element 79 forms a specially permitted passage that guides the material contained in the barrel 8 directly to the discharge hole 73, thereby limiting the loss of material in the space between the barrel 8 and the sleeve 7.

[0042] Inner diameter d of puncture element 79 79 The diameter d of the discharge hole 73 73It is slightly larger than the puncture element 79. Thus, the opening formed in the distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 under the operation of the puncture element 79 is of a suitable size to ensure proper flow of the discharged material. Around the puncture element 79, the sleeve 7 includes an annular (i.e., ring-shaped) cavity 74 whose bottom is formed by the inner surface of the distal wall 72, the central wall of the ring being formed by the circumferential wall of the tubular puncture element 79, and the outer wall of the ring being formed by an oblique inner surface complementary to the corresponding oblique outer surface 88 of the barrel 8. The complementary oblique surface is designed to provide an efficient seal at the interface between the sleeve 7 and the barrel 8 adjacent to the puncture element 79 and the discharge hole 73 in order to restrict the passage of material in the space between the barrel 8 and the sleeve 7.

[0043] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the barrel 8 of the cartridge 6 includes a proximal open end 81 and a distal end 82 defined by a destructible distal wall 89. The barrel 8 defines the boundary of a chamber 85 configured to receive the powder component of a two-component dental restorative material. The constituent material of the barrel 8 is 0.5 g / m² at 23°C and 85% RH for a 100 μm film thickness, in order to maintain a constant humidity level within the chamber 85, which is suitable for protecting the moisture-sensitive powder component. 2 It is selected to have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of less than 0.4 g / m² at 23°C and 85% RH for a film thickness of 100 μm. 2 It is made of a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) having WVTR of size / ( / day). According to another embodiment, the constituent material of barrel 8 is 0.5 g / (m²) at 23°C and 85% RH for a film thickness of 100 μm. 2 Selected to have a water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of more than [number] days.

[0044] The distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 includes a centrally breakable portion surrounded by a sealing portion configured to cooperate with the inner surface of the distal wall 72 of the sleeve. Advantageously, the ratio of the surface area of ​​the breakable portion to the surface area of ​​the sealing portion is such that the bearing surface of the sealing portion is thin enough to limit the contact area, while the fin-like portion of the breakable portion that is open after release does not completely obstruct the discharge hole 73 of the sleeve. In this way, the sealing is more easily achieved by the distal wall 72 of the sleeve, maximizing contact pressure and ensuring sealing during material discharge. This configuration ensures proper flow of the discharged material while limiting material loss.

[0045] Furthermore, the diameter of the destructible portion and the puncture element 79 is adjusted to maximize the destructive efficiency of the puncture element 79. For example, in the illustrated example, the diameter d of the puncture element 79 is 79 The diameter of the destructible portion is half the size of the diameter d. The destructible portion contains six weakening lines that are distributed radially in a star shape, starting from the center of the distal wall 89. Each weakening line is the remaining thickness t of the distal wall 89. 89 It has a thickness t that is thinner than [the core of the star]. This core of the star allows for stress concentration so that the fracture begins at the center of the star.

[0046] This arrangement of weakening lines is configured to guide the deformation of the distal wall 89 of the barrel in a corolla shape, directed away from the discharge nozzle 70 when subjected to the action of the puncture element 79. The actual fracture of the distal wall 89 is achieved by the displacement of the barrel 8 within the sleeve 7 along the longitudinal axis X-X' between a first position shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, where the distal wall 89 of the barrel is at a distance e1 from the distal wall 72 of the sleeve, and a second position (not shown) where the sealing portion of the distal wall 89 of the barrel is in contact with the inner surface of the distal wall 72 of the sleeve, and complementary oblique surfaces cooperate to thus provide a seal between the sleeve 7 and the barrel 8.

[0047] The barrel 8 also includes two fully opposing tabs 88 near its proximal end 81. Each tab 88 is configured to be received within a corresponding housing 778, defined by locking wings 77 of the sleeve 7 positioned near its proximal end 711 to lock the barrel 8 in a first position relative to the sleeve 7. This locking configuration of the cartridge 6 ensures that the distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 remains at a distance e1 from the distal wall 72 of the sleeve, allowing the cartridge 6 to be operated without any risk of the distal wall 89 being punctured by the puncture element 79, thereby enabling a mixing process to be performed before the dispensing process.

[0048] Furthermore, the barrel 8 is equipped with an outer radial collar 86 configured to cooperate with an inner radial recess 756 formed by six clamping members 75 distributed circumferentially inside the body 71 of the sleeve 7. The cooperation between the outer radial collar 86 and the inner radial recess 756 makes it possible to maintain the barrel 8 in a first position relative to the sleeve 7 even if the tab 88 comes off the housing 778, thus ensuring that the cartridge 6 remains in the storage configuration even when the locking system 88 / 778 is not effective.

[0049] In particular, as shown in Figure 6, the body 71 of the sleeve 7 also includes two fully opposing longitudinal grooves 78 near its proximal end 711, configured to guide the displacement of the tab 88 of the barrel 8 when the barrel moves from a first position to a second position. The longitudinal grooves 78 ensure guidance of the barrel 8 near the proximal end 711 in its movement toward the puncture element 79, and another guide is ensured near the distal end 712 by six guide ribs 76 distributed circumferentially inside the body 71 of the sleeve. The guide means 76 and 78 improve the stability of the displacement of the barrel 8 to reach the ejection configuration of the cartridge 6.

[0050] The chamber 85 of the barrel 8 is sealed by a piston formed by the combination of a liquid container 9 and a plunger 10. In this example for description, the container 9 is made of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and the plunger 10 is made of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). The container 9 includes a proximal open end 91 and a distal end 92 defined by an openable distal wall 97. The container 9 defines the boundary of the chamber 95 configured to receive the liquid component of a two-component dental restorative material. The distal wall 97 of the container 9 includes a removable portion 98 attached to the rest of the distal wall by an annular connecting portion 99. The annular connecting portion 99 includes a solid portion extending over an angle α of magnitude 60° and a weakened portion having a thickness t less than the thickness t of the solid portion, in order to form a hinge. This configuration allows the distal wall 97 of the container 9 to be opened by destroying only the weakened portion so that the removable portion 98 flips out of the container 9, while remaining connected to the distal wall 97 of the container 9 via a hinge formed by the solid portion.

[0051] The container 9 is configured to move and engage in a sealed manner with the chamber 85 of the barrel 8. To achieve this purpose, the container 9 is provided with an external perimeter sealing rib 93 configured to prevent the passage of the liquid components contained in the chamber 95 of the container 9 into the space between the barrel 8 and the container 9 when the distal wall 97 of the container is open and the container 9 moves toward the distal wall 89 of the barrel.

[0052] In fact, thanks to a rod 109 extending distally from the distal wall 102 of the plunger 10, an opening in the distal wall 97 of the container 9 is obtained. More specifically, the chamber 95 of the container 9 is sealed by a plunger 10 which is movable within the chamber 95 and whose distal rod 109 is configured to apply pressure to a removable portion 98 of the distal wall 97 of the container. Before the opening of the distal wall 97, the powder component is received in a sealed chamber 85 of the barrel 8, and the liquid component is received in a sealed chamber 95 of the container 9. The openable distal wall 97 of the container is then opened by applying pressure to the removable portion 98 with the distal rod 109 of the plunger, and by applying vibration to the cartridge 6 in this activation configuration, either manually or with a vibrating mixer, the two components can be easily mixed with each other in a desired amount of time to form a material to be dispensed.

[0053] The container 9 includes two inner perimeter grooves 96, 96' configured to cooperate with two corresponding outer perimeter ribs 106, 106' of the plunger 10 to maintain the plunger 10 at a distance e2 from the openable distal wall 97 of the container 9 in the storage configuration of the cartridge 6. The cooperation of the inner perimeter grooves 96, 46' and the outer perimeter ribs 96, 96' is openable under the influence of a thrust F0 applied, for example, to the proximal end 101 of the plunger 10 by a launching machine. The radial features 96, 106 and 96', 106' cooperating between the container 9 and the plunger 10 make it possible to ensure that the cartridge 6 is in a storage configuration in which the powder and liquid components are separated, with the first component being received in the barrel chamber 85 and the second component being received in the container chamber 95, without the risk of accidental mixing of the two components.

[0054] The barrel 8 also includes an inner circumferential groove 84 near its proximal end 81, which, in cooperation with the outer circumferential rib 94 of the container 9, is configured to maintain the distal wall 97 of the container 9 at a certain distance from the distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 before the piston formed by the combination of the container 9 and the plunger 10 moves toward the distal wall 89 of the barrel for material discharge. The radial features 84, 94 cooperating between the barrel 8 and the container 9 make it possible to have a two-stage transition of the cartridge 6 toward the discharge configuration, which can be obtained, for example, by applying thrust F1 to the proximal end 101 of the plunger 10 by the discharge device.

[0055] More specifically, in the first stage of initiating material discharge, the barrel 8 is displaced relative to the sleeve 7 from a first position to a second position until the distal wall 89 of the barrel contacts the distal wall 72 of the sleeve and is destroyed by the puncture element 79. In this first stage, the radial features 84 and 94 between the barrel 8 and the container 9 are engaged with each other so that the barrel 8, container 9 and plunger 10 move integrally with each other. In the second stage of discharging material through the discharge nozzle, the piston formed by the combination of the container 9 and the plunger 10 is displaced relative to the barrel 8, and in this second stage, the radial features 84 and 94 between the barrel 8 and the container 9 are released from each other.

[0056] method The present invention also refers to a method for mixing components of a multi-component material, preferably a two-component material, contained in a cartridge, preferably a cartridge 6 as defined above (shown in Figures 3, 4, 5, and 6), using an apparatus 1 according to the present invention in cooperation with the cartridge. According to one embodiment, the method for mixing components of a multi-component material contained in a cartridge 6 according to the present invention does not involve any step of delivering the corresponding mixed material filled in the cartridge 6 into a body cavity. According to one embodiment, the method for mixing components of a multi-component material contained in a cartridge 6 according to the present invention is not a method for treating the human body.

[0057] A method for mixing the components of a two-component material stored in a cartridge 6 as defined above, the two-component material comprising a powder component first received in the chamber 85 of barrel 8 and a liquid component first received in the chamber 95 of container 9, is: Preferably, a startup process carried out by the startup machine 3 of the present invention, and • Mixing process preferably carried out by the vibrating mixer 2 of the present invention It includes or consists of.

[0058] In the present invention, the term "startup process" refers to a process that allows components initially contained in at least two separate compartments or chambers to come into contact, preferably without homogeneous mixing of these components. According to one embodiment, during the startup process, the multi-component cartridge 6 is first secured to the startup machine 3 of the present invention, preferably at only one of its ends, more preferably at only its base (or proximal end), and then a thrust F0 is applied to the plunger of the cartridge 6 by operating a lever 31 of the startup machine 3 to apply pressure inside the cartridge 6, thereby rupturing a portion of at least one compartment or chamber inside the cartridge, and thereby bringing the components initially contained in at least two separate compartments or chambers into contact.

[0059] In this invention, the term "mixing process" refers to a process that enables the provision of a homogeneous material obtained by mixing components that are initially housed in at least two separate compartments or chambers and brought into contact with the cartridge 6 after the activation process has been performed. According to one embodiment, the mixing process is carried out by mechanical vibration motion generated by the vibrating mixer 2 and / or cartridge holder 21 on the cartridge 6. According to one embodiment, the mixing process does not require any elements that can move freely within the internal volume of the cartridge 6 to produce a mixture of the multi-components of the cartridge.

[0060] According to one embodiment, the start-up and vibrating processes are performed such that the cartridge 6 is maintained vertically, preferably with its base (or proximal end) locked onto the start-up machine 3 and / or vibrating mixer 2, and its nozzle (or distal end) is not held by any device. According to one embodiment, the cartridge 6 is locked onto the start-up machine 3 and / or vibrating mixer 2 such that its longitudinal axis is maintained vertically. According to one embodiment, the cartridge 6 is not held in a tubular member and / or by a removable cap member during the start-up and / or vibrating processes. According to one embodiment, the cartridge 6 is not tightened into a claw during the start-up and / or vibrating processes.

[0061] In particular, a method for mixing the components of a two-component material stored in a cartridge 6 as defined above, which includes a powder component that is first received into the chamber 85 of barrel 8 and a liquid component that is first received into the chamber 95 of container 9, includes the steps described below.

[0062] Startup process by startup machine 3 Initially, the cartridge 6 is in the storage configuration shown in Figure 4, where the plunger 10 is maintained at a distance e2 from the open distal wall 97 of the container 9 by the cooperation of the inner grooves 96, 96' of the container 9 and the outer ribs 106, 106' of the plunger 10. In this storage configuration, the powder component is sealed into the chamber 85 of the barrel 8, and the liquid component is sealed into the chamber 95 of the container 9.

[0063] Starting from this configuration, the base of the cartridge 6 is placed on the launch platform 32 of the launch machine 3. The operator rotates the cartridge 6 a quarter turn around the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the cartridge so that the assembly, including the barrel 8, container 9, and plunger 10 which will join together when rotated, is rotated relative to the sleeve 7. In this way, the tab 88 of the barrel is inserted into the housing 778 of the locking vane 77 of the sleeve, thus reaching the locking configuration shown in Figure 5, in which the distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 is maintained at a distance e1 from the distal wall 72 of the sleeve 7.

[0064] Next, a thrust F0 is applied to the proximal end 101 of the plunger 10 by the operation of a lever 31 of the starter machine 3, which cooperates with the starter piston 3221, so that the distal rod 109 of the plunger 10 applies pressure to a removable portion 98 of the distal wall 97 of the container 9, thus bringing it to the starter configuration shown in Figure 5. According to one embodiment, the thrust F0 can be applied by any other means known to those skilled in the art, other than the lever.

[0065] Mixing process using vibrating mixer 2 Next, the cartridge 6, which has been activated by the cooperation of the locking fins 77 of the cartridge sleeve 7 and the projections 2111 of the cartridge holding platform 211, is locked onto the cartridge holder 21 of the vibrating mixer 2. Advantageously, in the activation configuration shown in Figure 5, thanks to the cooperation of the tab 88 and the locking fins 77, the cartridge 6 can be vibrated without any risk of the distal wall 89 of the barrel 8 being punctured by the puncture element 79.

[0066] To ensure the safety of the vibrating process for the operator, the lid 5 of the casing 4 surrounding the vibrating mixer 2 is closed. The vibrating process is performed by pressing a switch located on the front of the casing. Advantageously, in this invention, the vibrating process does not require any elements (e.g., steel balls or strikers) in the cartridge or any chamber of the cartridge to mix the multi-components of the cartridge during the vibrating process. According to one embodiment, the expression “vibrating process” means “mixing process.” After a predetermined vibrating time of about 30 seconds, the operator can release the cartridge 6 from the cartridge holder 21. For this purpose, the assembly including the barrel 8, container 9 and plunger 10, which combine when rotated to pull the barrel tab 88 out of the sleeve housing 778, is rotated relative to the sleeve 7 in the direction of arrow R in Figure 5, thus reaching the release configuration shown in Figure 6.

[0067] In this unlocking configuration, in any subsequent step, a thrust F1 may be applied to the proximal end 101 of the plunger 10, for example, by a dispensing device, in order to dispense some or all of the mixed material to a desired position, for example, onto the teeth.

[0068] Use in the medical and dental fields In this invention, a vibrating mixer and / or starting machine that works in cooperation with a cartridge may be used in medical fields such as orthopedics (e.g., bone repair) and / or dentistry.

[0069] According to one embodiment, a vibrating mixer and / or starter machine cooperating with the cartridge may be used to mix multi-component materials that are separately stored in the cartridge, preferably a dental cartridge.

[0070] According to one embodiment, a vibrating mixer and / or starting machine cooperating with a cartridge may be used to provide ready-to-use pre-mixed compositions, particularly in orthopedic and / or dental fields such as bone and / or dental restoration.

[0071] The present invention is not limited to the examples described and illustrated. In particular, materials and shapes other than those described above can be considered for the components of a cartridge for use with the vibrating mixer and / or starting machine according to the present invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus (1) comprising a vibrating mixer (2) configured to mix components stored in a cartridge (6), The cartridge (6) has a longitudinal axis (X-X') and contains a multi-component material housed in at least two separate chambers within the cartridge (6). The vibrating mixer comprises a cartridge holder (21) and a driving means (22) for the cartridge holder (21). The cartridge holder (21) is configured to receive and lock only one end of the cartridge (6), and to maintain the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the cartridge (6) in a vertical position on the cartridge holder (21). The cartridge holder (21) comprises a single arm (212) configured to cooperate with a driving means (22) of the cartridge holder located at one end of the arm (212), and a cartridge holding platform (211) configured to cooperate with one end of the cartridge (6), wherein the cartridge holding platform (211) comprises means for locking one end of the cartridge (6) on the cartridge holding platform (211). The apparatus (1) is configured to cooperate with the base of the cartridge (6) to secure one end of the cartridge (6) on the cartridge holding platform (211).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for locking one end of the cartridge (6) on the cartridge holding platform (211) is configured to cooperate with the base of the cartridge (6) having two opposing protrusions.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the means for locking one end of the cartridge (6) on the cartridge holding platform (211) is configured to cooperate with two opposing protrusions of the cartridge (6), which are two opposing locking wings (77).

4. The apparatus provides a starting configuration for the cartridge in which the separated chambers containing the components of the multicomponent material are connected so that the components of the multicomponent material can come into contact with each other, by providing a thrust F at one end of the cartridge (6). ０ The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a startup machine (3) configured to apply a .

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises a casing (4) for housing the vibrating mixer (2).

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the apparatus (1) further comprises a lid (5) that is movable to a closed position.

7. A system comprising the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 and a cartridge (6) which is a cartridge for dispensing material, wherein the cartridge contains a multi-component material stored in at least two separate chambers within the cartridge, - A sleeve (7) having a longitudinal axis (X-X') and including a distal wall (72) provided with a discharge hole (73), - A barrel (8) defining a chamber (85) configured to receive the material, comprising a proximal open end (81) and a fractureable distal wall (89) at its distal end (82), wherein the distal wall (89) of the barrel (8) is configured to move within the sleeve (7) along the longitudinal axis (X-X') between a first position at a distance (e1) from the distal wall (72) of the sleeve (7) and a second position where the sealed portion of the distal wall (89) of the barrel (8) contacts the inner surface of the distal wall (72) of the sleeve (7), - A piston (9) configured to seal the chamber (85) of the barrel (8), wherein the piston (9) includes a plate (97) configured to move and engage in a sealed manner with the chamber (85) of the barrel (8), Equipped with, - The sleeve (7) is provided with an internal puncture element (79) near the discharge hole (73), and the puncture element (79) is configured to break the distal wall (89) of the barrel (8) when the barrel (8) moves from the first position to the second position, and The system comprises a sleeve (7) including an annular cavity (74) around the puncture element (79), the annular cavity (74) being circumferentially bounded by an oblique inner surface complementary to the corresponding oblique outer surface of the barrel (8).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the piston (9) of the cartridge (6) includes a combination of a container (9) and a plunger (10), the container (9) defining a chamber (95) and including a proximal open end (91) and an openable distal wall (97), and the plunger (10) is movable within the chamber (95) of the container (9) and comprises a distal rod (109) configured to apply pressure to the openable distal wall (97).

9. The container (9) of the cartridge (6) is provided with at least one inner radial feature (96, 96') configured to cooperate with at least one outer radial feature (106, 106') of the plunger (10) to maintain the plunger (10) at a distance (e2) from the openable distal wall (97) of the container (9) in the storage configuration of the cartridge (6), wherein the cooperation between the inner radial feature (96, 96') and the outer radial feature (106, 106') of the plunger (10) is controlled by the applied thrust (F ０ The system according to claim 8, which is releasable under the influence of ).

10. The system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the barrel (8) of the cartridge (6) further comprises two fully opposing tabs (88) near its proximal end (81), each tab (88) being configured to be received in a corresponding housing (778) defined by a locking vane (77) of the sleeve (7) located near its proximal end (711) to lock the barrel (8) in the first position relative to the sleeve (7).

11. A cartridge holder (21) for a device comprising a vibrating mixer according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the cartridge holder (21) is configured to receive and lock only one end of the cartridge (6), and is configured to maintain the longitudinal axis (X-X') of the cartridge (6) in a vertical position on the cartridge holder (21).

12. The cartridge holder (21) according to claim 11, wherein the cartridge holding platform (211) is configured to cooperate with the base of the cartridge (6).

13. Use of the system according to any one of claims 7 to 10 for mixing the multi-component material stored in the cartridge (6) in the medical field, wherein the use is - A step of locking only one end (6) of the cartridge onto the cartridge holder (21) with the device (1) described in any one of claims 1 to 6, - A vibration process is performed to mix the multi-component material stored in the cartridge (6), Equipped with, for use.

14. The use according to claim 13 in the field of dentistry or orthopedic surgery.

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