Pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition

Abstract

The invention relates to a pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, the dispenser comprising a reservoir A for storing a chemical composition, a piston moveably located in reservoir A, a reservoir 5 C for storing a hydraulic fluid, reservoir C comprising a check valve, a hydraulic pumping means with a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, the hydraulic pumping means being suitable for pumping the hydraulic fluid from reservoir C through the check valve to exert pressure on the piston.

Description

[0001] PA200126W002

[0002] PEN-SHAPED DISPENSER FOR A CHEMICAL COMPOSITION

[0003] Field of the Invention

[0004] The invention relates to a pen-shaped dispenser for storing and dispensing a chemical composition. The dispenser comprising a hydraulic pumping means with a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, the hydraulic pumping means being suitable for pumping a hydraulic fluid from a reservoir through a check valve to exert pressure on a piston for advancing the chemical composition to be dispensed.

[0005] Background

[0006] Chemical compositions can be stored in many different ways.

[0007] One way is to store them in a dispenser. Various dispensers are known to the practitioner.

[0008] US 7,217,054 B2 (Noguchi) describes a side knock type feeding mechanism for feeding an object to be fed inside a body by side knock.

[0009] WO 2023 / 180467 Al (medmix) relates to a multi-use pen-shaped dispenser for dispensing in particular IK dental materials. The dispenser comprises a main body forming a part of a housing and a dispense mechanism, which comprises a piston rod axially movable in direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the main body.

[0010] WO 2012 / 140161 Al (Erich Pfeiffer) describes a dispenser for a cosmetic composition. The dispenser is working with a pump section with two check valves and a cartridge with a piston. By pressing on the pump section material is dispensed. The release of the pump section is sucking fluid out of the cartridge. The pressure difference to the ambient pressure is pushing the piston.

[0011] US 2,774,095 (Berg) refers to an apparatus for treating hair with liquids in which a cylinder is arranged serving as a liquid container and a plunger or piston displaceable in this container.

[0012] Summary of Invention

[0013] Many of the dispensers described in the art have the disadvantage that many mechanical parts are required for functioning.

[0014] Further, often a piston is required for tightly sealing a composition to be dispensed but this piston also needs to glide easily in the cartridge or reservoir used for storing the composition. These are contrary requirements.

[0015] As a result, these systems can fail to function due to stick slip effects of the piston or may not achieve sufficient shelf live stability for the composition.

[0016] This problem is often increasing with smaller diameters since the force resulting from the differential pressure is decreasing with the power of two, whereas the friction of the piston is decreasing linear.The design of check valves suggested in the prior art and used for dosing a composition is also sometimes not fully satisfying.

[0017] Those have to be adapted to different viscosities of the composition to be dispensed. At higher viscosities the self-closing force has to be high enough to displace the composition to prevent backflow of the composition into the cartridge of the dispenser when the dispensing mechanism is activated.

[0018] Thus, there is a need for a dispenser which addresses one or more of these problems.

[0019] In particular, there is a need for a dispenser which is easy to assemble and has only a low number of mechanical parts.

[0020] Further, the dispenser should be easy to operate and allow for a precise application of even small volumes of materials.

[0021] Ideally, the dispenser should also allow for using pistons which have better sealing properties compared to existing ones.

[0022] One or more of the above-mentioned objects are addressed by the invention described in the present text and claims.

[0023] In one embodiment the present invention features a pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, the dispenser comprising

[0024] a reservoir A for storing a chemical composition to be dispensed,

[0025] a piston moveably located in reservoir A,

[0026] a reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid,

[0027] reservoir C comprising a check valve being in contact with the hydraulic fluid, if present, a hydraulic pumping means with a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, the hydraulic pumping means being suitable for pumping the hydraulic fluid, if present, from reservoir C through the check valve to exert pressure on the piston.

[0028] The invention also relates to a process of dispensing a chemical composition to a surface, the method comprising the steps of providing the pen-shaped dispenser described in the present text and claims, the dispenser containing a chemical composition, dispensing a portion of the chemical composition contained in the pen-shaped dispenser to a surface by operating the hydraulic pumping means, and optionally applying radiation to the dispensed chemical composition.

[0029] The invention is further directed to kit of parts comprising at least one pen-shaped dispenser described in the present text and claims, the pen-shaped dispenser comprising a dental composition and any of the following items alone or in combination: a dental curing light, a dental adhesive, a dental composite filling composition.Definitions

[0030] Unless defined differently, for this description the following terms shall have the given meaning: “Proximal” means a part of a body or article that is closer to the practitioner during use. For a syringe assembly, the rear end receiving the plunger or piston is the proximal end of the syringe assembly. The proximal end of a pen-shaped dispenser is opposite to the distal end where the dispensing section or dispensing nozzle is located.

[0031] “Distal” means the opposite of proximal. For a syringe assembly, the front or dispensing end is the distal end of the syringe assembly.

[0032] “Ambient conditions” mean the conditions which the composition described in the present text is usually subjected to during storage and handling. Ambient conditions may, for example, be a pressure of 900 to 1,100 mbar, a temperature of 10 to 40 °C and a relative humidity of 10 to 100 %. In the laboratory ambient conditions are typically adjusted to 20 to 25 °C and 1,000 to 1,025 mbar (at maritime level).

[0033] As used herein, “a”, “an”, “the”, “at least one” and “one or more” are used interchangeably. Also herein, the recitations of numerical ranges by endpoints include all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, 5, etc.).

[0034] Adding an “(s)” to a term means that the term should include the singular and plural form. E.g. the term “additive(s)” means one additive and more additives (e.g. 2, 3, 4, etc.).

[0035] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, measurement of physical properties such as described below and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”.

[0036] The terms “comprise” or “contain” and variations thereof do not have a limiting meaning where these terms appear in the description and claims. “Consisting essentially of’ means that specific further components can be present, namely those which do not materially affect the essential characteristic of the article or composition. “Consisting of’ means that no further components should be present. The term “comprise” shall include also the terms “consist essentially of’ and “consists of’.

[0037] A composition is “essentially or substantially free of’ a certain component, if the composition does not contain said component as an essential feature. Thus, said component is not wilfully added to the composition either as such or in combination with other components or ingredient of other components. A composition being essentially free of a certain component usually does not contain that component at all. However, sometimes the presence of a small amount of the said component is not avoidable e.g. due to impurities contained in the raw materials used.

[0038] Brief Description of Figures

[0039] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the pen-shaped dispenser described in the present text.Fig. 2 shows a cross-section of an embodiment of the pen-shaped dispenser described in the present text.

[0040] Fig. 3 shows a further perspective view of a further embodiment of the pen-shaped dispenser described in the present text.

[0041] Fig. 4 shows a yet further cross-section of a further embodiment of the pen-shaped dispenser described in the present text.

[0042] Detailed Description

[0043] The dispenser described in the present text provides a couple of advantageous features.

[0044] The dispenser contains only a few mechanical parts and is easy to assemble.

[0045] As there are only few mechanical parts, the dispenser is more robust during use.

[0046] The dispenser allows the precise dispensing of small amounts or volumes of the chemical composition stored therein.

[0047] Due to the slim shape of the dispenser, a precise dispensing and dosing of the chemical composition is also possible in areas which are more difficult to reach, e.g. in the oral cavity of a patient.

[0048] The dispenser also provides a so-called direct-dosing-feedback. The amount of chemical composition to be dispensed is directly correlated with the displacement volume of the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means.

[0049] The dispenser can be operated without electricity.

[0050] The chemical composition can be easily dispensed by simply pressing the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means with one finger of one hand of the practitioner. That is, the pen-shaped dispenser is for use with only one hand. There is no need for holding the dispenser with the other hand of the practitioner.

[0051] Even, if not intended to be refillable, the dispenser is designed for multiple use as long as chemical composition to be dispensed is available.

[0052] The composition to be dispensed does not have to flow through a check valve. The check valve(s) present are for regulating the flow of the hydraulic fluid, but not for the composition. Thus, the dispenser can be used for storing and dispensing a wide variety of compositions with different viscosities.

[0053] The viscosity of the chemical composition to be dispensed is only limited by the force the user can apply to the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means and not by the ability of the check valve to close against the viscosity of the composition.

[0054] The piston contained in reservoir A of the dispenser is pressed by a hydraulic fluid. This allows for exerting high pressure on the piston and to overcome piston friction and correspondingly allows for using a piston with better sealing properties.Therefore, the risk of a so-called stick-slip-effect is reduced and aging stability of the chemical composition stored in the dispenser is not compromised by a reduced piston seal.

[0055] Further, the chemical composition waste is reduced since no chemical composition is located or pumped to the section or area to which the hydraulic pumping means is connected.

[0056] Aging stability is not at risk since the same materials and seals as in existing syringes can be used. As the chemical composition can be dispensed more easily, the overall treatment time can be reduced which typically results also in reduced treatment costs for the patient and practitioner.

[0057] Further, as the volume of reservoir C which comprises the hydraulic fluid and the volume of reservoir A which comprises the chemical composition to be dispensed are similar, the dispenser is well-balanced with respect to its weight during use.

[0058] The invention relates to a pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition.

[0059] The dispenser comprises

[0060] a chemical composition to be dispensed, which is contained in a reservoir A,

[0061] a piston being in contact with the chemical composition,

[0062] a hydraulic fluid contained in a reservoir C,

[0063] a check valve being in contact with the hydraulic fluid,

[0064] a hydraulic pumping means with a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers. Upon actuation, the hydraulic pumping means pumps a portion of the hydraulic fluid from reservoir C through the check valve in direction of the piston to exert pressure on the piston.

[0065] The dispenser is pen-shaped and intended for manual use and to be hand-held.

[0066] Further, the dispenser is also intended to be used under ambient conditions.

[0067] The dispenser described in the present text is not intended to be refilled, but to be disposed once the chemical composition stored therein has been fully dispensed or once the storage life of the chemical composition has expired.

[0068] Overall, the dispenser comprises three different functional sections or areas.

[0069] There is one section or reservoir (A) where the chemical composition to be dispensed is located and which further contains the piston.

[0070] There is a further section or reservoir (B) to which the hydraulic pumping means belongs and to which it is connected.

[0071] There is a further section or reservoir (C) where the hydraulic fluid is stored.

[0072] These sections or reservoirs are connected to each other along a longitudinal axis and are separated from each other by one or more check valves.

[0073] The dispenser may further comprise a housing, which at least partially covers one or more sections or reservoirs of the dispenser, in particular the first section and / or third section.The general working principle of the dispenser can be described as follows:

[0074] Reservoir C has a check valve at the outlet in distal direction.

[0075] This check valve is connected to or in operation with a hydraulic pumping means with a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers.

[0076] The hydraulic pumping means is in conjunction or operation with the chemical composition contained in reservoir A through a piston.

[0077] The hydraulic fluid is touching air free the side or end of the piston that is facing the section comprising the hydraulic pumping means.

[0078] By actuating or compressing the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means, the pressure of the hydraulic fluid increases and forces the piston to move and subsequently dispenses the chemical composition from reservoir A.

[0079] By releasing the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means, the equivalent of the dispensed volume of the chemical composition is sucked out of reservoir C (which contains the hydraulic fluid) into the section or reservoir to which the hydraulic pumping means is connected.

[0080] Reservoir C or the flexible bag contained therein or of which reservoir C is made of is compressed by ambient air pressure.

[0081] If desired, a second check valve (check valve A / B) can be installed at the distal end of the section or reservoir to which the hydraulic pumping means is connected.

[0082] This can be advantageous as it may help to reduce the risk that the piston is pulled back by the suction pressure. However, if the piston friction to the inner surface of reservoir A is high enough, this check valve is not needed.

[0083] The dimensions of the dispenser described in the present text are typically as follows: length in axial direction being in the range of 8 to 20 cm; and / or maximal diameter in radial direction being in the range of 0.5 to 4 cm.

[0084] The dispenser and more particularly the first section of the dispenser comprises a piston.

[0085] The piston typically has a cylindrical shape.

[0086] The piston is moveably located in reservoir A of the dispenser and in contact with the chemical composition to be dispensed.

[0087] The piston is typically made out of a plastic material.

[0088] The piston typically comprises one or more sealing lips.

[0089] The sealing lips are for sealing reservoir A in proximal direction so that during the dispensing process no composition to be dispensed leaks out and that during use the chemical composition to be dispensed is not contaminated by the hydraulic fluid.The dispenser and more particularly the second section of the dispenser comprises a hydraulic pumping means.

[0090] If desired, there might be more than one hydraulic pumping means, e.g. two to four individual hydraulic pumping means.

[0091] If more than one hydraulic pumping means is present, the hydraulic pumping means are preferably arranged symmetrically on the surface of the dispenser.

[0092] Furthermore, it is also possible to use a hydraulic pumping means having the shape of a ring, which surrounds the circumference of the dispenser instead of using one, two or three hydraulic pumping means having the shape of an individual knob.

[0093] This would have the advantage that the holding and pressing position of the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means can freely be chosen by the practitioner.

[0094] The hydraulic pumping means is able to exert negative pressure to enable the check valve, in particular check valve B / C, to open once the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means is released.

[0095] Similarly, the hydraulic pumping means is able to exert positive pressure to enable check valve A / B, if present, to open once the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means is pressed.

[0096] Thus, by operating the hydraulic pumping means either check valve A / B is opened (if present), or check valve B / C is opened.

[0097] By doing so, the hydraulic fluid being contained in reservoir C is pumped from reservoir C through the check valve and thus exerts pressure on the piston being located in reservoir A in contact with the chemical composition.

[0098] The resetting force of the hydraulic pumping means should be sufficiently high to enable the sucking of hydraulic fluid from reservoir C through the check valve B / C.

[0099] The hydraulic pumping means may further comprise a duct. The duct is in fluid communication with reservoir B.

[0100] This allows the placement of the hydraulic pumping means on that surface section or area of the dispenser which is considered most suitable for being actuated by a finger of the practitioner. E.g., the hydraulic pumping means may be located on the surface of reservoir A close to the distal end.

[0101] If there is more than one hydraulic pumping means, there might also be more than one related duct. The number of ducts, if present, is typically correlated with and corresponds to the number of hydraulic pumping means which are present.

[0102] If present, the one or more ducts functionally belong to reservoir B, even if they are located in the outer region of reservoir A.In some embodiments, the dispenser described in the present text comprises at least 2 (or 3 or 4) hydraulic pumping means and / or at least 2 (or 3 or 4) pressing areas, wherein the at least 2 hydraulic pumping means and / or the at least 2 pressing areas are preferably arranged symmetrically on the outer surface of the dispenser.

[0103] Thus, the dispenser may comprise only one hydraulic pumping means but two or more related pressing areas and / or two or more related ducts.

[0104] The hydraulic pumping means comprises a pressing area.

[0105] The pressing area is operated or actuated by pressing it with one or more fingers of the practitioner. For easier handling, the pressing area is usually configmed to be operated by only one finger of the practitioner in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the dispenser.

[0106] The pressing area of the means for pumping may comprise either of the following elements: a flexible knob, a flexible tube, a flexible ring, a spring, a lever.

[0107] The hydraulic pumping means may have a displacement volume in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 ml. Such a small displacement volume will allow for a precise dosing and dispensing of the chemical composition to a surface.

[0108] The displacement volume of the hydraulic pumping means is directly correlated to the amount of chemical composition which can be dispensed.

[0109] The displacement distance of the pushing section is typically in a range of 1 to 20 mm, preferably in a range of 2 to 10 mm.

[0110] This is suitable distance for being actuated by a finger during use of the pen-shaped dispenser. Flexible material which can be used for the flexible knob, flexible tube, or flexible ring include natural rubber, silicone mbber, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) such as thermoplastic polymethane (TPU).

[0111] If a spring or lever is used, it is typically used in combination with a pumping displacement cylinder.

[0112] The pen-shaped dispenser comprises a reservoir A.

[0113] Reservoir A typically has a proximal end and a distal end.

[0114] Reservoir A also has an outer surface and an inner surface.

[0115] The volume of reservoir A typically has a cylindrical shape.

[0116] The length and diameter of reservoir A essentially defines the volume of the dispenser which is available for receiving the chemical composition to be stored in and later dispensed from the dispenser.

[0117] The volume of reservoir A (VA) is typically in a range of 0.1 ml to 100 ml or 0.5 to 50 ml or 1 to 30 ml.

[0118] The compartment is typically tube-shaped.The inner diameter of reservoir A is typically in the range of 2 to 25 mm.

[0119] The outer diameter of reservoir A is typically in the range of 4 to 30 mm.

[0120] The wall-thickness of reservoir A is typically in the range of 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0121] The ratio of length to inner diameter of the compartment is typically in the range of 25 / 1 to 3 / 1. Such a ratio was found to be useful as it provides a good balance between the diameter available for transferring force to the chemical composition during the dispensing process and handling of the dispenser by the practitioner.

[0122] At the distal end of reservoir A there is a dispensing section.

[0123] Reservoir A is for storing or contains the chemical composition to be dispensed.

[0124] Reservoir A contains a piston, which is in contact with the chemical composition, if present.

[0125] The piston is moveably located in reservoir A.

[0126] Reservoir A might be located in a housing or partially surrounded by a housing of the dispenser.

[0127] The pen-shaped dispenser also comprises a reservoir C.

[0128] Reservoir C typically has a proximal end and a distal end.

[0129] Reservoir C also has an outer surface and an inner surface.

[0130] The volume of reservoir C typically has a cylindrical shape.

[0131] The volume of reservoir C (Vc) is typically in a range of 1 to 100 ml, preferably in a range of 2 to 50 ml.

[0132] The volume of reservoir C is typically larger than the volume of reservoir A. This allows for a complete dispensing of the chemical composition from reservoir A, if desired.

[0133] At the distal end of reservoir C there is a check valve, which is named check valve B / C. Check valve B / C opens in distal direction.

[0134] Reservoir C is for storing or contains a hydraulic fluid.

[0135] The hydraulic fluid may be stored in reservoir C directly or may be stored in a separate flexible bag which is contained in reservoir C. Such an embodiment is sometimes called “bag-in-bottle” arrangement. This can be useful, in particular, if the material of which reservoir C is made of is not sufficiently flexible for efficiently allowing the pumping of the hydraulic fluid through the check valve during use of the dispenser.

[0136] The flexible bag, if present, can be made of any kind of suitable material.

[0137] Suitable materials for the foil bag include polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), high density polyethylene (HDPE), or rubber or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE).

[0138] The thickness of the foil of the flexible bag is typically in a range of 10 to 500 pm or 20 to 200 pm. The distal end of reservoir C might be fixed or connected to an interface or a sealing element which is connected or fixed to the proximal end of reservoir B and / or form an integral part of the proximal end of reservoir B.Further, at the distal end reservoir C may comprise a clamping or sealing means for fixing the distal end of reservoir C to the proximal end of reservoir B.

[0139] If desired, reservoir C may further be surrounded by a housing.

[0140] The pen-shaped dispenser may also comprise a reservoir B.

[0141] Reservoir B typically has a proximal end and a distal end.

[0142] Reservoir B also has an outer surface and an inner surface.

[0143] Before starting to use and activating the pen-shaped dispenser for the first time, reservoir B is empty. That is, at that time reservoir B only contains air.

[0144] The volume of reservoir B (VB) is typically in a range of 0.1 to 100 ml, preferably in a range of 0.5 to 50 ml.

[0145] The volume of reservoir B is smaller than the volume of reservoir A and also smaller than the volume of reservoir C.

[0146] The volume or reservoir A and reservoir B is smaller than or equal to the volume of reservoir C. During use, the hydraulic fluid is pumped through check valve B / C from reservoir C into reservoir B.

[0147] At the distal end of reservoir B there might be a clamping or sealing means for fixing the distal end of reservoir B to the proximal end of reservoir A.

[0148] The pen-shaped dispenser comprises at least one checkvalve.

[0149] One check valve (check valve B / C) is located at the distal end of reservoir C and in communication with reservoir B.

[0150] If desired, there might be more than one check valve B / C, e.g. two to six check valves B / C.

[0151] Check valve B / C opens in distal direction.

[0152] If desired, the dispenser may comprise a further check valve (check valve A / B), which is located at the proximal end of reservoir A and in communication with reservoir B.

[0153] If desired, there might be more than one check valve A / B, e.g. two to six check valves A / B.

[0154] Check valve A / B, if present, opens in distal direction.

[0155] Check valves can be characterized by a so-called cracking pressure (CP). This is the pressure needed for opening the check valve.

[0156] The check valves (A / B and B / C) of the dispenser described in the present text typically fulfd the following equations with respect to the cracking pressure: CPA / B = CPB / C, or CP / n > CPB / C- The cracking pressure of check valve B / C is lower than the resetting force of the hydraulic pumping means.

[0157] Examples of check valves which can be used include ball check valves, diaphragm check valves, a swing check valves, umbrella valves, duck bill check valves.Check valve A / B and check valve B / C can independently be selected from either of the above examples but are typically of the same nature.

[0158] Reservoir C of the pen-shaped dispenser is for storing or contains a hydraulic fluid.

[0159] The hydraulic fluid is touching air-free the proximal side of the piston.

[0160] Any kind of hydraulic fluid which is suitable for use in the medical field can be used.

[0161] Ideally, the hydraulic fluid should be non-toxic. Liquids which are frequently used in the food and pharma industry are preferred.

[0162] The hydraulic fluid may be coloured or non-coloured.

[0163] The use of a coloured hydraulic fluid can be preferred as a coloured liquid is better visible to the human eye. This can be helpful for identifying a leakage, if present.

[0164] Preferably the hydraulic fluid is a liquid with a low vapor pressure. This may contribute to improving the aging stability due to low vapor weight loss.

[0165] The viscosity of the hydraulic fluid in reservoir C is usually lower than the viscosity of the chemical composition in reservoir A.

[0166] This may facilitate the pumping of the hydraulic fluid through the check valve B / C and also reduces the sliding friction when advancing the piston.

[0167] Hydraulic fluids which can be used include glycol ethers like ethylene glycol or propylene glycol, mineral oil, or silicone oil.

[0168] If the chemical composition to be dispensed is a medical, pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition, the hydraulic fluid should be non-toxic, e.g. selected from glycol ethers or silicone oil.

[0169] The pen-shaped dispenser is for storing and dispensing a chemical composition.

[0170] The chemical composition to be stored in and dispensed from the dispenser is not particularly limited unless the storage of the chemical composition in or the dispensing of the chemical composition from the dispenser is not possible or realistic.

[0171] The dispensing of a chemical composition with low viscosity is typically easier than the dispensing of a composition with a high viscosity.

[0172] Chemical compositions which can be dispensed from the dispenser may have a viscosity in the range of 1 Pa*s to 20 kPa*s at 23°C, or in the range of 10 Pa*s to 10 kPa*s at 23°C.

[0173] Examples of chemical compositions which can be stored in and dispensed from the dispenser include glue, lubricants, paints, cosmetics, medical and pharmaceutical compositions.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the chemical compositions is a medical or pharmaceutical composition.

[0175] Examples of compositions which can be stored in and dispensed from the dispenser may have the dosage form of a paste, an ointment, lotion, or gel.The medical or pharmaceutical composition may contain one or more medical and / or pharmaceutical active agents or drugs.

[0176] According to another embodiment, the medical composition is a dental composition.

[0177] Examples of dental composition which can be stored in and dispensed from the dispenser include etchants, primers, adhesives, sealants, flowable composites, cements.

[0178] In general a dental composition means a material intended to be used in dental practice.

[0179] Dental compositions are typically used for restoring a dental tooth.

[0180] Dental compositions are typically hardenable compositions, which can be hardened at ambient conditions, including a temperature range of 15 to 50°C or 20 to 40°C within a time frame of 30 min or 20 min or 10 min. Higher temperatures are not recommended as they might cause pain to the patient and may be detrimental to the patient's health. Dental compositions are typically provided to the practitioner in comparable small volumes, that is volumes in the range of 0.1 to 100 ml or 0.5 to 50 ml or 1 to 30 ml.

[0181] A “hardenable or curable or polymerizable component” is any component which can be cured or solidified in the presence of a photo-initiator by radiation-induced polymerization. A hardenable component may contain only one, two, three or more polymerizable groups. Typical examples of polymerizable groups include unsaturated carbon groups, such as a vinyl group being present i.a. in a (methyl)acrylate group.

[0182] As used herein, "hardening" or "curing" a composition are used interchangeably and refer to polymerization and / or crosslinking reactions including, for example, photo-polymerization reactions and chemical-polymerization techniques (e. g., ionic reactions or chemical reactions forming radicals effective to polymerize ethylenically unsaturated compounds) involving one or more materials included in the composition.

[0183] The dispenser described in the present text may also comprise a level indicator.

[0184] The level indicator may comprise a transparent window which is typically located along a portion of the side wall of reservoir A, either on only one side or opposite sides of reservoir A.

[0185] This would enable the practitioner to determine the location of the piston in reservoir A which is correlated with the amount of chemical composition contained in reservoir A.

[0186] However, the level indicator might also be located at a different position or area of the dispenser. In addition, the window might also comprise a scale.

[0187] In one embodiment, reservoir A may comprise a translucent blue light filtering window and optionally an opaque cover.

[0188] If desired, this can be realised by using a two-component moulding injection process providing a tight surface that is easy to clean and that prevents the migration or infiltration of liquid between the inner and the outer geometry of the dispenser.The dispensing section of the dispenser may be tapered and / or comprises a dispensing tip or nozzle. The tapered section, if present, may comprise a conical inner surface.

[0189] The dispensing tip, if present, may be releasably engaged or attached to the dispensing section. Reservoir A and the related dispensing section are typically made out of the same material.

[0190] The dispensing section is typically slightly narrower than the maximal inner diameter of reservoir A. The dispenser may also comprise a cap for protecting the dispensing section of reservoir A.

[0191] Further embodiments of the dispenser are described below:

[0192] Embodiment 1

[0193] A pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, in particular according to any of the embodiments described in the present text, the dispenser comprising

[0194] a first section, the first section comprising

[0195] a reservoir A for storing a chemical composition to be dispensed, reservoir A having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir A comprising

[0196] a dispensing section at the distal end,

[0197] a piston moveably located in reservoir A,

[0198] a check valve A / B located at the proximal end of reservoir A,

[0199] check valve A / B opening in distal direction, and

[0200] a second section, the second section comprising

[0201] a reservoir B, reservoir B having a proximal end and a distal end, and

[0202] hydraulic pumping means,

[0203] the hydraulic pumping means comprising a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, and a third section, the third section comprising

[0204] a reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid, reservoir C having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir C comprising

[0205] a check valve B / C located at the distal end of reservoir C,

[0206] check valve B / C opening in distal direction.

[0207] volumes VN with N = A, B or C of reservoirs A, B and C being characterized as follows:

[0208] VA> VB< Vc and / or VA + VB < Vc.

[0209] Embodiment 2

[0210] A pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, in particular according to any of the embodiments described in the present text, the dispenser comprising

[0211] a first section, the first section comprisinga reservoir A for storing a chemical composition to be dispensed, reservoir A having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir A comprising

[0212] a dispensing section at the distal end,

[0213] a piston moveably located in reservoir A,

[0214] a check valve A / B located at the proximal end of reservoir A,

[0215] check valve A / B opening in distal direction, and

[0216] a second section, the second section comprising

[0217] a reservoir B, reservoir B having a proximal end and a distal end, and

[0218] hydraulic pumping means,

[0219] the hydraulic pumping means comprising a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, and a third section, the third section comprising

[0220] a reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid, reservoir C having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir C comprising

[0221] a check valve B / C located at the distal end of reservoir C,

[0222] check valve B / C opening in distal direction,

[0223] the first, second and third sections being arranged in a longitudinal direction.

[0224] Embodiment 3

[0225] A pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, in particular according to any of the embodiments described in the present text, the dispenser comprising

[0226] a first section, the first section comprising

[0227] a reservoir A for storing a chemical composition to be dispensed, reservoir A having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir A comprising

[0228] a dispensing section at the distal end,

[0229] a piston moveably located in reservoir A,

[0230] a check valve A / B located at the proximal end of reservoir A,

[0231] check valve A / B opening in distal direction, and

[0232] a second section, the second section comprising

[0233] a reservoir B, reservoir B having a proximal end and a distal end, and

[0234] hydraulic pumping means,

[0235] the hydraulic pumping means comprising a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, and a third section, the third section comprising

[0236] a reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid, reservoir C having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir C comprising

[0237] a check valve B / C located at the distal end of reservoir C,

[0238] check valve B / C opening in distal direction,the hydraulic pumping means being able to

[0239] exert positive pressure to enable check valve A / B to open and the check valve B / C to close once the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means is pressed, and

[0240] exert negative pressure to enable check valve B / C to open and the check valve A / B to close once the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means is released.

[0241] The dispenser described in the present text is not for applying materials or compositions intramuscular or intravenous to a human being.

[0242] Similarly, the application device is not for sampling body fluids (e.g., blood) from a human being. The dispenser described in the present text does not comprise the following items alone or in combination: a piston rod, a pressure plate, a fingerplate, a gear drive, an electronic circuit, check valve through which the chemical composition has to flow before being dispensed.

[0243] Most parts of the dispenser described in the present text can be produced by injection moulding or by 3d-printing.

[0244] At a certain point of time the chemical composition to be dispensed is filled into reservoir A of the dispenser.

[0245] The production and / or assembly of the individual parts of the dispenser can be done at different times and / or locations. E.g., the producing of the dispenser can be done at one location and the filling of the chemical composition and / or hydraulic fluid can be done at a different location.

[0246] The dispenser and its individual parts are typically made out of plastic, preferably materials which can be injection moulded.

[0247] The material the dispenser and / or its parts are made of is typically selected from PP (polypropylene), PE (polyethylene), PA (polyamide), PBT (polybutadiene terephthalate), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), COC (cycloolefin-copolymer).

[0248] To prevent an undesired curing of the composition stored in the dispenser, the material the dispenser is made of, and in particular the material of reservoir A, is typically non-transparent to visible light (380 to 750 nm).

[0249] The material of the dispenser may also form a light filter which provides a first transmittance of light within a first wavelength range, and a second transmittance of light within a second wavelength range, wherein the first transmittance is below 5% over the first wavelength range, the second transmittance is above 20% over the second wavelength range, with the second wavelength range at least partially covering the wavelength range of visible light, and wherein the first and second wavelength ranges are each within the spectrum of visible light ranging from about 380 nm to about 750 nm; see e.g., US 9,498,309 B2 (Boehm et al.).The dispenser described in the present text is intended for use in a method of dispensing a chemical composition to a surface.

[0250] Such a method typically comprises the following steps:

[0251] a) providing the pen-shaped dispenser,

[0252] b) dispensing a portion of the chemical composition contained in the pen-shaped dispenser to a surface by actuating the hydraulic pumping means,

[0253] c) optionally applying radiation to the dispensed chemical composition.

[0254] If radiation is to be applied, the wavelength of the radiation is typically in the non-UV region (e.g. in the range of 450 to 700 nm).

[0255] The volume of the portion of the chemical composition to be dispensed is correlated with the displacement volume of the hydraulic pumping means.

[0256] The volume is typically in a range of 0.1 to 0.5 ml.

[0257] The dispenser is for multiple use. That is, the dispenser can be used until the final portion of the chemical composition contained in the dispenser has been dispensed.

[0258] The dispenser is not refillable.

[0259] The surface to which the chemical composition can be applied can be any kind of surface.

[0260] For medical and / or pharmaceutical compositions, the surface is typically the surface of a human being, e.g. skin or oral cavity.

[0261] The dispenser described in the present text is for use under ambient conditions.

[0262] The invention is also directed to a kit of parts.

[0263] The kit of pars comprises at least one dispenser described in the present text comprising a dental composition and any of the following items alone or in combination: dental curing light, dental adhesive, dental cement, dental composite fdling composition.

[0264] The provision of such a kit of parts will support the practitioner in his daily work as all items which are typically necessary for conducting a certain treatment step are provided together.

[0265] Suitable dental curing lights are described inUS 10,758,126 B2 (Geldmacher et al.) orUS 10,231,810 B2 (Gramann et al). Dental curing lights are also commercially available, e.g., 3M™ Elipar™ S10 or 3M™ Elipar™ DeepCure S LED curing light (3M Oral Care).

[0266] Dental adhesives are typically acidic dental composition with a rather low viscosity (e.g., 0.01 to 3 Pa*s at 25°C). Dental adhesives directly interact with the enamel or dentin surface of a tooth. Dental adhesives are typically one-part compositions, are radiation-curable and comprise ethylenically unsaturated component(s) with acidic moiety, ethylenically unsaturated component(s) without acidic moiety, water, sensitizing agent(s), reducing agent(s) and additive(s).Examples of dental adhesives are described in US 2020 / 0069532 Al (Thalacker et al.) and US 2017 / 0065495 Al (Eckert et al.). Dental adhesives are also commercially available, e.g., 3M™ Scotchbond™ Universal (3M Oral Care).

[0267] Dental cements which can be added to the kit include in particular self-adhesive resin cements, which contain an acidic polymerizable component (e.g., a (meth)acrylate component bearing a phosphoric or carboxylic acid moiety), polymerizable components without an acidic moiety, an initiator system and filler.

[0268] Suitable dental cements are also commercially available, such as RelyX™ Unicem 2, RelyX™ Universal or RelyX™ Luting Plus (3M Oral Care).

[0269] The following description of the figures is given to illustrate the invention. Reference signs of the dispenser are further described in the table below.

[0270]

[0271] In Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a pen-shaped dispenser 10.

[0272] At the dispensing section 23 of the dispenser 10 there is a nozzle 24.

[0273] The dispenser further comprises a hydraulic pumping means 80 which is arranged on the outer surface of the housing 90 of the dispenser 10.

[0274] The hydraulic pumping means 80 has the shape of a knob with a flexible pressing area 81.

[0275] Shown is also a level indicator 26 located in the outer surface of the housing 90. The window allows the determining of the location of the piston located in reservoir A of the dispenser (not shown). Fig. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the dispenser 10 of Fig. 1.

[0276] Reservoir A 20 has an outer surface 21 and an inner surface 22.

[0277] Within reservoir A 20 the chemical composition to be dispensed is located (not shown). The chemical composition is in contact with the distal end of piston 40. The piston 40 has two sealing lips 41. At the proximal end of reservoir A 20 check valve A / B 25 is located. Check valve A / B 25 separates reservoir A 20 from reservoir B 70.

[0278] Reservoir A 20 is contained in a housing 90, which is sealed at the proximal end with a closure 91. In fluid communication with reservoir B (70) is the hydraulic pumping means (80) having the shape of a knob with a flexible pressing area (81).

[0279] Shown is also reservoir C 60 with a distal end and a proximal end. Reservoir C 60 contains a hydraulic fluid (not shown). If desired, reservoir C 60 can be provided as a flexible bag.

[0280] At the distal end, reservoir C 60 is fixed at or to an interface 61 which connects reservoir C 60 to reservoir B 70. The interface 61 contains a checkvalve C / B 63 which opens into distal direction. The dispenser described in the present text and in particular the embodiment of the dispenser shown in Fig. 2 comprises or essentially consists of or consists of the following elements: a chemical composition to be dispensed (not shown), a hydraulic fluid (not shown), a piston 40, reservoir A 20, a check valve A / B 28, hydraulic pumping means 80, an interface 61, a checkvalve C / B 63, a reservoir C in form of a flexible bag 61, a housing 90, a closure 91.

[0281] Such a dispenser is easy to assemble.

[0282] In Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of dispenser 10.

[0283] This embodiment essentially corresponds to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0284] The dispenser 10 has three individual hydraulic pumping means 80 which are symmetrically arranged on the outer surface of the dispenser. Each hydraulic pumping means 80 is connected to reservoir B 70 with a duct 82.

[0285] Marked are also the location of the three reservoirs of the dispenser 10, reservoir A 20, reservoir B 70 and reservoir C 60.

[0286] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of a portion of the embodiment shown in Fig. 3.

[0287] Two hydraulic pumping means 80 are shown which are located at different positions and are connected to reservoir B 70 through individual ducts 82.In this embodiment, the ducts 82 are integrated in the outer surface of reservoir A 20.

[0288] Shown is also piston 40 with its two sealing lips 41 and check valve A / B 25 and check valve C / B 63. Marked are also the location of reservoir A 20, reservoir B 70 and reservoir C 60.

[0289] The complete disclosures of the patents, patent documents, and publications cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety as if each were individually incorporated. Various modifications and alterations to this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.

[0290] The above specification, examples and data provide a description of the manufacture and use of the compositions and methods of the invention.

[0291] The invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. One skilled in the art will appreciate that many alternative embodiments of the invention can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of thereof.

[0292] If desired, the viscosity of the lubricant composition and / or dental material described in the present text can be measured with a Physica MCR 301 (Anton Paar Germany GmbH, Ostfildem-Schamhausen). Flowable composites and monomers can be measured at 25.0°C with a shear rate of 10 / s with a 15 mm plate / plate system and a gap of 0.2 mm.

Claims

Claims1. A pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, the dispenser comprisinga reservoir A for storing a chemical composition,a piston moveably located in reservoir A,a reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid,reservoir C comprising a check valve,a hydraulic pumping means with a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, the hydraulic pumping means being suitable for pumping the hydraulic fluid from reservoir C through the check valve to exert pressure on the piston.

2. The pen-shaped dispenser according to claim 1, the dispenser comprisinga first section, the first section comprisinga reservoir A for storing a chemical composition to be dispensed, reservoir A having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir A comprising a dispensing section at the distal end,a piston moveably located in reservoir A,optionally a check valve A / B located at the proximal end of reservoir A, check valve A / B if present opening in distal direction, and a second section, the second section comprisinga reservoir B, reservoir B having a proximal end and a distal end, and a hydraulic pumping means,the hydraulic pumping means comprising a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, anda third section, the third section comprisinga reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid, reservoir C having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir C comprisinga check valve B / C located at the distal end of reservoir C, check valve B / C opening in distal direction.

3. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, the hydraulic pumping means having a displacement volume in the range of 0.01 to 0.5 ml.

4. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, the dispenser comprising at least 2 hydraulic pumping means and / or at least 2 pressing areas, the at least 2 hydraulicpumping means and / or the at least 2 pressing areas being preferably arranged symmetrically on the dispenser.

5. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, reservoir C comprising a flexible bag for storing the hydraulic fluid.

6. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of claims 2 to 5, volumes VN with N = A, B or C of reservoirs A, B and C being characterized as follows:VA> VB< Vc and / or VA + VB < Vc.

7. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims comprising a check valve A / B located at the proximal end of reservoir A, check valve A / B opening in distal direction.

8. The pen-shaped dispenser according to the proceeding claim, the cracking pressure CP of the check valves A / B and B / C fulfilling either of the following equations:CP A / B = CPB / C, CP A / B > CPB / C-9. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of claims 7 to 8, the hydraulic pumping means being able toexert positive pressure to enable check valve A / B to open and check valve B / C to close once the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means is pressed, andexert negative pressure to enable check valve B / C to open and check valve A / B to close once the pressing area of the hydraulic pumping means is released.

10. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims 2 to 9, the hydraulic pumping means comprising a duct being in fluid communication with reservoir B.

11. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, the pen-shaped dispenser comprising a level indicator.

12. The pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, the chemical composition to be stored and dispensed being a cosmetical composition, a medical or pharmaceutical composition, preferably a dental composition, the dental composition being preferably selected from either of the following materials: etchant, primer, adhesive, sealant, flowable composite, cement.

13. A pen-shaped dispenser for a chemical composition, in particular according to any of the preceding claims, the dispenser comprisinga first section, the first section comprisinga reservoir A for storing a chemical composition to be dispensed, reservoir A having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir A comprising a dispensing section at the distal end,a piston moveably located in reservoir A,a check valve A / B located at the proximal end of reservoir A, check valve A / B opening in distal direction, and a second section, the second section comprisinga reservoir B, reservoir B having a proximal end and a distal end, and hydraulic pumping means,the hydraulic pumping means comprising a pressing area for actuation with one or more fingers, anda third section, the third section comprisinga reservoir C for storing a hydraulic fluid, reservoir C having a proximal end and a distal end, reservoir C comprisinga check valve B / C located at the distal end of reservoir C, check valve B / C opening in distal direction,volumes VN with N = A, B or C of reservoirs A, B and C being characterized as follows: VA> VB < VC and / or VA + VB < Vc.

14. A process of dispensing a chemical composition to a surface, the method comprising the steps ofa) providing the pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, the penshaped dispenser containing a chemical composition,b) dispensing a portion of the chemical composition contained in the pen-shaped dispenser to a surface by operating the hydraulic pumping means,c) optionally applying radiation to the dispensed chemical composition.

15. A kit of part comprising at least one pen-shaped dispenser according to any of the preceding claims, the pen-shaped dispenser comprising as chemical composition a dental composition and any of the following items alone or in combination: a dental curing light, a dental adhesive, a dental composite filling composition.

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