Fluid ejection system

A fluid ejection system (20) comprising a cartridge (24), an ejector (32, 300) and, optionally, a fill station (28) for filling the cartridge with a fluid, such as a vaccine. In some embodiments (52), the cartridge includes a transfer passageway (96) for receiving fluid from the fill station. In other embodiments (200, 400), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir (208, 408) offset from an ejection chamber (224, 420). In yet other embodiments (500, 600), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir chamber (512, 636) inline with the ejection chamber (508, 644). In still other embodiments (700, 1000, 1100), the cartridge includes first and second chambers (728, 736, 1036, 1048, 1136, 1148) initially fluidly sealed from on another by a valve, e.g., either a traveling valve (704, 800, 900, 1200, 1300) or a temporarily stationary valve (1004, 1104).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to the field of fluid delivery systems. In particular, the present invention is directed to a fluid ejection system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Vaccination of humans and animals against various diseases has been, and continues to be, an important component of controlling the spread of these diseases. For example, measles remains a critical public health issue for humans, resulting in over one million deaths per year globally. Vaccination against measles is one of the most cost-effective public health measures available to control the spread of measles, and global eradication of the disease is technically feasible using current vaccinations. A global eradication campaign is presently under consideration by the World Health Organization. Unlike past and ongoing eradication campaigns for smallpox and polio, however, a simple and low-cost vaccine administration technique is not presently available for measles. Current practice remains injection using a hypodermic syringe.

Hypodermic syringe methods of vaccination have numerous drawbacks, including the need for skilled personnel, risk of blood-borne disease, high cost, patient aversion to injection and the need to safely dispose of large quantities of needles and syringes. For a measles eradication campaign on a global scale, use of conventional needles and syringes is generally considered impractical. Streamlined techniques utilizing alternatives to hypodermic syringes, such as jet injectors, are necessary for safe and cost-effective mass vaccination campaigns.

Another issue regarding measles vaccination lies in reconstituting the vaccine. Current vaccine administration techniques require reconstitution of the vaccine by drawing a sterile diluent from a sealed vial via needle and syringe and injecting the diluent into another sealed vial containing lyophilized vaccine. The vial containing the diluent and lyophilate is then shaken to mix the diluent and lyophilate and complete the reconstitution. Thus, even if needle-free administration of the vaccine is subsequently used, the reconstitution process requires the use of needles and syringes, providing an opportunity for contamination of the reconstituted vaccine by reuse of dirty diluent-injection needles, the need to dispose of used diluent needles and syringes, a chance for use of the wrong diluent, occasion for measurement errors in obtaining proper dilution and the possibility of needle stick injuries by less-skilled, fatigued or distracted personnel. Moreover, the use of separate supply vials for vaccine and diluent requires multiple sterile containers to be ordered, transported, inventoried, coordinated and monitored.

Jet injection of vaccines was used successfully for many years until concerns regarding patient-to-patient contamination from multiple use injectors arose in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Substantial efforts are now underway to develop new injectors that utilize disposable fluid pathways to prevent contamination. Typically, these disposable pathways are in the form of cartridges that are similar in shape and functions to a conventional hypodermic syringe having a generally cylindrical barrel, or housing, and a plunger. Rapid movement of the plunger in the housing toward an orifice generates high pressures, and a jet of high-velocity liquid issues from the orifice and pierces the skin of a patient.

What is needed is an ejection system that may be used for, among other things, administering vaccines while reducing or eliminating the drawbacks of conventional vaccination systems, including the vaccination systems discussed above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention is directed to an ejector for ejecting a fluid from a syringe. The syringe includes a cavity, a retractable structure extending within the cavity, a piston located within the cavity and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity. The ejector comprises a receiver operatively configured to receive the syringe. A first mechanism engages the retractable structure when the syringe is engaged with the receiver and is operatively configured to move the retractable in a direction away from the outlet. A second mechanism is operatively configured to move the piston in a direction toward the outlet when the syringe is engaged with the receiver so as to eject the fluid via the outlet from a portion of the cavity located between the piston and the outlet.

In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a method of ejecting a fluid from a syringe. The syringe includes a chamber having a longitudinal central axis, a piston slidable within the chamber along the longitudinal central axis, an outlet in fluid communication with the chamber and a retractable structure extending into the chamber. The method comprises the step of first engaging the syringe with an ejector having a first mechanism operatively configured to move the retractable structure in a direction away from the outlet so that the retractable structure is engaged with the first mechanism. Then, the first mechanism is actuated so as to retract the retractable structure. Then, the fluid is provided to a portion of the chamber located between the piston and the outlet.

In yet another aspect, the present invention is directed to a syringe comprising a housing defining a chamber having a longitudinal central axis. A piston is slidable within the chamber along the longitudinal central axis. An outlet is in fluid communication with the chamber and extends through the housing. A transfer passageway extends through the housing and spaced from the outlet and the longitudinal central axis. A transfer passageway seal removably seals the transfer passageway. The transfer passageway seal is removable by moving the piston.

In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a syringe comprising a housing defining a chamber having a first longitudinal central axis and a reservoir having a second longitudinal central axis substantially collinear with the first longitudinal central axis. A valve is located between the chamber and the reservoir. A piston is spaced from the valve along the second longitudinal axis. An actuator is coupled to the valve so that the valve is opened by moving the actuator and at least a portion of the valve is moved generally along the second longitudinal central axis by the actuator when the actuator is moved.

These and other aspects of the present invention are addressed below.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings,FIG. 1shows in accordance with the present invention a fluid ejection system, which is generally denoted by the numeral20. Fluid ejection system20may be used for any number of applications in which it is desired to eject a fluid (not shown) from one or more containers, such as cartridges24,26. One application, of course, is the delivery of vaccine, such as a measles vaccine, to patients (not shown). In this application, fluid ejection system20may be more conventionally termed “fluid injection system” since in a vaccination application, the vaccine is injected into a patient. It is noted that the terms “ejection” and “injection” (and similar terms) are selected based on a frame of reference. That is, system20is an ejection system relative to cartridges24, since fluid is ejected out of the cartridges during use. On the other hand, system20is an injection system relative to a patient or other body because, in this case, fluid from each cartridge24is injected into that patient or body. As used herein and in the claims appended hereto, unless noted otherwise the frame of reference will be with respect to each cartridge24, or its equivalent. Therefore, unless noted otherwise, the term “ejection,” “ejector” and similar terms will be used, although “injection,” “injector” and similar terms may also be appropriate.

Although fluid ejection system20is particularly useful in the context of vaccination, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that there are many applications for this system, including the delivery of medications and fluids other than vaccines, such as paints, flavorings, additives, reagents, adhesives, sealants and lubricants, among many others. Due to such ready recognition, it is not necessary, nor practical, to list all suitable applications for fluid ejection system20. In this connection, it is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the term “fluid” is used in its broadest sense to mean a substance that exists or is held to exist as a continuum marked by low resistance to flow and the tendency to assume the shape of its container. Accordingly, liquids, liquid suspensions, flowable particular solids, gases, and aerosols are included in the intended meaning of “fluid.” In the case of the measles vaccination application discussed above in the Background section hereof, the term “fluid” can be used to describe both the liquid diluent used to reconstitute the vaccine and the reconstituted vaccine, which consists of the diluent and the lyophilized vaccine [lyophilized vaccine contains both virus and excipients].

In general, cartridges24may be characterized as either “unfilled” or “partially pre-filled,” depending upon the material(s) the cartridges contain. That is, if cartridges24do not contain any material(s) to be ejected, they may be considered “unfilled” cartridges. If cartridges contain only some, but not all, of the material(s) to be ejected, they may be considered “partially pre-filled” cartridges. When cartridges24are either partially-pre-filled or unfilled, they must first be charged with the absent material(s) prior to ejection.

Consequently, fluid ejection system20may include a fill station28for providing a fluid to each cartridge from one or more reservoirs30. To illustrate the case of partially-filled cartridges24using the measles vaccination application, each cartridge may be initially charged with only the lyophilized vaccine, such that a later addition of a diluent reconstitutes the measles vaccine. In this case, fill station28may be used to add the diluent to each cartridge24for reconstituting the vaccine. In contrast, in the case wherein cartridges24are initially unfilled, fill station28may be used to charge each cartridge with the necessary amount of fluid to be ejected from that cartridge. In the context of the measles vaccine application, fill station28may be used to charge each cartridge with a previously-reconstituted vaccine. Since the applications of fluid ejection system20are numerous and readily discernable, it is not necessary to exhaustively list alternatives.

It is noted that although fill station28has been described in connection with cartridges24, it is not so limited. Rather, fill station28may be used to fill other working cylinder devices, which are referred to herein and in the appended claims as “syringes,” as applied in a broad sense. In the present context, the term “syringe” shall mean a device that includes a barrel, housing or similar structure that defines a cavity, chamber, or similar structure in which a piston, plunger or similar structure is slidable so as to eject a fluid there. It is intended that the term “syringe” include, among other things, cartridges, medical syringes, e.g., hypodermic syringes, and similarly-structured working cylinders. Accordingly, fill station28may be adapted to charge any sort of syringe with a fluid.

On the other hand, cartridges26may be considered “pre-filled” cartridges in that they contain all of the material(s) to be ejected. That said, it is noted that although cartridges26are pre-filled, this does not necessarily mean that the material(s) are ready to be ejected. In the case of cartridges26for ejecting, e.g., two or more materials, it may be necessary to mix the materials with one another prior to ejection. For example, each cartridge26may have separate compartments for storing the two or more materials. Various pre-filled cartridges of this type are described below.

Fluid ejection system20may also include an ejector32for ejecting the fluid from each cartridge24and/or each cartridge26. If a cartridge24,26is ejection-ready prior to being engaged with ejector32, i.e., the cartridge is pre-filled and pre-mixed or filled at filling station30, the ejector may be a conventional, or similar, “one-way-action” ejector. Generally, “one-way-action” in this context means that ejector32has one primary function of ejecting fluid from each cartridge, e.g., by depressing a plunger36of cartridge24,26. In the context of measles vaccination, a suitable one-way-action ejector is the LectraJet HS® high speed jet injector available from D'Antonio Consultants International, Inc., East Syracuse, N.Y. Of course, ejector32need not be a high speed ejector, depending upon the application.

If, on the other hand, a cartridge24is not filled, or is pre-filled, but unmixed, prior to being engaged with ejector32, e.g., the cartridge is partially filled, unfilled or has an internal valve (seeFIGS. 4A-4DandFIG. 6et seq.) that requires actuation in order to mix two substances (e.g., a diluent and lyophilate) stored in separate compartments until just prior to ejection, the ejector may be a “two-way-action” ejector. In this context, “two-way-action” generally means that ejector32has two primary functions. One primary function is to either move plunger36so as to effect charging from a reservoir in fluid communication with the corresponding cartridge24or moving a valve actuator (see, e.g., valve actuator756ofFIGS. 9A and 9B) that actuates a valve (704inFIGS. 9A and 9B) so as to effect mixing of two or more materials, e.g., a diluent and a lyophilate, among many others. The other primary function is to eject fluid from cartridge24. Cartridges24,26, fill station28and a two-way-action embodiment of ejector32are described below in greater detail.

FIG. 2Ashows a cartridge52that may be used for cartridges24of fluid ejection system20ofFIG. 1. Cartridge52generally includes a housing56and a plunger60. Housing56may include a sidewall64and an end wall68that cooperate to substantially define a chamber72for containing a fluid (not shown) to be ejected from cartridge52. Housing56may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, glass, metal, e.g., stainless steel, among others. Plunger60may include a piston76located in chamber72and slidably sealingly engaged with sidewall64of housing56. Each of plunger60and piston76may be made of a suitable material. For example, plunger60may be made of plastic or metal, among others, and piston76may be made of plastic, rubber or other suitable material. Depending upon the design of piston76, one or more O-rings or similar structures may be used to effect a fluid seal between the piston and sidewall64of housing56. The functions of plunger60are described below.

Cartridge52further includes an outlet80for passing the fluid from chamber72out of the cartridge. Outlet80may be defined by any of a variety of structures, such as a high-speed nozzle or a low speed nozzle, or a passageway for connecting with an external passageway, such as a hypodermic needle or tubing, among other things. Outlet80may be located anywhere desired, such as in end wall68along the longitudinal central axis84of chamber72as shown, or otherwise, such as off-center relative to the longitudinal central axis, either on sidewall64or end wall68. Outlet80may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as cap88shown, plug or frangible seal, among others. If cap88is provided, it may be of any suitable type, such as press-fit or threaded, among others.

Cartridge52may also includes a plunger seal92that provides a seal between plunger60and sidewall64, e.g., to inhibit contamination from entering chamber72. A transfer passageway96may be provided to housing56, e.g., in sidewall64, that allows cartridge52to be filled with a fluid. When empty, cartridge52may be charged with fluid, e.g., using either fill station28or a two-way-action embodiment of ejector32ofFIG. 1. Generally, cartridge52may be charged as follows when the starting position of piston76is proximate end wall68, and cap88is present. First, transfer passageway96is placed in fluid communication with a fluid delivery system (not shown) that will provide a fluid to cartridge52.

Once transfer passageway96is in fluid communication with a fluid delivery system, plunger60may be retracted so as to cause a vacuum to form within chamber72between end wall68and piston76. Once piston76moves past transfer passageway96, the vacuum within chamber72will draw fluid from the fluid delivery system into the chamber. Cap88may then be removed. At this point, cartridge52is generally ready for ejecting fluid from chamber72. Accordingly, plunger60may be pushed toward end wall68so as to eject the fluid from chamber72.

FIG. 2Bshows cartridge52ofFIG. 2Apre-charged with a material98that will generally be mixed with a fluid when chamber72is filled as discussed immediately above. Material98may be any material that may be mixed with a fluid. In this connection, material98may be a powder or other particulate, a gas, a liquid, a dissolvable solid or gel, or any combination of these, among others. For example, in the context of measles vaccination, material98may be lyophilized vaccine.

FIG. 3illustrates an exemplary fill mechanism100that may be used for fill station28of fluid ejection system20ofFIG. 1for filling one or more cartridges104, e.g., of the type shown inFIGS. 2A and 2B. Fill station28may include a housing108and one or more receivers112each for receiving a cartridge104. Each receiver112may include a holder, e.g., a spring clip116, for holding a corresponding cartridge104properly within that receiver. With spring clip116shown, cartridge104may be properly engaged with receiver112by first inserting the plunger end of the cartridge until housing108contacts a stop120, and then lifting the cartridge upward to engage the spring clip.

Fill station28may further include a fluid delivery system124for delivering to each cartridge104properly engaged with one of receivers112, fluid128from a reservoir132, e.g., a vaccine vial or other container containing enough fluid for filling more than one cartridge. Fluid delivery system124may include a valve136and/or seal140for engaging transfer passageway144of each properly engaged cartridge104and a fluid pathway148connecting reservoir132to each valve136or seal140. Fluid pathway148may comprise tubing, passageways in housing108or another part of fill station28, or other type of conduit. Each seal140may be provided for forming a fluid seal with the exterior of a corresponding cartridge104around the respective transfer passageway144. Seal140may be made of a suitable material, such as an elastomer.

Each valve136may be provided to allow the corresponding fluid pathway148to be closed, at least while the respective cartridge104is not properly engaged within that receiver112. Each valve136may be actuated by a cartridge104when that cartridge is engaged with the corresponding receiver112, or may be actuated by another means (not shown), such as an automatic actuator or a manual actuator. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a large variety of valves and valve actuators may be adapted for use with fill station28, such that an exhaustive list is not necessary for those skilled in the art to appreciate the broad scope of the invention.

Fill mechanism100may be any suitable manual or automatic mechanism for retracting each plunger152of the cartridge(s)104properly engaged with fill station28. Mechanism100may be a purely mechanical link-type system as shown or may alternatively include, with or without mechanical linkages, one or more actuators, such as motors, hydraulic or pneumatic, among others. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate the variety of mechanisms100that may be implemented in fill station28for retracting plunger(s)152. Fill mechanism100may include a socket156corresponding to each receiver112for engaging a corresponding plunger152in order to retract that plunger. For example, each socket156may include a recessed channel/slot receiver160, wherein the slot164engages an annular recess168in plunger152and the channel172engages a head176of the plunger when cartridge104is moved upward to engage spring clip116. Of course, another type of means for gripping/engaging plunger152may be used.

If fill mechanism100is manually operated, it may include a handle180for a user to grasp and move so as to fill cartridges104. In the case of fill mechanism100shown, once one or more cartridges104are properly engaged with fill station28as described above, the appropriate instances of valves136are opened and these cartridges are filled by a user pulling handle180generally in a clockwise direction (relative toFIG. 3). This causes mechanism100to retract the corresponding plunger(s)152so as to create a vacuum in each cartridge104. As described above in connection withFIG. 2A, once each plunger152is retracted sufficiently, fluid128will be drawn from reservoir132via the respective fluid pathway148into the corresponding cartridge104. Once each cartridge104has been properly charged, it may then be removed from fill station28by disengaging it from spring clip116and moving it away from the fill station. Once all cartridges104have been removed from fill station28, the user may return handle180to its receiving position184by moving it generally counterclockwise. At this point, fill station28is generally ready to be reloaded with one or more cartridges104. However, reservoir132may need to be replaced or refilled if an insufficient amount of fluid128for performing another fill cycle remains in the reservoir.

FIGS. 4A-4Dshow an alternative cartridge200that may be used as cartridge24of fluid ejection system20ofFIG. 1. Referring first toFIG. 4A, cartridge200may generally comprise a housing204, a reservoir208and a plunger212. Housing204may include a sidewall216and end wall220that cooperate to substantially define an ejection chamber224for containing a fluid228(contained in reservoir208inFIG. 4A) to be ejected from cartridge200. As with cartridge52as shown inFIG. 2B, ejection chamber224may optionally contain a material232, e.g., a lyophilate, to be mixed with fluid228during charging of this chamber with fluid. Reservoir208generally defines a reservoir chamber236for containing fluid228that will eventually be ejected from cartridge200. Reservoir208may be integral with housing204or formed separately from the housing and attached thereto. Housing204and reservoir208may be made of any suitable material, such as plastic, glass, or metal, e.g., stainless steel, among others. Plunger212may include a piston240located in ejection chamber224and slidably sealingly engaged with housing204. Each of plunger212and piston240may be made of a suitable material. For example, plunger212may be made of plastic or metal, among others, and piston240may be made of plastic, rubber, or other suitable material. Depending upon the design of piston240, the piston may include one or more O-rings (not shown) or similar structures for effecting a fluid seal between the piston and housing204.

Cartridge200may further include an outlet244for passing fluid228from ejection chamber224out of the cartridge. Outlet244may be defined by any of a variety of structures, such as a high-speed nozzle, a low speed nozzle, or a passageway for connecting with one or more external passageways, such as a hypodermic needle or tubing, among others. Outlet244may be located anywhere desired, such as along longitudinal central axis248of ejection chamber224as shown, or otherwise, such as off-center relative to the longitudinal central axis, either on sidewall216or end wall220. Outlet244may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as cap252shown, plug or frangible seal, among others. If cap252is provided, it may be of any suitable type, such as press-fit or threaded, among others.

One or more transfer passageways260extend between reservoir chamber236and ejection chamber224, e.g., in sidewall216, to allow ejection chamber224to be charged with fluid228from reservoir chamber236at an appropriate time. Prior to ejection chamber224of housing204being charged with fluid228from reservoir208, transfer passageway260may be sealed with a suitable transfer passageway seal264that provides a valve to inhibit the fluid from flowing from reservoir chamber236to ejection chamber224at an inappropriate time. Transfer passageway seal264may be any suitable type of seal, such as the sliding seal shown, or a frangible seal, among others. In addition, transfer passageway seal264may be actuated by the movement of plunger212. In the embodiment shown, sliding transfer passageway seal264is moved by plunger212upon retraction of the plunger from ejection chamber224via contact with a shoulder268on the plunger.

In order to facilitate the charging of ejection chamber224, reservoir208may include a vent272for allowing atmospheric air or other fluid (not shown) to displace fluid228within reservoir chamber236as ejection chamber224is being charged. Vent272may be located at any suitable location, such as at the “rear” of reservoir208. Depending generally upon the location of vent272, reservoir208may optionally include a vent tube276within reservoir chamber236to inhibit the air or other fluid from entering ejection chamber224as fluid228is being drawn into the chamber from reservoir208. In the embodiment shown, vent tube276extends to a location proximate “front” of reservoir208, distal from transfer passageway260. When cartridge200is not being used, vent272is sealed with a vent seal280, which may be mechanically coupled with plunger212, e.g., by linkage284, so as to be moved out of sealing engagement with vent272when the plunger is moved appropriately. In the embodiment shown, vent seal280is disengaged from vent272upon retraction of plunger212within ejection chamber224. Vent seal280may be made of any material, e.g., plastic or rubber, among others, that provides the desired seal. Linkage284may be relatively rigid or flexible and comprise more than one member, if desired.

Generally, cartridge200may be used as follows. An initial state of cartridge200is shown inFIG. 4A. In this initial state, fluid228is contained within reservoir chamber236, plunger212is inserted in ejection chamber224so that piston240is proximate end wall220, transfer passageway seal264is sealing transfer passageway260, cap252is sealing outlet244and vent seal280is sealing vent276. As mentioned above, material232may optionally be present within ejection chamber224. To charge ejection chamber224with fluid228from reservoir chamber236, as shown inFIG. 4Bplunger212is retracted within the ejection chamber (as indicated by arrow286), e.g., manually or using ejector32ofFIG. 1, with cap252in place so as to create a vacuum in the ejection chamber. As a result of plunger212being retracted, vent seal280is disengaged from vent272of reservoir208, so as to ready the reservoir for delivering fluid228to ejection chamber224. Upon continued retraction of plunger212, shoulder268contacts transfer passageway seal264so as to move the transfer passageway seal from its sealing position.

FIG. 4Cshows the state of cartridge200after transfer passageway seal264has been moved and piston240has moved past transfer passageway260. As fluid228is sucked into ejection chamber224(arrow288) via transfer passageway26.0under influence of the vacuum therein, air enters (arrow290) via vent272to displace fluid228. Once ejection chamber224has been charged, fluid228is generally ready to be ejected from cartridge200. When it is desired to eject fluid228, cap252is removed to unseal outlet244. Removal of cap252may be performed, e.g., either manually or using ejector32ofFIG. 1. As illustrated inFIG. 4D, plunger212may then be pushed into ejection chamber224, e.g., manually or using ejector32ofFIG. 1, so as to force fluid228out of cartridge200through outlet244and out therefrom, e.g., in a high pressure stream292. After fluid128has been ejected, cartridge200may then be disposed of accordingly or reused.

FIG. 5Ashows a two-way-action ejector300of the present invention that may be used with cartridge200ofFIGS. 4A-4Das shown, or may be modified to be used with any other of the cartridges disclosed herein. Some of these modifications are described below in the context of cartridges700shown inFIGS. 9A-9Det seq., that do not have an integral plunger, but rather have a valve actuator756that is retracted prior to ejection of fluid from these cartridges. In addition, ejector300may include an integral fluid delivery system (not shown) and a reservoir generally similar to fluid delivery system124and reservoir132of filling station24(FIGS. 1 and 3) for use with cartridge52ofFIGS. 2A and 2B, or similar cartridges not having on-board reservoirs.

Generally, ejector300may comprise a housing304, a handgrip308, a retractor mechanism312and an ejection mechanism316. Housing304may include a receiver320for receiving at least a portion of cartridge200. As shown inFIG. 5B, receiver320may include a longitudinal slot324, for receiving a portion of housing204of cartridge200, and a transverse slot328intersecting the longitudinal slot, for receiving an annular stop332on the cartridge so as to inhibit the housing of the cartridge from moving significantly relative to ejector300during charging and ejecting of fluid228. Depending upon the design, housing304may substantially or partially contain retractor mechanism312and/or ejection mechanism316. Handgrip308, or portion thereof, may be formed integrally with housing304, if desired. Alternatively, handgrip308may be formed separately from housing304and attached thereto using suitable means.

Referring again toFIG. 5A, retractor mechanism312may be a manual system (shown) or an automatic or semi-automatic system, as desired. Various types of manual retractor systems may operate by lever action (shown), ratcheting action, sliding action or screw action, among others. Various types of automatic or semi-automatic systems may operate similarly, but utilize any of a variety of actuators (not shown), including motors, pneumatic actuators and hydraulic actuators, among others. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide variety of forms that retractor mechanism312may take, such that an exhaustive list is not necessary herein for those skilled in the art to appreciate the broad scope of the present invention. In alternative embodiments for use with, e.g., cartridges700ofFIGS. 9A-9Det seq., that have a valve actuator, but not a plunger, retractor mechanism312may be modified for suitably engaging and retracting the respective valve actuator, rather than engaging and retracting plunger212.

Still referring toFIG. 5A, and also toFIG. 5B, in the form shown retractor mechanism312may include a charging lever336, a shuttle340and a link344. Charging lever336may be pivotably attached to housing304and include a handle348distal from the housing. Shuttle340may include a receiver352(FIG. 5C) configured for engaging a portion of plunger212so that retractor mechanism312can retract the plunger from housing204of cartridge200. Link344may be pivotally attached to charging lever336at one end and pivotably, but removably, engaged with shuttle340at the other end.

Similar to retractor mechanism312, ejection mechanism316may be a manual system, automatic system or a semi-automatic system (shown), and accordingly may include any suitable type of actuator356for moving plunger212toward end wall220of cartridge200with the required speed and force necessary to properly eject fluid228from cartridge200. For example, actuator356may be of a spring-(shown), lever-, sliding- or screw-type, among others, that may be driven by, e.g., a motor, a pneumatic actuator or a hydraulic actuator, among others. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the wide variety of forms that ejection mechanism316may take, such that an exhaustive list is not necessary herein for those skilled in the art to appreciate the broad scope of the present invention.

Continuing to refer toFIG. 5A, and also5C, in the form shown ejection mechanism316may comprise a spring360, e.g., a coil spring, engaged between housing304and shuttle340. Link344of retractor mechanism312may be removably engaged with shuttle340, e.g., by engagement of a pin364or similar structure on the link with a slot368in the shuttle. Ejection mechanism316may also comprise a trigger mechanism372for holding shuttle340in place once plunger212has been sufficiently retracted and/or moving pin364out of engagement with slot368when the trigger mechanism is actuated.

Ejector300may be used as follows to charge cartridge200and eject fluid228therefrom. First, a user may need to ready ejector300for receiving cartridge200, e.g., by moving charging lever336from position376to position380so that shuttle340is in the proper position for receiving plunger212in its initial, generally fully-inserted position. Once ejector300is ready to receive cartridge200, the cartridge is engaged with receiver320and plunger212is engaged with receiver352of shuttle340. These actions may be performed substantially simultaneously with one another as cartridge200is engaged with ejector300. The user may then move handle348from position376to position380so as to retract plunger212sufficiently to allow fluid228to flow from reservoir208to ejection chamber224and compress spring360. Once ejection chamber224is sufficiently charged with fluid228, shuttle340will engage trigger mechanism and link344can move pin364out of engagement with slot368of shuttle340. When user is ready to eject the fluid therefrom, the user may actuate trigger mechanism372and release shuttle340, allowing spring360to drive the shuttle and plunger212so as to eject fluid228from cartridge200. Once ejection is complete, the user may remove spent cartridge200, engage another cartridge and repeat the charging and ejecting steps described above.

FIG. 6shows a cartridge400that is a variation of cartridge200ofFIGS. 4A-4D, primarily in terms of the location of vent404on reservoir408and the manner of sealing this vent. Similar to cartridge200, cartridge400ofFIG. 6may include a housing412, plunger416, ejection chamber420, outlet424, transfer passageway428and transfer passageway seal432, each of which may be the same as or similar to the corresponding parts of cartridge200as shown inFIGS. 4A-4Dand described in the accompanying description. Unlike vent272shown inFIGS. 4A-4D, however, vent404of cartridge400may be located generally on the “front” of reservoir408, as shown inFIG. 6. This would readily permit the use of an integrated vent seal/outlet seal, such as integrated seal440shown.

Integrated seal440may include a vent seal portion444and an outlet seal portion448that may be actuated separately from one another. In the embodiment shown, integrated seal440is relatively flexible so that vent seal portion440may be made to unseal vent404without outlet seal portion448unsealing outlet424. This is useful because, similar to cartridge200discussed above relative toFIGS. 4A-4D, it is desirable to keep outlet424sealed until ejection chamber420is charged with fluid452from reservoir408, while allowing reservoir chamber456to be vented. In alternative embodiments, integrated seal440may provide this functionality using another means, such as a hinge.

In general, cartridge400may be used in a manner similar to the manner described above in connection with cartridge200ofFIGS. 4A-4D. The primary difference is with respect to the unsealing of vent404and outlet424using integrated seal440. Therefore, this description focuses on this difference. In the initial state of cartridge400, vent404and outlet424are sealed, respectively, by vent seal portion444and outlet seal portion448of integrated seal440. When it is desired to charge ejection chamber420with fluid452from reservoir408, vent seal portion444is actuated so as to unseal vent404to allow air (or other substance) to enter ejection chamber420while the fluid is passing from reservoir chamber456to the ejection chamber via transfer passageway428. Relative to flexible integrated seal440shown, vent404is unsealed by moving vent seal portion444to position460shown inFIG. 6. After vent404has been unsealed, charging of ejection chamber420may proceed substantially as describe in connection with cartridge200ofFIGS. 4A-4D. When it is desired to eject fluid452from ejection chamber420once charged, outlet424may be unsealed, e.g., by removing integrated seal440entirely from cartridge200. One or both steps of unsealing vent404and unsealing outlet424may be performed, e.g., either manually or using ejector32ofFIG. 1.

FIGS. 7A-7Cshow a vented inline-reservoir cartridge500of the present invention that may be configured for use with a two-way embodiment of ejector32ofFIG. 1. Cartridge500may include a housing504that generally contains an ejection chamber508and a reservoir chamber512that may be in-line with one another, i.e., wherein the longitudinal central axes516,520of the two chambers are collinear. Housing504may comprise a sidewall524, an end wall528and an outlet532located, e.g., in the end wall. Housing504may be formed as a single part or, alternatively, may be made of any number of parts. Outlet532may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as cap536shown, plug or frangible seal, among others. If cap536is provided, it may be of any suitable type, such as press-fit or threaded, among others. Reservoir chamber512is operatively configured for containing a fluid540that will eventually be ejected from ejection chamber508of cartridge500. At some point prior to the ejection of fluid from ejection chamber508, fluid540from reservoir chamber512must be transferred to the ejection chamber. This may be accomplished by providing one or more transfer passageways544that fluidly communicate with each of the two chambers508,512. Transfer passageways544may be formed in housing504or otherwise provided to cartridge500. To prevent the transfer of fluid at an inappropriate time, transfer passageways544may be sealed with one or more transfer passageway seals, such as sealing ring548shown, that essentially function as a transfer valve.

Cartridge500may also include a plunger seal552and a plunger556that extends through the plunger seal and sealing ring548and includes a piston560slidingly engaged within housing504in a direction along longitudinal central axes516,520. In general, at least initially, reservoir chamber512may be said to be defined by sidewall524of housing504, plunger seal552and sealing ring548, whereas ejection chamber508may be said to be defined by the sidewall, the sealing ring and end wall528of the housing. It is noted that reservoir chamber512may need to be vented to allow air (or other substance) to enter the reservoir chamber while fluid540is being transferred from the reservoir chamber to ejection chamber508and/or to allow air (or other substance) to escape from the reservoir chamber during initiation of the transfer process as discussed below. Thus, a vent564may be provided, e.g., in plunger seal552or sidewall524, to provide one or both of these venting functions. A vent566also may be provided in plunger556to vent chamber508during retraction so that seal548is not prematurely displaced by pressure buildup.

Cartridge500may be used as follows when its initial state is as shown inFIG. 7A, wherein a fluid540is located in reservoir chamber512, piston560is located proximate end wall528and sealing ring548is sealing transfer passageways544. From this initial state of cartridge500, as shown inFIG. 7B, plunger556may be retracted (arrow568) within ejection chamber508so as to create a vacuum therein. As the retraction of plunger556is continued, piston560, or other portion of the plunger if such portion is provided, contacts sealing ring548and moves the ring so as to unseal transfer passageways544. When plunger556is in contact with sealing ring548, the sealing ring may also provide a seal for vent566in the plunger. When fluid540in reservoir chamber512is incompressible, it may be desirable to provide not only the fluid to the reservoir chamber but also a compressible substance, e.g., a gas, and/or vent564to permit sealing ring548to be readily moved out of sealing engagement with transfer passageways544. Once transfer passageways544have been unsealed, the vacuum within ejection chamber508draws fluid540into this chamber. Referring toFIG. 7C, after ejection chamber508has been charged with fluid540and it is desired to eject the fluid from cartridge500, cap536(FIG. 7A) is removed and plunger556is depressed (arrow572) so as to eject the fluid from the ejection chamber via outlet532, e.g., as a fluid stream576.

FIGS. 8A-8Eshow an alternative vented inline-reservoir cartridge600of the present invention that may be configured for use with a two-way-action embodiment of ejector32ofFIG. 1, e.g., ejector300ofFIGS. 5A-5C. Referring particularly toFIG. 8A, cartridge600may include a plunger604and a housing608that generally defines an elongate cavity612. Housing608may include a sidewall616, an end wall620and an outlet624located, e.g., in the end wall. Plunger604may include a piston628and a reservoir632defining a reservoir chamber636for containing a fluid640to be transferred to an ejection chamber644formed within cavity612prior to the fluid being ejected from cartridge600. Reservoir632may include a sidewall648and first and second end walls652,656joined to the sidewall and spaced from one another. Reservoir chamber636may extend along substantially the entire length of plunger604, or may extend a smaller portion of the length of the plunger as shown. In the latter case, plunger604may also include an extension660that makes the plunger a suitable length. Piston628is slidingly engaged with housing608within cavity612. When piston628is spaced from end wall620, e.g., as shown inFIG. 8B, sidewall616and the end wall of housing608and the piston define ejection chamber644. Reservoir chamber636may be in-line with ejection chamber644, i.e., the longitudinal central axes664,668of the two chambers may be collinear.

Outlet624may be any suitable type of outlet, such as a high-pressure nozzle, a low-pressure nozzle or a passageway in fluid communication with another member, such as a hypodermic needle or tube, among others. Outlet624may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as cap672shown, plug or frangible seal, among others. If cap672is provided, it may be of any suitable type, such as press-fit or threaded, among others.

At some point prior to the ejection of fluid from ejection chamber644, fluid640from reservoir chamber636will be transferred to the ejection chamber. However, until that time, it is desirable to keep fluid640sealed within reservoir chamber636. In order to achieve these functions, plunger604may be provided with a transfer valve676that is initially closed, but can be opened when charging of ejection chamber644is desired. In one embodiment, transfer valve676may be formed using second end wall656of reservoir632and piston628by providing these parts with corresponding apertures680,684that may be selectively placed in and out of registration with one another. This may be accomplished, e.g., by making reservoir636and extension660rotatable about longitudinal central axis668relative to piston628, which tends to resist rotation due to its generally snug engagement with housing608. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, reservoir632and extension660may be made rotatable relative to piston628using any of a number of rotatable mechanical connections (not shown). When apertures680,684are in registration with one another, transfer valve676is open, and fluid640may flow from reservoir chamber636to ejection chamber644. Conversely, when apertures680,684are completely out of registration with one another, transfer valve676is closed, and fluid640may not flow. It is noted that reservoir chamber636may need to be vented to allow air (or other substance) to enter the reservoir chamber while fluid640is being transferred from the reservoir chamber to ejection chamber644. Thus, a vent688may be provided, e.g., in first end wall656or sidewall648of reservoir632depending upon the design, to provide this venting.

Cartridge600may be used as follows when its initial state is as shown inFIG. 8A, wherein piston628is located proximate end wall620, cap672is sealing outlet624, reservoir chamber636contains fluid640and transfer valve676is closed, i.e., apertures680,684are completely out of registration with one another. Referring toFIG. 8B, plunger604may be retracted (arrow692), creating a vacuum in ejection chamber644. Once plunger604has been retracted an appropriate amount, e.g., based on the amount of fluid640to be ejected, transfer valve676may be opened, e.g., as shown inFIG. 8C, by rotating reservoir632and extension660relative to piston628(arrow6994) so that apertures680,684move into registration with one another. The vacuum within ejection chamber644will then draw fluid640into the ejection chamber from reservoir chamber636via apertures680,684(arrows696), while air (arrow697) enters the reservoir chamber to displace the fluid that charges the ejection chamber.

As shown inFIG. 8D, once ejection chamber644has been suitably charged with fluid640, transfer valve676may be closed by rotating reservoir632and extension660(arrow698) relative to piston628so as to take apertures680,684out of registration with one another. In order to eject fluid640from ejection chamber644, cap672(FIG. 8A) is removed, and plunger604is depressed (arrow699as shown inFIG. 8E) to force fluid640out of the ejection chamber. It is noted that if more fluid640remains in reservoir632after a portion of the fluid has been ejected, cap672may be replaced and the above procedure repeated to eject more fluid from ejection chamber644. This can continue until reservoir632is empty or the amount of fluid640remaining for the last iteration is insufficient for the intended application.

FIGS. 9A-9Dillustrate a cartridge700of the present invention that includes a traveling valve704. Cartridge700, like all other cartridges disclosed herein, may be used with an ejector32ofFIG. 1, e.g., when such ejector is either a one-way-action or a two-way-action ejector configured appropriately. Use of cartridge700with these embodiments of ejector32ofFIG. 1are described below. Referring first toFIG. 9A, cartridge700may comprise a housing708that includes a sidewall712and an end wall716that generally define a cavity720within the housing. A piston724may be slidingly sealingly engaged with housing708within cavity720and, at least initially, may be located distal from end wall716so as to generally define at least a first chamber728within cartridge700. In the embodiment shown, first chamber728functions as a reservoir chamber that contains a fluid732to be ejected from cartridge700. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, piston724may be a unitary member configured to sealingly engage sidewall712of housing708, or the proper seal may be effected using one or more additional members, such as an O-ring (not shown).

Traveling valve704is located between end wall716and piston724, e.g., in spaced relation to the end wall and piston so as to define not only first chamber728, but a second chamber736as well. Second chamber736need not be present initially. In this case, traveling valve704would be in contact, or nearly so, with end wall716. However, when second chamber736is present, it may contain, at least initially, a material740to be mixed with fluid732from first chamber728prior to ejection in the manner described below. Fluid732and material740may be as described above in connection with cartridge ofFIGS. 4A-4D.

Traveling valve704may include generally a valve piston744movable relative to housing708. Depending upon the design of valve piston744, the piston itself may slidingly/sealingly engage sidewall712of housing708, or a seal may be effected between the piston and sidewall using a suitable sliding/sealing member, such as O-ring746. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the variety of ways in which an effective seal may be made by or between valve piston744and sidewall712such that there is no need to list all alternatives herein for those skilled in the art to appreciate the broad scope of the present invention. Valve piston744may include a plurality of apertures748for passing fluid732from first chamber728to second chamber736when traveling valve704is actuated as described below. Traveling valve704may further include one or more temporary seals for sealing aperture(s)748until the valve is actuated. For example, as shown, temporary seal may be a flexible disc752located on the side of valve piston744proximate end wall716. Flexible disc752may seal apertures748in any suitable manner, e.g., as a result of being pressed against material740(or end wall716if this material is not present), by virtue of its own stiffness and/or being adhered to valve piston744, e.g., using a relatively weak adhesive, among others. The temporary seal, however, may be other than flexible disc752, such as a rigid “flapper” valve or frangible seal, among others.

Traveling valve704may be actuated by a valve actuator756. The valve actuator756may be attached to traveling valve704in any suitable manner and extend sealingly through piston724, e.g., through an aperture760and, optionally, an O-ring762or similar seal in the aperture. Valve actuator756may be a rigid rod or elongate flexible member, e.g., a string, cord, cable or filament, among others. If desired, valve actuator756may be made frangible at a desired location and under certain conditions so as to not interfere with the ejection of fluid732. For example, valve actuator756may be made to include a stress concentrator768, e.g., a neck, notch or depression, among others, that will cause the valve actuator to break at the location of the stress concentrator under the appropriate conditions. This is described below in more detail in conjunction with the operation of cartridge700.

Cartridge700may further include an outlet772for passing liquid732or the liquid mixed with material740, if provided, out of the cartridge during ejection. Outlet772may be located, e.g., in end wall716, and may be of any suitable type, such as a high-pressure nozzle, a low-pressure nozzle or a passageway in fluid communication with another member, such as a hypodermic needle or tube, among others. Outlet772may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as peel-away seal776shown, cap, plug or frangible seal, among others.

Cartridge700may be used as follows. With continuing reference toFIG. 9A, this figure illustrates an initial state of cartridge700, wherein fluid732is contained in first chamber728, material is contained in second chamber736, traveling valve704is located immediately adjacent to the material, flexible disc752is sealing apertures748in valve piston744and peel-away seal776is sealing outlet772. To initiate mixing of fluid732with material740, as shown inFIG. 9B, valve actuator756is retracted within cavity720so as to move traveling valve704in a direction away from end wall716, as indicated by arrow778. Valve actuator756may be retracted manually, with a dedicated retractor (not shown) or an ejector, such as ejector32ofFIG. 1. In the case of retraction by ejector32, the ejector would generally be a two-way-action ejector having a mechanism operatively configured for engaging valve actuator756and retracting the actuator. As valve actuator756continues to be retracted, the pressure of fluid732within first chamber728caused by the movement of traveling valve704acts against flexible disc752, and any adhesive that may be present, thereby opening the valve. As seen inFIG. 9B, the opening of traveling valve704allows fluid732to pass through apertures748in valve piston744into second chamber736(as indicated by arrows780), wherein such fluid mixes with material740.

Retraction of valve actuator756may be continued until traveling valve704contacts piston724as shown inFIG. 9C. At this point, substantially all of fluid732that was initially contained in first chamber728has essentially been transferred to second chamber736, which has become greater in size due to the displacement of traveling valve704. Depending upon the manner in which fluid732and material740will be ejected from cartridge700, valve actuator756, or portion thereof, may be removed so as to not interfere with the ejection process. As mentioned above, valve actuator756may be provided with stress concentrator768that sufficiently stresses the actuator upon contact with piston724that the actuator breaks at the stress concentrator. The broken-off portion of valve actuator756may then be removed and discarded, as shown inFIG. 9C. In alternative embodiments, valve actuator756may be severed using a severing device (not shown) that is either integral with or separate from cartridge700, or may otherwise be removable.

Just prior to ejection, peel-away seal776may be removed to allow ejection of fluid732and material740from cartridge700. As shown inFIG. 9D, ejection may be effected by pushing piston724toward end wall716, e.g., using a plunger784. As traveling valve704is pushed toward end wall716, flexible disc752seals apertures748in valve piston744as a result of the induced pressure against fluid732and material740in second chamber736. If valve seal(s) were frangible, passageways would remain open upon ejection. However, in this case, piston724would provide the necessary seal for pressurizing fluid732and material740in second chamber736. Plunger784may be separate from piston724as shown or integral with the piston in a manner similar to piston76and plunger60described above relative to cartridge52ofFIG. 2A, among others. If plunger784is separate from piston724, it may be part of an ejector, e.g., ejector32ofFIG. 1. If plunger784is integral with piston724, valve actuator756(seeFIGS. 9A and 9B) may extend at least partway through the plunger to allow for moving traveling valve704.

FIGS. 10A and 10Billustrate an alternative traveling valve800that may be used in cartridge700ofFIGS. 9A-9Din lieu of traveling valve704. Traveling valve800may be viewed as a sliding O-ring valve that includes a member804having a head808, body812and neck816that defines an annular channel820that contains an O-ring824, or ring of another shape depending upon the transverse cross-sectional shape of cavity720(FIG. 9A). Head808and a portion of neck816adjacent the head include one or more passageways828for allowing fluid732from first chamber728to pass to second chamber736when traveling valve800is open. In this connection, O-ring824is generally compressed between neck816and sidewall712and is movable in a direction along the longitudinal central axis832within annular channel820between a sealed position (FIG. 10A) and an unsealed position (FIG. 10B).

Traveling valve800may be actuated as follows. When valve800is initially sealed as shown inFIG. 10A, valve actuator756is retracted, thereby causing member804to move toward the right inFIG. 10A. When member804is initially moved to the right, O-ring824tends to not move until contacted by sidewall844of annular channel820, at which time the O-ring is in its unseal position840ofFIG. 10B, wherein passageways828are in fluid communication with both first and second chambers728,736. As valve actuator756is continued to be retracted, O-ring824remains in contact with sidewall848of annular channel820, keeping traveling valve800open.

Once traveling valve800reaches the end of its travel upon the retraction of valve actuator756, O-ring824will typically be in its unsealed position840shown inFIG. 10B. To eject fluid732and material740from cartridge700, traveling valve800is moved in the opposite direction, i.e., to the left inFIGS. 10A and 10B, which initially causes member804to move while O-ring824tend to remain stationary. However, once member804is moved sufficiently, O-ring824contacts sidewall848of annular channel820, closing traveling valve800. Even if O-ring824did not return to its sealed position, piston724(FIG. 9A) would provide the necessary seal for pressurizing fluid732in second chamber736. It is noted that neck816of traveling valve800may be designed so as to fail, i.e., break, in compression at the end of the ejection stroke of the valve as head808impacts end wall716(FIG. 9A) of housing708. This is a safety feature that would prevent cartridge700from being reused.

FIGS. 11A and 11Billustrate another alternative traveling valve900that may be used in cartridge700ofFIGS. 9A-9Din lieu of traveling valve704. Traveling valve900may include a valve piston904that defines a socket908for sealingly receiving a removable stopper912, such as a ball or other body. Valve piston904may include one or more passageways916each in fluid communication with both socket908and first chamber728for passing fluid732from the first chamber to second chamber736when valve900is open, i.e., when stopper912is disengaged from the socket. Valve piston904itself may slidingly/sealingly engage sidewall712of housing708, or a seal may be effected between the piston and sidewall using a suitable sliding/sealing member, such as an O-ring920. Those skilled in the art will appreciate the variety of ways in which an effective seal may be made by or between piston and sidewall such that there is no need to list all alternatives herein for those skilled in the art to appreciate the broad scope of the present invention.

Traveling valve900may be actuated as follows. When valve900is initially sealed as shown inFIG. 11A, valve actuator756is retracted, thereby causing valve piston904to move toward the right inFIG. 11A. As valve piston904is moved, pressure within first chamber728is increased, finally to a point where stopper912disengages socket908as fluid732is forced through passageways916. Once disengaged from socket, stopper912may be free to move about second chamber936as shown inFIG. 11B. Consequently, stopper912can be utilized as a mixing aid, if desired, by moving cartridge700in a manner that moves the stopper about second chamber736.

FIGS. 12A-12Dshows a non-vented inline-reservoir cartridge1000having an internal valve1004that includes a temporarily stationary valve member1008and a removable valve member1012initially engaged with, or attached to, the stationary valve member. Referring first toFIG. 12A, like other cartridges discussed above, cartridge1000may comprise a housing1016that includes a sidewall1020and an end wall1024that generally define a cavity1028within the housing. A piston1032may be slidingly sealingly engaged with housing1016within cavity1028and, at least initially, may be located distal from the end wall1024so as to generally define at least a first chamber1036within cartridge1000. In the embodiment shown, first chamber1036functions as a reservoir chamber that contains a fluid1040to be ejected from cartridge1000. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, piston1032may be a unitary member configured to sealingly engage sidewall of housing, or the proper seal may be effected using one or more additional members, such as O-ring1044.

Valve1004may be located between end wall1024and piston1032, e.g., in spaced relation to the end wall and piston so as to define not only first chamber1036, but also a second chamber1048. Second chamber1048need not be present initially. In this case, valve1004would be in contact, or nearly so, with end wall1024. However, when second chamber1048is present, it may contain, at least initially, a material1052to be mixed with fluid1040from first chamber1036prior to ejection in the manner described below. Fluid1040and material1052may be as described above in connection with cartridge200ofFIGS. 4A-4D.

Stationary valve member1008may be held in place by a friction/sealing fit with sidewall1020of housing1016, with or without an O-ring (not shown) or a sealant1056applied to the joint between these parts. If sealant1056is used, the bond formed thereby is preferably of a strength that allows piston1032to break the bond during the ejection phase, as discussed below in more detail. Stationary valve member1008may include at least one opening1060for passing fluid1040from first chamber1036to second chamber1048when removable valve member1012is removed. Removable valve member1012may be any type of member for sealing opening(s), such as the plug-type member shown. When removable valve member1012is a plug, it and/or stationary valve member1008may be made out of a relatively compressible material that creates a fluid seal when the removable valve member is engaged with opening1060. Alternatively, stationary valve member1008and/or removable valve member1012may be provided with one or more O-rings (or other suitably-shaped seals) for ensuring a fluid seal. In alternative embodiments, removable valve member1012may be of another type, such as a member that is frangibly or adhesively attached to stationary valve member1008, among others. Valve1004may be actuated by a valve actuator1064attached to removable valve member1012. Valve actuator1064may be the same as or similar to actuator756described above in connection withFIGS. 9A-9D.

Cartridge1000may further include an outlet1068for passing liquid1040or liquid mixed with material1052, if provided, out of the cartridge during ejection. Outlet1068may be located, e.g., in end wall, and may be of any suitable type, such as a high-pressure nozzle, a low-pressure nozzle or a passageway in fluid communication with another member, such as a hypodermic needles or tube, among others. Outlet may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as peel-away seal1072shown, cap, plug or frangible seal, among others.

Cartridge1000may be used as follows. With continuing reference toFIG. 12A, this figure illustrates an initial state of cartridge1000, wherein fluid1040is contained in first chamber1036, material1052is contained in second chamber1048, valve1004is located immediately adjacent the material, removable valve member1012is sealing opening1060in stationary valve member1008and peel-away seal1072is sealing outlet1068. To initiate mixing of fluid1040with material1052, as shown inFIG. 12B, valve actuator1064is retracted within cavity1028so as to move removable valve member1012in a direction away from end wall1024, (arrow1076). Valve actuator1064may be retracted manually, with a dedicated retractor (not shown) or an ejector, such as ejector32ofFIG. 1. In the case of retraction by ejector32, the ejector would generally be a two-way-action ejector having a mechanism operatively configured for engaging valve actuator and retracting the actuator. Once opening1060is unsealed, fluid1040and material1052are free to mix with one another.

Retraction of valve actuator1064may be continued until removable valve member1012contacts piston1032. Depending upon the manner in which fluid1040and material1052will be ejected from cartridge1000, valve actuator1064, or portion thereof, may be removed so as to not interfere with the ejection process. As mentioned above, valve actuator1064may be provided with a stress concentrator (not shown) that sufficiently stresses the actuator upon contact with piston1032such that the actuator breaks at the stress concentrator. The broken-off portion of valve actuator1064may then be removed, as shown inFIG. 12C. In alternative embodiments, valve actuator1064may be severed using a severing device that is either integral with or separate from cartridge1000, or may otherwise be removable.

Just prior to ejection, peel-away seal1072may be removed to allow ejection of fluid1040and material1052from cartridge1000. As shown inFIG. 12C, ejection may be effected by pushing piston1032toward end wall1024(arrow1080), e.g., using a plunger1084. Plunger1084may be separate from piston1032as shown or integral with the piston in a manner similar to piston and plunger described above relative to cartridge52ofFIG. 2A, among others. If plunger1084is separate from piston1032, it may be part of an ejector, e.g., ejector32ofFIG. 1. If plunger1084is integral with piston1032, valve actuator1064(seeFIGS. 12A and 12B) may extend at least partway through the plunger to allow for removable valve member. As piston1032is continued to be pushed toward end wall1024, it contacts and then pushes stationary valve member1008toward the end wall until ejection of fluid1040and/or material1052is complete or the desired amount of the fluid and/or material has been ejected.FIG. 12Dshows traveling valve1004at the end of its travel adjacent end wall1024, with removable valve member1012engaged with stationary valve member1008.

FIGS. 13A-13Dshows a non-vented inline-reservoir cartridge1100having an internal valve1104that includes a expandable plug1108and a movable wedge1112. Referring first toFIG. 12A, like other cartridges discussed above, cartridge1000may comprise a housing1116that includes a sidewall1120and an end wall1124that generally define a cavity1128within the housing. A piston1132may be slidingly sealingly engaged with housing1116within cavity1128and, at least initially, may be located distal from end wall1124so as to generally define at least a first chamber1136within cartridge1000. In the embodiment shown, first chamber1136functions as a reservoir chamber that contains a fluid1140to be ejected from cartridge1000. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, piston1132may be a unitary member configured to sealingly engage sidewall of housing1116, or the proper seal may be effected using one or more additional members, such as O-ring1044.

Valve1104is shown located between end wall1124and piston1132, e.g., in spaced relation to the end wall and piston so as to define not only first chamber1136, but also a second chamber1148. However, second chamber1148need not be present initially. In this case, valve1104would be in contact, or nearly so, with end wall1124. However, when second chamber1148is present, it may contain, at least initially, a material1152to be mixed with fluid1140from first chamber1136prior to ejection in the manner described below. Fluid1140and material1152may be as described above in connection withFIG. 1.

Expandable plug1108may be made of a stretchable material, such as an elastomer, and include one or more cavities1156containing at least a portion of movable wedge1112. When valve1104is closed, movable wedge1112is pressed into cavity1156so as to cause expandable plug1108to expand so as to force the expandable plug into sealing contact with sidewall1120of housing1116. In this connection, movable plug1112and cavity1156may have complementary tapered surfaces1160,1164. When valve1104is open, movable plug1112is withdrawn at least partially from cavity1156so as to allow expandable plug1108to retract, thereby reducing the outside diameter of the expandable plug to a value less than the inside diameter of cavity1128so as to form a passageway1168(FIGS. 13B and 13C) between first and second chambers1136,1148.

Valve1104may be actuated by a valve actuator1172attached to movable wedge1112. Valve actuator1172may be the same as or similar to valve actuator756described above in connection withFIGS. 9A-9D. Each of expandable plug1108and movable wedge1112may be complementarily configured to allow the expandable plug to move with the movable wedge when valve1104is open and being moved by valve actuator1172. For example, movable wedge1112may be provided with a head1176contained in a complementarily-sized receiver1180within expandable plug1108that prevents the movable wedge from entirely disengaging the expandable plug. Keeping expandable plug1108engaged with movable plug1112during retraction of valve1104promotes mixing by creating disturbances in fluid1140as the expandable plug moves and forces the fluid to flow in passageway1168(FIGS. 13B and 13C).

Cartridge1100may further include an outlet1184for passing liquid1140or the liquid mixed with material1152, if provided, out of the cartridge during ejection. Outlet1184may be located, e.g., in end wall1124, and may be of any suitable type, such as a high-pressure nozzle, a low-pressure nozzle or a passageway in fluid communication with another member, such as a hypodermic needles or tube, among others. Outlet1184may be sealed with a suitable outlet seal, such as peel-away seal1188shown, cap, plug or frangible seal, among others.

Cartridge1100may be used as follows. With continuing reference toFIG. 13A,FIG. 13Aillustrates an initial state of cartridge1100, wherein fluid1140is contained in first chamber1136, material1152is contained in second chamber1148, valve1104is located immediately adjacent the material, movable wedge1112is expanding expandable plug1108into sealing engagement with sidewall1120of housing1116and peel-away seal1188is sealing outlet1184. To initiate mixing of fluid1140with material1152, valve actuator1172is retracted within cavity1156so as to move movable wedge1112in a direction away from end wall1124out of wedging engagement with expandable plug1108, as shown inFIG. 13B. Valve actuator1172may be retracted manually, or using a mechanism, such as ejector32ofFIG. 1. Once movable wedge1112has been moved sufficiently, expandable plug1108will retract to form passageway1168, allowing fluid1040to pass from first chamber1136to second chamber1148.

As valve actuator1172is continued to be retracted, head1176of movable wedge1112engages a shoulder1192of receiver1180, pulling expandable plug1108along with the movable wedge. Retraction of valve actuator1172may be continued until valve1104contacts piston1132. Depending upon the manner in which fluid1140and/or material1152will be ejected from cartridge1100, valve actuator1172, or portion thereof, may be removed so as to not interfere with the ejection process. As mentioned above, valve actuator1172may be provided with a stress concentrator that sufficiently stresses the actuator upon contact with piston1132that the actuator breaks at the stress concentrator. The broken-off portion of valve actuator1172may then be removed. In alternative embodiments, valve actuator1172may be severed using a severing device that is either integral with or separate from cartridge1100, or may otherwise be removable.

Just prior to ejection, peel-away seal1188may be removed to allow ejection of fluid1140and/or material1152from cartridge1100. As shown inFIG. 13C, ejection may be effected by pushing piston1132toward end wall1124, e.g., using a plunger1196. Plunger1196may be separate from piston1132as shown or integral with the piston in a manner similar to piston76and plunger60described above relative to cartridge52ofFIG. 2A, among others. If plunger1196is separate from piston1132, it may be part of an ejector32, e.g., ejector ofFIG. 1. If plunger1196is integral with piston1132, valve actuator1172(seeFIGS. 13A and 13B) may extend at least partway through the plunger to allow for removing removable valve member1112. As piston1132is continued to be pushed toward end wall1124, it contacts and then pushes expandable plug1108toward the end wall until ejection of fluid1140and/or material1152is complete or the desired amount of fluid has been ejected. When valve1104reaches end wall1124, as shown inFIG. 13D, movable wedge1112may be driven into wedging engagement with expandable plug1108so as to expand the plug into snug engagement with sidewall1120of housing1116, rendering cartridge1100unusable.

FIGS. 14A and 14Bshow an alternative valve1200comprising an expandable plug1204and a movable wedge1208. Valve1200may be used with cartridge1100shown inFIGS. 13A-13D, or similar device. Valve1200is generally similar to valve1104ofFIGS. 13A-13Din terms of configuration. That is, movable wedge1208is movable within a cavity1210in expandable plug1204so as to change states of the expandable plug between a first state (FIG. 14A), wherein the wedge expands the plug so as to press the plug into sealing engagement with sidewall1120of housing1116, and a second state (FIG. 14B), wherein the wedge is moved to allow the plug to contract to a size that allows a fluid to pass between the sidewall and plug between first chamber1136and second chamber1148. One difference between valve1104ofFIGS. 13A-13Dand valve1200ofFIGS. 14A and 14Bis the location of head1212of movable wedge1208relative to expandable plug1204. In valve1104ofFIGS. 13A-13D, head1176is located within receiver1180in expandable plug1108; in valve1200ofFIGS. 14A and 14B, head1212is located outside of expandable plug1204. In the latter case, a neck1216of movable wedge1208extends through an opening1220in expandable plug1204. However, the operation of valve1200ofFIGS. 14A and 14Bis substantially the same as the operation of valve1104ofFIGS. 13A-13D. If desired, neck1216may be designed to break upon impact of head1212with the end wall1124(FIG. 13A-13D) of housing1116at the end of the ejection of fluid from within the cartridge, i.e., when valve1200is in a position similar to the position of valve1104as shown inFIG. 13D.

FIGS. 15A and 15Bshow an alternative valve1300comprising an expandable plug1304and a removable wedge1308. Valve1300may be used with cartridge1100shown inFIGS. 13A-13Din lieu of valve1104, or it may be used with a device similar to this cartridge. Valve1300ofFIGS. 15A and 15Bis somewhat a hybrid of valve1004ofFIGS. 12A-12Dand valve1104ofFIGS. 13A-13D. That is, expandable plug1304is generally stationary when removable wedge1308is disengaged from the plug (similar to stationary member ofFIGS. 12A-12D), but the plug contracts upon removal of the wedge (similar to movable wedge1112ofFIGS. 13A-13D. When mixing is desired, removable wedge1308is disengaged from its fully-engaged position (FIG. 15A) with respect to expandable plug1304using, e.g., valve actuator1172, to pull the wedge from the plug. Once removable wedge1308is removed, expandable plug1304contracts (FIG. 15B) so as to form a passageway1312between sidewall1120of housing1116and the plug, so as to allow a fluid to pass from first chamber1136to second chamber1148. During ejection of the fluid from cartridge1100, which generally proceeds as described above in connection withFIGS. 13A-13D), removable wedge1308is pushed by a piston (e.g., piston1132ofFIG. 13A) back into engagement with expandable plug1204, which is then pushed to the end wall (not shown) of housing1116. At the end of ejection, removable wedge1308is generally firmly engaged with expandable plug1304so that valve1300is essentially stuck adjacent the end wall. This can be a beneficial feature for some applications because, at this point, cartridge1100may be substantially rendered unusable.

Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that although various features of the invention have been mostly described above in terms of cartridges usable, as shown inFIG. 1, with an injector32and/or a fill station28, the invention is not so limited. For example, rather than each of the above described ejection devices being cartridges, these devices may alternatively be any type of syringe, including medical syringes and syringes for delivering fluids, such as adhesives, sealants, lubricants, paints, flavorings, additives and reagents, among many others.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated with respect to exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing and various other changes, omissions and additions may be made therein and thereto, without parting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.