Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6030214?dq=5,779,924
Timestamp: 2017-07-24 09:29:29
Document Index: 56624594

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 36', 'art 38', 'art 36', 'art 38', 'art 36', 'art 36', 'art 38', 'art 38', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90', 'art 90']

Patent US6030214 - Manual device for delivering a viscous fluid - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsThe invention pertains to a device (10) for delivering a viscous fluid. The device features a housing (14), pistons (58,60) which act on containers (22,24) having the viscous fluid therein, a rotational drive unit (12) which moves the pistons (58,60) in a translational sense in the direction of a flow...http://www.google.com/patents/US6030214?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6030214 - Manual device for delivering a viscous fluidAdvanced Patent SearchTry the new Google Patents, with machine-classified Google Scholar results, and Japanese and South Korean patents.Publication numberUS6030214 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/169,485Publication dateFeb 29, 2000Filing dateOct 9, 1998Priority dateOct 15, 1997Fee statusLapsedAlso published asCA2247739A1, DE19745567A1, DE19745567C2, EP0909590A2, EP0909590A3, EP0909590B1Publication number09169485, 169485, US 6030214 A, US 6030214A, US-A-6030214, US6030214 A, US6030214AInventorsArthur ZwingenbergerOriginal AssigneeZwingenberger; ArthurExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (7), Referenced by (15), Classifications (18), Legal Events (3) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetManual device for delivering a viscous fluid
US 6030214 AAbstract
The invention pertains to a device (10) for delivering a viscous fluid. The device features a housing (14), pistons (58,60) which act on containers (22,24) having the viscous fluid therein, a rotational drive unit (12) which moves the pistons (58,60) in a translational sense in the direction of a flow channel open towards the containers (22,24). The drive unit is arranged in a motor housing (81) separate from the housing (14). A gear assembly (68,70,72,76) converts the rotational drive motion into a translational motion of the pistons (58,60) towards a flow channel (52) which connects to a nozzle (30) and the delivery opening in the container (22,24). A coupling (82) is provided by which the rotational drive unit (12) can be decoupled from the gear assembly (68,70,72,76).
1. A manual device (10) for delivering a viscous fluid comprising a housing at least one piston (58, 60) seated in the housing (19) which has a handle (79), the piston acts on a container (22,24) having the viscous fluid therein, a gear assembly (70,72,78,83) for the conversion of a rotational drive motion into a translational motion of the piston (58,60), the gear assembly connected to a rotational drive unit (12), a coupling (82) provided between the rotational drive unit (12) and the gear assembly (70,72,76,83).
2. The manual device of claim 1 further comprising at least two containers (22,24), each having an individual component of a multicomponent molding compound provided therein, a static mixer for mixing the individual components located in a discharge nozzle therefore.
3. The manual device according to claim 1 wherein the coupling (82) is constructed for mating with dental hand and angle pieces (104).
4. The manual device according to claim 1 wherein a rotational axis of the rotational drive unit (12) is arranged at an angle to an axis of the translational motion of the piston.
5. The manual device according to claim 4, characterized in that the angle is bridged by two spur wheels (70,76) engaging with one another.
6. The manual device according to claim 1 wherein a a rotational axis of the rotational drive unit (12) is arranged at an angle to a plane spanned by two pistons (58,60) arranged side-by-side.
7. The manual device according to claim 6, characterized in that the angle is bridged by two spur wheels (70,76) engaging with one another.
8. The manual device according to claim 1 wherein the rotational drive unit (12) is an electric or compressed-air motor for use in a dentistry unit, having a coupling extension (82) for mating with dental hand and angle pieces (104).
9. The manual device according to claim 1, wherein the rotational drive unit (12) is a battery-operated motor.
10. The manual device according to claim 1 further comprising a control unit (102) having an actuation element constructed as a foot pedal (100), the control unit interacting with the motor (80).
11. The manual device according to claim 1 further comprising an output shaft (68) of the gear assembly (70,72,76,83) having a threaded section (72), a nut (66) connected to the piston (58,60) engaging the threaded section.
12. The manual device according to claim 11, further comprising a second coupling (46) provided between the piston (58,60) and the output shaft to permit a retraction of the piston into an initial position.
13. The manual device according to claim 12, wherein the nut (66) is part of the second coupling (46), the nut (66) engaging with the output shaft (68) only in some parts, a cutout (86) enlarged with respect to the thread (72), adjoins the nut (66), so that upon movement of the second coupling (46) in the direction of the nut (66), the nut is decoupled from the shaft (68) and the output shaft (68) is arranged in the cutout (86).
14. The manual device according to claim 13, further comprising at least one spring (84) which presses the nut (66) with the coupling (46) against the shaft (68).
15. The manual device according to claim 14, further comprising an additional spring (74) which presses the coupling (46) joined to the piston (58,60) in the direction of the opening of the flow channel (52).
16. The manual device according to claim 13, further comprising an additional spring (74) which presses the coupling (46) joined to the piston (58,60) in the direction of the opening of the flow channel (52).
17. The manual device according to claim 1 wherein the gear assembly (70,72,76,82) has a reduction gear (83) with a step-down ratio of 250 or 1000 to 1.
The invention pertains to a manual device for delivering a viscous fluid.
A manual device for delivering viscous fluid is known from DE 31 03 610 A1, which is equipped with a rotation drive unit that is coupled to a gear assembly. Two piston rods having pistons are moved by way of the gear assembly and each act on a container that contains a viscous fluid of a multicomponent molding compound. The container is connected at its end opposite the piston to a mixing nozzle. The containers can each be removed from the manual device and exchanged. The gear assembly, to which the piston rod with the piston is connected, is driven by an electric motor provided in the manual device or by compressed air. In order to retract the piston into a starting position, a coupling/clutch is provided in each case between the piston rod and the gear assembly. This manual device is extremely heavy and because of the necessary compressed air seals, among other things, expensive to manufacture.
Furthermore, a stationary table device is known that has in a housing a piston to deliver the viscous fluid of the multicomponent molding compound as well as a gear assembly and rotation drive unit powering the piston via the gear assembly. The rotational drive unit can be controlled manually with regard to its rotational speed by way of a rotary switch seated in the housing. The amount of molding compound delivered per unit time is regulated by way of the rotational speed.
A disadvantage with such a design, when used in the dental field, is the inability for the device to be used directly on the patient, for instance, when an impression molding compound for dental purposes is to be delivered and mixed.
Furthermore, the dentist requires both hands for operating this device, one hand for the rotary switch and one hand for the bowl in which the mixed impression molding compound is placed. The handling is therefore extremely cumbersome and unfavorable for the field of dentistry and dental technician work.
A hand and angle piece for dental treatment purposes is known from DE 31 22 061 A1 that features a battery, an electric motor and a switch for turning the motor on and off. The hand and angle piece can be connected via a coupling/transmission to dental tools such as a drill, the tool comprising the opposing piece for the coupling of the hand and angle piece.
In DE 31 29 348 A1, a metering syringe is disclosed, which features a piston rod and piston arranged at the end of the piston rod in the cylindrical housing. The piston rod is provided with a thread that engages with a nut seated in a guidance part. With the revolution of the nut seated stationary in the guidance part the piston is moved via the piston rod in the housing.
The objects of the present invention address the problem of specifying a manual device for delivering a viscous fluid which, while avoiding the aforesaid disadvantages, can be used flexibly, is simple to handle and better meets the need of practice, particularly in the dental and dental technician field.
This problem is solved by the features of the present invention.
The invention is based on the recognition that by means of a construction in which the rotational drive unit can be separated from the patient, flexible design and powering possibilities result, which improve the handling and expand the possibilities of use.
According to the invention, the manual device for delivering a viscous fluid features at least one piston, which is seated in a housing having a handle, the piston acting on a container holding the viscous fluid, with a gear assembly for converting a rotational drive motion into a transitional motion of the piston and whose power input is connected to a rotational drive unit, wherein a coupling is provided between the rotational drive unit and the gear assembly for purposes of the optional connection of the manual device to different rotational drive units.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the manual device is constructed for delivering a multicomponent molding compound formed from viscous fluids, in which device at least two containers each having an individual component, are provided and the nozzle is part of a static mixer.
In particular, the coupling, such as an ISO coupling, is constructed for dental hand and angle pieces. In this way it is possible to utilize the present drive unit in any dental or dental technician practice by connecting the manual device via the coupling. The manual device can therefore forgo a special drive motor arranged in the housing and thus be offered considerably more economically.
According to one embodiment of the invention the axis of rotation of the rotation drive unit is arranged at an angle to the axis of the translational motion of the piston or to the plane spanned by two pistons arranged side-by-side. The angle is bridged by two meshing spur wheels. This guarantees a compact construction of small dimensions.
Electric or compressed-air motors of a dental unit as rotational drive units for hand and angle pieces with milling, drilling and grinding tools are in regular use for dental and dental technician practices for preparing teeth, crowns or the like. The rotational drive unit of the manual device therefore preferably comprises an electric or compressed-air motor and a coupling extension as part of the coupling for dental hand and angle pieces. Accordingly, the drive units already present in the dental field can be used with the manual device according to the invention without further effort. In particular, the motor is part of the dental unit in this case.
Alternatively, the rotational drive unit can also comprise a battery-operated motor if, for example, no dental motor is available. By way of the coupling, there can be exchanges between the battery-operated motor and the dental motor without further effort, which increases the range of use.
In order to be able to control the delivery rate of the multicomponent molding compound from the manual device in a simple manner, the motor interacts with a control unit. In this regard, the control unit features an actuation element constructed as a foot pedal. The adjustment of the motor speed and thus the delivery rate, as well as the turning on and off of the motor is done by foot, so that the dentist's/dental technician's hands remain free for treating and working on teeth, crowns or the like.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear assembly has an output shaft seated in the housing with a threaded section, where a nut connected to the piston engages with the threaded section.
A second coupling is preferably provided between the piston and the output shaft, in order to enable a retraction of the piston into a starting position.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the nut is part of the second coupling and the nut encloses the output shaft only in part. Adjoining the nut is a recess which is expanded in relation to the thread so that, upon movement of the second coupling in the direction of the nut, it is decoupled, together with the nut, from the shaft, and the output shaft is arranged in the recess. In that way the pistons can again be moved back into their original position after use of the manual device, whereby the maximum stroke motion of the piston and thus the maximum delivery motion of the piston is guaranteed for the next use.
In order to establish a base position, in which the nut engages with the thread of the output shaft, at least one spring is provided, which presses the nut with the coupling against the shaft.
In particular, a second spring is provided, which presses the coupling connected to the piston in the direction of the opening of the flow channel, whereby, first of all, the engagement of the nut with the thread of the output shaft is ensured, as well as enabling the locking of a mount holding the containers in the housing.
According to one embodiment of the invention, the gear assembly comprises a reduction gear assembly which preferably features a transmission ratio of 500 or 1000 to 1. In this way, the dental motors, which operate at high speeds, can be reduced to a rotational speed which is correct for the manual device in practice.
With the manual device according to the invention, the dentist can concentrate completely on the therapeutic field. He need neither exert manual force on the piston nor tie up one hand for adjusting the actuation element, since this can be done easily by way of the foot pedal.
Additional advantages and features are seen from the description below of several embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the manual device according to one embodiment of the invention with film bags and static mixer not inserted in the receptacle;
FIG. 2 is a perspective detailed view of the constructive unit consisting of headpiece, static mixer and emptied film bags, the tip being angled off in this case;
FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view through the manual device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 7 is a sectional view of the pistons, the film bags, the headpiece and the static mixer of FIG. 5, wherein the film bags are partially emptied;
FIG. 10 is a perspective exploded view of the drive parts and pistons of the manual device of FIG. 1;
FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the manual device with an alternative drive unit;
FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the housing of the drive unit of FIG. 11; and
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the different combination possibilities of the manual device.
In FIG. 1, a manual device 10 according to the invention is represented. The manual device 10 is connected to an electric-motor-powered rotational drive unit 12, that can be disconnected from the manual device 10 via a first coupling 82, (see FIG. 8), which interacts with a control unit not shown here. Alternatively to this, a lamellar motor operated by compressed air can also be used as the rotational drive unit.
A film tube 22,24 is closed off at each of its two ends with a clip 26; see FIGS. 4-7 as well, in which the tubes can be coated with TEFLON® (tetrafluoroethylene polymer) for better sliding out of the end of the respective film tube.
The two film tubes 22 and 24 contain components of a multicomponent molding compound, such as dental impression material, and are connected to a headpiece 28. The headpiece 28 features a static mixer 30 at its end situated away from the film tubes 22,24 which is permanently integrated into the headpiece 28 and projects in a rod shape from the latter in the direction of the film tubes 22,24.
The outer casing 31 of the static mixer 30 is constructed to be able to rotate against the base 29. In particular, an angled nozzle 33 arranged on the static mixer 30--FIG. 2--can be oriented in this way in the appropriate treatment positions, whereby when using the manual device, for instance, in conjunction with impression material in dental work, the application in the interproximal as well as in the lingual or buccal region is eased.
The disposable unit 32 is inserted into the receptacle 16 such that the film tubes 22 and 24 engage with the associated chambers 18 and 20 and the headpiece 28 contacts the end face of the receptacle 16.
The disposable unit 32 can be secured in the receptacle by a holder 34.
The holder 34 can be pivoted about an axis which extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 16, or the chambers 18 and 20, and has a holder part 36 arranged underneath the receptacle 16 and a holder part 38 arranged above the receptacle 16.
To the side on the holder part 36, a bar 40 is provided, which extends with the holder 34 closed parallel to the receptacle 16 up to the articulation point 42 of the holder 34 on each side of the receptacle 16 and joins together the upper holder part 38 and the lower holder part 36. The lower holder part 36 thus extends from the articulation point 42 in the direction of the disposable unit 32, whereas the upper holder part 38 extends from the articulation point 42 in the direction of the side of the housing 14 remote from the disposable unit 32.
A T-shaped cutout 44 is inserted into the upper holder part 38. The T-shaped cutout 44 is associated with a second coupling 46 and a catch 48, whose function in conjunction with the disposable unit 32, as will be discussed further below.
After use of the manual device 10, the second coupling 46 and through it, the end part 90 with the catch 48 are pressed backwards against the spring force and the catch 48 can pass through the cutout 44 upon pivoting of the holder 34. The disposable unit 32 becomes free and can be exchanged.
A used disposable unit 32 is shown perspectively in FIG. 2, the static mixer 30 being equipped, as mentioned above, with an angled nozzle 33.
FIG. 4 shows the disposable unit 32 in section with filled film tubes 22 and 24. The film tubes 22,24 are closed off at their ends with the clip 26. A free end of the film tubes 22,24 engages with the headpiece 28, a ring 50 of the headpiece 28 being assigned to each film tube 22,24. The ring 50 is adapted to the shape of the filled film tube 22,24 and glued, welded or the like to the associated film tube 22,24.
The headpiece 28 has flow channels, initially constructed in a chamber shape, connecting the associated free ends of the film tubes 22 and 24 to the static mixer.
For each chamber of the flow channel 52, a screen 54 is placed in front of the static mixer 30 to prevent a penetration of the chambers 26 released from the film tubes 22,24 or of parts of the film tubes 22,24 into the static mixer 30.
The static mixers 30 can have differing spirals, edges or the like in their passage openings, which permit a thorough mixing of the components passing through the static mixer 30 received from the film tubes 22,24 via the flow channel 52, for instance an impression-molding compound for dental purposes. Differing configurations of a static mixer 30 are used, depending on the consistency of the components. Such static mixers 30 are known and therefore not described in further detail.
The components of the two film tubes 22 and 24 are only mixed together in the static mixer, that is, the flow channels 52 hold the two components separated until their entry into the static mixer 30. To this end, a separation wall 57 separating the two channels 52 is provided.
In its forward area, the housing 14 of the manual device 10 has the receptacle 16 having the cylindrical chambers 18,20. Seated in the rear area of the housing 14 are two piston rods 62,64, at the end of which a respective piston 58,60 is provided. A piston 58,60 impinges into a chamber 18,20, respectively. The piston 58,60 can each be moved parallel to the longitudinal axis of the receptacle 16 in the direction of the opening of the flow channel 52 pointed towards the film tubes 22 and 24. (See FIG. 5).
The piston 58,60 is connected via its piston rod 62,64 and the end part 90 connecting the two piston rods 62,64, see FIG. 10, to a nut 66 as part of the second coupling 46, since, as already explained, the second coupling 46 is arranged in the end part 90.
The piston 58,60 is adapted to the shape of the free end of the filled film tubes 22,24 pointing away from the headpiece 28 and surrounds the clip 26 closing off the film tube 22,24. This prevents the clip 26 from separating from the film tube 22,24 under rising internal pressure in the film tube 22,24.
The piston rod 62,64 and the end part 90 with the catch 48 is tensioned by a spring 74 in the direction of the film tubes 22,24. In this way, the catch 48 is held in a position that keeps the holder 34 in the closed position, as well as pressing the piston 58,60 against the associated film tube 22,24 as soon as the disposable unit 32 is inserted into the receptacle 16 of the housing 14. Additionally, the nut 66 is pressed against the end of the thread 72.
In FIGS. 5 and 6, the position is shown in which the second coupling 46 and the end part 90 with the catch 48 is pressed backwards for opening and closing the holder 34. As soon as the holder 34 is closed, the spring 74 presses the piston rod 62,64 in the direction of the headpiece 28, and the nut 66 engages with the thread 72. As the shaft 68 rotates, the nut 66, the piston rods 62 and 64, as well as the pistons 58 and 60 are moved towards the film tube 22 and 24, respectively.
An additional spur wheel 76 engages with the spur wheel 70. The additional spur wheel 76 is joined to the rotational drive unit 12, whose angle of rotation is arranged at an angle to the angle of translation of the two pistons 58 and 60, see FIG. 8.
The additional spur wheel 76 is connected to the rotational drive unit 12 via an ISO coupling 82 for dental hand and angle pieces. It is also possible for other couplings for hand and angle pieces to be used. For this purpose, the opposing piece 78 of the ISO coupling engages with an ISO coupling extension of the first coupling 82 for dental hand and angle pieces, which is in turn connected to a dental motor 80 of a dentistry unit. Such dental motors are known in connection with hand and angle pieces with milling, drilling and grinding tools for dentistry purposes.
The housing 81 of the dental motor 80, as well as the first coupling 82 and the part of the housing 14 of the manual device 10 facing downwards in regard to FIG. 8 together form a handle 79, with which the manual device 10 can be easily brought into the appropriate treatment positions for the patient. A reducing gear assembly 83 connecting the additional spur wheel 76 and the opposing piece 78 of the first coupling 82 and provided with a reduction ratio of 250 or 1000 to 1 is inserted into the handle 79.
Alternatively, the films of the film tubes 22,24 can be formed weakened in the end area, by laser material removal, for instance. The removal extends, for instance, in linear form nearly over the circumference, but not entirely. This has the effect that the broken end of the film tube 22,24 remains connected to the film tube 22,24. The screen 54 is therefore not closed off and the output of components from the film tubes 22,24 into the static mixer 30 is not hindered.
After use, the disposable unit 32 is removed in the prescribed manner from the manual device 10 and a new one with full film tubes 22 and 24 is inserted.
In FIG. 10, the motive parts are again shown individually in perspective exploded view. Here it becomes clear that the piston rods 62 and 64 engage with the shared end part 90, in which the second coupling 46 is seated, and that the end part 90 has the catch 48.
The flexible design of the manual device 10 according to the invention becomes clear from FIG. 13. The dental motor 80 of a dentistry unit is connected to a control unit 102 featuring a foot pedal 100, with which the motor 80 is controlled. An angle piece 104 or the manual device 10 according to the invention can be connected to the first coupling 82 on the output side of the motor.
An additional advantage should also be seen in the fact that the dentist can control the amount of molding compound that can be delivered by way of the motor speed with the foot pedal 100, without a dentist's hand being needed or any force expended. The dentist can concentrate entirely on applying the molding compound to the part of the patient to be treated. Moreover, a dental motor already available in the practice is better utilized.
The invention is distinguished by its simple design and broad application possibilities. While preferred embodiments of the present invention has been shown and described, it will be understood by one skilled in the art that various changes or modifications can be made without varying from the scope of the invention.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS3989952 *Aug 2, 1974Nov 2, 1976Siemens AktiengesellschaftDental apparatusUS4493646 *Jul 26, 1982Jan 15, 1985Bernard LacourDevice for fixing a transmission assembly in the body of an angled dental toolDE2339827A1 *Aug 6, 1973Feb 27, 1975Siemens AgZahnaerztliches geraetDE3103610A1 *Feb 3, 1981Aug 19, 1982Koemmerling KunststoffHand-mischspritzeDE3122061A1 *Jun 3, 1981Feb 18, 1982Morita MfgCordless handpiece arrangement for dental treatment purposesDE3129348A1 *Jul 24, 1981Feb 10, 1983Alfred Schmid Ag PlastikwerkManually operable metering syringe for liquids or plastic compositions, especially for dental purposesDE3227417A1 *Jul 22, 1982Feb 17, 1983Micro Mega SaVorrichtung zum befestigen einer antriebseinrichtung im koerper eines zahnaerztlichen winkelstuecks* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6537239 *May 14, 2001Mar 25, 2003Phillip MarkInsert for a nozzle of a flow through liquid applicator and combination thereofUS7018382 *Nov 12, 2003Mar 28, 2006Musculoskeletal Transplant FoundationBone marrow mixing instrumentUS8714409 *Dec 5, 2006May 6, 20143M Innovative Properties CompanyDispensing cartridgeUS9381070 *Feb 27, 2014Jul 5, 2016Gc CorporationDental mixerUS20040143223 *Jan 17, 2003Jul 22, 2004Spinello Ronald P.Dental anesthetic injection apparatus and methods for administering dental injectionsUS20050101963 *Nov 12, 2003May 12, 2005Merboth Barbara L.Bone marrow mixing instrumentUS20060027605 *Aug 3, 2005Feb 9, 2006Clifford BeckettDispensing gunUS20070158362 *Dec 5, 2006Jul 12, 20073M Innovative Properties CompanyDispensing cartridgeUS20080173673 *Jun 2, 2005Jul 24, 20083M Espe AgLocking Assembly and Dispensing Cartridge Comprising the SameUS20100089949 *Apr 16, 2008Apr 15, 20103M Innovative Properties CompanyDispensing device with locking memberUS20140212831 *Mar 27, 2014Jul 31, 2014W&H Dentalwerk Bürmoos GmbHMedical or dental treatment device for dispensing a mediumUS20140246457 *Feb 27, 2014Sep 4, 2014Gc CorporationDental mixerCN102205290A *May 30, 2011Oct 5, 2011交通运输部天津水运工程科学研究所Intelligent spray gun for accurately controlling spraying rangeCN102205290BMay 30, 2011Sep 19, 2012交通运输部天津水运工程科学研究所Intelligent spray gun for accurately controlling spraying rangeWO2012145462A1 *Apr 19, 2012Oct 26, 2012Dentsply International Inc.Impression material delivery system* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification433/82, 433/81, 433/80International ClassificationB05C17/01, A61C9/00, B05C17/005, B05B7/26, B05C5/00Cooperative ClassificationB05C17/0103, B05C17/00553, B05C17/00583, A61C9/0026, A61C5/64European ClassificationB05C17/005R, A61C5/06A2, B05C17/01B, B05C17/005F, A61C9/00CLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionSep 17, 2003REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedMar 1, 2004LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesApr 27, 2004FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20040229RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services