Patent ID: 8647337

Claim:
A dispensing head for dispensing a cryogenic fluid, comprising: a flow passage configured to be placed in flow communication with a reservoir containing the cryogenic fluid, the flow passage defining a flow passage inlet opening configured to receive the cryogenic fluid from the reservoir, and a flow passage outlet opening opposite the flow passage inlet opening; a dispensing member, separate from the flow passage, and configured to dispense the cryogenic fluid, the dispensing member defining a lumen having a lumen inlet opening and a lumen outlet opening; at least one porous member disposed in the flow passage between the flow passage inlet opening and the flow passage outlet opening and through which the cryogenic fluid flows, the at least one porous member configured as a primary flow regulation mechanism to limit a flow rate and pressure of the cryogenic fluid as the cryogenic fluid flows from the reservoir to the lumen outlet opening; and a movable actuation member, including the dispensing member, and configured to move laterally across a sealing member between a first position in which the flow passage outlet opening is not aligned and is blocked from flow communication with the lumen inlet opening, and a second position in which the flow passage outlet opening is aligned along a common central axis with the lumen inlet opening and is in flow communication with the lumen inlet opening to dispense the cryogenic fluid onto a skin surface via the lumen outlet opening.