Method and Apparatus for Application of a Fluid

• US 20100274206A1
• Filed: 07/08/2010
• Published: 10/28/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/21/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC (Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Biomet Manufacturing, LLC (Zimmer Biomet Holdings, Inc.)
• Inventors: Leach, Michael D., Hecker, Barry F.
• Granted Patent: US 8,444,620 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 604/290
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/02 Blood transfusion apparatus blood infusion by syringes A61M5/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 1/3693 using separation based on different densities of components, e.g. centrifuging
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/00 Sprayers or atomisers specially adapted for therapeutic purposes in general B05B; aerosol containers B65D83/14
• CPC Class Codes: A61M 11/06 of the injector type
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/028 Pistons separating the content remaining in the container from the atmospheric air to compensate underpressure inside the container
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1011 without substantial movement of the nozzle in the direction of the pressure stroke
• CPC Class Codes: B05B 11/1084 each liquid or other fluent material being pumped by a separate pump
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/28 Nozzles, nozzle fittings or accessories specially adapted therefor
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/68 Dispensing two or more contents , e.g. sequential dispensing or simultaneous dispensing of two or more products without mixing them
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/682 the products being first separated, but finally mixed, e.g. in a dispensing head mixing in general B01F
• CPC Class Codes: B65D 83/685 with one product being located in a chamber within, or forming part of, the dispensing head, e.g. for admixture during dispensing

Abstract

A method and apparatus for separation, concentration, and/or applying a biological or bio-engineered fluid. Generally, the fluid application device includes a sprayer body to enable the application of the fluid and a container adaptable to enable the separation of the fluid into at least a first component and a second component. The container is releasably coupled to the nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated to apply the fluid to a selected site.

Claims

1. A device for applying at least a component of a fluid, the device comprising:

a container operable to separate the fluid into at least a first component and a second component;

a nozzle extending from the container and operable to apply at least one of the first component or second component of the fluid; and

wherein the nozzle is adapted to withdraw at least one of the first component or the second component from the container after the fluid has been separated.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the container further comprises:

an inlet operable to receive the fluid;

a buoy disposed in the container operable to separate the fluid into a first component in a first area and a second component in a second area;

a first outlet interconnecting the first area of the nozzle; and

a second outlet interconnecting the second area of the nozzle.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the nozzle further comprises:

a reservoir operable to receive a second fluid;

at least one valve to control the release of the second fluid from the reservoir;

a chamber operable to receive the first component of the fluid from the first outlet or the second component of the fluid from the second outlet;

a third outlet coupled to the valve, operable to enable the second fluid to exit the nozzle;

a fourth outlet coupled to the chamber, operable to enable the first component or the second component of the fluid to exit the nozzle;

a trigger coupled to the third outlet and fourth outlet; and

wherein the activation of the trigger causes the third outlet to enable the second fluid to exit the nozzle and the fourth outlet to enable the first component or the second component of the fluid to exit the nozzle.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the third outlet and fourth outlet are coupled to a nozzle assembly to enable the first component or second component of the fluid to combine with the second fluid.

5. The device of claim 4 wherein the third outlet is disposed over the fourth outlet and the second fluid drips into a spray of the first component or second component of the fluid to mix after exiting the nozzle.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein the ratio of the first component or second component of the fluid to the second fluid is approximately ten to one.

7. The device of claim 3 wherein the second fluid is a coagulant.

8. The device of claim 3 wherein the nozzle further comprises a selector valve operable to couple the first outlet or the second outlet to the fourth outlet to enable the first component or second component to enter the fourth outlet.

9. The device of claim 3 wherein the activation of the trigger creates a vacuum pressure to cause the second fluid to exit the third outlet and the first component or second component of the fluid to exit the fourth outlet.

10. The device of claim 1 wherein a sterile container surrounds the container, nozzle or both.

11. The device of claim 10 wherein the container can be used to form the first component and second component while the container is in the sterile container.

12. A system for separating and applying a fluid comprising:

a tube having a first part;

a sterile container having a second part interconnected with said first part;

a fluid transfer device;

wherein the tube is removably positioned in the sterile container to maintain a sterility of a portion of the tube;

wherein the fluid transfer device is operable to transfer a fluid into the tube while the sterility of a portion of the tube is maintained by interconnecting said fluid transfer device with said second port;

wherein the fluid can be separated while the tube is disposed in the sterile container.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising:

a spray nozzle having a third port;

a second sterile container having a fourth port coupled to the third port;

a second fluid transfer device; and

wherein the second fluid transfer device is operable to transfer fluid into the spray nozzle through the fourth port while maintaining the sterility of the spray nozzle.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the tube can be removed from the sterile container and coupled to a spray nozzle to apply at least a portion of either the first component or second component to a selected area.