Various aspects of this disclosure relate generally to devices, assemblies, and methods for delivering agents. More specifically, in embodiments, this disclosure relates to devices, assemblies, and methods for delivery of powdered agents, such as hemostatic agents.
In certain medical procedures, it may be necessary to minimize or stop bleeding internal to the body. For example, an endoscopic medical procedure may require hemostasis of bleeding tissue within the gastrointestinal tract, for example, in the esophagus, stomach, or intestines.
During an endoscopic procedure, a user inserts a sheath of an endoscope into a body lumen of a patient. The user utilizes a handle of the endoscope to control the endoscope during the procedure. The user may pass one or more through a working channel of the endoscope via, for example, a port in the handle, to deliver treatment at the procedure site near a distal end of the endoscope. The procedure site is remote from the operator.
To achieve hemostasis at the remote site, a hemostatic agent may be delivered by a device inserted into the working channel of the endoscope. Agent delivery may be achieved through systems that may be manually operated, for example. Such systems, however, may require numerous steps or actuations to achieve delivery, or may not achieve a desired rate of agent delivery or a desired dosage of agent. Further, the systems may result in the agent clogging portions of the delivery device, inconsistent dosing of agent, or may not result in the agent reaching the treatment site deep within the GI tract. The current disclosure may solve one or more of these issues or other issues in the art.
Each of the aspects disclosed herein may include one or more of the features described in connection with any of the other disclosed aspects.
According to an example, a valve assembly for a medical device includes an enclosure for storing an agent, the enclosure including a first end; a funnel positioned downstream of the enclosure for receiving the agent from the enclosure, the funnel including a second end positioned adjacent to the first end; a first plate coupled to the enclosure at the first end, the first plate including at least one opening; and a second plate coupled to the funnel at the second end, the second plate including at least one opening that is in fluid communication with the at least one opening of the first plate; wherein the first plate and the second plate are positioned against one another, and an exterior surface of at least one of the first plate or the second plate includes one or more textured surface elements configured to displace the agent stored in the enclosure in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to one another.
Any of the valve assemblies described herein may include any of the following features. The one or more textured surface elements includes a ridge, a protrusion, a projection, a bump, a rib, a tooth, a baffle, a dimple, a recess, or a cavity. The first plate is configured to rotate or translate relative to the second plate. The one or more textured surface elements is configured to agitate the agent in the enclosure and release the agitated agent from the enclosure and into the funnel in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to one another. The exterior surface of each of the first plate and the second plate include one or more textured surface elements. The one or more textured surface elements positioned on the exterior surface of the first plate are configured to engage the one or more textured surface elements positioned on the exterior surface of the second plate, thereby displacing the agent stored in the enclosure. At least one of the first plate or the second plate is configured to translate in a longitudinal direction relative to one another when the one or more textured surface elements of the first plate engage the one or more textured surface elements of the second plate. Each of the first plate and the second plate are configured to move relative to one another to displace the agent stored in the enclosure for release into the funnel. The one or more textured surface elements positioned on the exterior surface of at least one of the first plate or the second plate is configured to extend into the at least one opening on the first plate or the second plate that is positioned opposite of the one or more textured surface elements. The one or more textured surface elements is configured to vibrate the enclosure, in response to at least one of the first plate or the second plate moving relative to one another, to displace the agent stored in the enclosure. The first plate and the second plate are porous, such that each of the first plate and the second plate include a plurality of openings that are in fluid communication with one another. At least one of the funnel or the enclosure is in fluid communication with a source of fluid of the medical device, and a fluid received at the funnel or the enclosure from the source of fluid is configured to move at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to the other. The funnel is configured to guide the fluid toward the agent received therein to agitate the agent within the funnel. The funnel is in fluid communication with a delivery conduit of the medical device, and configured to guide a mixture of the fluid and the agent received the funnel toward the delivery conduit. The valve assembly further including an actuator coupled to at least one of the enclosure or the funnel, the actuator is configured to move at least one of the first plate or the second plate relative to the other.
According to another example, a valve assembly for a medical device includes an enclosure for storing an agent, the enclosure including a first end; a funnel positioned downstream of the enclosure for receiving the agent from the enclosure, the funnel including a second end positioned adjacent to the first end; and a porous mesh positioned between the first end and the second end, wherein at least a portion of the agent stored in the enclosure is received on the porous mesh; wherein the porous mesh is configured to move relative to the enclosure and the funnel to displace the agent stored in the enclosure for release into the funnel.
Any of the valve assemblies described herein may include any of the following features. At least one of the funnel or the enclosure is in fluid communication with a source of fluid of the medical device, and a fluid received at the funnel or the enclosure from the source of fluid is configured to move the porous mesh. The valve assembly further including an actuator coupled to the porous mesh, wherein the actuator is configured to move the porous mesh relative to the enclosure and the funnel. The porous mesh is configured to rotate, translate laterally, or translate vertically relative to the enclosure and the funnel.
According to another example, a valve assembly for a medical device including an enclosure including: a chamber for storing an agent; a first funnel positioned downstream of the chamber for receiving the agent from the enclosure, the first funnel including a first porous surface; and a second funnel positioned downstream of the first funnel for receiving the agent from the first funnel, the second funnel including a second porous surface; an inlet that is in fluid communication with the enclosure and a source of fluid of the medical device; an outlet that is in fluid communication with the enclosure and a delivery conduit of the medical device; and wherein the first funnel is configured to receive fluid from the inlet via the first porous surface to agitate the agent received therein from the enclosure, and guide the agitated agent towards the second funnel, the second funnel is configured to receive fluid from the inlet via the second porous surface to agitate the agent received therein from the first funnel, and guide the agitated agent towards the outlet.
It may be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, device, assembly, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. The term “diameter” may refer to a width where an element is not circular. The term “top” refers to a direction or side of a device relative to its orientation during use, and the term “bottom” refers to a direction or side of a device relative to its orientation during use that is opposite of the “top.” The term “exemplary” is used in the sense of “example,” rather than “ideal.” The term “approximately,” or like terms (e.g., “substantially”), includes values+/−10% of a stated value.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate aspects of this disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the disclosure.
Embodiments of this disclosure relate to dispensing devices having valve assemblies for selectively releasing an agent (e.g., a powdered agent) to a site of a medical procedure. The valve assembly may include a series of funnels for fluidly coupling a pressurized medium source (e.g., a gas canister), from which the pressurized fluid (e.g., a gas) may be released, with an enclosure storing the agent. The agent may be received within the enclosure of the dispensing device, and in selective fluid communication with the pressurized fluid via the series of funnels. Accordingly, when the agent is received within the one or more funnels, the pressurized fluid that is selectively guided toward the funnels from the pressurized fluid source may travel toward and enter the funnels via a porous insert to agitate the agent prior to delivery to a target site of the medical procedure. Aspects of the dispensing device and valve assembly, such as the series of funnels, may facilitate a fluidization of the agent with the flow of pressurized fluid prior to the agent being delivered. The dispensing devices and valve assemblies may assist in selectively controlling the flow of pressurized fluid to help, for example, to help prevent or minimize clogging during delivery.
Other embodiments of the valve assembly may include respective surface plates at an interface between the enclosure and at least one funnel. Each of the surface plates may include one or more openings to facilitate a release of the agent from the enclosure and receipt of the agent in the funnel. At least one of the surface plates may include one or more textured surface elements configured to interact with the opposing plate to facilitate release of the agent from the enclosure and into the funnel. The textured surface elements of one surface plate may abut against the opposing surface plate to cause the agent stored in enclosure to move by displacing and/or dislodging the particles from an initial, rest state. Accordingly, when the agent is released from within the enclosure in response to a resulting movement caused by the engagement of the surface plates, and specifically the textured surface element, the agent enters the funnel to agitate the agent with pressurized fluid prior to delivery to a target site of the medical procedure. Aspects of the dispensing device and valve assembly, such as the surface plates and textured surface elements, may facilitate a fluidization of the agent with the flow of pressurized fluid prior to the agent being delivered, which may assist in selectively controlling the flow of pressurized fluid, for example, to help to prevent or minimize clogging during delivery.
Handle body 12 may have a variety of features, to be discussed in further detail herein. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/589,633, filed Oct. 1, 2019, published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0100986 A1 on Apr. 2, 2022, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety, discloses features of exemplary delivery devices and systems. The features of this disclosure may be combined with any of the features described in the above-referenced application. The features described herein may be used alone or in combination and are not mutually exclusive. Like reference numbers and/or terminology are used to denote similar structures, when possible.
Still referring to
Valve assembly 100 may include a first enclosure 110, a second enclosure 120, and a third enclosure 130. First enclosure 110 may include at least a pair of sidewalls 112 and a lower wall 114 defining a chamber 116 for storing an agent. Second enclosure 120 may include at least a pair of sidewalls 122, an upper wall 124, and a lower wall 126 defining a cavity for housing a first funnel 128. Third enclosure 130 may include at least a pair of sidewalls 132, an upper wall 134, and a lower wall 136 defining a cavity for housing a second funnel 138.
In the example, at least a portion of first funnel 128 may be coupled to each of upper wall 124 and lower wall 126 along opposing ends of first funnel 128, such that first funnel 128 may be fluidly sealed within second enclosure 120. At least a portion of second funnel 138 may be coupled to each of upper wall 134 and lower wall 136 along opposing ends of second funnel 138, such that second funnel 138 may be fluidly sealed within third enclosure 130. As described herein, first funnel 128 and second funnel 138 may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via a porous insert positioned along a sidewall of the respective funnels.
Each of first enclosure 110, second enclosure 120, and third enclosure 130 may be coupled to at least another one of the enclosures of valve assembly 100. For example, first enclosure 110 may be positioned upstream from, and coupled to, second enclosure 120 along lower wall 114. Second enclosure 120 may be positioned downstream from, and coupled to, first enclosure 110 along upper wall 124. Second enclosure 120 may be further coupled to, and positioned upstream from, third enclosure 130 along lower wall 126. Third enclosure 130 may be positioned downstream from, and coupled to, second enclosure 120 along upper wall 134.
Still referring to
In the example, first opening 115 may have a greater diameter than second opening 125. As described in detail herein, a relative size of first opening 115 and second opening 125 may control a flow of the agent from first enclosure 110 to second enclosure 120, and a flow of the agent and pressurized fluid from second enclosure 120 and third enclosure 130, respectively. In other embodiments, first opening 115 may be relatively smaller and/or the same size as second opening 125. In further embodiments, one or more of first opening 115 and/or second opening 125 may be omitted entirely such that first enclosure 110, second enclosure 120, and third enclosure 130 may be in fluid communication with one another via various other suitable mechanisms, such as a conduit, a tube, a channel, etc.
Lower wall 136 of third enclosure 130 may include a third opening 135 for fluidly coupling third enclosure 130 (and specifically second funnel 138) to a tubing 140 of valve assembly 100. In some embodiments, at least a portion of second funnel 138 may extend through third opening 135 to fluidly couple with tubing 140, while in other embodiments tubing 140 may extend into third enclosure 130 via third opening 135 to fluidly couple with second funnel 138. Tubing 140 may be in fluid communication with outlet 34 of handle body 12 (see
Still referring to
As described herein, each of second enclosure 120 and third enclosure 130 may be in fluid communication with a pressurized medium source of delivery device 10. A pressurized fluid received in each enclosure 120, 130 (from the pressurized medium source) may pass through the respective funnels 128, 138 via the corresponding insert 127, 137 to agitate the agent received therein. Although each of funnels 128, 138 are shown and described herein as including one insert, it should be appreciated that funnels 128, 138 may include additional inserts without departing from a scope of this disclosure.
Still referring to
Third enclosure 130 may include a second outlet channel 139 extending outwardly from second funnel 138, and specifically downstream from second funnel 138. Second outlet channel 139 may be fluidly coupled to third opening 135, such that a mixture of agent received in second funnel 138 (e.g., from second enclosure 120) and pressurized fluid received in second funnel 138 (e.g., from the pressurized medium source) may be mixed within second funnel 138 and guided through second outlet channel 139 for delivery to tubing 140 via third opening 135. In some embodiments, second outlet channel 139 may be coupled to a portion (e.g., a bottom wall) of second funnel 138, while in other embodiments second outlet channel 139 may be integral (i.e., integrally formed) with second funnel 138. In further embodiments, second outlet channel 139 may be omitted entirely such that second funnel 138 may be coupled directly to third opening 135 and/or tubing 140.
Still referring to
Each of first tube 104 and second tube 106 may include at least one restrictor mechanism 108 that is configured to control a flow rate of the pressurized fluid passing therethrough. For example, restrictor mechanisms 108 may be configured to reduce a pressure of the pressurized fluid received from the pressurized medium source of delivery device 10. In some embodiments, restrictor mechanisms 108 may be selectively adjustable to control the flow rate of pressurized fluid based on a user-defined pressure. Restrictor mechanism 108 may include various suitable devices, such as, for example, a metal plug having at least one opening, in which a size of the opening may determine the flow rate of fluid passing therethrough. In other embodiments, first tube 104 and/or second tube 106 may include two or more restrictor mechanisms 108 disposed therein, in which a quantity of restrictor mechanisms 108 may further determine the flow rate of the fluid passing therethrough.
In the example, first tube 104 may be fluidly coupled to second enclosure 120 along a portion of sidewall 122 that is positioned adjacent to insert 127 of first funnel 128. Stated differently, first tube 104 may be positioned relative to second enclosure 120 such that the pressurized fluid received within second enclosure 120 via first tube 104 may be guided in a direction toward a position of insert 127 on first funnel 128. In this instance, the pressurized fluid from first tube 104 may be directed toward insert 127 and received within first funnel 128 for agitating an agent received therein from first enclosure 110.
Still referring to
In exemplary use, the agent stored in chamber 116 may exit first enclosure 110 at first opening 115 via gravitational forces, such that the agent may be received in second enclosure 120 at second funnel 128. As described above, a size of first opening 115 may at least partially determine a flow rate of the agent exiting chamber 116 into first funnel 128. In response to an actuation of actuation mechanism 30 (see
At least a first portion of the pressurized fluid may be guided into second enclosure 120 via first tube 104, and at least a second portion of the pressurized fluid may be guided into third enclosure 130 via second tube 106. A flow rate of the pressurized fluid may be controlled by the one or more restrictor mechanisms 108 disposed within each of first tube 104 and second tube 106. As described above, with first funnel 128 coupled to upper wall 124 and first outlet channel 129 at opposing ends, and first outlet channel 129 further coupled to lower wall 126, first funnel 128 may be fluidly sealed within second enclosure 120. Accordingly, the first portion of pressurized fluid may only enter first funnel 128 via the at least one insert 127.
Still referring to
With second funnel 138 coupled to upper wall 134 and second outlet channel 139 at opposing ends, and second outlet channel 139 further coupled to lower wall 136, second funnel 138 may be fluidly sealed within third enclosure 130. Accordingly, the second portion of pressurized fluid may only enter second funnel 138 via the at least one insert 137. The second portion of pressurized fluid may fluidize (or otherwise further agitate) the agent received from second enclosure 120 within second funnel 138 prior to guiding the fluidized agent toward tubing 140, for example, via second outlet channel 139.
In this instance, third enclosure 130 may be configured to fluidize the at least partially agitated agent and control a flow rate and volume of the agent guided into tubing 140. In this instance, valve assembly 100 may be configured to provide multiple stages of fluidization, such as at second enclosure 120 and at third enclosure 130. In the embodiment, an incoming flow rate of the agent received in second funnel 138 may be substantially similar to an outgoing flow rate of the agent exiting second funnel 138. For example, a size (i.e., a cross-sectional width) of second funnel 138 and/or second outlet channel 139 may control a flow rate and/or volume of agent guided into tubing 140. By limiting the flow and/or volume of agent delivered from third enclosure 130 to tubing 140, valve assembly 100 may be configured to help prevent tubing 140 from clogging.
In other embodiments, valve assembly 100 may be configured to provide a single stage of fluidization. In this instance, valve assembly 100 may be configured such that the first portion of pressurized fluid received within second enclosure 120 (via first tube 104) may have a flow rate sufficient for moving the agent received in first funnel 128 toward second funnel 138 without substantially agitating the agent. Stated differently, first funnel 128 may be configured to guide the agent received therein from first enclosure 110 to third enclosure 130 without substantially agitating and/or fluidizing the agent. For example, valve assembly 100 may control the flow rate of the first portion of pressurized fluid received in second enclosure 120 via the corresponding restrictor mechanism(s) 108 disposed within first tube 104 to help prevent the agent in first funnel 128 from being agitated.
Accordingly, the agent received in third enclosure 130, and specifically in second funnel 138, may be initially agitated therein by the second portion of pressurized fluid from second tube 106. In this instance, the second portion of pressurized fluid may have a greater flow rate relative to the first portion of pressurized fluid, with the flow rate of the second portion of pressurized fluid sufficiently agitating and/or fluidizing the agent in second funnel 138 prior to delivery to tubing 140.
Referring now to
Referring initially to
Valve assembly 200A may include a funnel 220 that is substantially similar to funnels 128, 138 shown and described above with respect to valve assembly 100. Funnel 220 may include at least a sidewall 222, an upper (open) end 224, and an outlet channel 230 extending outwardly (e.g., downward) from sidewall 222. Outlet channel 230 may be coupled to sidewall 222, integral with sidewall 222, and/or omitted entirely. Valve assembly 200A may further include a second plate 226 coupled to upper end 224, with second plate 226 configured to at least partially enclose an internal cavity of funnel 220 at upper end 224. In the example, second plate 226 may include one or more openings 228 that facilitate access to the inner cavity of funnel 220, such as for receiving the agent from enclosure 210. In some embodiments, second plate 226 may be separate from funnel 220, while in other embodiments second plate 226 may be integral (i.e., integrally formed) with funnel 220.
In the example, first plate 216 may include three openings 218, and second plate 226 may include three openings 228. In other examples, first plate 216 and/or second plate 226 may include additional and/or fewer openings (see
In some embodiments, one or more of enclosure 210 and/or funnel 220 may include at least one textured surface member, element, or feature positioned along the respective face, with the textured surface member being configured to facilitate an agitation and/or release of the agent stored in enclosure 210 for receipt in funnel 220. In other words, the at least one textured surface member may provide a physical obstruction, barrier, and/or impediment between enclosure 210 and funnel 220 that is configured to generate a turbulence and/or disruption at the interface connection between enclosure 210 and funnel 220 upon movement of the textured surface member. The resulting turbulence and/or disruption may help to displace and/or dislodge the agent stored in enclosure 210, to facilitate movement of the agent into funnel 220. Stated differently, the at least one textured surface member may agitate the agent within enclosure 210, thereby urging the agent out of enclosure 210 and into funnel 220. In some embodiments, the at least one textured surface member may be positioned along at least one of first plate 216 or second plate 226.
For example, as seen in
The plurality of textured surface members 229A may be configured to interface with first plate 216 when enclosure 210 is coupled to funnel 220. For example, textured surface members 229A may abut against, engage, and/or otherwise contact the exterior surface of first plate 216 when lower end 214 is coupled to upper end 224. In some embodiments, at least one of first plate 216 or second plate 226 may be configured to move relative to the other. For example, first plate 216 and/or second plate 226 may be configured to translate laterally, translate longitudinally, pivot, and/or rotate relative to one another. In other embodiments, at least one of enclosure 210 or funnel 220 may be configured to move relative to the other, thereby moving the corresponding first plate 216 or second plate 226 coupled thereto, respectively.
In response to a movement of first plate 216 and/or second plate 226, the plurality of textured surface members 229A may be configured to abut against first plate 216 and generate a vibrating motion within enclosure 210. The resulting vibration may help to displace and/or dislodge the agent stored within enclosure 210. In some embodiments, movement of first plate 216 and/or second plate 226 may be caused by a pressurized fluid received from the pressurized fluid source of delivery device 10 (
In other embodiments, valve assembly 200A may include an actuator (not shown) coupled to at least one of enclosure 210 or funnel 220. The actuator may be configured to move at least one of first plate 216 or second plate 226 relative to the other. For example, the actuator may include a cable, a wire, a rod, a shaft, or various other suitable devices for applying a physical force (e.g., a pulling force, a pushing force, etc.) onto one or more of first plate 216 or second plate 226. Actuation of the actuator may move textured surface members 229A and cause a vibration of the agent stored within enclosure 210. The actuator may be communicatively coupled to actuation mechanism 30, such that actuation of actuation mechanism 30 may provide for a movement of the actuator and a corresponding movement of textured surface members 229A.
Still referring to
In other embodiments, the valve assembly may include a plurality of textured surface members positioned on first plate 216 in lieu of and/or in addition to second plate 226. For example, as seen in
In the example, the plurality of textured surface members 219A may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured similar to textured surface members 229A shown and described above, e.g., as sharp protrusions extending outwardly from the exterior surface of first plate 216. It should be understood that valve assembly 200B may be configured and operable to agitate the agent within enclosure 210 in a substantially similar manner as described above irrespective of whether first plate 216, second plate 226, or both include textured surface members. Although the textured surface members have been shown and described herein as sharp protrusions, it should be appreciated that valve assembly 200B may include textured surface members of various suitable sizes, shapes, and/or configurations. For example, the textured surface members may include a ridge, a rounded protrusion, a projection, a bump, a rib, a tooth, a baffle, a dimple, a recess, a cavity, or other features capable of forming a physical structure.
For example, as seen in
In another example, as seen in
By way of further example, as shown in the cross-sectional side views of
In the example, each of the textured surface members 219C, 229C may move from a first position, in which the textured surface members 219C, 229C are positioned in linear abutment with one another (
Referring now to
Referring specifically to
Mesh assembly 302 may be configured to move relative to at least one of enclosure 210 or funnel 220. For example, mesh assembly 302 may be configured to translate laterally, translate longitudinally, rotate, and/or pivot relative to at least one of lower end 214 of enclosure 210 or upper end 224 of funnel 220. In some embodiments, mesh assembly 302 may be independently movable relative to each of enclosure 210 and funnel 220. In other embodiments, mesh assembly 302 may be fixed to at least one of enclosure 210 and/or funnel 220 such that mesh assembly 302 may be configured to move in response to a corresponding movement of enclosure 210 and/or funnel 220.
Still referring to
In other embodiments, valve assembly 300A may include an actuator 308 coupled to planar body 304. Actuator 308 may be configured to move planar body 304 relative to one or more of enclosure 210 or funnel 220. For example, actuator 308 may include a cable, a wire, a rod, a shaft, or various other devices for applying a physical force (e.g., a pulling force, a pushing force, etc.) onto planar body 304, thereby generating movement of mesh assembly 302 against enclosure 210 and causing a vibration of the agent stored therein. Actuator 308 may be communicatively coupled to actuation mechanism 30 (see
Alternatively, referring now to
Center opening 317 may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to receive the agent within rounded body 314 from enclosure 210 (via opening 218), and rounded body 314 may be configured to at least partially maintain the agent therein prior to releasing the agent into funnel 220 (through opening 228) via the plurality of pores 316. In the example, rounded body 314 may have a generally circular shape. Rounded body 314 may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to fit between lower end 214 and upper end 224, and particularly within the corresponding openings 218, 228. In other examples, rounded body 314 may have various other three-dimensional shapes and/or cross-sectional profiles, such as rectangular, squared, cylindrical, oval, and more.
Still referring to
Movement of mesh assembly 312 may be caused by pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source, or from an actuator 318 of mesh assembly 312. Actuator 318 may be coupled to rounded body 314, and configured to move rounded body 314 relative to enclosure 210 and/or funnel 220. Actuator 318 may be substantially similar to actuator 308 shown and described in detail above.
Referring now to the cross-sectional side views of
Valve assembly 400 may include a fixed body 402 and a movable body 412. Fixed body 402 may define a housing that is coupled to enclosure 210, such as along lower end 214. Fixed body 402 may include a channel 404 disposed between an inlet 406 and an outlet 408. Channel 404 may be in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid source via inlet 406, and with catheter 36 (
Referring to
Movable body 412 may be movable (e.g., rotatable, translatable, etc.) relative to fixed body 402 and enclosure 210. Movable body 412 may be coupled to shaft 410, such that movement of movable body 412 may provide a corresponding movement of shaft 410, and vice versa. As described in detail below, movable body 412 may be configured to rotate, for example, in response to channel 404 receiving pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source. Furthermore, movable body 412 may be configured to translate in response to shaft 410 translating relative to fixed body 402. In some embodiments, shaft 410 may be configured to translate through fixed body 402 and relative to enclosure 210 in response to actuation of actuation mechanism 30. In other embodiments, shaft 410 may translate in response to the actuation of another actuator of delivery device 10.
Still referring to
As described in detail herein, the plurality of paddles 422 may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to move (e.g., rotate) shaft 410 relative to fixed body 402, and thereby move movable body 412 relative to enclosure 210, in response to the pressurized fluid encountering paddles 422 within channel 404. Stated differently, the pressurized fluid traveling through channel 404 from inlet 406 to outlet 408 may contact and urge the plurality of paddles 422 into a rotational movement within channel 404, thereby causing shaft 410 and movable body 412 to simultaneously rotate (see
Still referring to
First end 414 may be sized, shaped, and/or otherwise configured to interface with lower end 214 of enclosure 210 when movable body 412 is in a first position (see
In an exemplary use, movable body 412 may be in the first position shown in
Referring now to
Actuating actuation mechanism 30 may further deliver a pressurized fluid from the pressurized fluid source into channel 404 via inlet 406. With the plurality of paddles 422 positioned within the fluid flow path between inlet 406 and outlet 408, valve assembly 400 may be configured to rotate shaft 410 and movable body 412 in response to the pressurized fluid entering channel 404 and pushing paddles 422. In the example, the plurality of paddles 422 may be include various suitable sizes and/or shapes. For example, paddles 422 may be shaped in accordance with a propeller for maximizing capture of the pressurized fluid for rotating shaft 410 within channel 404. In another example, paddles 422 may be shaped in accordance with a turbine blade for inducing a downward motion to facilitate a downward release of the agent from enclosure 210 into channel 404.
Still referring to
Upon terminating actuation of actuation mechanism 30 or the other actuator, delivery of the pressurized fluid into channel 404 may be terminated, thereby ceasing further rotation of paddles 422, shaft 410, and movable body 412. Further, shaft 410 may translate upward toward enclosure 210, thereby returning movable body 412 to the first position (
While principles of this disclosure are described herein with reference to illustrative examples for particular applications, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited thereto. Those having ordinary skill in the art and access to the teachings provided herein will recognize additional modifications, applications, and substitution of equivalents all fall within the scope of the examples described herein. Accordingly, the invention is not to be considered as limited by the foregoing description.
This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/357,883, filed on Jul. 1, 2022, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
Number | Date | Country | |
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63357883 | Jul 2022 | US |