Multi-chamber, Multi-formulation Fluid Delivery System
The application discloses a multi-chamber, multi-formulation fluid delivery system, comprising a multi-chamber applicator in fluid communication with multi-chamber packaging. Applicators according to the instant disclosure have reduced squeeze-strength requirements, and are useful for dispensing fluids, including medicaments, to animals, including livestock animals. The multi-chamber packaging provides separate storage for formulations containing incompatible active ingredients, and is suitable for use with the multi-chamber applicator. The application also discloses methods for using the system to simultaneously deliver multiple active ingredients, at least some of which are not suitable for co-formulation, thus reducing the time, economic burden and animal stress involved with applying multiple, separate formulations to animals.
1 .- 31 . (canceled)
32 . A multi-chamber, multi-liquid delivery applicator having an outlet for delivering at least two liquids, said applicator comprising at least two barrels;
each barrel comprising:
an inlet that is coupled to one chamber of the dual chamber hose;
a one-way valve adjacent to inlet for receiving fluid from the inlet, the one-way valve comprising means for limiting pressure within a respective barrel;
a dispensing conduit that is in fluid communication with the one-way valve;
a piston for displacing fluid through the dispensing conduit;
the applicator further comprising:
a mixing chamber coupled to each dispensing conduit of each barrel for mixing fluid received from each dispensing conduit to create a mixed liquid, the mixing chamber also coupled to the outlet; and
an actuator coupled to each piston and for moving each piston within a respective barrel when a force is applied to the actuator, each piston when moved dispenses the mixed liquid from the mixing chamber through the outlet, whereby the applicator provides a mechanical advantage in reducing the force needed to actuate the actuator for dispensing the mixed liquid through the outlet.
33 . The applicator of claim 32 , wherein the pressure limiting means comprises:
a first valve head and a first valve seat, wherein the first valve head can be moved from a closed position to an open position by movement of a diaphragm; and
a second valve head and second valve seat, wherein the second valve head is connected to the first valve head and moves with the first valve head, such that a pressure difference across said first valve head is substantially equal to a pressure difference across said second valve head.
34 . The applicator of claim 32 , further comprising a volume control for adjusting a fluid volume within a respective barrel received from the dual chamber hose.
35 . The applicator of claim 34 , wherein the volume control is coupled to the mixing chamber.
36 . The applicator of claim 32 , wherein the one-way valve comprises a disc.
37 . The applicator of claim 36 , wherein the disc is coupled to a spring.
38 . The applicator of claim 37 , wherein the means for limiting pressure comprises a force transfer component coupled to the spring and a ring hub, and a flexible diaphragm that engages the ring hub and a clamp ring.
39 . The applicator of claim 32 , wherein the actuator comprises a first handle coupled to a first end of each piston and a second handle coupled to the mixing chamber.
40 . The applicator of claim 39 , further comprising a dual chamber hose coupled to the applicator for providing parallel fluid communication to a source of liquid formulation.
41 . Packaging for use with the applicator of claim 32 , comprising at least two separate containers, each container comprising a different liquid formulation.
42 . The packaging of claim 41 , wherein the two containers are coupled together by a fastening device.
43 . The packaging of claim 42 , wherein the fastening device comprises at least one bracket for holding the two containers together.
44 . The packaging of claim 43 , wherein the fastening device comprises two brackets for holding the two containers together.
45 . The packaging of claim 41 , further comprising anti-counterfeiting measure(s).
46 . The packaging of claim 41 , further comprising vented caps.
47 . The packaging of claim 41 , further comprising dip tubes.
48 . The packaging of claim 45 , wherein the measures comprise non-typical thread size.
49 . The packaging of claim 45 , wherein the measures comprise snap-fit connectors.
50 . The packaging of claim 45 , wherein the measures comprise fluted or double-D hose profiles.
51 . The packaging of claim 45 , wherein the measures comprise a feature to engage a quick-release catch.