Mixing syringe
A movable mixing disc may be utilized in connection with a syringe. The mixing disc may comprise a hole which may be covered by a fine screen or coupled to a porous member, allowing only certain elements of a solution to pass through the mixing disc. Actuation of a plunger of the syringe may cause liquid to emerge from the mixing disc hole as a high velocity jet or other turbulent flow, stirring up any settled particles on a distal side of the mixing disc. As the ejection continues, the mixing disc may be pushed forward by the plunger in order to eliminate any unused volume. Also, the mixing disc may be moved forward by virtue of a pressure difference created by a pressure drop across the mixing disc, such as a pressure drop created as the plunger is displaced to induce fluid flow across the mixing disc.
1. A syringe assembly comprising: an elongate syringe body comprising a longitudinal axis; a mixing disc configured to be disposed within the elongate syringe body and displaced along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body in response to a fluidic force; and a first passageway that extends through the mixing disc to connect a first region disposed proximal of the mixing disc with a second region disposed distal of the mixing disc when the mixing discs disposed within the elongate syringe body, wherein a distal end of the first passageway is offset from the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body, and wherein a screen is disposed at the distal end of the first passageway, the screen coupled to the mixing disc; and wherein, when the mixing disc is disposed within the elongate syringe body, advancement of liquid through the first passageway generates a liquid vortex in the second region for mixing a plurality of solid particles in a liquid, and wherein the screen is configured to prevent the plurality of solid particles from traversing the first passageway; wherein a diameter of the distal end of the first passageway is greater than a diameter of a proximal end of the first passageway.
2. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein a range of displacement of the mixing disc along the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body is at least partially limited by a ridge disposed on an internal diameter of the elongate syringe body.
3. The syringe assembly of claim 2 , further comprising a plunger including a seal that is configured to move along a movement range within the elongate syringe body, wherein the seal is configured to pass over the ridge such that the movement range of the seal is greater than the range of displacement of the mixing disc, and wherein the movement range of the seal overlaps a portion of the range of displacement of the mixing disc.
4. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the first passageway is positioned parallel to, and offset from, the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body.
5. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first passageway is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body.
6. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the first passageway is sized and dimensioned to prevent the plurality of solid particles from traversing the first passageway.
7. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , wherein the screen is configured to be displaced by the vortex of liquid as fluid is advanced through the first passageway.
8. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , further comprising an anchored string operatively coupled to the mixing disc.
9. The syringe assembly of claim 1 , further comprising a second passageway that extends through the mixing disc, wherein fluid flow through the second passageway is controlled by a one-way valve that permits fluid flow from the first region to the second region.
10. The syringe assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a plunger that is configured to move longitudinally along the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body, wherein the one-way valve comprises a non-porous flap that occludes the second passageway as the plunger is retracted within the syringe body and swings away from the second passageway as the plunger is advanced.
11. The syringe assembly of claim 9 , wherein the second passageway is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongate syringe body.
12. The syringe assembly of claim 9 , wherein the first passageway is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the syringe body.