Syringe for multi-component materials, method of activating a syringe, mixing and dispensing apparatus and multi-component cartridge

Abstract

A syringe for multi-component materials includes a mixer housing, a mixing element, a multi-component cartridge and a mixing head, the mixing head being arranged at least partly within the mixer housing and adjacent to the multi-component cartridge. The mixing head is arranged moveable in an axial direction of the syringe between at least two positions, the at least two positions including a sealed position and a dispensing position. The axial movement of the mixing head is brought about by rotation of at least a part of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge. The mixing head is axially displaced in a direction opposite to a dispensing direction on a displacement of the mixing head from the sealed position into the dispensing position.

Claims

1. A single fill syringe for multi-component materials, comprising: a mixer housing; a mixing element; a multi-component cartridge; and a mixing head separate from the mixer housing, the mixing head being arranged at least partly within the mixer housing and adjacent to the multi-component cartridge, and arranged to be moveable in an axial direction of the syringe between at least two positions, the at least two positions comprising a sealed position and a dispensing position, the movement in the axial direction of the mixing head being brought about by a rotation of at least a part of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge, and the mixing head being axially displaced in a direction opposite to a dispensing direction on displacement of the mixing head from the sealed position into the dispensing position, the syringe configured to be activated upon displacement of the mixing head from the sealed position to the dispensing position by the rotation of the at least a part of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge and with at least a part of a base of the mixing head being a seal and being configured to seal outlets of the multi-component cartridge when the mixing head is in the sealed position, rotation of the mixer housing causing axial displacement of at least a part of the mixer housing and the mixing head relative to the multi-component cartridge.

2. The syringe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mixing head at least partly projects into the multi-component cartridge in the dispensing position.

3. The syringe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mixing head comprises a plurality of passages for the multi-component materials to be dispensed, and a material to be dispensed only enters the plurality of passages when the mixing head is in the dispensing position.

4. The syringe in accordance with claim 3, wherein the mixing head comprises two or more substantially L-shaped passages in a cross-section thereof and material to be dispensed only enters the two or more passages through a short shank of the substantially L-shaped passages when the mixing head is in the dispensing position.

5. The syringe in accordance with claim 3, wherein the multi-component cartridge includes chambers, and each of the plurality of passages of the mixing head projects at least partly into a respective chamber of the chambers of the multi-component cartridge in the dispensing position to form a fluid connection between the plurality of passages and the chambers.

6. The syringe in accordance with claim 3, wherein the mixing head comprises a mixing portion connecting the plurality of passages and being configured to permit a fluid flow to the mixing element.

7. The syringe in accordance with claim 2, wherein the mixer housing is non-releasably connected to the multi-component cartridge.

8. The syringe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mixer housing is connected to the multi-component cartridge by a bayonet like connection or a snap on type connection.

9. The syringe in accordance with claim 1, wherein elements are configured to prevent movement of the mixing head from the dispensing position into the sealed position.

10. The syringe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mixer housing includes two parts, with the two parts being axially moveable with respect to one another.

11. The syringe in accordance with claim 10, wherein the movement in the axial direction is effected by cooperating ramps present at each of the two parts.

12. The syringe in accordance with claim 1, wherein the mixing head is capable of being disposed in a further axial position, a venting position, with the venting position preferably being provided for filling of the multi-component cartridge.

13. The syringe in accordance with claim 12, wherein the movement of the mixing head from the venting position into the sealed position is effected by at least one of axial movement of at least a part of the mixer housing and rotation of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge.

14. The syringe in accordance claim 1, wherein the multi-component cartridge is filled with substances.

15. A syringe, comprising: a mixer housing; a mixing element; a multi-component cartridge; a mixing head separate from the mixer housing, the mixing head being arranged at least partly within the mixer housing and adjacent to the multi-component cartridge, and arranged to be moveable in an axial direction of the syringe between at least two positions, the at least two positions comprising a sealed position and a dispensing position, the movement in the axial direction of the mixing head being brought about by a rotation of at least a part of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge, and the mixing head being axially displaced in a direction opposite to a dispensing direction on displacement of the mixing head from the sealed position into the dispensing position, the syringe configured to be activated upon displacement of the mixing head from the sealed position to the dispensing position by the rotation of the at least a part of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge and with at least a part of a base of the mixing head being a seal and being configured to seal outlets of the multi-component cartridge when the mixing head is in the sealed position; and a guide portion having at least one guide slot associated with the multi-component cartridge, the guide portion being fixedly connected to or integrally formed with the multi-component cartridge, and the mixer housing includes at least one cam cooperating with the at least one guide slot to facilitate rotational movement or the movement in the axial direction between the sealed position and the dispensing position.

16. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein the mixing head at least partly projects into the multi-component cartridge in the dispensing position.

17. The syringe in accordance with claim 16, wherein the mixer housing is non-releasably connected to the multi-component cartridge.

18. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein the mixing head comprises a plurality of passages for the multi-component materials to be dispensed, and a material to be dispensed only enters the plurality of passages when the mixing head is in the dispensing position.

19. The syringe in accordance with claim 18, wherein the multi-component cartridge includes chambers, and each of the plurality of passages of the mixing head projects at least partly into a respective chamber of the chambers of the multi-component cartridge in the dispensing position to form a fluid connection between the plurality of passages and the chambers.

20. The syringe in accordance with claim 19, wherein the mixing head comprises two or more substantially L-shaped passages in a cross-section thereof and material to be dispensed only enters the two or more passages through a short shank of the substantially L-shaped passages when the mixing head is in the dispensing position.

21. The syringe in accordance with claim 18, wherein the mixing head comprises a mixing portion connecting the plurality of passages and being configured to permit a fluid flow to the mixing element.

22. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein the mixer housing is connected to the multi-component cartridge by a bayonet like connection or a snap on type connection.

23. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein elements are configured to prevent movement of the mixing head from the dispensing position into the sealed position.

24. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein rotation of the mixer housing causes axial displacement of at least a part of the mixer housing and the mixing head relative to the multi-component cartridge.

25. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein the mixer housing includes two parts, with the two parts being axially moveable with respect to one another.

26. The syringe in accordance with claim 25, wherein the movement in the axial direction is effected by cooperating ramps present at each of the two parts.

27. The syringe in accordance with claim 15, wherein the mixing head is capable of being disposed in a further axial position, a venting position, with the venting position preferably being provided for filling of the multi-component cartridge.

28. The syringe in accordance with claim 27, wherein the movement of the mixing head from the venting position into the sealed position is effected by at least one of axial movement of at least a part of the mixer housing and rotation of the mixer housing relative to the multi-component cartridge.

29. The syringe in accordance claim 15, wherein the multi-component cartridge is filled with substances.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure.

(2) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a first embodiment of a syringe;

(3) FIGS. 2A-2D are different positions of use of the syringe of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a second embodiment of a syringe;

(5) FIGS. 4A-4D are different positions of use of the syringe of FIG. 3;

(6) FIGS. 5A-5B are a multi part mixer housing;

(7) FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a further embodiment of a syringe;

(8) FIGS. 7A-7F are different positions of use of the syringe of FIG. 6;

(9) FIG. 8 a view of a further embodiment of a syringe;

(10) FIGS. 9A-9F are different positions of use of the syringe of FIG. 8;

(11) FIGS. 10A-10B are various parts of different embodiments of a mixing and dispensing apparatus; and

(12) FIGS. 11A-11B are different embodiments of cartridges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

(13) Features which have the same or a similar function will be described in the following using the same reference numeral. It is also understood that the description given with respect to reference numerals used in one embodiment also applies to the same reference numerals in connection with other embodiments unless something is stated to the contrary.

(14) FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a first embodiment of a syringe 10. The syringe 10 comprises a mixer housing 12, a mixing element 14, such as a static mixer, a mixing head 16, a two-component cartridge 18 and a plunger 20. On assembly of these components (see e.g. FIGS. 2A and 2C) the mixing element 14 is received in the mixer housing 12 adjacent to the mixing head 16 which in turn is partly received in the mixer housing 12 and is arranged adjacent to the two-component cartridge 18. The mixer housing 12 is attached to the two-component cartridge 18 by means of a snap on type connection provided in the form of a cam 22. In use the cartridge 18 is filled with two-components, for example a hardener and a matrix material of a two-component adhesive (not shown). The mixing head 16 can be fixedly received within the mixer housing 12 by a press fit or by further attachment means such as snap fit connectors (not shown).

(15) FIG. 2A shows a part section through the syringe 10 of FIG. 1 in a first position of use of the syringe 10. The mixing head 16 is present in a sealed position in which a base 24 of the mixing head 16 is arranged in a plane of outlets 26 of the two-component cartridge 18 in order to seal the two-component cartridge 18. In this position no material can flow from the cartridge 18 into passages 28 of the mixing head 16 and thus no material can flow into the mixer housing 12 and come into contact with the mixing element 14 in the sealed position. As can clearly be seen the passages 28 present in the mixing head 16 substantially have an L-shape in a cross-section thereof, with the shorter limb of the passages 28 being present in the region of inlets 30 of the mixing head 16, whereas the outlets 32 of the mixing head 16 are arranged at the opposite end of the mixing head remote from the inlets 30. The passages 28 can also be considered as having a generally tubular shape with a lateral inlet 30.

(16) In order to ensure a seal at the outlets 26 of the cartridge 18, the base 24 of the mixing head 16 can include a structure or means providing a seal. This means or structure can, for example, comprise a press fit between the base 24 and the outlets 26.

(17) FIG. 2B shows a side view onto the syringe 10 of FIG. 2A. In this position the cam 22 engages the left hand upper part of a slot 34 disposed in a guide portion 36 of the cartridge 18. The slot 34 is disposed at an inclination with regard to a plane perpendicular to a dispensing direction A. As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 2A and 2C the mixing element 14 rotates with the mixer housing 12 relative to the mixing head 16 on a rotation from the sealed position into the dispensing position. This is because the mixing element 14 is compulsorily guided in the mixer housing 12.

(18) On a rotation of the mixer housing 12, i.e. on a movement of the cam 22 of FIG. 2B from the left to the right (see FIG. 2D) in the slot 34 disposed in the guide portion 36 of the cartridge 18, the syringe 10 is moved from the sealed position into a dispensing position as illustrated in FIG. 2C. During this movement the mixing head 16 is axially displaced downwardly in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction A. The inlets 30 of the passages 28 are now in fluid communication with chambers 38 of the cartridge 18. On an actuation of the plunger 20 (see e.g. FIG. 1) material (not shown) present in the chambers 38 can be discharged through the mixing head 16 via the mixing element 14 and out of an outlet 40 of the mixer housing 12.

(19) As can also be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 2B and 2D the mixer housing 12 is also axially displaced downwardly due to the compulsory guidance provided in the form of the cooperating cam 22 and slot 34. In order to facilitate the rotational movement of the mixer housing 12 this can include a profiled surface 42.

(20) FIG. 3 shows an exploded view of a further syringe 10. In this example the syringe 10 has a multi part housing 12 comprising at least a mixer housing cover 12a and a mixer housing base 12b. Moreover, the guide slot 34 of the compulsory guide runs in a plane substantially perpendicular to the dispensing direction A. Thus on a rotation of the mixer housing 12 and on a corresponding movement of the mixing head 16 from the sealed position into the dispensing position the mixer housing base 12b is not axially displaced, whereas the mixer housing cover 12a is axially displaced in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction A.

(21) Like with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the mixing head 16 is also axially moved in order to take on the different positions of use (see FIGS. 4A to 4D).

(22) FIGS. 4A to 4D illustrate how the mixer housing base 12b is rotated without axial displacement in or against the dispensing direction A on a shift from one position of use to the other, whereas the mixer housing cover 12a and the mixing head 16 are axially displaced.

(23) The dispensing mechanism is however, the same as that shown in connection with FIGS. 1 to 2D.

(24) As can be seen from a comparison of FIGS. 4A and 4C the mixing element 14, the mixer housing cover 12a and the mixing head 16 do not rotate relative to one another on a rotation of the mixer housing base 12b from the sealed position into the dispensing position. This is because the mixer housing cover 12a, the mixing element 14 and the mixing head 16 are not rotated on rotational movement of the mixer housing base.

(25) The axial displacement of the mixer housing cover 12a and the mixing head 16 is effected by ramps 44 present on an outside of the mixer housing cover 12a (FIG. 5A) cooperating with ramps 45 present on an inside of the mixer housing base 12b (FIG. 5B). These ramps 44, 45 are respectively inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the dispensing direction A and ensure the axial displacement of the mixing head 16 from the sealed position into the dispensing position in a direction opposite to the dispensing direction A upon a rotation of the mixer housing base 12b. In order to ensure a smooth continuous fine height adjustment two pairs of ramps 44 are provided off-set at even angular spacing in the circumferential direction of the mixer housing cover 12a and the mixer housing base 12b.

(26) FIG. 6 shows an exploded view of a syringe 10. This syringe 10 can be moved between three positions of use, namely from a venting position (see FIGS. 7A and 7B) into a sealed position (see FIGS. 7C and &D) and from the sealed position into a dispensing position (see FIGS. 7E and 7F). FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the slot 34 also contains a region having an axial slot 49. This axial slot 49 is provided in order to move the syringe 10 from the venting position into the sealed position by engaging a press fit between the base 24 of the mixing head 16 and the outlets 26 of the multi-component cartridge 18.

(27) Thus in order to effect the movement from the venting position into the sealed position the mixer housing 12 is first axially displaced downwardly in the axial slot 49. As can be seen from FIG. 7A the cam 22 is present in an axially raised position in the axial slot 49 in contrast to the position shown in FIG. 7C, in which the syringe 10 is present in the sealed position and the cam 22 is present in an axially lower position.

(28) FIG. 7B shows that the mixing head 16 is in a position in which the base 24 of the mixing head 16 is raised with respect to e.g. the position shown in FIG. 7D, in which the mixing head 16 is present in the sealed position. In the position of FIG. 7B air present in the chambers 38 can escape passed the base 24 and out of the mixer housing 12 via the outlet 40 and also through sides of the mixer housing 12. A space 46 is present between the inner surfaces 48 of the outlets 26 of the cartridge 18 and the base 24 of the mixing head 16. This space 46 is dimensioned such that air can pass through this, but any material to be filled into the chambers 38 of the cartridge 18 cannot.

(29) Moreover, the inner surface 48 of the outlets 26 are formed tapering towards the lower end of the outlets 26. This, on the one hand, ensures the press fit in the sealed position and thus the seal of the base 24 of the mixing head 16 in the outlets 26 of the multi-component cartridge 18. On the other hand, the increased diameter away from the lower end of the outlets 26 forms the space 46 through which the air present in the chambers 38 can escape in the venting position.

(30) Moreover, a shoulder 47 can be disposed in the region of the lower end of the outlets 26 to ensure such a press fit and a tight seal at the outlets 26.

(31) In this connection it must be noted that once the syringe 10 is in the sealed position or in the dispensing position, air or material present in the chambers 38 is generally not able to escape via the sides of the mixer housing 12 but is rather guided through the passages 28 present in the mixing head 16 and out through the outlet 40 of the mixer housing 12 via the mixing element 14.

(32) On rotation of the mixer housing 12 from the sealed position shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D the cam 22 of the mixer housing 12 is moved along the inclined guide slot 34 into the position shown in FIGS. 7E and 7F. This method of employment is like that shown and described in conjunction with FIGS. 2A to 2D. Moreover, the mixing element 14 rotates with the mixer housing 12 relative to the mixing head 16 on a rotation from the sealed position into the dispensing position. This is because the mixing element 14 is compulsory guided in the mixer housing 12 on a rotation thereof.

(33) FIG. 8 shows a view of a further syringe 10. Like the embodiment of FIG. 6 this syringe 10 can also be moved between three positions of use.

(34) As illustrated the shift from the venting position (FIGS. 9A and 9B) into the sealed position (FIGS. 9C and 9D) is effected solely by a rotation of the mixer housing 12 in the guide slot 34. Whereas the shift from the sealed position into the dispensing position (FIGS. 9E and 9F) is effected first by an axial displacement of the mixer housing 12 downwardly and then a rotational movement along the z-shaped slot 51. This shape of the slot 51 is beneficial as it, on the one hand, ensures that the three different positions each have a defined point in the slot 51. On the other hand, having an axial jump followed by a further rotation allows the syringe 10 to be locked into the dispensing position and thereby prevents a movement back into the sealed position if a pressure is axially applied on the mixing head 16 during the dispensing. Moreover, the mixing element 14 rotates with the mixer housing 12 relative to the mixing head 16 on rotation from the venting position into the sealed position. This is because the mixing element 14 is also compulsory guided in the mixer housing 12 in this embodiment.

(35) Having regard to the syringes 10 shown in FIGS. 6 to 9 these are usually filled by a user of the cartridge 18 with a mixing and dispensing apparatus already being connected to the cartridge 18. For this reason, they require the venting position, so that the air can be removed from the chambers 38 of the cartridge 18 on a filling thereof. Since the filling takes place from the end 50 (see FIG. 8) of the cartridge 18 remote from the mixer housing 12 the venting has to be provided in the region of the mixer housing 12.

(36) FIG. 10A shows a mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 for multi-component materials, the apparatus comprising a mixer housing 12, a mixing element 14, and a mixing head 16. This mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 is typically used in a syringe 10 having two positions of use, a dispensing position and a sealed position. Alternatively this mixing head 16 can also be used in a syringe 10 having three positions of use. In this connection it should be noted that a base 54 of the mixing element 14 is partly received in a groove 56 provided in a top part 58 of the mixing head 16 and shoulders 57 of the mixing element 14 engage corresponding cut outs (not shown) provided in the mixer housing 12. Thereby the mixing element 14 is allowed to rotate in the groove 56 as the mixer housing 12 is rotated and rotates the mixing element 14. In the assembled state the mixing element 14 and the shoulders 57 thereof are received in the mixer housing 12 and the mixing head 16 is arranged adjacent to the mixing element 14, so that the base 54 of the mixing element 14 is received in the groove 56 and can rotate in the groove 56.

(37) An orientation means or device 60 can be seen on a side of the mixing head 16, this is preferably configured in such a way that the mixing head 16 is connected to the mixer housing 12 in the assembled state of the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 in the correct orientation by engaging a corresponding cut out (not shown) in the mixer housing 12.

(38) Two outlets 32 of the mixing head 16 are further visible at a top 58 of the mixing head 16. These are in fluid communication with two passages 28, preferably two substantially L-shaped passages in a cross-section thereof, with the shorter limb of the L forming a lateral inlet 30 of the generally tubular passage 28 into the mixing head 16. When the mixing head 16 is in the dispensing position the inlets 30 of these passages 28 are also in fluid communication with the chambers 38 of a two-component cartridge 18 permitting a fluid flow (not shown) from the cartridges 18 via the mixing head 16, the mixing element 14 through, the mixer housing 12 and out of an outlet 40.

(39) FIG. 10B shows a different version of the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52. The main difference to the version shown in FIG. 10A is that the mixing element 14 is not received in a groove of the mixing head 16 but rather only moves in cooperation with the mixer housing 12 relative to the mixing head 16. The mixing element 14 has two inlets 61. By rotating the mixing element 14 relative to the mixing head 16, the two inlets 61 can either be aligned with the outlets 32 of the mixing head 16 or can be closed in order to achieve a second seal in the region of the mixing element 14. This can be particularly beneficial if an additional seal is required.

(40) The mixing head respectively shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B has a substantially U-shape cross section thereof. The ends of the shanks of the U can be configured to seal the outlets 26 of the cartridge 18 when the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 is combined with a cartridge 18 (such as the ones shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B respectively) to form a syringe 10 and the syringe 10 is in the sealing position.

(41) FIG. 11A shows a two-component cartridge 18, the cartridge 18 comprising a respective chamber 38 for one component of a multi-component material and a guide portion 36 having two guide slots 34. The guide portion 36 is typically integrally formed with the multi-component cartridge 18. The guide slot 34 is configured to facilitate a movement of a mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 connectable thereto between at least two positions of use. Two cut outs 62 are indicated in a top part of the guide portion 36. These cut outs 62 facilitate the introduction of a mixing and dispensing apparatus 52, such as the one shown in FIG. 10A, on the assembly to a syringe 10. These cut outs 62 are a part of the snap on mechanism used to, preferably fixedly, connect the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 thereto.

(42) FIG. 11B shows a further type of two-component cartridge, the difference to the cartridge shown in FIG. 11A being that the inlets 64 to the chambers 38 of the cartridge 18 project beyond a base 66 of the cartridge 18. These inlets 64 can be adapted such that they can cooperate with e.g. a two-component cartridge as is disclosed in EP 0 730 913 whose contents is hereby included by reference. Thus, the base of the cartridge 18 can be equipped with coded alignment means such as bayonet lugs, cut outs and noses adapted to cooperate with such a multi-component cartridge. Corresponding markings can be provided on the plunger 20 in order to ensure that this is correctly installed if the cartridge 18 is adapted for multiple uses, in order to avoid a cross-contamination between the plunger 20 and the cartridge 18.

(43) The cartridges 18 illustrated in FIGS. 11A and 11B are so-called 1:1 cartridges 18, but can easily be replaced by 2:1, 4:1 and 10:1 cartridges 18, depending on the desired use and materials used.

(44) Moreover, markings are disposed on the cartridge 18 to indicate which position of use a syringe 10 having such a cartridge is currently in. Also shown are further introduction cut outs 62 to facilitate the introduction of a mixing and dispensing apparatus 52, such as the one shown in FIG. 10B on the assembly to a syringe 10. These can have the shape of ramps in order to facilitate the insertion of the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52.

(45) The mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 can also include such markings to obtain a coded alignment of this with respect to the cartridge 18. This means that the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 preferably can only be connected to the cartridge 18 in one direction.

(46) The cut outs 62 shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B can be provided symmetrically or asymmetrically if a coded alignment of the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 relative to the cartridge 18 is desired.

(47) It should further be noted that the components shown in FIGS. 1 to 5D, 10A and 11A are typically used for small volume syringes 10, having a volume in the range of 0.1 to 2 ml. The cartridges 18 of these small volume syringes 10 are typically filled with the mixing head 16, the mixing element 14 and the mixer housing 12 being removed. These are then typically attached once the cartridges 18 have been filled. Thus, no venting is required as the cartridges 18 can be filled by a negative pressure arising when the plungers 20 are pulled out of the cartridges 18 on a filling thereof.

(48) In contrast to this, components shown in the FIGS. 6 to 9F, 10B and 11B are typically used with larger volume syringes 10 typically having a volume in the range of 1.5 to 5 ml. These syringes 10 are usually filled by a user of the cartridge 18 and the specific amount to be used is filled on the time of filling. For this purpose the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52 is typically already connected to the cartridge 18 of the syringe and is connected to a two-component reservoir at the end 50 remote to the mixing and dispensing apparatus 52. The two-component reservoir can be provided having the form of a two-component cartridge, such as the one described in EP 0 730 913 B1.

(49) In the framework of this invention it should be noted that the mixing head 16 is considered to be a component which can act at least as a sealing element, and as a guide element and preferably also as a venting element. When acting as a sealing element the mixing head 16 seals the outlets 26 of a cartridge 18. When acting as a guide element it permits the passage of substances stored in the cartridge 18 via the outlets 26 to the mixing element 14, wherein it guides the substances in respective passages 28 without the substances contacting one another over at least a substantial part of the length of the mixing head 16. In the region of the one end of the mixing head 16 remote from the inlets 30, the mixing head 16 can comprise a region having two outlets 32 through which the substances are guided towards one another so that they can be forced into engagement in the region of the mixing element 14. Alternatively, the guiding of the substances towards one another can take place outside of the mixing head. On a filling of the cartridge 18 the mixing head 16 can be positioned such that it fulfills a venting action.

(50) It should be noted that the individual components of the various syringes 10 can all be fabricated in an injection molded process from a diverse range of plastics. The plastic may have to be specifically adapted to the multi-component material stored therein in order to avoid a chemical reaction therebetween and a contamination resulting therefrom.