Device for Producing A Hardenable Mass

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for producing a hardenable mass, preferably bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material or bone cement or similar material. A mixing container ( 3 ) has a mixing space ( 4 ) in which at least one powder and at least one liquid component ( 5, 6 ) are mixed to provide the hardenable mass ( 2 ). A piston means ( 7 ) is provided in the mixing space ( 4 ) of the mixing container ( 3 ). At least one means ( 8 ) which is rotatable relative to the mixing container ( 3 ) cooperates with the piston means ( 7 ) for, in a retaining position (P 1 ), retaining said piston means ( 7 ) relative to the mixing container ( 3 ) and, by rotation to a release position (P 2 ), releasing the piston means ( 7 ) such that said piston means can move in a direction (U) towards at least one opening ( 49 ) through which said mass ( 2 ) can pass out of the mixing space ( 4 ). The rotatable means ( 8 ) is provided such that it in its release position (P 2 ) can follow the piston means ( 7 ) in the mixing space ( 4 ) in the direction (U) towards said opening ( 49 ).

1 - 56 . (canceled) 
     
     
         57 . A device for distributing a hardenable mass, the device comprising:
 a distributor body, the distributor body being configured to receive the hardenable mass mixed of at least one powder and at least one liquid component,   wherein the distributor body is further configured to distribute the hardenable mass to a plurality of containers simultaneously such that a space in each container is fillable with a part volume of the hardenable mass.   
     
     
         58 . The device of  claim 57 , wherein the distributor body is configured to receive the hardenable mass from a mixing container. 
     
     
         59 . The device of  claim 58 , wherein the distributor body is configured to be connected to the mixing container and to distribute the hardenable mass to the plurality of containers. 
     
     
         60 . The device of  claim 57 , wherein the distributor body includes an inlet pipe configured to receive the hardenable mass. 
     
     
         61 . The device of  claim 60 , wherein the distributor body further includes a plurality of discharge pipes, wherein each discharge pipe is configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of containers to distribute the hardenable mass. 
     
     
         62 . The device of  claim 61 , wherein the distributor body includes a passage extending from the inlet pipe to each of the plurality of discharge pipes. 
     
     
         63 . The device of  claim 57 , wherein the hardenable mass is at least one of a bone substitute or a bone reinforcing material. 
     
     
         64 . The device of  claim 57 , wherein each of the plurality of containers includes:
 a space for receiving the hardenable mass;   a movable piston for discharging the hardenable mass; and   a gas outlet for removing gas from the container when the space within the container is filled with hardenable mass.   
     
     
         65 . A distributor device for receiving and distributing a hardenable mass, the distributor device comprising:
 an inlet pipe for receiving the hardenable mass mixed of at least one powder and at least one liquid component, and   a body extending from the inlet opening, the body being configured to distribute the hardenable mass to a plurality of containers simultaneously such that each container is fillable with a portion of the hardenable mass.   
     
     
         66 . The distributor device of  claim 65 , wherein the inlet pipe is configured to be coupled to a mixing container to receive the hardenable mass. 
     
     
         67 . The distributor device of  claim 66 , wherein the body defines a plurality of passages, and wherein when the inlet pipe is connected to the mixing container, the plurality of passages communicate with the mixing container. 
     
     
         68 . The distributor device of  claim 65 , further including a plurality of discharge pipes for connection to the plurality of containers. 
     
     
         69 . The distributor device of  claim 68 , wherein the plurality of discharge pipes extend radially from the body and are configured to discharge the hardenable mass to the plurality of containers. 
     
     
         70 . The distributor device of  claim 68 , wherein the plurality of discharge pipes include at least three discharge pipes. 
     
     
         71 . The distributor device of  claim 68 , wherein the plurality of discharge pipes include at most eight discharge pipes. 
     
     
         72 . The distributor device of  claim 68 , wherein the plurality of discharge pipes extend radially from the body to form a star-like configuration. 
     
     
         73 . The distributor device of  claim 64 , wherein each of the plurality of containers includes:
 a space for receiving the hardenable mass;   a movable piston for discharging the hardenable mass; and   a gas outlet for removing gas from the container.   
     
     
         74 . The distributor device of  claim 64 , wherein the hardenable mass is at least one of a bone substitute or a bone reinforcing material. 
     
     
         75 . A method of receiving and distributing a hardenable mass, the method comprising:
 receiving the hardenable mass mixed of at least one powder and at least one liquid component; and   distributing the hardenable mass to a plurality of containers simultaneously such that a space in each container is finable with a portion of the hardenable mass.   
     
     
         76 . The method of  claim 75 , wherein the hardenable mass is at least one of a bone substitute or bone reinforcing material.