Systems and methods for mixing and transferring flowable materials

Abstract

A device for mixing and transferring a bone filling material is provided. The device includes a receptacle for receiving components in an unmixed condition. A mixing element insertable into the receptacle to mix the components is provided, as well as an actuator having a drive member and a driven member, the actuator being removably coupled to the mixing element.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for mixing a bone filling material comprising: 
 a receptacle for receiving components of the bone filling material in an unmixed condition;    a mixing element insertable into the receptacle to mix the components;    an actuator for the mixing element including a drive member and a driven member coupled to the drive member and removably coupled to the mixing element.    
     
     
         2 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the mixing element comprises a paddle that mixes the components in response to rotation.  
     
     
         3 . A device as in  claim 2 , wherein the drive member rotates the paddle.  
     
     
         4 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the mixing element includes structure to promote mixing of the components.  
     
     
         5 . A device as in  claim 4 , wherein the structure comprises a plurality of apertures.  
     
     
         6 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 a plunger insertable into the receptacle after removal of the mixing element to dispense filling material from the receptacle.    
     
     
         7 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a stand to hold the receptacle.  
     
     
         8 . A device as in  claim 1 , further comprising a dispenser attachable to the receptacle to dispense the filling material.  
     
     
         9 . A device as in  claim 8 , wherein the dispenser comprises a nozzle.  
     
     
         10 . A device as in  claim 8 , the dispenser comprising a fitting incorporated in a distal tip of the receptacle.  
     
     
         11 . A device as in  claim 8 , the dispenser comprising a tube incorporated in a distal tip of the receptacle.  
     
     
         12 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes a drive train that couples a drive member to a driven member.  
     
     
         13 . A device as in  claim 12 , the drive train comprising a planetary gear system.  
     
     
         14 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the actuator includes linkage imparting rotation of the drive member to the driven member.  
     
     
         15 . A device as in  claim 1 , wherein the drive member is operable manually.