WO1991018798A1

WO1991018798A1 - Fluid dispensing unit with one-way valve and metered outflow

Info

Publication number: WO1991018798A1
Application number: PCT/US1991/003979
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shlomo Haviv; Michael Hamilton
Original assignee: Reseal International Limited Partnership
Priority date: 1990-06-06
Filing date: 1991-06-06
Publication date: 1991-12-12
Also published as: AU8081091A

Abstract

The present invention is directed to a closed system for the metered dispensing of a fluid from a container. Maintaining a closed system for metered dispensing of the fluid and at the same time dispensing all of the fluid can present problems. Thus it is the primary object of the present invention to provide a closed system for dispensing metered amounts of fluid where fluid is maintained free of any contamination. In addition, the fluid can be substantially completely dispensed in an effective and economically feasible manner. The fluid dispensing unit (10) includes a hollow support (12) with a reservoir or container (14) located within the support. The container has a one-way valve (24) at its outlet for dispensing fluid while preventing any flow of contaminants back into the container. As fluid is dispensed, the container can be collapsed to assure complete evacuation of the fluid.

Description

FLUID DISPENSING UNIT WITH ONE-WAY VALVE AND METERED OUTFLOW

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a closed system for the metered dispensing of a fluid from a container. A one-way valve is located at the outlet of the system affording flow out of the container while preventing any backflow of contaminants into it. Initially, the container is filled with a fluid free of air or any other gases. The one-way valve maintains the integrity of the fluid throughout its useful life even over extended time periods. The system includes means for dispensing metered amounts of the fluid.

In U.S. Patent No.4,846,810, a valve, hereinafter called the ReSeal valve, is disclosed for affording one-way flow out of a container while preventing any backflow which might contain contaminants. Contaminants from outside the valve may be microorganisms, atmospheric gases, moisture, dust and the like. In dispensing various fluids, such as drugs, pharmaceuticals, health care products, cosmetics, liguid foodstuffs, beverages and the like, it is important to maintain the sterility of the fluid, particularly if it is not used all at one time. The fluid can have a high or low viscosity and may be a liquid, suspension, cream, lotion, gel or the like.

If the cost of the fluid to be dispensed is high, it is important to be able to dispense substantially all of the fluid. Maintaining a closed system for metered dispensing of the fluid and at the same time dispensing all of the fluid, can present problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is the primary object of the present inventionto provide a closed system for dispensingmetered amounts of fluid where the fluid is maintained free of any contamination, preferably without the need for preservatives. Preservatives may adversely affect the useful life of the fluid or reduce its effectiveness. In addition, the fluid can be substantially completely dispensed in an effective and economically feasible manner.

The dispensing system embodying the present invention includes a flexiblecollapsible reservoirorcontainer, a support structure at least laterally enclosing the container, a chamber for holding a metered amount of fluid and a one-way valve, such as the ReSeal valve, connected to the chamber for dispensing metered amounts of fluid and preventing backflow of any contami¬ nants into the container duringthe dispensing operation. Aone-way valve not assuring backflow prevention would not be effective in the present invention. Valves capable of blocking all backflow into the container could be used instead of the ReSeal valve. The collapsible reservoir or container can be in a variety of forms, such as a flexible bag, a bellows-like container, or some other form which permits complete dispensing of the fluid. If a bag is used, preferably it is formed of an impermeable material. The material of the bag is usually determined by the fluid being dispensed. To assure sterility of the fluid, the bag must be constructed so that air, other gases, or oils cannot flow or pass through it and mix with the fluid. In certain circum¬ stances, it may be necessary to prevent light from entering into the container. The material forming the bag can include a foil barrier layer sandwiched between other layers, such as of plastics material, to assure the impermeability of the bag. The metering chamber can be arranged as part of a pumping means for drawing fluid out of the container and forcing the fluid through the one-way valve.

To assure that the container is completely emptied, it is enclosed within a support structure which can be closed or open at least at its base. An important feature is that at least a part of the support structure can breathe for maintaining atmospheric pressure in contact with the outside of the container. As the fluid is dispensed out of the container, since the container holds no air, the atmospheric pressure acting on the container causes it to collapse.

The fluid is dispensed by providing a suction or pressing action on the container so that the fluid flows into the metering chamber and then out through the one-way valve. The suction action can be afforded by a compressible metering chamber open through another one-wayvalvewith the container. The one-wayvalve between the metering chamber and the container merely prevents backflow into the container and is not used to block flow of contaminants into the container. By compressing the metering chamber fluid within the chamber is pressed out through the first one-way valve, that is, the one at the device outlet, and then as the metering chamber expands, it is filled with fluid flowing through the second one-wayvalve fromthe container. Thevolume of the contents within the container is reduced in direct proportion to the volume of fluid dispensed.

A spring can be used in combination with the metering chamber to enhance its self-restoring action.

The fluid can be dispensed in a variety of forms, for instance, drops, a spray, a mist, or a continuous stream. The form of the dispensed fluid is determined by the shape of the valve outlet.

The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluid dispensing device embodying the present invention; Figure 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the device shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 4 is a sectional view of a further embodiment of the present invention; and

Figure 5 is a sectional view on an enlarged scale of a valve for use at the outlet from the fluid dispensing device of the different embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In Figure 1, a dispensing device 10 is illustrated. The device includes a cylindrically-shaped support 12 and a cylindrically shaped removable cover 13. As illustrated inFigure 2, a reservoir or container 14 is located within the support 12. The container 14 in the form of a bellows-like member is collapsible so that substantially all of its contents can be dispensed. Initially, the container 14 is completely filled with fluid so that it contains no air or other gases. The support has an opening 16 in its base for admitting ambient atmospheric pressure. Such pressure acts on the outside surface of the bellows- like container causing it to collapse as fluid is dispensed.

At its upper end, the container 14 has an outlet 18 through which the fluid flows through a first one-way valve 20 into a metering chamber 22. The metering chamber 22 opens into a second one-way valve 24, such as the ReSeal valve shown in Figure 5. As explained in the U.S. Patent No. 4,846,810, the valve 24 is intended to maintain the sterility of the fluid contents of the container 14. The second one-way valve is located within a housing 24A displaceable relative to the support 14. When the housing 24A is pressed downwardly, the second one-way valve 24 moves downwardly compressing the metering chamber 22. Fluid flowing fromthemetering chamberpasses throughthe second one-wayvalve 24 and is dispensed from an outlet 24D in the housing 24A. In Figure 5, the second or ReSeal one-way valve 24 is shown in detail. The second one-wayvalve 24 comprises an elongated valve body 25, with an inlet end 26, and an outlet end 27. The inlet end 26 has a first outlet duct 28 which is located at the outlet of the metering chamber 22. The first outlet duct 28 extends first in the elongated direction of the valve body 22 and then divides into at least two angularly disposed branch ducts 29 terminating at the outside surface 30 of thevalvebody 22. Toward the outlet end 27, there is a second outlet duct 32. The second outlet duct 32 is in general alignment with the first outlet duct 28. The second outlet duct 32 opens from the valve body 25 at the outlet end 27. Spaced from the outlet end 27, the second outlet duct 32 divides into the two branch ducts 34 open through the valve body surface 30. A flexible membrane 36 tightly encloses the valve body 25 from a location adjacent the inlet end 26 to a location adjacent the outlet end 27. As shown in Figure 5, the membrane 36 is held in sealed contact with recesses 38 in the valve body by means of 0-rings 40.

When the metering chamber 22 is compressed, the fluid in it is forced out through the first outlet duct 28 and through the first branch ducts 29, causing the flexible membrane 36 to expand outwardly from the valve body 22. The fluid flows between the outside surface 30 of the valve body 25 and the inside surface of the flexible membrane 36 from the first branch ducts 29 to the second branch ducts 34 and then out through the second outlet duct 32. The flexible membrane 36 tightly closes the first and second branch outlet ducts 29, 34 when the fluid does not force the flexiblemembrane radially outwardly. As a consequence, after the fluid passes into the second branch ducts 34, the membrane 36 seals the openings into the second branch ducts and the first branch ducts preventing any backflow through the second outlet duct 32 into the metering chamber 22. As a result, the fluid can flow out of metering chamber 22 through the second one-way valve 24 and be dispensed from the second outlet duct 32. After the fluid has been dispensed, it is impossible for contaminants, such as air, dust, gases or other materials to pass through the second outlet duct from the ambient atmosphere into themetering chamber and finally into the container.

In Figure 5, there are two first branch ducts 29 and two second branch ducts 34. It would be possible to use only one or any convenient number of the branch ducts. Preferably, the branch ducts are arranged in a symmetrical manner to assure the efficient flow of the fluid from the first outlet duct 28 to the second outlet duct 32.

While O-ring seals 40 are shown holding the membrane 36 in sealed engagement with the valve body for preventing any flow of contaminants between the valve body and the membrane, other seals could be used. For instance, the membrane could be adhesively sealed to the valve body or held against the valve body in a variety of ways to assure the sealing action. After the fluid flows out of the metering chamber 22, and the compression of the metering chamber is released, it rebounds to the position shown in Figure 2. As a result, as the metering chamber 22 expands it exerts a suction action opening the first one-way valve 20 and drawing fluid from the container until the metering chamber is filled, ready for another metered dispensing step. It is important that the support 12 is open or has an opening for admitting atmospheric air into contact with the container so that, due to the differential pressures inside and outside the container, fluid will flow readily into the dispensingchamber 22 and the container 14 will gradually collapse.

Preferably, the support 12 is formed of a relatively hard material affording protection for the container 14. The support can be made of a plastics material, metal, glass or any other suitable material. If necessary, the support can be transparent providingan indication of the amount of fluidwithin the container 14.

In Figure 3, the dispensing device 10 is similar to the device shown in Figure 1 and the same reference numerals are used with the addition of a prefix numeral. In this Figure, the container 114 is a flexible collapsible bag. The support 112 has an opening 116 at the bottom so that ambient atmosphere contacts the container and causes it to collapse as the fluid is dispensed from the container 14. The dispensing operation of the device 110 in Figure

3 is the same as the device in Figure 2.

Thematerial forming the container, in addition to being flexible and collapsible, must be impermeable preventingthe fluid from escaping through the container wall and also preventing any flow of air or gas or other contaminants into the container.

In Figure 4, another dispensing device 210 is shown, generally similar to the embodiments above, however, with a different arrangement of the metering or pumping chamber 244. The container 214 is enclosedwithin a support 212 with anopening 212A in the bottom of the support so that atmospheric e-ir can enter for collapsing the bag and assuring that its contents are substantially completely dispensed. In Figure 4, outlet 218 of the container opens through a first one-wayvalve 220 into the metering chamber 244. The first one-way valve prevents backflow of fluid from the metering chamber 244 into the container 214. The container 214 is secured at the outlet 218. The metering or pumping chamber 244 is mounted on the top of the support 212 and, as shown, may be a bellows member. When the metering chamber 244 is compressed toward the support 212, its contents are pumped out through a ReSeal or second one-way valve 224 and are dispensed. When the metering chamber 244 is released, since it has a memory, it returns to its original configuration and draws fluid out of the container 214 through the first one-way valve 220. When the chamber 244 is filled, the flow out of the container stops. As the fluid flows into the chamber 244, the atmospheric pressure acting on the bag causes it to collapse to the extent of the volume of the fluid withdrawn into the chamber. Initially, themetering chamberand the container are completely filled with fluid so that no air or gas is present within the container 214 or the chamber 244.

When the dispensing device 210 is used, as the fluid is dispensed, the container 214 collapses due to the atmospheric air pressure within the support acting on the container. To assure that the container does not collapse in a manner blocking the outlet 218 into the chamber 244, the container may be connected to the support structure at one or more positions 250. The outlet from the one-way valve 220 can be shaped according to the manner in which the fluid is to be dispensed.

A significant feature of each of the embodiments described above is that the container and disposing chamber is completely filled with the fluid to be dispensed and there is no air or other gas within them. It is also important that the support has an opening or is open ended permitting atmospheric pressure to act on the container as the fluid is dispensed so that the container can be collapsed and substantially all of the fluid dispensed. The metering chambers can dispense a set volume of fluid or they can be adjusted to supply a variable volume.

The containers can be filled with the fluid to be dispensed through the ReSeal valve or through sealable openings in the containers themselves. Initially, both the containers and the metering chambers are completely filled. With the one-way valve between the container and metering chamber, it would be preferable to fill through the container.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described in detail to illustrate the application of the inventive principles, it will be understood that the invention maybe embodied otherwisewithoutdeparting from suchprinciples.

Claims

1. A fluid dispensing unit comprising a container for the fluid to be dispensed through a container outlet, a metering chamber arranged to receive fluid from the container outlet, initiallythe containerandthemetering chamberbeing completely filled with fluid and free of gas, and means forming a one-way valve connected to said metering chamber for dispensing metered amounts of fluid from said metering chamber and preventing any backflow into said metering chamber and container.

2. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said container is a collapsiblemember laterally enclosed within a support member.

3. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein a first one-way valve is located between said container outlet and an inlet to said metering chamber admitting flow from said container to said metering chamber and preventing backflow from said metering chamber to said container, and said means comprises a second one-way valve.

4. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said means forming a one-way valve comprises a valve body, a first outlet duct extending through said valve body and in flow communicationwith an outlet from saidmetering chamber, a second outlet duct extending through said valve body and spaced from said first outlet duct, a flexible membrane laterally enclosing an outside surface of said valve body with each of said first outlet duct and second outlet duct opening from said valve body to an inside surface of said flexible membrane, means for sealing said flexible membrane to saidvalve body, said flexible membrane being expandable by fluid pressed out of the metering chamber so that the fluid flows first through the first outlet duct to the space between the valve body and the flexible membrane and then through the second outlet duct to the ambient atmosphere.

5. A fluiddispensingunit, comprisingmeans for forming a closed collapsible container for fluid to be dispensed, said container having an outlet, a metering chamber having an inlet for receiving fluid from the container outlet and an outlet, valve means connected to the outlet of said metering chamber for dispensing fluid out of the container andpreventing any backflow into the container.

6. A fluid dispensing as set forth in claim 5, wherein a first one-way valve is located between the container outlet and metering chamber inlet for permitting flow out of said container into said metering chamber and blocking flow from said metering chamber back into said container.

7. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 6, wherein said valve means comprises a second one-way valve, said second one-way valve comprises a valve body, a first outlet duct extendingthrough saidvalvebody, a second outlet duct extending through said valve body and spaced from said first outlet duct, a flexible membrane laterally enclosing an outside surface of said valve body with each of said first outlet duct and second outlet duct opening from said valve body to an inside surface of said flexiblemembrane, means for sealing said flexiblemembrane to saidvalve body, said flexible firstmembrane beingexpandable by fluid pressed out of the container so that the fluid flows first through the first outlet duct to the space between thevalve body and the flexible membrane and then through the second outlet duct to the ambient atmosphere.

8. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 7, wherein a rigid support at least laterally encloses said container.

9. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said container is a flexible bag.

10. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 9, wherein said flexible bag is impermeable.

11. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 8, wherein said container is a bellows-like member.

12. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 6, wherein said chamber is closed and compressible and is arranged to receive fluid from said container outlet and to flow the fluid through said valve means.

13. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 6, wherein said chamber is a closed collapsible member having a memory so that after said chamber is collapsed, said chamber returns to its original shape and draws fluid out of said container outlet through said first one-way valve.

14. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 13, wherein said chamber has a set volume for dispensing a metered amount of the fluid out of said container each time said chamber is compressed.

15. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 6, wherein means are connected to said chamber for varying the volume thereof for dispensing variable metered amounts of the fluid.

16. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 7, wherein a housing enclosing said second one-way valve is displaceably mounted on said support, so that by depressing said housing towards said support said second one-way valve connected to said metering chamber compresses said metering chamber for dispensing a metered amount of fluid from said chamber.

17. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 16, wherein said housing having an outlet opening in register with said second outlet duct for dispensing fluid out of said second one-way valve.

18. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 17, wherein a cover removably secured to said support encloses said housing and dispensing of the fluid can be achieved only after removal of said cover from said housing.

19. A fluid dispensing unit, as set forth in claim 5, wherein said container has a sealable opening for filling the container.