RU2527119C2 - One-way valve, construction and application of valve - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: machine building.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to aseptic storage and batching of substances. Set is encased to interact with pump. Set comprises elastic pack composed by sealed variable-volume container for aseptic store of substance portion, one-way valve for communication with container to transfer fluid there between including valve seat and cover arranged around said seat. Valve cover defines the interference fit with valve seat. Valve seat and cover make a normally-closed bore there between. Valve cover can displace between normally closed position whereat valve cover engages with valve seat and open position whereat at least one valve cover segment is spaced from valve seat to communicate valve bore with flow bored to allow fluid passage there between and fluid flow from container via valve bore.

EFFECT: normally-closed and normally-open one-way valve keeps the substance in aseptic stage.

32 cl, 23 dwg

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This patent application is a partial continuation of application US No. 11/295274, filed December 5, 2005, entitled "One-way valve and device that uses the valve", with priority by provisional application US No. 60/757161, filed 5 January 2006, entitled "One-way valve, device and method of using the valve." Each of the above applications is included as part of the present application by reference to them.

Technical field

[0002] The present invention relates to one-way valves, to apparatuses and to methods of using one-way valves, in particular to one-way valves comprising a valve seat and an elastic valve cover covering the valve seat, and also to dispensers and packaging that use valves, and how to use such valves.

State of the art

[0003] Aseptic packaging is widely used to extend the shelf life of food and beverages. Using conventional aseptic packaging, the product is poured and sealed in sterile or bacteria-free conditions. In order to achieve a maximum shelf life before opening, the products and packaging material can be sterilized before filling, and the packaging is filled in conditions that prevent re-contamination of the product. One such metering system known in the art that uses aseptically filled packaging is disclosed in US Pat. No. 6,024,242. The package includes a bag in which food or drinks are stored, as well as an elastic tube with an open end connected to the bag to dispense the product through it. A shut-off valve is used in the dispenser in order to pinch the open end, thereby isolating the tube from the surrounding atmosphere. In order to dose the product, the shut-off valve releases the tube, which allows the product to flow out of the bag through the open end of the tube.

[0004] One of the drawbacks of this type of dispenser and package of this type is that during installation of the bag and tube assembly inside the dispenser, as well as during dispensing, there is a risk that bacteria or other undesirable substances can enter the tube with open end and contaminate products. If the product belongs to a non-acidic group, such as dairy products, then it should be stored in the refrigerator to ensure the shelf life of the product.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the above disadvantages and (or) inconveniences of inventions known in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] According to a first embodiment, the present invention aims to ensure that the elastic bag and valve assembly aseptically retain the substance, dispense a certain number of portions of the stored substance and help keep the substance remaining in the bag in an aseptic state that is hermetically isolated from exposure to its surrounding atmosphere. The elastic bag and valve assembly are configured to be installed in a relatively rigid body and are suitable for use with a pump to pump individual portions of the substance from the bag through a one-way valve for dispensing the substance. The assembled device consists of an elastic bag forming a reservoir of variable volume for aseptic storage of several portions of the substance inside it, hermetically isolated from the effects of the surrounding atmosphere. The one-way valve assembly assembly includes a valve body including an axially elongated valve seat and at least one flow passage through a valve body and / or valve seat. The valve cover is mounted on the valve body and includes an axially elongated portion made of elastic material covering the valve seat and covering a significant portion of the axially elongated portion of the valve seat. The valve cover portion has a predetermined radial thickness and sits on the valve seat with interference. A portion of the valve cover and a valve seat form an axially elongated joint to form a normally closed, axially elongated valve hole, and a portion of the valve cover is able to radially move between (i) a normally closed position in which a portion of the valve cover engages with the valve seat, and (ii) an open position in which at least one segment of the valve cover portion is radially spaced from the valve seat so as to connect the valve opening to at least one flow opening so as to provide zmozhnost flowing substance from the variable volume reservoir through the valve orifice. In normally closed and open positions, the one-way valve keeps the substance remaining in the tank of variable volume in an aseptic state, hermetically isolated from exposure to the surrounding atmosphere.

[0007] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the elastic bag defines the boundaries of a sealed, empty, aseptic tank adapted to be filled with a substance intended for storage and dosing. In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the elastic bag is aseptically filled with a substance that is either a food product or a beverage. In one such embodiment, the bag is made of a laminated plastic material comprising an oxygen / waterproof barrier and an approved contact layer in contact with the food product. In one such embodiment, the substance is selected from the group comprising dairy products, milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream, a mixture of milk and cream, infant formula, nutritious milk mixture, yogurt, soup, ice cream, juice, syrup, coffee, seasonings, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and flavored coffee.

[0008] A number of embodiments of the present invention also include a flexible tube connected to a fluid passageway between the bag and the one-way valve. In one such embodiment, the flexible tube is connected to the elastic bag and the one-way valve in at least one of the following ways: (i) a connecting pipe mounted on at least one elastic bag and the one-way valve that frictionally engages the corresponding end tubes in order to form a tight seal between them, (ii) heat seal, (iii) a weld and (iv) adhesive material.

[0009] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the complete assembly further includes an elastic actuator coupled to the bag and the one-way valve so as to allow fluid to move between them, which can be manually moved to pump material through the one-way valve from a variable volume tank. In one such embodiment, the elastic drive has a hemispherical shape. A number of such embodiments also include a manually actuated control device with which the elastic actuator can be manually pressed and, then, the substance can be dosed through a one-way valve from a variable volume tank. In a number of such embodiments, the manually actuated control device is a lever.

[00010] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the complete assembly further includes a relatively rigid container into which an elastic bag is placed. In a number of such embodiments, the relatively rigid container is made of cardboard or plastic.

[00011] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the device assembly is associated with a dispenser. The dispenser includes a relatively rigid container, into which an elastic bag is placed, and a surface for supporting and placing a one-way valve for dispensing substances from it and into another container. In one such embodiment, the dispenser further includes a pump operably connected to the variable volume reservoir and one-way valve, as well as a control unit electrically connected to the pump, for controlling the operation of the pump and, in turn, for controlling the distribution of the substance inside the variable volume reservoir, to control the dosing of the substance through a one-way valve, as well as into another container. In one such embodiment, the dispenser includes at least one bag containing at least one serving of coffee, concentrated coffee, milk, a dairy product, a mixture of milk and cream or cream. In one such embodiment, the dispenser further includes at least one bag containing flavored coffee.

[00012] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the elastic bag and valve assembly are configured to aseptically store the substance, dispense several portions of the stored substance, and to keep the substance remaining in the bag in an aseptic state that is hermetically isolated from exposure to the surrounding atmosphere. The elastic bag and the valve assembly are adapted to be placed inside a relatively rigid body and are adapted to interact with a pump designed to pump discrete portions of the substance from the bag through a one-way valve for dispensing the substance. The assembled device includes the first means forming a variable-volume reservoir, hermetically isolated from exposure to the surrounding atmosphere, for aseptic storage of several portions of the substance inside it. The assembled device further includes a second means through which it is possible to dispense a substance from a variable volume tank, which is adapted to keep the substance remaining in the variable volume tank in an aseptic state, isolated from exposure to the surrounding atmosphere during and after dosing. The second means includes a third means forming an axially elongated valve seat and at least one flow opening. The second means also includes a fourth means installed on the third means, including an elastic, axially elongated portion, covering the third means and covering a significant portion of the axially elongated portion of the third means, while the fourth means has a predetermined radial thickness and sits on the third means with an interference fit, the fourth means forms an axially elongated joint between the third and fourth means, forming a normally closed, axially elongated valve opening, while the fourth the means is capable of radially moving between (i) a normally closed position in which the fourth means mesh with the third means, and (ii) an open position in which at least one segment of the fourth means is radially remote from the third means so that connect the valve bore to at least one flow bore so that substance can flow from the variable volume reservoir through the valve bore. The fourth agent interacts with the third agent in such a way as to keep the substance remaining in the tank of variable volume in an aseptic state, isolated from the effects of the surrounding atmosphere in a normally closed and open position.

[00013] In one embodiment of the present invention, the variable-volume reservoir contains dairy products, and the second means serves primarily to prevent microorganisms from entering the variable-volume reservoir and to allow storage and dosing of the dairy product without cooling.

[00014] In one embodiment of the present invention, the first means is an elastic bag, the second means is a one-way valve, the third means is a valve body, and the fourth means is an elastic valve cover.

[00015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method for storing a liquid and repeatedly dispensing portions of the stored liquid includes the following steps:

(1) use a reservoir to store several servings of fluid in an aseptic state;

(2) using a one-way valve assembly comprising (i) a valve body including an axially elongated valve seat and a flow passage through at least a valve body or valve seat, and (ii) a valve cover made of an elastic material and including a valve portion covering the valve seat, wherein the valve portion has a predetermined radial thickness and sits on the valve seat with interference, the valve portion and valve seat form a normally closed, axially elongated valve hole located between them, while the valve portion can move relative to the valve seat between a normally closed position in which the valve portion engages with the valve seat and an open position in which at least one segment of the valve portion is away from the valve seat with so as to connect the valve opening to at least one flow-through opening in such a way as to allow the substance to flow from the variable volume reservoir through the valve opening;

(3) maintain the fluid in the reservoir in an aseptic state over the expiration date and dispense the fluid through the one-way valve assembly.

[00016] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the method further includes a step in which a hermetically sealed variable-volume tank is used to store several portions of the liquid, mainly without access of air, as well as substantially prevent air from reaching the liquid in the tank during the expiration date. variable volume and dispense liquid through a one-way valve assembly. In a number of embodiments of the present invention, this method further includes the step of using a pump located between the reservoir and the one-way valve assembly to pump individual portions of liquid from the reservoir through the flow opening and then through the valve opening.

[00017] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of: (i) using at least one reservoir, a pump and a one-way valve assembly comprising a portion in which a needle can be punctured and which is made with the possibility of restoring the tightness under the influence of heat, (ii) for filling the reservoir with liquid, a needle is punctured in the area in which the needle can be punctured, and which is made with the possibility of restoring the tightness under the influence of Ashes, they introduce liquid through the needle into the tank, remove the needle and, under the influence of heat, seal the hole from the needle, which is formed in the area in which the needle can be punctured, and which is able to restore the tightness under the influence of heat.

[00018] In one such embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the step of forming a substantially transparent portion in which the needle can be punctured, and which is configured to restore leak tightness by heat by mixing (i) a styrene-based block copolymer, (ii) an olefin, (iii) a pigment added in an amount of less than 150 ppm, and (iv) a lubricant. In one such embodiment, a substantially transparent pigment is used that absorbs radiation in the near infrared region of the spectrum.

[00019] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the boundaries of the variable volume reservoir are defined by (i) an elastic bag and include, for example, the interior of the elastic bag, or are defined by the space between the elastic bag and a relatively rigid vessel or similar body, or defined (ii) by a rigid body including, for example, a piston sliding inside the housing, forming a tight shutter between the peripheral portion of the piston and the housing and forming a reservoir of variable volume between the piston and prot one-way valve hole assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the boundaries of the reservoir are determined by a vessel or other housing comprising a filter configured to allow gas to pass from the surrounding atmosphere into the reservoir and to purify air or other gas entering the reservoir when dosing a liquid from it to sterilize air or other gas entering the reservoir, and maintaining the fluid inside the reservoir in an aseptic state. In each case, the method further includes the step of sterilizing the hermetically sealed empty variable elastic reservoir or another reservoir before filling it. The sterilization step preferably includes at least one operation selected from the group consisting of (i) using radiation, such as gamma radiation, or an electron beam, and (ii) using a liquid sterilizing reagent, such as VHP, to sterilize the tank.

[00020] In a number of embodiments of the present invention, the method includes the step of filling the reservoir aseptically with at least one product selected from the group consisting of dairy products, infant formula or water-based products. One such embodiment further includes maintaining dairy products, infant formula or water-based products substantially free of preservatives throughout the filling and dosing processes of the products.

One such embodiment further includes storing dairy products, infant formula or water-based products, essentially at ambient temperature over the entire shelf life and when dispensing portions of the product from the tank.

[00021] Some embodiments of the present invention further include the steps of: (i) using a flexible tube connected at one end to the reservoir and at the other end to a one-way valve assembly configured to allow fluid to flow through it, as well as a peristaltic pump , (ii) place the outer portion of the flexible tube in a peristaltic pump and pump individual portions of fluid through the flexible tube.

[00022] Other embodiments of the present invention further include the step of using a manual pump or a pedal pump, including a compression chamber, a compression surface moving inside the compression chamber, a manual or pedal actuator connected to at least the chamber compression or with the compression surface, while using a manual or pedal drive, at least the compression surface or compression chamber relative to each other between the initial position and at least one p bochim position to squeeze the contents of the compression chamber and dispensing fluid through the implement one-way valve assembly.

[00023] One of the advantages of the device and method according to the present invention is that a one-way valve assembly can hermetically isolate products in a variable volume tank over an expiration date and allow multiple dispensing of products. As a result, non-acidic products, for example, dairy products, do not require refrigeration during the entire shelf life or period of use of the products. Other advantages of the device and method according to the present invention will become apparent after reading the following detailed description and the accompanying illustrative materials.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[00024] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a device according to the invention, including a one-way valve and a tube assembly.

[00025] Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a dispenser with a one-way valve and tube assembly in combination with a reservoir for storing a substance to be dispensed, and a pump for pumping substance from the tank through the tube and one-way valve assembly.

[00026] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the one-way valve assembly of FIG. 1.

[00027] FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the one-way valve assembly of FIG. 1.

[00028] Figure 5 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a one-way valve assembly including a beveled edge on a dispensing spout to prevent accumulation of material on the spout after dispensing, with the elastic valve cover removed.

[00029] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve body and the one-way valve assembly assembly shown in FIG. 5.

[00030] FIG. 7 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an elastic bag, tube, and valve assembly inserted into a box and installed inside a dispenser.

[00031] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the elastic bag, tube, and valve assembly of FIG. 7.

[00032] Fig. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the disassembled window of the elastic bag shown in Fig. 7, which includes a plug in which a needle can be punctured, and which is configured to restore tightness under the influence of laser radiation, designed to be performed in it needle puncture, filling the bag with fluid through the puncture and restore the tightness of the hole formed in the plug after removing the needle, under the influence of laser radiation.

[00033] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve assembly according to the present invention, including a domed manual actuator for pumping liquids through a valve in which the valve is mounted on a box and connected to an elastic bag located inside the box, thus to allow fluid to flow between the valve and the elastic bag.

[00034] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly of FIG. 10.

[00035] FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 11.

[00036] FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 11.

[00037] FIG. 14 is a side elevational view of the valve assembly of FIG. 11 attached to an elastic bag.

[00038] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the valve assembly of FIG. 11 attached to a rigid body including a piston sliding within and forming a variable volume reservoir together with the body.

[00039] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a valve assembly, a dome-shaped actuator, and an elastic bag mounted inside a relatively rigid container and connected to the dome-shaped actuator and valve cover so as to allow fluid to flow between them.

[00040] FIG. 17 is a top view of the retainer ring of the complete assembly of FIG. 17, with which the built-in domed actuator and valve cover are attached to the container.

[00041] FIG. 18 is a plan view of the integrated domed actuator and valve cover of FIG. 16.

[00042] Fig. 19 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another device according to the invention, including a collapsible elastic balloon or bag mounted inside a relatively rigid container defining the boundaries of a variable volume reservoir, and also including a pump with a one-way valve connected to such a variable volume reservoir so as to allow fluid to flow between the one-way valve and the variable volume tank and the ability to dispense liquid Products from a variable volume tank.

[00043] FIG. 20 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another device according to the invention, including a container defining the boundaries of the reservoir, a microbial filter configured to allow gas to pass from the surrounding atmosphere to the reservoir and to purify and sterilize the air entering the reservoir, including a pump and a one-way valve assembly connected to the tank so as to allow fluid to flow between the one-way valve and the tank, and ie the possibility of dispensing a liquid product from a reservoir.

[00044] Fig. 21 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another device according to the invention, which includes an elastic bag defining the boundaries of a variable-volume reservoir mounted inside a relatively rigid container, a pressurized air source, or another gas source connected to a chamber formed between the elastic bag and container, in such a way as to allow air or other gas to enter the chamber for squeezing liquid products in the bag, the exhaust The valve and one-way valve assembly coupled to the reservoir of variable volume so as to allow leakage of pressurized fluid from the reservoir through the one-way valve assembly.

[00045] Fig. 22 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another device according to the invention, which includes a manual or foot pump peristaltic pump for pumping liquid products through a one-way valve from a variable volume tank.

[00046] FIG. 23 is a schematic cross-sectional view of another device according to the invention, which includes a hand-operated rocker pump for pumping liquid products through a one-way valve from a variable volume tank.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00047] In Figs. 1 and 2, the device according to the invention is generally indicated by the number 10. The device 10 includes a one-way valve assembly 12 connected to the tube 14 so as to allow fluid to flow between them. The device 10 is used to hermetically isolate the substance inside the tube 14 from the effects of the surrounding atmosphere and to dispense the substance through a one-way valve assembly 12. By substance is meant any of the many different types of products currently known, or any of those types of products that will become known in the future, including, without limitation, any of the many different types of food and drinks, for example, dairy products, including milk, evaporated boiled milk, condensed milk, cream, a mixture of milk and cream, infant formula, nutritious milk mixture, yogurt, soup, slightly acidic liquid, non-acidic liquid, as well as any of many other types of liquid foods, ice cream (including milk and non-dairy, for example, soy-based ice cream), juice, syrup, coffee, seasoning, for example, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise, carbonated drink, flavored coffee, as well as biological and biopharmaceutical products, such as vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and products for gene ter apii.

[00048] As shown in FIG. 2, a device 10 can be installed inside a dispenser 16 including a pump 18 connected to a tube 14 so as to squeeze the tube so as to dispense the substance through the tube and one-way valve 12 into the container 20. The dispenser also includes a container 22, which in this embodiment defines the boundaries of a variable volume tank 24 for storing a metered substance. The reservoir 24 includes a nozzle 26 connected to the end of the tube 14 opposite the one-way valve 12, and also connected to the reservoir of variable volume 24 so as to allow the substance to flow from the reservoir into the tube. In an alternative embodiment, the tube may be thermally soldered or welded to the reservoir, glued to it or otherwise attached to the reservoir or to the material of which the reservoir is made, for example, a plastic or multilayer bag, using any of the many different methods known in the art. present, or using any of the methods that will become known in the future. The dispenser 16 also includes a housing 28 for accommodating parts of the device, as shown in the image, and also includes hatches or other openings, to some extent known to specialists in this field of technology, providing access to the inside of the housing for installing a fresh tank in case the tank emptied, and (or) to replace or repair parts of the device.

[00049] As shown in FIG. 3, the one-way valve assembly 12 includes a valve body 30 that defines the boundaries of the first axially elongated channel 32, axially elongated valve seat 34 and flow passage 36, axially elongated along valve body 30, which adjacent to the valve seat 34 and, together with the first axially elongated channel 32, forms a channel for fluid movement. The one-way valve assembly 12 further includes a valve cover 38 made of an elastic material and including a valve cover 40 mounted on the valve body 30 and secured to prevent it from moving along the axis of the valve body 30, as well as a portion of the valve cover 42 covering the valve seat. The portion of the valve cover 42 has a predetermined radial thickness, while its inner diameter D1 is less than the outer diameter D2 of the valve seat 34 so that the portion of the valve cover 42 fits onto the valve seat with interference, as shown by overlapping lines in FIG. 3. As you can see, the portion of the valve cover 42 and the seat of the valve 34 define the boundaries of a normally closed, axially extended valve opening or joint 44 between them. As described below, the portion of the valve cover 42 can radially move between the normally closed position shown in FIG. 3, in which the portion of the valve cover 42 covers the valve seat 34, and an open position (not shown) in which at least one segment a portion of the valve cover 42 is radially remote from the seat of the valve 34 so as to connect the opening of the valve 44 with at least one flow opening 36 so as to allow the flow of material from the flow opening 36 through the opening of the valve 44. shown in FIG. 3, the fitting 46 is firmly fixed to the valve body 30 and forms an airtight shutter with it. The fitting 46 defines the boundaries of the second channel 48 connected to the first axially elongated channel 32 so as to allow fluid to flow between them, and the boundaries of the annular elongated axially connected connecting surface 50 for connection to the tube, while the connecting surface 50 can be hermetically connected to the tube 14 by means of a second channel 48, which is configured to allow fluid to flow from the tube 14 through the second channel 48 and, then, through the first axially elongated channel 32, the flow hole 36 and valve bore 44.

[00050] As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 30 further includes a body base 52 including an annular mounting flange 54 extending outwardly in the radial direction for mounting the valve assembly, for example, to the dispenser 16 shown in FIG. 2. The valve body 30 also defines the boundaries of the first section 56, having a substantially truncated cone shape located between the body base 52 and the valve seat 34. As shown in the image, an axially elongated flow hole 36 passes through the first section 56, which has a substantially , the shape of a truncated cone, so that the radial inner edge of the flow hole 36 is essentially adjacent to the valve seat 34. The valve cover 38 includes a section 58 having a substantially truncated cone shape located between the base of the cap 40 and the flap of the valve cover 42, covering the first portion 56 of the valve body 30, having a substantially truncated cone shape, and as shown by overlapping lines in FIG.

[00051] As shown in FIG. 3, the radial thickness of the valve cover portion 58 of the valve 38 having a substantially truncated cone shape, and the valve cover portion of the valve 42, respectively, gradually decreases in the direction from the 58 having a substantially truncated shape cone, to the portion of the valve cover 42. As a result, the amount of energy that must be expended in the process of opening the valve gradually decreases when moving in the direction from the inside to the outside of the valve. The substance is dosed through the valve by pumping the substance under sufficient pressure (by squeezing the tube 14 manually or by mechanical or electromechanical means or otherwise pumping the substance through the tube or into the valve) through the flow hole 36, while the valve opening or joint 44 opens ("pressure valve opening ”). As soon as a substance under pressure enters the valve bore or joint 44, in order to open the corresponding axial segments of the valve cover in the radial direction, a gradually decreasing amount of energy is required when switching from the inner to the outer part of the valve. As a result of this, the valve itself acts as a pump pushing the substance through the normally closed opening of the valve 44. Preferably, the substantially annular segment of the valve cover portion 42 is engaged with the valve seat 34 substantially throughout the dispensing process through the valve opening 44 in order to maintain the tightness of the opening of the valve 44 with respect to the surrounding atmosphere. In order to provide a gradual reduction in the amount of energy that needs to be expended in the process of opening the valve when moving from the inside to the outside of the valve (that is, to reduce the opening pressure of the valve), the valve, if necessary, can be designed differently. For example, the adhesion force of the valve cover 38 and the valve body 30 may decrease in the direction from the inside to the outside of the valve assembly. In an alternative embodiment, the diameter of the valve seat 34 may gradually increase in the direction from the inner edge to the peripheral edge of the valve seat (or from the inner to the outer edge of the valve seat). The valve assembly, if necessary, may include only one of these features, or may include any combination of these features necessary to provide the required performance.

[00052] In another embodiment, the valve assembly 12 is preferably made according to the following pending public applications, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety in this disclosure: according to the application for the grant of US patent No. 10/640,500 of 13 August 2003, entitled, “Container and Valve Assembly for Storage and Dosing of Substances and Related Methods, US Patent Application No. 29/174939 of January 27, 2003, entitled“ Container and Valve Assembly, "application for the grant of US patent No. 60/613 583 of September 27, 2004, entitled "Dispenser with a side power actuator and a one-way valve for storing and dosing standard quantities of substances", application for the grant of US patent No. 29/188 310 of August 15, 2003, entitled “Tube and Valve Assembly”, US Patent Application No. 29/191 510 of October 7, 2003, entitled “Container and Valve Assembly,” and US Patent Application No. 60/528 429 of December 10, 2003, entitled “Valve assembly and set of tubes for storing and dispensing substances and the corresponding m Todd. "

[00053] According to these documents, at least the diameter of the valve seat D2, the adhesion force of the valve cover portion 42 to the valve seat 34 (the relative position of which is indicated by overlapping lines in FIG. 3), a predetermined radial thickness of the valve cover portion 42 or a predetermined the elastic modulus of the material of the valve cover 38 is selected so that (1) to ensure the creation of a predetermined pressure in the valve opening by squeezing the tube 14, sufficient to ensure the flow of matter from the tube through a normally closed the hole of the valve 44, (2) to ensure a tight shut-off of the valve 12 and to exclude the possibility of bacteria or dirt entering through the hole of the valve 44, as well as into the tube 14, in the normally closed position. In the above embodiment, both the diameter of the valve seat portion D2 and the adhesion force of the valve cover portion 42 to the valve seat 34, and the predetermined radial thickness of the valve cover portion 42, and the predetermined modulus of elasticity of the material of the valve cover 38 are selected so as to (1) provide the creation of a predetermined pressure in the valve hole by squeezing the tube 14, sufficient to ensure the flow of matter from the tube (or from a reservoir of variable volume connected to the tube in such a way as to ensure the liquid to flow between them) through the opening of the valve 44, (2) to ensure a tight seal of the opening of the valve 44 and to exclude the possibility of bacteria entering through the valve opening, as well as into the tube, in the normally closed position.

[00054] The flow hole 36 is angled relative to the valve seat. In the illustrated embodiment, the flow hole is located at an angle of 30 ° to 45 °. However, specialists in this field of technology, based on the information provided in this document, can conclude that this range of angles is given only as an example and can be, if desired or other need, changed. In addition, one or more flow openings 36 can be made at an angle relative to the above-described openings 36, as shown, for example, in any of the pending public applications, which are incorporated herein by reference above.

[00055] As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 30 defines an annular recess 60 formed at the junction of the base of the body 52 and the section 56 having the shape of a truncated cone. The valve cover 38 includes a corresponding annular flange 62 that projects radially inward and is inserted into the annular recess 60 of the valve body 30 to secure the valve cover to the valve body. As shown in the drawing, the valve body 30 includes a conical surface 64 located on the front or outer side of the axis of the annular recess 62 to facilitate the movement of the annular flange 62 inside the annular recess 60.

[00056] The valve assembly 12 further includes a valve cover or visor 66, which is annularly located above the elastic cover of the valve 38 and extends along an axis from the base of the valve cover 38 to a point adjacent to the dispensing nose of the valve, but at the same time removed from the dispensing spout a certain distance along the axis inward. As shown in FIG. 3, the valve body 30 defines a first external recess 68 formed at the junction of the mounting flange 54 and the base of the body 52, and the visor of the valve 66 defines a corresponding first annular protrusion 70 that projects radially inward and is secured by a latch inside the external recess 68 for securing the valve visor to the valve body. Additionally, the visor of the valve 66 defines a second external recess 72 located on the inner side of the axis of the first annular protrusion 74, which radially extends outward and is secured by a latch inside the external recess 72 to enable subsequent fixing of the valve visor to the valve body.

[00057] As shown in FIG. 3, in the radial direction, the visor of the valve 66 is located at some distance from the second section 58 having the shape of a truncated cone, and the section 42 of the valve cover 38 so that between them an annular, elongated along the axis is formed the gap 76. The gap 76 allows the valve cover to expand or move outward in the radial direction during dispensing of the substance through the normally closed valve opening or joint 44. The spout 78 of the valve cover portion 42 defines an annular portion 80, for from which decreases outwardly in the direction of the distal end of the cap 82 of the valve 66 to substantially block the peripheral end or to block a substantial portion of the peripheral end of the annular gap 76 so as to prevent any unwanted substances inside.

[00058] The fitting 46 includes an annular mounting flange 84, which is included in the corresponding support recess 86 for mounting the fitting on the valve body 30. As shown in FIG. 3, the fitting and valve body on the inner annular surfaces 88 and 90 form an interference fit, providing thereby the possibility of ultrasonic welding of the fitting and the valve body and the formation of a tight connection between them along an annular line of contact of these surfaces. One of the advantages of the lap joint shown is that it provides a relatively high joint strength and tightness throughout the joint. However, specialists in this field of technology, based on the information provided in this document, can conclude that the fitting and valve body can be connected to each other in any of the many different ways known from the prior art, or from those methods that will become known later. In another embodiment, the nozzle and valve body can be made integral with the molding of the valve body and nozzle. One of the advantages of a separate manufacture of a fitting and valve body is that fittings of different sizes and / or types can be attached to valve bodies. As shown in FIG. 3, the connecting surface of the tube 50 is a conventional fitting surface with barbs, which, due to friction forces, engages with the inside of the flexible tube 14 to secure the fitting to the tube and form a tight joint between them. In the depicted embodiment, the tube 14 is a conventional silicone tube. However, specialists in this field of technology, based on the information provided in this document, can conclude that the fitting and (or) the tube can be of any shape and (or) can be made of various materials known from the level techniques, or from those that will become known later.

[00059] As shown in FIG. 2, the valve and tube assembly 10 can be installed inside the dispenser 16 and connected to a conventional peristaltic pump 18, which is rotated, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 2, in order to compress the tube 14 and, in turn, pumping the substance from the tank 24 through a one-way valve 12 into a receiving container or other receiver 20. In an alternative embodiment, the valve and tube assembly 10 can be installed inside any of a variety of containers or dispensers and used in combining with any of a variety of pump options, such as electric, manual or pedal pumps, or can be used with dispensers that use compressed air or other gas known in the art to pump fluid through a valve, or which will become known later.

[00060] Figs. 5 and 6 show another embodiment of the valve assembly according to the invention, which is indicated by the number 112. The valve assembly 112 is essentially similar to the valve assembly 12 described above, therefore, similar elements are denoted by the corresponding numbers to to which the figure "I" is assigned in front. The main difference between the valve assembly 112 and the valve assembly 12 is that the metering nozzle of the valve seat 134 is formed with a recess 192, and a very thin annular beveled edge 194 is formed between the recess 192 and the peripheral edge of the valve seat 134. As shown in the drawing, the radial width of the beveled edge 194 is significantly less than the axial depth of the recess 192 and the diameter of the valve seat 134 (in both cases, at least about 5, preferably at least about 10 times). In one embodiment of the present invention, the radial width of the edge portion is in the range of 5 to about 25 mm. One of the advantages of this design is that the thin annular edge 194 significantly prevents the accumulation of material on the dosing nozzle after it has been dispensed through the valve. Preferably, the valve 112 is mounted in a substantially vertical or upright position (as shown in FIG. 2) so that the dispensing nozzle points downward (so that the axis of the valve is substantially perpendicular or at an acute angle relative to the horizontal plane). The fact that the annular edge 194 has a small surface area, for any liquid that flows to the surface, significantly impedes the development of such surface tension forces, the magnitude of which would be sufficient to overcome the force of gravity, which carries the liquid down and away from such a surface. As a result, the annular edge 194 substantially prevents any liquid or other substance from collecting on it, thereby making it easier to keep the metering nozzle clean.

[00061] Figs. 7-9 show other tube and valve assemblies made in accordance with the invention and designated 210. The tube and valve assembly 210 are substantially similar to the tube and valve assembly 10, 110 described above, therefore similar elements are indicated by the corresponding numbers to which the figure "2" is assigned in front or in which the figure "2" is used instead of the initial figure "1". The main differences between the tube and valve assembly 210 from the tube and valve assembly described above are that the tube 214 is integral with the elastic bag forming the reservoir 224, and also that the elastic bag, tube and valve assembly can be mounted inside a relatively sturdy box 225. In one embodiment, the inlet end 226 of the tube 214 is mounted to the base of the bag 222 by heat sealing, ultrasonic welding, crimping or gluing the tube and bag material. Specialists in this field of technology, based on the information provided in this document, can conclude that the tube can be connected to the package or can be made in one piece with the package in such a way as to allow the flow of matter between them, any from the many different methods that are known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later.

[00062] As shown in FIG. 7, the tube 214 is installed inside the dispenser housing 216 and is in conjunction with a peristaltic pump 218 known to those skilled in the art, with the valve assembly 212 being pulled out of the dispensing hole 221 provided in the housing panel 223 dispenser 216. As shown, a mounting flange 254 is seated on the inside of the panel 223 together with a clip 229 with one or more suitable fasteners 231, such as thumbscrews, which secure the valve 212 in place to form a detachable joint neniya. The control unit 233 is electrically connected to the pump 218 in order to control the operation of the pump and, in turn, the dosing of food or drink, or other substance inside the tank 224 of the bag 222 through a tube 214, a one-way valve assembly 212 into a cup or another receiver 220. The dispenser may include controls so that the user can actuate the control unit 233 and pump 218, such as buttons or switches of all types known to those skilled in the art.

[00063] In one embodiment, the material of which bag 222 is made is oxygen and water tight. For example, such a material may be laminated plastic, including an approved contact layer in contact with the food product. In one such embodiment, a thermally adhesive film is used as the material, including an oxygen and water-tight layer and, preferably, an outer layer with sufficient wear resistance and elasticity. Examples of a suitable outer layer are linearly or biaxially oriented nylon, polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene. Examples of oxygen- and waterproof materials include ethylene vinyl alcohol (EVOH) copolymer and silica. An example of a thermally bonding material is polyethylene, such as linear low density polyethylene, ultra-linear low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene or polyethylene obtained by a catalytic process using metallocenes. An example of a material from which a bag can be made is a multilayer material including a nylon copolymer on the outside, an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and polyethylene obtained by a catalytic process using metallocenes, on the inside, in which the layers of the multilayer material are bonded together using any of the methods known to specialists in this field of technology. Those skilled in the art can conclude that if the tube is not an integral part of the bag, then the use of release materials must be avoided in order to guarantee good fusion of the bag edge with the tube.

[00064] The tube 214 is preferably made of a material flexible enough to be compressed or otherwise deformed using, for example, a peristaltic pump 218, but the material should not be punctured or irreversibly deformed by such compression or deformation. In one embodiment of the present invention, the material is coextruded polyethylene obtained by a catalytic method using metallocenes, such as a polymer obtained by a catalytic method using metallocenes sold by Dow Chemical Corporation under the name DOW AO 8180. As indicated above, the tube material may be thermally glued, pressed or glued to the package material.

[00065] The dimensions of the tube 214 may be changed depending on the type of food product or other substance to be dispensed through it. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the tube is in the range of about 5 to about 15 mm, preferably in the range of about 7 to about 8 mm. In some of these embodiments, the thickness of the tube material is in the range of about 1 to about 2 mm; in one of these embodiments, the thickness is 1.5 mm. The length of tube 214 may be selected as desired or in accordance with other requirements of a particular metering system. In some embodiments, the length of the tube is in the range of about 15 to about 25 cm. Those skilled in the art, based on the information provided herein, may conclude that as the material for making the bag, tube, and valve in the assembly can be used any of the many different materials known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, suitable for performing the functions of the respective components. Similarly, as the overall dimensions of these components, as well as methods for their connection or manufacture, any of numerous different overall dimensions or configurations can be selected as desired or in accordance with other requirements. For example, bag materials or the overall dimensions of the bag and tube can be selected in accordance with US Pat. No. 6,024,252, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as disclosed.

[00066] Depending on the design of the dispenser housing 216, installing the bag 222 inside the box 225 may not be necessary. However, box 225 may provide a convenient mechanism for storing and transporting the elastic bag 222 and / or installing the bag 222 inside the dispenser housing 216. In one embodiment, the box 216 is a cardboard box of a type known to those skilled in the art. As shown in FIG. 9, box 225 may be provided with an opening 227 in the wall of the base of the box so that the tube and valve assembly can pass through it. In an alternative embodiment, the box 225 may be made with a perforated or breaking area, allowing you to remove part of the box to gain access to the tube and valve assembly. Specialists in this field of technology, based on the information provided in this document, can conclude that the box can be made of any of a wide variety of materials and can have any of the many different shapes and / or configurations known in the art. , or from those that will become known later. In addition, the elastic bag and valve assembly can be installed inside any of the many different containers or dispensers known in the art, or those that will become known later, and can be used in combination with any of the many different pumps, known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, such as electric pumps, with manual or pedal drive, or can be used together with dispensers, in which for pumping liquid through cells Appan uses compressed air or other gas known in the art or with those that will become known later.

[00067] As shown in FIGS. 7-9, the bag preferably includes a plug 235 configured to pierce with a needle and then restore tightness when exposed to heat, to fill the reservoir 224 through the plug with a needle or other filling member, as well as for restoring the tightness of the hole formed as a result of a puncture with a needle under the influence of laser heat or another heat source, or a chemical heat source. As shown in the drawing, the plug 235 is installed or otherwise inserted into the window 237, made in the upper section of the package 222. As shown in Fig. 9, the window 237 can be located in the hole made in the upper wall of the box 225. If necessary, between the flange 241 the support ring 239 and the adjacent wall of the box 225 may support the ring 239. As shown in the drawing, the support ring 239 is elongated horizontally (or outward, in the radial direction) from the window in order to support the window while filling the needle through lushku and during restoration of tightness. The bag, tube and valve assembly must be sterilized prior to filling, for example, using radiation such as gamma radiation or an electron beam, or using another sterilizer such as hydrogen peroxide vapor ("VHP"). After that, hermetically sealed, sterilized, empty bag, tube and valve assembly are aseptically filled with liquid food, drink or other substance intended for storage. The advantage of such a filling method and such a design is to provide an increased shelf life of the substance inside the bag and to provide the possibility of storing the bag without cooling throughout the use of the bag (that is, the bag can remain uncooled from the first to the last portion dispensed from the bag).

[00068] If necessary, as shown in dashed lines in FIG. 7, after filling the plug 235 through the needle and restoring the tightness of the plug 235, a cover 243 can be attached to the flange of the window 241 to protect it from being mismanaged to prevent removal or other damage. plugs without damaging the cover 243. The plug 235 together with the window 237 forms a moisture-proof shutter, which can be made in any way known to specialists in this field of technology. In addition, cover 243 may form a moisture barrier between the plug and the surrounding atmosphere and, in turn, provide an additional moisture and / or vapor barrier between the plug and the surrounding atmosphere. The lid 243 may be attached to the window by any of a variety of different methods known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, including by means of a latch, ultrasonic welding, gluing or otherwise.

[00069] As shown in FIG. 9, in an alternative embodiment, the plug 235 may be held inside the window 237 by a cover 245 that is latched to the window 237 in order to firmly secure the plug in the window. The cover 245 includes an inner flange 247, which is connected to the outer flange 249 of the plug 235 so as to firmly fix the plug in the window. A central opening 251 is provided in the inner flange 247 for inserting a central protruding portion 253 of a plug 235 into it, forming a portion in which a puncture can be made with a needle, and which is configured to restore tightness under the influence of heat. The cover 245 further includes a plurality of snap-in flanges 255 under the inner flange 247 distributed along the circumference with gaps between them. Each snap-in flange 255 has a cross-sectional view of a cone in order to allow sliding mounting of the cover 245 on the flange 237 of the window 239 with snapping on the back of the flange of the window 237 in order to prevent the cover from being removed from the window. In a preferred embodiment, when snapping into place at the installation site, from the side of the inner flange 247, an essentially predetermined compression preload is applied to the elastic flange 249 of the plug 23 5 so that a moisture-proof connection is formed between the cover, plug and port. In addition, the inner peripheral edge 257 of the stub is made in any way known to specialists in this field of technology in view of this document, so as to engage with the inner surfaces of the window 237 and form a waterproof joint between them throughout the expiration date and term use of the package. The lid 245 includes a lid disk 259 that is inserted into a peripheral recess 261 formed inside the lid on the upper side of the inner flange 247. The lid disk 259 is made with an annular protrusion 263 and with an annular recess 265 into which the annular protrusion of the lid can be inserted to ensure a secure fit disk cover. After the needle punctures in the area of the plug 253 and restores its tightness under the influence of heat, the cover disk 259 is securely attached to the cover in order to prevent access to the plug and provide an additional barrier for moisture, steam or gas to enter through the plug.

[00070] In FIGS. 10-13, another embodiment of the complete assembly according to the invention is indicated by 310. The complete assembly 310 is in many respects similar to the complete assembly 210 described above with reference to FIGS. 7-9, therefore, similar elements are indicated corresponding numbers to which the figure "3" is assigned in front of instead of the figure "2". As shown in FIG. 10, the one-way valve assembly 312 includes a dome-shaped manual actuator 315 for dispensing predominantly measured quantities of liquid through a valve from a bag 322 (FIG. 14) defining a variable volume reservoir 324. The valve assembly 312 includes a one-piece durable tube 314 , at the corresponding end of which a mounting flange 317 is made for fastening the tube and valve assembly to a relatively strong box 325, in which there is an elastic bag 322 (Fig. 14). Box 325 and bag 322 may not differ or be substantially similar to the above box and bag, they can be made of many different materials known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, and (or) may have any from the many different forms and (or) configurations that are known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later.

[00071] The dome-shaped actuator 315 is made of flexible elastomeric material, and it can be manually inserted inward, while it can also be manually actuated, thereby pumping liquid from a variable volume reservoir 324 through a one-way valve 312. As shown in FIG. 11, a one-way valve 312 includes a shutter 317 extending inward from the actuator 315, a valve body 330 defining the boundaries of the compression chamber 332, into which each part or a separate portion, or a dose, of a dosed liquid, a relatively strong valve seat 334 and at least one flow hole 336 passing through the valve body 330 adjacent to the valve seat 334 and connected to the compression chamber 332 so that the substance can flow between them. The one-way valve assembly 312 further includes a valve cover 338 made of an elastic material and comprising a valve cover 340 mounted on the valve body 330 and securely fixed with respect to axial movement along the valve body 330, as well as a valve portion 342 covering the valve seat 334. Section valve 342 sits on the valve body 330 with interference. As shown in the drawing, the valve portion 342 and the valve seat 334 form a normally closed axially elongated valve hole or joint 344. The valve portion 342 can radially move between the normally closed position shown in the drawing in which the valve portion 342 is connected to the seat valve 334, and an open position (not shown) in which at least one segment of the valve 342 portion extends from the valve seat 334 in a radial direction in order to connect the valve hole 344 to the flow hole 336 and them as to provide the possibility of mass transfer from the compression chamber 332 in flow-through hole 336 and through the valve seam 344.

[00072] The one-way valve 312 also includes an inlet channel 348 passing through the tube 314 and connected to a variable volume reservoir 324 (FIG. 14) so as to allow the flow of matter between them. The one-way valve 312 can be directly connected to a variable volume tank 324 and then welded or otherwise attached to the bag 322 in order to prevent contaminants from entering the compression chamber or valve. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet channel 348 may be connected to a flexible tube of the type shown, for example, in FIG. 2, the flexible tube, in turn, connecting the valve 312 to the storage chamber 324. As shown in the drawing, in normally closed the shutter 317 separates the compression chamber 332 from the inlet 348 and from the reservoir 324. Thus, while the dome drive 315 is moving down, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, the shutter 317 does not allow the fluid inside the compression chamber 332 to flow back into inlet bore 348 and variable volume reservoir 324 and, in turn, allows the manual actuator dent squeeze liquid in the compression chamber so as to allow to overcome the valve opening pressure and to ensure its dispensing through the valve. Then, during the upward movement of the dome drive 315 or during the return stroke, the suction force or vacuum created inside the compression chamber causes the shutter 317 to bend away from the inlet, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, thereby connecting the compression chamber 332 to inlet channel 348 and allowing the next portion of the fluid to flow into the compression chamber.

[00073] In another embodiment, the valve assembly 312 may be manufactured according to parallel public patent applications that were previously incorporated herein by reference. According to these documents, at least the diameter of the valve seat D2 (as shown in FIG. 11, the diameter of the valve seat gradually decreases when moving from the end of the valve seat located upstream to the end located downstream), the adhesion force of the valve portion 342 with valve seat 334, a predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion 342 or a predetermined modulus of elasticity of the material of the valve cover 338 is selected so as to (1) provide a predetermined value of the valve opening pressure when pressing the domed about the actuator 315, which allows fluid to pass from the compression chamber 332 through the normally closed opening of the valve 344, and (2) ensure that the valve 312 is sealed tightly and exclude the possibility of bacteria or contaminants entering through the opening of the valve 344, as well as into the channel 348 in the normally closed position . In the above embodiment, both the diameter of the valve seat D2 and the adhesion force of the valve portion 342 to the valve seat 334, and the predetermined radial thickness of the valve portion 342, and the predetermined modulus of elasticity of the valve cover material 338 are selected so that (1) provide a predetermined the value of the opening pressure of the valve when the actuator 315 is pressed in, allowing a substantially predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the reservoir 324 into the chamber 332 and through the valve opening 344, and (2) to ensure a tight closing of the hole I have a 344 valve, and exclude the possibility of bacteria access or contamination through the valve opening in the normally closed position.

[00074] The valve assembly 312 further includes a protective cover or visor 366 (not shown in FIG. 10), which annularly covers the flexible valve cover 338 and extends along the axis from the base of the valve cover 338 to a point adjacent to the valve outlet, but when this is removed from the dispensing spout at a certain distance along the axis inward. The visor 366 is mounted on the valve body 330 and includes an external flange 367, which is pressed into the corresponding external flange 369 of the domed actuator 315 in order to securely attach the actuator to the valve body, and also includes a lower annular flange 371, which is pressed into the base of the valve cover 340 and securely fastens the valve cover to the valve body.

[00075] The one-way valve assembly 312 operates as follows. The dome-shaped actuator 315 is pressed down, for example, by hand in order to squeeze and, in turn, move a substantially predetermined volume of fluid located in the compression chamber 332. The generated fluid pressure inside the compression chamber 332 causes the shutter 317 closes, abutting against the wall of the valve body surrounding the inlet channel 348, so as to prevent liquid from flowing between the inlet channel and the compression chamber. If necessary, the shutter 317 and / or the wall surrounding the inlet 348 may be angled to facilitate sealing between the shutter and the wall. Then, essentially, a predetermined volume of fluid is moved from the compression chamber 332 through the flow hole 336 to the valve seat 334 and out through the valve hole 344. When the actuator 315 is pressed down, the chamber 332 is emptied or substantially emptied. When the user releases the actuator 315, a vacuum is created inside the chamber 332, and the shutter rotates outward from the channel 348, as shown by the arrow in FIG. 11, which allows fluid to flow from the reservoir 324 into the compression chamber 332.

[00076] If necessary, as shown in FIG. 13, the valve body 330 may include a shoulder 319 located downstream of the fluid and adjacent to the shutter 317, while the shoulder 319 is at a sufficient distance from the shutter 317 so that when the shutter is located in the normally closed position, a gap 321 was formed between them. The shoulder 319 serves as a stop in order to prevent the shutter from moving further in the direction of fluid flow and thus prevent the shutter from going beyond the shoulder 319. As shown in the drawing, in the shoulder 319 It is be carried out one or more flow openings so as to allow free flow of fluid when the valve in the open position. As shown in FIGS. 12, 13, and 14, the valve and tube assembly may further include a tube cover or sheath 321 located at a distance from the tube and enclosing the tube 314 from the outside in order to close the tube and, if necessary, support the valve and tube in assembly relative to the box 325 (Figure 10).

[00077] Those skilled in the art, based on the information provided herein, may conclude that drive 315 and compression chamber 332 may have any of a variety of different shapes and / or configurations suitable for performing respective functions, from those that are known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, and (or) can be made from any of the many different materials suitable for performing the corresponding functions, from those that are known from the level techniques, or of those that will become known later. For example, the compression chamber 332 may be curved in order to facilitate contact between the bottom of the domed drive and the compression chamber when the drive is moving down.

Similarly, the lower part of the actuator may have a more traditional piston shape, such as a cylindrical protrusion, which, when inserted, enters the compression chamber of a corresponding shape. In addition, the actuator may include a rocker or other device that can be manually actuated to press the actuator in and, in turn, dispense normalized or substantially normalized quantities of fluids from the variable volume reservoir and through a one-way valve .

[00078] In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 15, the boundaries of the variable volume tank 324 are not defined by an elastic bag installed inside the box, as described above with reference to FIGS. 7-14, but by a relatively strong tubular body 322. In a tubular body 322, a plunger 325 is inserted, forming a liquid tight shutter between the outer surface of the plunger and the inner wall of the tubular body. As shown in the drawing, a variable volume reservoir 324 is formed between the plunger 325 and the valve inlet 348 assembly 312. The tubular body 322 includes an end cap 367 with a hole 369 for the passage of liquid or gas, allowing free passage of air so as to allow movement the plunger 325 inside the tubular body 322 in the process of dispensing fluid from the reservoir of variable volume 324. In this embodiment, the vacuum created inside the compression chamber 322 during the reverse stroke of the domed drive yes 315, or when it moves upward, draws fluid from a variable volume tank 324 and, in turn, causes the plunger 325 to move inwardly to the inlet 348 and adjust the volume of the tank accordingly to compensate for the fluid dispensing.

[00079] Devices and methods for pre-sterilizing sealed empty bags, tubes and valves assembly, mounting the plug on a bag or other container, and (or) aseptically filling sterilized bags, tubes and valves assembly by means of a needle through a plug in which the needle may be made a puncture made with the possibility of restoring the tightness of the laser, can be performed according to any document from the following public patents and applications, which are explicitly incorporated by reference This document is part of the disclosure of the invention: according to application for the grant of US patent No. 10/766 172, filed January 28, 2004, entitled "Bubble for medicines with a cap made with the possibility of restoring the tightness under the influence of heat, device and method for filling the bubble ", which is a partial continuation of a similarly entitled parallel application for the grant of US patent No. 10/393 966, filed March 21, 2003, which is isolated from a similarly entitled application for the issuance of pa U.S. Patent No. 09/781,846, filed February 12, 2001, under which Patent No. 6,604,561 was issued on August 12, 2003, which, in turn, is associated with a similarly entitled provisional application for the grant of US Patent No. 60/182,139, filed February 11, 2000; according to provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/443 526, filed January 28, 2003; according to the similarly entitled provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/484 204, filed June 30, 2003; according to the application for the grant of US patent No. 10/655 455, entitled "Sealed containers, methods for their manufacture and filling", filed September 3, 2003, which, in turn, is associated with a similarly entitled provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/408 068, filed September 3, 2002; according to provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/551 565, filed March 8, 2004, entitled "Device and method for molding under pressure and assembly of containers with plugs"; according to the application for the grant of US patent No. 10/600525, filed June 19, 2003, entitled "Device for sterile filling with a device for filling through a needle located inside the electron beam chamber", which, in turn, is associated with a similarly entitled provisional application for issuance US patent No. 60/390212, filed June 19, 2002; according to the application for the grant of US patent No. 10/983 178, filed November 5, 2004, entitled "Device for filling with a needle and laser sealing", which, in turn, is associated with a similarly entitled provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60 / 518267, filed November 7, 2003, and with a similarly entitled provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/518685, filed November 10, 2003; according to provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/550 805, filed March 5, 2004, entitled "Device for filling with a needle and to restore tightness with a laser"; and according to the application for the grant of US patent No. 08/424,932, filed April 11, 1995, according to which June 24, 1997 issued US patent No. 5,641,004, entitled "Method of filling a sealed receiver under aseptic conditions."

[00080] In the currently preferred embodiments of the present invention, each plug made with the possibility of restoring the tightness is made of thermoplastic plastic, forming a section in which the needle can be punctured to form a hole in it from the needle, made to restore the tightness of the hole from a needle under the influence of heat when exposed to laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength and power. Each plug includes a thermoplastic base (i) with a predetermined axial wall thickness, (ii) with predetermined color and opacity, which substantially absorb the laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength and substantially prevent radiation from passing through the walls in advance a predetermined thickness, and (iii) with predetermined color and opacity, which provides the ability to restore the tightness of the hole from the needle formed on the site, in the needle can be punctured in a predetermined period of time, under the influence of laser radiation of a predetermined wavelength and power, essentially without burning the area in which the needle can be punctured and / or the cap of the cap (i.e., without occurrence irreversible changes in the molecular structure or chemical properties of the material). In some embodiments, a predetermined period of time is about 2 seconds, preferably no more than 1.5 seconds, more preferably no more than about 1 second. In some embodiments, the predetermined laser wavelength is 980 nm, and the predetermined power of each laser should preferably be less than about 30 watts, more preferably not more than about 10 watts, or more preferably should be in the range of about 8 up to about 10 watts. Also, in some such embodiments, a predetermined color of the material is gray, and a predetermined opacity is created by a dark gray dye (or pigment) added to the plug material in an amount of from about 0.3% to about 0.6% by weight.

[00081] In addition, if necessary, a lubricant of the prior art may be included in each of the aforementioned thermoplastic materials to prevent the occurrence or, otherwise, to reduce the amount of particles formed when the needle punctures on a thermoplastic section in which a needle can be punctured. In one embodiment, the lubricant is mineral oil added to a styrene-based block copolymer or other thermoplastic material in an amount sufficient to prevent or substantially prevent the formation of particles when punctured with a needle or other filling element. In another embodiment, the lubricant is silicone, such as liquid silicone, manufactured by Dow Chemical Corporation under the name "360 Medical Fluid, 350 CST", or silicone oil added to an amount of styrene-based block copolymer or other thermoplastic material, sufficient to prevent or to substantially prevent the formation of particles when punctured with a needle or other filling element. In one such embodiment, silicone oil is added in an amount of from about 0.4% to about 0.6% by weight, preferably in an amount of about 0.51% or about 0.5% by weight.

[00082] As described above, the geometry of the needle that punctures the plug, the frictional forces generated at the points of contact between the needle and the plug, and / or the stroke of the needle inside the plug can also be controlled in order to further reduce the number of particles or substantially prevent particle formation when performing a needle puncture in the plug.

[00083] In a currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, a plug in which a needle can be used to puncture, which is capable of restoring leak tightness under the influence of a laser, also contains: (i) a styrene block copolymer, such as any of the above block styrene copolymers in an amount of from about 80% to about 97% by weight (for example, 95% by weight, as described above); (ii) an olefin, for example, any of ethylene-α-olefins, polyolefins or the olefins described above, in an amount of from about 3% to about 20% by weight (for example, about 5%, as described above); (iii) pigment or dye added in an amount sufficient to absorb the energy of the laser radiation, convert it into heat, and melt the material of the plug, preferably to a depth that is at least about 1/3 to about 1/2 depth openings from the needle, in a time that is less than about 3 seconds, more preferably less than about 1-1 / 2 seconds, and most preferably less than about 1/2 second, and (iv) a lubricant, for example mineral oil, liquid silicone silicone oil as was described above, added in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce friction forces at the contact point of the needle and the plug during the execution of the puncture needle in the cap in order to, in turn, substantially prevent particle formation.

[00084] In one embodiment, the pigment sold under the trademark Lumogen ^TM IR 788 by BASF AktiengesellschaR of Ludwigshafcn, Germany is used. Lumogen IR products are highly transparent and are selective near-infrared absorbers designed to absorb radiation from semiconductor lasers with a wavelength of about 800 nm. In this embodiment, the Lumogen pigment is added to the elastomeric mixture in an amount sufficient to convert radiation to heat and melt the plug material, preferably to a depth that is at least about 1/3 to about 1/2 the depth of the hole from the needle in a time that is less than about 3 seconds, more preferably less than about 1-1 / 2 seconds, and most preferably less than about 1/2 second. The pigment Lumogen IR 788 is a good absorber at 788 nm, therefore, in the present embodiment, it is preferable that the laser emits radiation at a wavelength of about 788 nm (or about 800 nm). One of the advantages of the Lumogen IR 788 pigment is that it is enough to add a very small amount of this pigment to the elastomeric mixture in order to ensure the possibility of restoring the tightness under the influence of the laser at that time and at the sealing depth that are necessary or required for other reasons therefore, if necessary, a plug in which a puncture can be made with a needle, configured to restore tightness under the influence of a laser, can be transparent or, essentially, ozrachnoy. This can be an important aesthetic advantage. In one embodiment, the Lumogen IR 788 pigment is added to the elastomeric mixture at a concentration of less than about 150 parts per million, preferably from about 10 to about 100 parts per million, most preferably from about 20 to about 80 parts per million. In this embodiment, the laser power with a radiation wavelength of 800 nm is preferably less than 30 watts, or from about 8 watts to about 18 watts.

[00085] Also in the currently preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to controlling one or more of the above parameters in order to reduce the number of particles and / or prevent the formation of particles (that is, the introduction of silicone oil or other lubricant into the thermoplastic material, and to exercise control over the geometry of the needle, over the friction forces created at the points of contact of the needle with the plug, and (or) over the course of the needle inside the plug), p differential elongation of thermoplastic components of the plug, made with the possibility of restoring the tightness, so as to reduce the number of particles and (or) prevent the formation of particles.

[00086] Thus, in accordance with such an embodiment, a plug in which a puncture can be made with a needle, configured to restore tightness under the influence of a laser, contains: (i) a first thermoplastic material in an amount of from about 80% to about 97% by weight, which has a first elongation; (ii) a second thermoplastic material in an amount of from about 3% to about 20% by weight, which has a second elongation that is less than the elongation of the first material; (iii) pigment or dye added in an amount sufficient to absorb the energy of the laser radiation, convert it into heat, and melt the material of the plug, preferably to a depth that is at least about 1/3 to about 1/2 depth openings from the needle in a time that is less than about 2 seconds, more preferably less than about 1.5 seconds, and most preferably less than about 1 second; and (iv) a lubricant, for example, mineral oil, liquid silicone, silicone oil, as described above, added in an amount sufficient to substantially reduce the frictional forces at the point of contact between the needle and the plug during the puncture of the needle in the plug so that in turn, substantially prevent the formation of particles.

[00087] According to another embodiment, the first material has a lower melting point (or Vicat softening point) than the second material. In some embodiments, the first material is a styrene block copolymer, and the second material is an olefin, any of a variety of ethylene α-olefins or polyolefins. In a currently preferred embodiment, the first material has an elongation of at least about 75% at a load of 10 pounds (1bs) (i.e., its length increases by about 75% under a load of 10 pounds), preferably at least about 85%, and most preferably at least about 90%; and the second material has an elongation that is at least about 5% at a load of 10 pounds, preferably at least about 10%, and most preferably at least about 15%, or from about 15 % to about 25%.

[00088] In FIGS. 16-18, another embodiment of the complete assembly according to the invention is designated 410. The complete assembly 410 is in many respects similar to the complete assemblies 210 and 310 described above with reference to FIGS. 7-15, therefore, similar the elements are indicated by the corresponding numbers to which the figure "4" is assigned in front of instead of the numbers "2" and "3". The variable volume tank 424 is formed by an elastic bag 422 inserted inside a relatively strong box or other container of suitable shape 425. The tube 414 forming the inlet channel 448 is connected to the variable volume tank 424 and the compression chamber 432, so as to allow fluid to flow between them . On the inner side of the elastic, essentially dome-shaped pump or actuator 415, a valve element 417 of the compression chamber is made with a wedge-shaped cross section tapering inward to the free end of the valve element. When the domed actuator 415 moves downward, as shown by the arrows in FIG. 16, the free end of the element of the valve of the compression chamber 417 enters the inlet channel 448 of the tube 414 in order to prevent additional fluid from flowing out of the reservoir 424 into the compression chamber 432, and so that by further manually squeezing the dome-shaped actuator 415, it is possible, in turn, to sufficiently increase the fluid pressure inside the compression chamber 432 so as to overcome the valve opening pressure and dispense essentially a predetermined amount of fluid through the one-way valve 412. When the dome actuator 415 moves backward or moves upward, the free end of the valve member 416 is pulled up and out of the inlet 448 of the tube 414 in order to in turn connect the chamber compressing 432 with a reservoir of variable volume 424 and allowing fluid to flow between them in order to thereby allow fluid to flow from reservoir 424 to compression chamber 432. Package 422 is flexible enough to Generally, its internal volume decreased by the amount of liquid flowing from the reservoir 424 to the compression chamber 432 during the return stroke of the dome-shaped actuator 415. It is preferable that the dome-shaped actuator 415, in its indented position, after it has been moved down, remains sufficiently springy so that when manually released, he returns upward to the ready position, as shown in Fig.16.

[00089] The one-way valve 412 includes a valve body 430 forming an axially elongated valve seat 434 and an elongated flow hole 436 passing through the valve body 430 and located between the compression chamber 432 and the valve seat 434 so as to allow fluid to flow between them. The one-way valve assembly 412 further includes a valve cover 438 made of an elastic material that is integrated in the domed actuator 415. The valve cover 438 includes a valve cover 440 mounted on the valve body 430 and securely fastened with respect to movement relative to it using a comparatively rigid retaining flange 467 rings 466, and a portion of the valve cover 442 covering the seat of the valve 434. As shown in FIG. 18, the portion of the valve cover 442 has a curved shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the long about and “X” of the assembly, and, as shown in FIG. 16, the portion of the valve cover 442 has a substantially wedge-shaped cross section that tapers inwardly, from the inside to the outside of the valve (or from the base to dosing nozzle of the valve), when viewed in the plane of the long axis "X". The valve cover portion 442 has a predetermined radial thickness that gradually decreases in the direction from the inside to the outside of the valve (or in the direction from the base to the metering nozzle of the valve). As shown in FIG. 16, the inner surface of the valve cover portion 442 is characterized by a first variable radius R1, which gradually increases in the direction from the base to the dispensing nozzle of the valve cover, and the inner surface of the valve seat 434 is characterized by a second variable radius R2, which likewise progressively increases in direction from the base to the metering nozzle of the valve seat. Similar to the one-way valves described above, for each of the coupled segments of the valve cover and valve seat, R2 is greater than R1 in order to thereby ensure an interference fit between the valve cover and the valve seat. Accordingly, as with the one-way valves described above, the elastic portion of the valve cover 442 and the valve seat 434 form a normally closed, axially elongated valve opening or joint 444 between them. As with the other one-way valves described above, the portion of the valve cover 442 is able to radially move between the normally closed position, as shown in FIG. 16, in which the portion of the valve cover 442 meshes with the valve seat 434 and the open a position (not shown) in which at least one segment of the valve cover portion 442 is radially spaced from the seat of the valve 434 so as to connect the opening of the valve 444 to the flow hole 436 in such a way as to allow material to flow out from an accurate hole 436 through the valve hole 444. As shown in FIG. 18, the portion of the valve cover 442 has a substantially semicircular shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the long axis “X” of the assembly. As shown in FIG. 16, the valve seat 434 corresponds in shape and length to the portion of the valve cover 442 in order to form a normally closed, axially elongated valve opening or joint 444 between them. Those skilled in the art, based on the information provided herein, may conclude that the shape of the valve seat and portion of the valve cover, including the degree of curvature of each of these parts, may, if necessary or for other reasons determined by the use of complete assembly and required performance, differ from that shown in this document. As shown in FIG. 17, the retainer ring 466 includes opposing flanges of the latch 469 engaged with respective side portions of the valve seat 434 in order to securely secure the retainer ring relative to the valve seat and, in turn, securely hold the valve cover and the valve cover portion between them.

[00090] As shown in FIG. 16, the tube 414 at one end is integral with the wall of the base 471 of the compression chamber 432, and at the other end is integral with the flange 473 securely attached to the bag 422. The wall of the base 471 of the compression chamber 432 enters the hole 475 of the container 425, and includes an outer flange 477 that extends into the annular recess 479 of the container to form a sealed joint. The retainer ring 466 includes an external snap flange 481 that engages with the lower side of the outer flange 483 of the container 425 so as to press the outer flange 469 and the base of the lid 440 against the retainer ring and the flange of the container with a predetermined clamping force so that throughout the shelf life and use of the complete assembly of the device to prevent leakage, and thus, to securely fasten the integral dome-shaped actuator assembly and valve cover, tube and package assembly, and the container.

[00091] When using the complete assembly 410, the user dispenses a substantially predetermined amount of fluid through the one-way valve 412 by manually acting on the dome actuator 415, for example, with one or more fingers or the palm of a hand, and pushes the dome actuator down. When the actuator moves downward or when the actuator moves inward, the free end of the valve chamber element 417 of the compression chamber enters the outlet 448 of the tube 414 so as to prevent fluid from flowing between the compression chamber 432 and the reservoir 424. Then, as the dome-shaped actuator 415 is further pressed, the fluid pressure inside the compression chamber 432, it increases substantially so that the opening pressure of the one-way valve 412 is exceeded, and the valve, in turn, opens, and dosing is carried out through the valve, essentially in this fluid inside the compression chamber. Then, the user removes his hand from the domed drive 415, and the elastic force of the elastic domed drive forces the drive to return to its original shape or return to the ready position, as shown in FIG. 16. As soon as the domed actuator 415 returns to the ready position, the free end of the valve chamber element 417 of the compression chamber exits the inlet 448, which in turn allows the liquid to be sucked up from the storage chamber into the compression chamber due to the vacuum or suction force generated inside compression chambers when the dome drive moves up. When the dome drive 415 returns to its original position, the compression chamber 432 is filled with liquid, and the complete assembly is ready to dispense the next predetermined volume of liquid. Although not shown, at least one ventilation opening may be provided in box 425 so that air can pass into the space between bag 422 and box 425 in order to facilitate folding of the bag inward when dispensing fluid therefrom.

[00092] Those skilled in the art, based on the information provided herein, may conclude that a bag or dome drive may include a plug in which a needle can be punctured and which is capable of restoring leak tightness by laser, or another section for filling the reservoir of variable volume through a needle, configured to seal the hole formed from the needle with a laser, as described above. Bag 422 and box 425 may be made of the same material as, respectively, the bag with box described above, or may be made of any of numerous other materials, those known from the prior art, or those that will become known later. For example, box 425 may be made of plastic, for example, by blow molding or hot molding. In addition to this, the one-way valve 412 can also be made or can be made more similar to any of the one-way valves described above when disclosing other embodiments of the invention.

[00093] In Fig. 19, another embodiment of the device according to the invention is usually indicated by the number 510. The device 510 is in many respects similar to the various embodiments described above, therefore, similar elements are indicated by the corresponding numbers to which the number "5" is assigned to the front. , or to which the number "5" is assigned in front instead of another number. The main difference between the device 510 and the devices described above is that the device 510 includes a collapsible elastic balloon or bag 522 mounted inside a relatively rigid container 528, between which there is a reservoir of variable volume 524 for storing the dosed liquid. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid is stored in the tank 524, essentially without air, in a hermetically sealed state throughout the shelf life and life of the device (that is, when dispensing multiple doses or portions of the product from the device). The inlet port 525 is connected to the inner chamber 527 of the collapsible elastic balloon 522 so as to allow air or other gas to pass inside the inner chamber 527 so that, in turn, the elastic balloon 522 can expand outward while dispensing fluid from the variable volume tank 524 and through a one-way valve assembly 512. In one embodiment, the collapsible elastic balloon 522 is resilient and biased outward so as to expand outward while dispensing fluid from the reservoir variable volume 524. In another embodiment, the device includes an inlet valve 529 connected to the inner chamber 527 of the bag and to the surrounding atmosphere, and / or to a source of compressed gas (not shown) so as to allow gas to flow between them and the possibility of regulation the flow of air or other gas entering the inner chamber 527. In one such embodiment, the compressed gas enters through the inlet valve 529 into the inner chamber 527 in order to increase the pressure in the collapsible elastic cylinder 522 and, in turn, increase the pressure of the liquid in the variable-volume tank 524 so as to facilitate dispensing of liquid through the one-way valve assembly 512. In the shown embodiment, the device includes a manual actuator 515 for pumping normalized portions or doses of liquid through the valve assembly 512. However, those skilled in the art, based on the information provided herein, may conclude that any of a variety of different applications can be used in the same way. Sosov manually operated, pedal power, electric or electromechanical drive, the prior art, or of those who will be known later.

[00094] In Fig. 20, another device made according to the invention is usually indicated by the number 610. The device 610 is in many respects similar to the various embodiments described above, therefore, similar elements are indicated by corresponding numbers to which the number "6" is assigned to the front. ", or to which the number" 6 "is assigned in front instead of another number. The main difference between the device 610 and the devices described above is that the device 610 does not include a collapsible elastic balloon or bag restricting the variable volume reservoir, and the boundaries of the reservoir 624 are formed by the inside of the container 628. A sterilizing filter 631 is installed on the container 628, which is connected with tank 624 and the surrounding atmosphere so as to allow gas to flow between them and allow air or other gas to enter the tank, and which allows sterilization air or other gas as it passes through the filter in order to thereby maintain the liquid product in the container under aseptic conditions. As the filter 631, any of many different filters suitable for performing the function of the filter 631, which are known in the art or will become known later, including a microbial filter, can be used. In one embodiment, the pore size of the filter is less than about 10 microns, preferably less than about 5 microns, most preferably less than or about 2 microns. The container 628 may be rigid, semi-rigid, or elastic, may be made of any of a variety of different materials known from the prior art, or those that will become known later, or may have any of the many different shapes or configurations that are known from the prior art , or from those that will become known later. In the shown embodiment, the device includes a manual actuator 615 for pumping normalized portions or doses of liquid through the valve assembly 612. However, specialists in this field of technology, based on the information provided in this document, can conclude that exactly any of the many different pumps with a manual drive, a pedal drive, an electric drive or an electromechanical drive known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, can be used.

[00095] In Fig.21, another device made according to the invention is usually indicated by the number 710. The device 710 is in many respects similar to the various embodiments described above, therefore, similar elements are indicated by the corresponding numbers to which the number "7" is assigned to the front. ", or to which the number" 7 "is assigned in front instead of another number. As with the various embodiments described above, device 710 includes an elastic bag 722 defining the boundaries of a variable-volume tank 724, a one-way valve assembly 712, and a flexible tube 714 connected to the one-way valve and the tank so as to allow fluid to flow between them. An inlet valve 729 is mounted on the container 728 and is configured to connect to a source of compressed gas, such as air or other gas, and to an internal chamber 727 formed between the elastic bag 722 and the relatively rigid container 728, so as to allow gas to flow between the source the compressed gas and the inner chamber 727. In one embodiment, the source of compressed gas 733 provides the flow of compressed air or other gas into the chamber 727 in order to, in turn, compress the package 722 liquid product inside the package. A valve 715 of a type known to those skilled in the art is movable between (i) a closed position in which it pinches the flexible tube 714, turning it into a closed position so as to prevent liquid from passing through it, and (ii) an open position, in which he releases the flexible tube 714 and allows fluid to pass through it. In the open position, the compressed gas inside the chamber 727 creates sufficient pressure to allow the liquid product to pass through the one-way valve 712. The valve 715 can be manually opened and closed, or it can switch between open and closed positions by an electric or electromechanical actuator . In one embodiment, the container is initially filled with compressed gas, and this amount of compressed gas is sufficient to dispense the entire liquid product through the valve. In an alternative embodiment, the source of compressed gas 733 may be a pump configured to pump compressed air or other gas into the chamber 727 so as to enable metering of the product through a one-way valve. In this embodiment, valve 715 may be omitted, and pump 733 may be used to dispense fluid through the valve. Also, in this embodiment, any of a variety of different hand-operated, foot-operated, electric or electromechanical pumps may be used as pump 733, known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later.

[00096] In Fig. 22, another device made according to the invention is usually indicated by the number 810. The device 810 is in many respects similar to the various embodiments described above, therefore, similar elements are denoted by the corresponding numbers to which the number "8" is assigned to the front. ", or to which the number" 8 "is assigned in front instead of another number. As with the various embodiments described above, device 810 includes an elastic bag 822 defining the boundaries of a variable-volume reservoir 824, a one-way valve assembly 812, and a flexible tube 814 connected to the one-way valve and the reservoir so as to allow fluid to flow between them. The device 810 includes a hand-operated peristaltic pump 815 mounted on a flexible tube 814 in such a way as to allow the normalized portions or doses of liquid product to be pumped from the variable volume reservoir 824 through the tube 814 and the one-way valve assembly 812. In the shown embodiment, the pump 815 is driven into action using a manual or pedal drive and includes an element of the peristaltic pump 835 mounted for rotation and including many rollers 837 mounted on its p periphery which, when rotated into contact with the flexible tube 814 and pinch tube so that, in turn, pump the fluid product therethrough. On the opposite side of the flexible tube 814 with respect to the element of the peristaltic pump 835, a curved rigid block of the pump 839 is installed, which allows the rollers 837 to press the flexible tube 814 against the block and to pump the liquid product through it. The lever mechanism assembly 841, for example, the multi-lever lever mechanism shown, is connected to the element of the peristaltic pump 835 in such a way as to enable rotation of the pump element. A hand lever or foot pedal (not shown) is connected to the lever mechanism 841 in order to actuate the lever mechanism and, in turn, to rotate the peristaltic pump element 835 in order to pump the normalized portions of the liquid product from the variable volume tank 824 through a one-way valve assembly 812. The elastic bag, tube and valve assembly are disposable and can be disposed of after emptying, while container 810 and pump 815 are generally not in contact with the liquid product m and therefore may be reused with numerous different packages, tubes and valve assemblies, or likewise may be disposable.

[00097] In Fig. 23, another device made according to the invention is usually indicated by the number 910. The device 910 is in many respects similar to the various embodiments described above, therefore, similar elements are indicated by the corresponding numbers to which the number "9" is assigned to the front. ", or to which the figure" 9 "is assigned in front instead of another number. As with the various embodiments described above, device 910 includes an elastic bag 922 defining the boundaries of a variable-volume tank 924, a one-way valve assembly 912, and a flexible tube 914 connected to the one-way valve and the tank so as to allow fluid to flow between them. In the shown embodiment, the pump 915 with a manual or pedal drive includes a pump unit 939 mounted on one side of the flexible tube 914, and a rocker 935, leaning on the opposite side of the flexible tube. As shown by the arrow and dashed lines in the drawing, the beam is manually moved down (according to the drawing) so that it comes into contact with the flexible tube 914 and, in turn, compresses the tube in such a way as to allow pumping of normalized portions or doses of liquid product through her. The rocker 935 can be directly actuated manually, or in order to move the rocker in this way and, in turn, pump the normalized portions of the liquid product through a one-way valve, a lever with a manual drive or another drive can be connected to the rocker. The elastic bag, tube and valve assembly are disposable and can be disposed of after emptying, while the container 910 and pump 915 generally do not come into contact with the liquid product and therefore can be reused, along with many different bags, tubes and valves assembly, or, similarly, can be disposable.

[00098] One of the advantages of the present invention is that the same product stored in the bag can remain usable throughout the shelf life and throughout the life of the bag regardless of whether it is refrigerated or uncooled . In accordance with this, the present invention is particularly suitable for storing and dispensing ready-to-drink beverages, including non-acidic products, such as products that, as a rule, can hardly be stored after opening the package, including, without limitation, drinks such as wine, dairy drinks, cocoa-based drinks, malt-based drinks, tea, coffee, concentrated coffee, concentrated tea, other concentrated drinks for preparing drinks or food products, sauces such as cheese, milk or meat sauces, gravy, soups and drinkable food additives, food substitutes, baby food, dairy products, nutritious milk mixtures, etc. Accordingly, a significant advantage of the currently preferred embodiments of the invention is that the aforementioned and any of many other products can be dosed and stored at ambient temperature, while the product remains usable even after dosing product from the bag, regardless of whether it is stored in a refrigerated or uncooled form. However, certain products should preferably be cooled so that they become tastier, so that the product acquires the required or familiar temperature or for many other reasons that are currently known or which will become known later.

[00099] This patent application contains objects of the invention related to those disclosed in US Patent Application No. 11/295274, filed on December 5, 2005, entitled "One-way Valve and Device Using the Valve" in the patent application. US No. 11/295251, filed December 5, 2005, entitled "Method of Using a One-Way Valve and Related Device", in provisional application for the grant of US Patent No. 60/633332, filed on December 4, 2004, and in the provisional application for the grant of US patent No. 60/644130 filed January 14, 2005, entitled "One-way Valve, Device, and Method of Using the Valve," in provisional application for U.S. Patent No. 60/757161, filed January 5, 2006, and in provisional application for U.S. Patent No. 60/843131, filed 9 September 2006, entitled "One-way valve, device and method of using the valve." Each of the above patent applications is included in full in this document, revealing the essence of the invention, by reference to it.

[000100] Those skilled in the art, based on the information provided herein, may conclude that numerous changes and modifications may be made to the above and other embodiments of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the claims . For example, the components of the device can be made from any of the many different materials known from the prior art, or from those that will become known later, suitable for performing the functions (functions) of the corresponding component. Similarly, the components of the device may have any of many different shapes and / or configurations, additional components may be made, components may be combined with each other, one or more components or features may be omitted.

[000101] In addition, the device can be used in any of a variety of different applications for dispensing liquids or other substances of any of a variety of different types, including, for example, applications related to nutrition, food, drinks, hospitals , biopharmaceuticals, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. For example, the dispenser may be in the form of a dispensing machine for dispensing food or drinks according to application for the grant of US patent No. 10/328826, filed December 24, 2002, entitled "dispensing machine for dispensing food or drinks with the possibility of cleaning in place" (publication number US 2004/0118291 A1), or according to the application for the grant of US patent No. 10/833110, filed April 28, 2004, entitled "Automatic filling machine for dispensing food or drinks with the possibility of cleaning in place" (publication number US 2004/0194811 A1), each of which is included in these document disclose the invention, by reference thereto. In this typical embodiment, the tubing and one-way valve assembly disclosed herein replace the tubing and pinch valve connecting the reservoir and junction box. In an alternative embodiment, the one-way valve, tube, and assembly assembly disclosed herein replace each of the tubes and pinch valves, as well as the respective reservoirs disclosed in such patent applications. A significant advantage of the present invention is that the one-way valve essentially prevents the entry of microorganisms into the reservoir, which may contain a dairy product, and in addition allows the dosing of the dairy product at ambient temperature without the need to cool the container. In addition, a one-way valve, tube and bag assembly can be used to store any of the many different dosing products, such as dairy products, including concentrated milk, milk and cream mixes and other dairy products, baby food or baby milk formulas, nutritious milk formulas, other liquid foods, coffee, concentrated coffee, tea, concentrated tea, syrups such as chocolate syrups for making hot chocolate, syrups for cappuccino or other drinkable mixtures or syrups, flavored coffee for pouring “fresh” flavored coffee at the same time or essentially simultaneously with the pouring of coffee or other dairy products such as yoghurts and ice cream, or non-dairy based products such as juices, soy based products , beverages with nutritional supplements, functional foods, drink mixes or meal replacement drinks.

[000102] In addition, filling devices for filling the tanks used in the device according to the invention can have any of those many different configurations adapted to fill tanks, bags or dispensers that are known in the art or from those will become known later. For example, filling devices may include any of a variety of different mechanisms for sterilizing, feeding, pumping and / or filling a one-way valve, tube and bag assembly, or other mechanisms for filling tanks. In addition to this, instead of using a plug in which a needle may be punctured so as to restore tightness, the reservoir may include a filling valve disclosed in the following patent application filed by the applicant of the present invention, which is incorporated herein by reference document disclosing the essence of the invention: in the application for the grant of US patent No. 10/ 843 902, filed May 12, 2004, entitled "Dispenser, device and method of filling the dispenser." In such alternative embodiments, the filling valve may pass through the bag or may otherwise be connected to the reservoir so as to allow fluid to flow between them, emptying and / or filling the reservoir. In an alternative embodiment, the tank may include a one-way valve to empty the inside of the tank and another valve to fill the tank. In addition, any of the many different types of packet filling devices and / or packet filling methods known in the art or those that will become known later may be used instead. In addition, the pump and / or the metering valve may have configurations other than those disclosed herein. For example, any of the many different pumps known in the art or those that will become known later may be used as a pump. For example, a pump may include a piston that can be moved inside a piston chamber connected to a tube and / or a variable-volume reservoir so as to allow fluid to flow between them, as well as a section by which the piston can be manually moved and, in in turn, pump material from a variable-volume tank through a one-way valve. In an alternative embodiment, instead of a dome-shaped element, the pump may include an elastic compressible vessel, which can be manually compressed in order to dispense a normalized volume of liquid from a variable-volume tank through a one-way valve, or may include a different type of manual actuator and another type of spring, for example, a cylindrical a spring or an elastic spring, which provides the creation of such a compressive force when the manual drive moves down, which is sufficient to return the drive to the position e readiness after releasing it by the user. In an alternative embodiment, the pump may include a lever connected to a piston or dome-shaped element and for dispensing liquids through the valve, or may include a manually actuated element or a manually actuated pedal of another type known from the prior art, or those that will become known later. Accordingly, the present detailed description of embodiments of the invention that are currently preferred is an explanation rather than a limiting one.

Claims (32)

1. A kit for aseptic storage of a substance in an elastic bag, dispensing from it many portions of the stored substance, as well as for keeping the substance remaining in the elastic bag in an aseptic state, hermetically isolated from exposure to the surrounding atmosphere, characterized in that the kit is made with the possibility of placement in a relatively rigid body and is adapted to interact with a pump configured to pump discrete portions of the substance from the package through a one-way valve in such a way Thus, to ensure the dosing of the substance, the kit includes: an elastic bag forming a variable volume tank, hermetically isolated from exposure to the surrounding atmosphere, for aseptic storage of several portions of the substance inside it, and a one-way valve made with the possibility of connection with a variable volume tank so as to allow fluid to move between them, including a valve seat and a valve cover covering the valve seat, while the valve cover op engages in an interference fit on the valve seat, the valve cover and the valve seat form a normally closed valve hole between them, and the valve cover is movable between (i) a normally closed position in which the valve cover engages with the valve seat, and (ii ) an open position in which at least one segment of the valve cover is spatially spaced from the valve seat so as to connect the valve opening to at least one flow opening so as to allow The flow of matter between them and, thus, allow the substance to flow from the variable volume reservoir through the valve opening, while in the normally closed and open positions the one-way valve keeps the substance remaining in the variable volume reservoir in an aseptic state that is hermetically isolated from exposure on him the surrounding atmosphere. 2. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the elastic bag forms a hermetically insulated, empty, aseptic tank, adapted to be filled with a substance intended for storage in it and dosing from it. 3. The kit according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the elastic bag is aseptically filled with a substance, for example, a food product, a drink, a vaccine, a medicine, a pharmaceutical product, a milk-based product, milk, evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream, a mixture of milk and cream, infant formula, nutritious formula, yogurt, soup, ice cream, juice, syrup, coffee, condiments, ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise and / or flavored coffee. 4. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a flexible tube connected to the bag and the one-way valve so as to allow fluid to flow between them, and the flexible tube between the bag and the one-way valve is connected to them, for example, one of of the following methods: (i) using a connecting pipe mounted on at least one elastic bag and a one-way valve and frictionally engaging the corresponding end of the tube so as to form a tight sealing between them, (ii) heat seal, (iii) welding, and (iv) using adhesive material. 5. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the package is made of laminated plastic comprising an oxygen / waterproof barrier and an approved contact layer in contact with the food product. 6. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a dispenser containing a relatively rigid container configured to place an elastic bag inside it, and a surface configured to support and place a one-way valve for dispensing substances from a relatively rigid container and into another capacity. 7. The kit according to claim 6, characterized in that the dispenser further includes a pump functionally connected to a variable-volume reservoir and a one-way valve, as well as a control unit electrically connected to the pump to control the operation of the pump and, thus, to adjust the dosage of the substance inside a variable volume tank, dosing the substance through a one-way valve, as well as into another container. 8. The kit according to claim 6, characterized in that the dispenser includes at least one bag, and at least one bag contains at least one serving of a product selected from the group including: coffee, concentrated coffee , flavored coffee, milk, milk-based products, a mixture of milk and cream, cream. 9. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes an elastic actuator connected to the bag and the one-way valve in such a way as to allow the movement of fluid between them, made with the possibility of moving manually to pump the substance from the variable volume tank through a one-way valve. 10. The kit according to claim 9, characterized in that the elastic drive has a substantially domed shape. 11. The kit according to claim 10, characterized in that it further includes a manual starter that allows you to manually press the actuator and, thus, to dispense the substance from the variable volume tank through a one-way valve. 12. The kit according to claim 11, characterized in that the manual starter is made in the form of a lever. 13. The kit according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that it further includes a relatively rigid container, inside of which an elastic bag can be placed. 14. The kit according to item 13, wherein the relatively rigid container is made of cardboard or plastic. 15. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the one-way valve includes a valve body forming a valve seat, and at least one flow hole passing through at least one of the valve body or valve seat. 16. The kit according to clause 15, wherein the flow through at least one flow hole has a mainly axial direction. 17. The kit according to clause 15, wherein the valve seat, valve cover and valve hole are elongated along the axis, and the valve cover is made with the possibility of radial movement from the valve seat. 18. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the size of the valve cover is smaller than the size of the valve seat in at least one position when the valve cover covers the valve seat to form an interference fit. 19. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in at least one of:
(i) the valve cover and valve seat define a decrease in the degree of tension between them as they move from the inlet to the outlet of the valve opening;
(ii) the valve cover defines a decrease in radial thickness as it moves from the inlet to the outlet of the valve opening;
(iii) the valve cover and valve seat define a configuration in which the energy that needs to be expended to open the corresponding segments in the valve cover is gradually reduced in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the valve opening. 20. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that the valve cover segment engages with the valve seat essentially throughout the process of dispensing the substance through the valve opening so as to maintain the tightness of the valve opening with respect to the surrounding atmosphere. 21. The kit according to claim 1, characterized in that it further includes a pump operably connected to a variable volume reservoir and a one-way valve, as well as a control unit electrically connected to the pump to control the operation of the pump and, thus, regulate the dosage of the substance inside the variable reservoir volume, dosing of the substance through a one-way valve, as well as into another container. 22. A method of storing a substance and dosing a plurality of portions of a stored substance, comprising the following steps:
(1) providing a reservoir for storing therein several portions of a substance in an aseptic state;
(2) providing a one-way valve that can be connected to the storage tank so as to allow the substance to move between them, where the one-way valve includes a valve seat and a valve cover covering the valve seat, wherein the valve cover determines the fit on the valve seat with interference fit, the valve cover and valve seat form a normally closed valve hole between them, and the valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat between the normally closed position it, in which the valve cap engages the valve seat and an open position, wherein at least one segment of the valve cover spatially removed from the valve seat so as to allow passage of material through the valve opening; and
(3) maintaining the substance in the storage tank in an aseptic state during the expiration date and during the dosing of the substance through a one-way valve. 23. The method according to p. 22, characterized in that it further includes the step of providing a hermetically sealed tank of variable volume and storing therein a plurality of portions of the substance with virtually no air, no preservatives and / or at ambient temperature, as well as maintaining liquid in the tank volume, essentially, without access of air, without preservatives and / or at ambient temperature during the expiration date and during the dosing of the substance through a one-way valve. 24. The method according to p. 22 or 23, characterized in that it further includes the stage of aseptic filling with the substance of the storage tank. 25. The method according to item 22, wherein the substance is a vaccine, medicine, pharmaceutical product, food product, drink, milk-based products, infant formula and / or water-based products. 26. The method according to item 22, wherein the step of providing a one-way valve includes providing a valve body forming a valve seat, and at least one flow hole passing through at least one of the valve body and valve seat. 27. The method according to p. 26, characterized in that the step of providing a one-way valve includes providing a flow, the direction of which, at least through one flow hole, is mainly axial. 28. The method according to p, characterized in that the valve opening is axially elongated. 29. The method according to item 22, wherein the step of providing a one-way valve includes providing a valve cover that is smaller than the size of the valve seat in at least one position when the valve cover covers the valve seat to form an interference fit. 30. The method according to item 22, wherein the step of providing a one-way valve includes providing at least one of
(i) the valve cover and valve seat define a decrease in the degree of tension between them as they move from the inlet to the outlet of the valve opening;
(ii) the valve cover defines a decrease in radial thickness as it moves from the inlet to the outlet of the valve opening;
(iii) the valve cover and valve seat define a configuration in which the energy that needs to be expended to open the corresponding segments in the valve cover is gradually reduced in the direction from the inlet to the outlet of the valve opening. 31. The method according to p. 22, characterized in that the valve cover segment engages with the valve seat, essentially throughout the process of dispensing the substance through the valve opening in order to maintain the tightness of the valve opening with respect to the surrounding atmosphere. 32. The method according to p. 22, characterized in that it further comprises the step of providing a pump operably connected to a variable-volume reservoir and a one-way valve, as well as providing a control unit electrically connected to the pump to control the operation of the pump and, thus, adjust the dosage of the substance inside the tank of variable volume, dosing the substance through a one-way valve, as well as into another container.

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