EP1799357B1 - Metering device - Google Patents
Metering device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1799357B1 EP1799357B1 EP05804435A EP05804435A EP1799357B1 EP 1799357 B1 EP1799357 B1 EP 1799357B1 EP 05804435 A EP05804435 A EP 05804435A EP 05804435 A EP05804435 A EP 05804435A EP 1799357 B1 EP1799357 B1 EP 1799357B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- metering device
- filter membrane
- medium
- channel
- designed
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 95
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 19
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims description 33
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 239000000825 pharmaceutical preparation Substances 0.000 abstract description 2
- 229940127557 pharmaceutical product Drugs 0.000 abstract description 2
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 abstract 3
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 26
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 18
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 15
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- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 10
- 230000008020 evaporation Effects 0.000 description 9
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 9
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- 239000013543 active substance Substances 0.000 description 3
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- 239000004480 active ingredient Substances 0.000 description 2
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- 230000002441 reversible effect Effects 0.000 description 2
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Images
Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
- B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
- B05B11/00444—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means with provision for filtering or cleaning the air flow drawn into the container
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B11/00—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use
- B05B11/0005—Components or details
- B05B11/0037—Containers
- B05B11/0039—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means
- B05B11/0044—Containers associated with means for compensating the pressure difference between the ambient pressure and the pressure inside the container, e.g. pressure relief means compensating underpressure by ingress of atmospheric air into the container, i.e. with venting means
Definitions
- the invention relates to a metering device for at least one medium, with a pumping device, which is in operative connection for a medium discharge with a medium reservoir, as well as with a medium storage and / or the pumping device associated ventilation device having a ventilation channel, which communicates a communication of the medium storage enclosed volume with an environment through a ventilation channel associated with the filter membrane allows therethrough.
- the metering device is used for discharging a medium from a medium reservoir by means of a pumping device in a plurality of, spaced apart from each other or directly successive discharge strokes.
- the pumping device communicates with the medium reservoir in a communicating operative connection, which allows medium to be discharged from the medium reservoir into an environment of the metering device.
- the ventilation device according to the EP 1 295 644 A1 has a ventilation duct, which is associated with a filter device as a barrier for contaminating components of the outside air relative to the medium enclosed in the medium storage.
- Such a filter device is intended to make it possible to dispense with preserving the medium, since the air entering the medium reservoir at a pressure equalization between the environment and the medium reservoir should be kept free of contaminating constituents by the filter device. This is of particular importance in particular for medical substances.
- Through the filter device is a constant exchange of gas molecules between the in Medium container enclosed medium and the environment possible, so that the desired pressure compensation can take place while leakage of the medium into the ventilation device and penetration of contaminants into the medium storage by the filter device is prevented.
- the problem underlying the invention is to provide a metering device which ensures improved long-term stability of the enclosed medium and high metering accuracy with regard to the active substance concentration of the medium to be discharged.
- the diffusion rate is determined on the basis of the volume flow of gas molecules which passes through the filter membrane within a time interval at a given pressure ratio between the internal pressure in the medium reservoir and the external pressure in the environment.
- a low diffusion rate expresses that with a high pressure difference between the internal pressure in the medium reservoir and the external pressure prevailing in the environment, only a small volume flow of gas molecules passes through the filter membrane.
- An improvement in the long-term stability of the medium enclosed in the medium container is achieved, on the one hand, by a lower loss of easily soluble medium constituents which otherwise could escape from the medium reservoir as volatile constituents.
- the evaporated, easily dissolvable medium components are retained in the medium storage due to the reduced diffusion rate of the filter membrane over a longer period of time and also at a higher pressure difference between internal pressure and external pressure. As a result, a change in the concentration of the medium can be substantially prevented or at least reduced.
- the reduced diffusion rate causes a time-delayed inflow of air from the environment at a negative pressure in the medium reservoir.
- a filter membrane with a reduced diffusion rate over a long period of time can prevent or at least substantially prevent a change in the concentration of the medium.
- This influence of the filter membrane on the enclosed medium is an essential criterion in an assessment of the suitability of a metering device for the storage and discharge of medical substances.
- a simple stability test examines the extent to which weight loss of the dosing device takes place over a longer period of time. This can be concluded on the basis of the original drug concentration on an altered drug concentration in the medium.
- the reduced diffusion rate ensures that, on the one hand, the pressure equalization required for correct medium discharge can take place and, on the other hand, the long-term stability of the enclosed material. Medium is guaranteed.
- the proper solution is particularly suitable for the dosage of pharmaceutical products. Suitable media are liquid and solid substances and mixtures thereof, which can be administered in particular as medicaments. Depending on the medium to be discharged from low to high demands on the dosage of the pumping device to be discharged amount of medium and the concentration of optionally medically active ingredients contained therein.
- the pumping device can be designed, for example, for a nebulized medium discharge or for individual jets of the medium.
- the ventilation device provided on the metering device serves to equalize the pressure between an internal pressure of a volume enclosed in the medium reservoir and an external pressure prevailing in the vicinity of the medium reservoir.
- a pressure difference can result from the discharge of medium from the medium reservoir or by thermally induced expansion or shrinkage processes of the medium / media enclosed in the medium reservoir.
- pressure differences are generally undesirable in such metering devices, since they can have a negative influence on the metering accuracy of the medium to be discharged.
- the filter membrane has a reduced cross section compared to known filter membranes.
- the effective cross section is the product of the number of pores provided in the filter membrane and the mean free cross section of these pores.
- Filter membranes are designed in particular as stretched or perforated plastic films or as sintered materials, but also as metal foils and can be manufactured depending on the selected manufacturing method in terms of the number of pores and the free cross sections of the pores in a wide range.
- the pores or channels formed in the plastic film or in the sintered material each have a free cross-section, which can be determined on the basis of the maximum molecular size that can pass through the channel. Of the Effective cross-section is directly related to the diffusion rate of the filter membrane.
- a large number of channels or pores and a large free cross section of the individual channels or pores results in a large effective cross section and allows a high diffusion rate, ie even at a low pressure difference, a large number of molecules can pass through the filter membrane.
- the effective cross section is reduced compared to known filter membranes, ie the product of the number of pores and the average free cross section of the pores is less than in conventional membranes.
- the reduced effective cross-section of the filter membrane is realized by a reduced compared to known filter membranes effective area.
- the effective area of the filter membrane is that pore-penetrated surface area of the membrane which is available for passage of gas molecules. On the effective surface, the pores are arranged, which determine the effective cross-section of the filter membrane.
- the active surface of the filter membrane is limited by a Strömungsleitgeometrie, which is at least partially conical.
- a Strömungsleitgeometrie which is at least partially conical.
- the Strömungsleitgeometrie can be used to hold the filter membrane mechanically, in particular form-fitting and stabilize.
- the Strömungsleitgeometrie can by at least partially conical design a particularly advantageous inflow and / or outflow of the Gas molecules cause the filter membrane, since a substantially turbulence-free guidance of the gas flow through the conical contour can be achieved.
- the effective area of the filter membrane is less than 0.6 mm 2 , more preferably less than 0.2 mm 2 . This achieves a reduction of the effective area and the associated diffusion rate compared to a known filter membrane by at least about 15%, preferably by about 60%, particularly preferably by about 85%.
- a mean free cross section of pores in the filter membrane is smaller than in known filter membranes for the reduced effective cross section. This ensures that the size of the gas molecules that can pass through the filter membrane is reduced. An escape of evaporated medium components from the medium storage is made difficult, as well as the diffusion rate is reduced because not all gas molecules contained in the ambient air can pass through the filter membrane.
- a reduced number of pores compared to known filter membranes is provided for a reduced effective cross-section.
- the product of free pore cross-section and the number of pores is reduced in a simple manner and thus achieves the desired reduction of the diffusion rate.
- a reduction in the pore number depending on the production process of the filter membrane, in particular by introducing a small number of pores by means of a material removal process for a plastic film or by selecting a larger particle size in conjunction with a sintering process at a higher pressure and / or higher temperature for a sintered material reached.
- the filter membrane has a mean pore number less than 1 million pores per mm 2 , preferably less than 600,000 pores per mm 2 , more preferably less than 300,000 pores per mm 2 .
- a simple influence on the number of pores can be taken, for example, in a material-removing process in which the pores are introduced into a plastic film by means of high-energy electromagnetic radiation.
- the filter membrane is arranged on a ventilation channel arranged, in particular between the medium container and pumping means provided sealing means.
- the filter membrane can be easily integrated into the ventilation device and does not require a separate support for stabilization and / or positioning.
- a sealing device is provided in known metering devices, which can be designed for example as an annular flat gasket.
- the filter membrane can be applied, in particular partially or completely, to at least one of the end faces facing the medium reservoir or the pumping device, in particular be laminated on this flat seal.
- the assembly of the sealing device can be done in the same manner as in known metering devices and includes at the same time the positioning of the filter membrane.
- the filter membrane for closing a provided in the sealing device the ventilation channel associated passage opening is formed.
- a passage opening in the sealing device which is assigned to the ventilation channel, a passage cross-section is precisely defined, can flow through the gas molecules from the medium storage in the environment or in the reverse direction in the media storage.
- This passage cross-section is closed by the filter membrane, so that a diffusion rate can be exactly specified, which results from the passage cross-section and the associated effective area of the filter membrane as well as the resulting effective cross-section of the filter membrane.
- the filter membrane in the region of a ventilation opening of the medium reservoir and / or the pumping device is mounted, in particular laminated.
- the filter membrane can already be applied during the production of the medium reservoir and is supported by a wall section of the medium reservoir, whereby a particularly compact design of the filter device can be realized.
- the filter membrane is preferably applied to the end of a ventilation path on a front or outer surface of a section of the medium reservoir or of a part of the pump device, in particular welded or laminated.
- the filter device is designed as a discrete filter cartridge.
- the filter direction can be produced independently of the pumping device or the medium dispenser and optionally checked.
- the filter device can be provided as a mass product for a variety of different metering devices.
- the object underlying the invention is also achieved by a metering device of the type mentioned, in which the ventilation channel is at least partially designed as a capillary channel, which has at least partially a ratio between an effective channel diameter and a Kapillarkanalin which is less than 1/25.
- the ventilation channel has a high flow resistance for liquids and gases and thus reduces undesired outflow of liquid constituents or gases, in particular of evaporated medium constituents, from the medium reservoir.
- the ratio between the effective channel diameter and the capillary channel length is less than 1/50, in a particularly preferred embodiment less than 1/100.
- an evaporation rate determined at atmospheric pressure of 1013 hPa, a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 25 percent can be approximately a factor of about 10 , 05 g / week to be reduced to 0.005 g / week.
- the capillary channel is formed helically.
- the capillary channel may be provided on an inner surface of a bore in a component and / or on an outer surface of a component.
- the compact design allows an integration of a capillary channel with a ratio of effective channel diameter and capillary channel length according to the invention, without thereby necessitating a structural enlargement of the dosing device equipped therewith.
- the capillary channel is designed as a circumferential, helical groove between a conical outer surface and a cover, which has a conical, adapted to the cone outer surface recess.
- the capillary channel is formed between an outer surface of a cylinder arrangement and an inner surface of a slip-on sleeve, wherein a plurality of webs are provided on the outer surface of the cylinder assembly and / or on the slip-on, which substantially in the direction of a central longitudinal axis of the metering device are aligned and ensure a defined spacing of the slip sleeve.
- the webs which can be provided in particular each offset by 120 degrees on the cylinder assembly and / or on the slip-on sleeve, an interference or interference fit between the cylinder assembly and the slip-on sleeve can be realized. This allows a secure pressing of the slip-on sleeve on the cylinder assembly, without leading to an undesirable narrowing or deformation of the cylinder bore provided in the cylinder assembly.
- the capillary channel is introduced in sections in at least one of the webs as a groove.
- the bridge has a double function as a spacer and as a capillary channel.
- the introduced in the web groove is closed by, the oppositely arranged component, ie in a cylinder arrangement associated web through the slip-on sleeve or provided in the slip sleeve web through the cylinder assembly and thus forms the desired Kapillarkanal.
- the capillary channel is formed from at least one annular section and at least one channel section, which is aligned at least substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the metering device.
- the annular portion which may be arranged circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis, which is arranged parallel to the central longitudinal axis channel portion is connected to the medium reservoir.
- the ring section is part of the capillary channel and can be formed like the channel portion between the cylinder assembly and the slip sleeve.
- the ring portion can be realized in particular by two spaced-apart projections between the cylinder assembly and the slip-on sleeve, whereby a simple production of these components in the plastic injection molding process is made possible.
- the metering device 1 shows essentially a pumping device 2, which is provided for mounting on a medium storage, not shown.
- the pumping device 2 has a schematically illustrated piston arrangement 3, which is accommodated in a likewise schematically illustrated cylinder arrangement 4 and is provided for conveying a medium stored in the medium reservoir into an environment of the metering device 1.
- the cylinder assembly 4 is received in a substantially conically shaped applicator 5, at the tapered end of a discharge opening 6 is provided, through which the set of the pumping device 2 under pressure medium can be discharged in finely atomized form into the environment.
- a handle 7 is provided, which is provided with finger pads 8.
- a user can operate the metering device 1 by pressing between the thumb and index or middle finger, the thumb is placed on a bottom of the medium storage, not shown.
- a return spring 9 is provided which applies a restoring force upon actuation of the metering device 1.
- the applicator 5 is provided with a protective cover 10, which is removed for the discharge process.
- an interface 11 is provided for the attachment of the medium reservoir.
- the interface 11 has a substantially cylindrically shaped outer shell 12, which receives the piston assembly 3 and in a relatively movable, positive fit Active connection with the applicator 5 is.
- the outer shell 12 is provided with an internal thread 13 which is provided for the positive reception of an external thread provided on the medium reservoir.
- a substantially annular-shaped flat seal 15 which is made of an elastic material and is provided for sealing a provided on the medium storage bottle neck with respect to the pumping device 2.
- the flat gasket 15 has a vent opening 16, which is provided for a communicating connection of the volume enclosed by the medium storage volume with the environment.
- the flat gasket 15 On a side facing the interface 11, the flat gasket 15 has a sealing surface 17, which is provided for a sealing effect against the medium reservoir.
- a recess for a positive reception of a filter cartridge 18 is provided in the piston assembly 3, which is provided with a in the Fig. 2 equipped filter membrane 20 is shown.
- the filter cartridge 18 communicates with a cavity 19 in communicating connection, which in turn is connected via not shown column in the metering device 1 with the environment. This allows inflow or outflow of gas molecules from or into the medium reservoir.
- the ventilation opening 16, the filter cartridge 18 and the cavity 19 form the ventilation device of the metering device 1.
- a gas flow emerging from the medium reservoir for example from evaporated medium components, must inevitably flow through the ventilation device in order to escape into the environment. The same applies to the reverse case, that gas from the environment is sucked into the medium storage, also here is to completely flow through the ventilation device.
- filter cartridge 18 shown in more detail has a filter membrane 20 which is designed as a germ barrier and which is received in a passage bore 21 of the filter cartridge 18.
- a longitudinal axis 22 of the passage bore 21 is aligned parallel to a longitudinal axis of the metering device 1.
- the filter membrane 20 is intended to prevent the entry of contaminants from the environment in the medium storage, not shown.
- the passage bore 21 has an inner diameter 23 which is at least approximately constant over the entire length of the filter cartridge 18.
- the filter membrane 20 is injected positively into the executed as a plastic injection molding filter cartridge 18 and is bounded by the passage bore 21.
- the effective area of the filter membrane 20 is determined by the effective diameter 24, which is smaller than the inner diameter 23.
- pores or channels 26 Only in the active surface of the filter membrane 20 are pores or channels 26 provided, which allow gas molecules to pass through, while no pores or channels are provided outside the active surface.
- the provided in the filter membrane 20 channels 26 are shown only schematically, they can also take a curved course depending on the manufacturing process for the filter membrane 20 and have different cross sections over their course.
- the generation of the channels 26 can be carried out before or after the injection into the filter cartridge 18 and be realized in particular by a bombardment of the filter membrane 20 with a high-energy electromagnetic radiation.
- Critical to the passage of gas molecules is the minimum free cross section of the channels 26, as this limits the size of the gas molecules that can pass through the channels.
- the diffusion constant of the filter membrane 20 is additionally determined by the thickness 25 of the filter membrane 20, wherein a greater thickness 25 leads to a reduction of the diffusion constant, since the passage of gas molecules is made more difficult by the increased length of the channels 26 and by the greater thickness of the base material ,
- the inner diameter 23 of the through-bore 21 is approximately 1.4 mm, while the effective diameter 24 is approximately 0.9 mm, so that the effective area is approximately 0.65 mm 2 .
- a filter membrane 20 made from the material polyethylene terephthalate (PET, PEPT) may be provided.
- PET polyethylene terephthalate
- This filter membrane 20 has a pore size of 0.2 / 1000mm (0.2 ⁇ m) at a membrane thickness of 36 / 1000mm (36 ⁇ m) and an active filter area of less than 0.8mm 2 .
- Dosing device 1 shown an evaporation rate of about 0.033 g / week.
- the evaporation rate may be at least 15%, preferably reduced by 30%, more preferably by 50%.
- the in Fig. 3 illustrated filter cartridge 18 equipped with a filter membrane 20 which has over its entire surface a substantially constant number of channels 26 per unit area.
- a reduction of the diffusion rate is achieved by providing on one side a conical flow-guiding geometry 27 reaching down to the filter membrane, which leads to a reduction of the effective area.
- the effective area is therefore determined by the minimum diameter 28 of the Strömungsleitgeometrie 27 and is exemplarily about 0.65 mm 2 , while the inner diameter 23 of the through hole 21 is about 1.4 mm.
- the filter membrane 20 can be cut from a homogeneous, uniformly interspersed with channels 26 raw material and introduced into the filter cartridge 18 in the plastic injection molding process.
- filter cartridge 18 is in a modification of Fig. 3 known filter cartridge on both sides of the filter membrane 20 each have a Strömungsleitgeometrie 27 is provided.
- the effective surface is determined by the minimum diameter 28 of the Strömungsleitgeometrie 27, the filter membrane 20 is as in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 executed as a homogeneous, uniformly interspersed with channels 26 membrane.
- Strömungsleitgeometrien 27 arranged on both sides, a particularly advantageous stabilization of the filter membrane 20 is achieved, also can be effected by the conical configuration of Strömungsleitgeometrien 27 an advantageous flow behavior of the gas stream passing through the filter membrane.
- the inner diameter 23 of the passage bore 21 and the minimum diameter 28 the same dimensions apply as for the filter cartridge Fig. 3 ,
- a filter membrane 20 of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) may be provided.
- PTFE polytetrafluoroethylene
- Such a filter membrane 20 has a pore size of .0.2 / 1000mm (0.2pm) and is applied to a support membrane of PET so as to give a total membrane thickness of about 0.2mm.
- the effective surface area is limited by the Strömungsleitgeometrien 27 to about 0.5 mm 2 , so that an evaporation rate, which is determined at atmospheric pressure of 1013 hPa, a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 25 percent, of about 0.033 g / week for the filter cartridge 18 when used in the in Fig. 1 set dosing device 1 shown. This represents a reduction in the rate of evaporation compared to known, equipped with conventional filters dosing of about 30 percent.
- the filter membrane 20 is provided in a recess of the gasket 15 and closes a ventilation opening 16, which is part of the ventilation device.
- a ventilation channel 29 in communicating Active compound that allows inflow and outflow of gas molecules into the cavity 19.
- the active surface of the filter membrane 20 is as in the embodiments of Fig. 3 and 4 determined by the minimum diameter of the venting breakthrough 16, while the filter membrane is interspersed with a homogeneous number of channels per unit area.
- the filter membrane 20 is applied to a surface of the flat gasket 15, in particular laminated.
- the filter membrane in the region of the ventilation opening 29 of the piston or cylinder assembly 3 is similar Fig. 5 up or down on a corresponding surface of the piston or cylinder assembly 3 applied tight, in particular welded or laminated.
- the in the Fig. 6 . 7 and 8th Dosing device 1 shown has a provided on the cylinder assembly 4 filter cartridge 18, which according to the embodiments of Fig. 1 to 5 can be designed.
- the passage bore 21 opens into a distributor bore 30, which communicates via an outlet opening 38 communicatingly with a circumferential annular section designed as an annular channel 31, as in FIG Fig. 6a is shown in more detail.
- the annular channel 31 is formed by a circumferential stepped shoulder 34 on the cylinder assembly 4 and a correspondingly executed paragraph 43 formed on the slip-on sleeve 32 and is due to its design as a long channel with a narrow cross-section part of the capillary.
- the channel portion 33 is formed by a groove 37 in a support bar 35 and the support web 35 opposite slip-on sleeve 32.
- Another function of the support webs 35 is to allow a frictional receiving the slip-on sleeve 32 on the cylinder assembly 4, without the cylinder bore in the cylinder assembly 4 is deformed by the slip-on sleeve 32.
- a peripheral collar 36 is provided above the mouth of the distributor bore 30, which ensures a circumferentially sealing receiving the slip-on sleeve 32 in an end region facing the medium reservoir, as shown in the Fig. 8 is shown in more detail. In the encircling collar 36 is only in the Fig.
- the capillary channel has at the in Fig. 6 to 8 is about 60 mm long and has an effective capillary channel diameter of about 0.42 mm, resulting in a ratio of effective capillary channel diameter and capillary channel length of 1/140. With such a ratio, an evaporation rate determined at normal pressure of 1013 hPa, a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 25 percent can be realized of about 0.005 g / week.
- the capillary channel is designed as a helical groove between a conical outer surface 39 and a cover 40.
- the cover 40 has a cone-shaped recess and is pressed with a collar 41 in a retaining groove 42, as shown in the Fig. 9a and 9b is shown in more detail.
- the penetration of the cover 40 with the cylinder arrangement 4 shows that an interference fit, also referred to as a press fit, is provided between these components to ensure a secure fit of the cover 40 and a good sealing effect of the capillary.
- the cone outer surface 39 is part of the cylinder assembly 4 and has a helical and helical circumferential shoulder made in the manner of a conical worm.
- the filter membrane is housed in a recess of the gasket, as shown in the Fig. 5 is shown and is connected to a capillary according to one of Fig. 6 to 9 coupled, which can be a simply constructed and characterized by a very low evaporation rate metering realized.
Landscapes
- Separation Using Semi-Permeable Membranes (AREA)
- Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)
- Vending Machines For Individual Products (AREA)
- Medicines Containing Plant Substances (AREA)
- Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
- Devices For Dispensing Beverages (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft eine Dosiervorrichtung für wenigstens ein Medium, mit einer Pumpeinrichtung, die für einen Mediumaustrag mit einem Mediumspeicher in Wirkverbindung steht, sowie mit einer dem Mediumspeicher und/oder der Pumpeinrichtung zugeordneten Belüftungsvorrichtung, die einen Belüftungskanal aufweist, der eine kommunizierende Verbindung des vom Mediumspeicher umschlossenen Volumens mit einer Umgebung durch eine dem Belüftungskanal zugeordnete Filtermembran hindurch ermöglicht.The invention relates to a metering device for at least one medium, with a pumping device, which is in operative connection for a medium discharge with a medium reservoir, as well as with a medium storage and / or the pumping device associated ventilation device having a ventilation channel, which communicates a communication of the medium storage enclosed volume with an environment through a ventilation channel associated with the filter membrane allows therethrough.
Aus der
Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe besteht darin, eine Dosiervorrichtung zu schaffen, die eine verbesserte Langzeitstabilität des eingeschlossenen Mediums und eine hohe Dosiergenauigkeit hinsichtlich der Wirkstoffkonzentration des auszutragenden Mediums gewährleistet.The problem underlying the invention is to provide a metering device which ensures improved long-term stability of the enclosed medium and high metering accuracy with regard to the active substance concentration of the medium to be discharged.
Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Dosiervorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art gelöst, bei der die Filtermembran dadurch für eine reduzierte Diffusionsrate ausgebildet ist, dass die Wirkfläche der Filtermembran kleiner als 1,4 mm2 ist.This object is achieved by a metering device of the type mentioned, in which the filter membrane is designed for a reduced diffusion rate, that the effective area of the filter membrane is smaller than 1.4 mm 2 .
Damit liegt ein gegenüber bekannten Dosiervorrichtungen reduzierter Austausch von Gasmolekülen zwischen dem im Mediumspeicher eingeschlossenen Volumen und der Umgebung vor. Die Diffusionsrate bestimmt sich anhand des Volumenstroms von Gasmolekülen, der innerhalb eines Zeitabschnitts bei einem gegebenen Druckverhältnis zwischen dem Innendruck im Mediumspeicher und dem Aussendruck in der Umgebung durch die Filtermembran hindurchtritt. Eine geringe Diffusionsrate drückt aus, dass bei einer hohen Druckdifferenz zwischen dem Innendruck im Mediumspeicher und dem in der Umgebung herrschenden Aussendruck nur ein geringer Volumenstrom an Gasmolekülen durch die Filtermembran hindurchtritt. Bei einer Filtermembran, die eine reduzierte Diffusionsrate aufweist, können verdunstete Mediumbestandteile weniger leicht aus dem Mediumbehälter austreten und bei einem Unterdruck im Mediumspeicher können Luftmoleküle aus der Umgebung weniger leicht in den Mediumspeicher eintreten. Eine Verbesserung der Langzeitstabilität des im Mediumbehälter eingeschlossenen Mediums wird einerseits durch einen geringeren Verlust an leicht lösbaren Mediumbestandteilen erreicht, die ansonsten als leicht flüchtige Bestandteile aus dem Mediumspeicher entweichen könnten. Die verdunsteten, leicht lösbaren Mediumbestandteile werden wegen der reduzierten Diffusionsrate der Filtermembran über einen längeren Zeitraum und auch bei einer höheren Druckdifferenz zwischen Innendruck und Aussendruck im Mediumspeicher zurückgehalten. Dadurch kann eine Konzentrationsänderung des Mediums im wesentlichen verhindert oder zumindest reduziert werden. Andererseits wird durch die reduzierte Diffusionsrate ein zeitverzögertes Einströmen von Luft aus der Umgebung bei einem Unterdruck im Mediumspeicher bewirkt. Damit wird erreicht, dass beispielsweise nach einem Austragvorgang, durch den ein Unterdruck im Mediumspeicher auftritt, zurächst im Medium gelöste Gasbestandteile in die Gasphase übergehen und somit einen Abbau des Unterdrucks bewirken, bevor Luft aus der Umgebung nachströmt. Daher kann eine Filtermembran mit reduzierter Diffusionsrate über einen langen Zeitraum eine Veränderung der Konzentration des Mediums verhindern oder zumindest im wesentlichen unterbinden. Dieser Einfluss der Filtermembran auf das eingeschlossene Medium ist ein wesentliches Kriterium bei einer Beurteilung der Tauglichkeit einer Dosiervorrichtung für die Bevorratung und den Austrag medizinischer Substanzen. Durch eine Konzentrationsänderung besteht die Gefahr, dass das von der Dosiervorrichtung auszutragende Medium bei gleichbleibendem Austragvolumen eine zunehmende Wirkstoffmenge enthält, wodurch ggf. Anforderungen an eine Dosiergenauigkeit für den Wirkstoff nicht mehr erfüllt werden können, selbst wenn das ausgetragene Mediumvolumen exakt gleich bleibt. Um ein derartiges Verhalten der Dosiervorrichtung und des darin aufgenommenen Mediums zu ermitteln, werden insbesondere bei Medien, die als medizinische Wirkstoffe eingesetzt werden und bei denen eine präzise Dosierung notwendig ist, Stabilitätstests in Verbindung mit der jeweils vorgesehenen Dosiervorrichtung durchgeführt. Dabei wird die Veränderung der Konzentration des Mediums (Dose Content Uniformity) über einen längeren Zeitraum und unter wechselnden klimatischen Außenbedingungen betrachtet und anhand vorgegebener Grenzwerte beurteilt. Bei einem einfachen Stabilitätstest wird untersucht, inwieweit über einen längeren Zeitraum eine Gewichtsabnahme der Dosiervorrichtung stattfindet. Damit kann ausgehend von der ursprünglichen Wirkstoffkonzentration auf eine veränderte Wirkstoffkonzentration im Medium geschlossen werden. Durch die reduzierte Diffusionsrate wird sichergestellt, dass einerseits der für einen korrekten Mediumaustrag erforderliche Druckausgleich stattfinden kann und andererseits die Langzeitstabilität des eingeschlossenen. Mediums gewährleistet ist. Die ordnungsgemäße Lösung eignet sich insbesondere für die Dosierung pharmatischer Erzeugnisse. Als Medien kommen flüssige und feste Stoffe sowie Gemische davon in Frage, die insbesondere als Medikamente verabreicht werden können. In Abhängigkeit von dem auszutragenden Medium werden geringe bis hohe Anforderungen an die Dosierung der von der Pumpeinrichtung auszutragenden Mediummenge und der darin enthaltenen Konzentration an ggf. medizinisch wirksamen Inhaltsstoffen gestellt. Die Pumpeinrichtung kann beispielsweise für einen vernebelten Mediumaustrag oder für einzelne Strahlen des Mediums ausgebildet sein. Die an der Dosiervorrichtung vorgesehene Belüftungsvorrichtung dient zum Druckausgleich zwischen einem Innendruck eines in dem Mediumspeicher eingeschlossenen Volumens und einem Aussendruck, der in der Umgebung des Mediumspeichers herrscht. Eine Druckdifferenz kann sich durch den Austrag von Medium aus dem Mediumspeicher oder auch durch thermisch bedingte Ausdehnungs- bzw. Schrumpfungsvorgänge des bzw. der im Mediumspeicher eingeschlossenen Mediums / Medien ergeben. Druckdifferenzen sind jedoch bei derartigen Dosiervorrichtungen in der Regel unerwünscht, da sie einen negativen Einfluss auf die Dosiergenauigkeit des auszutragenden Mediums haben können. Daher wird mittels der Belüftungsvorrichtung ein Druckausgleich zwischen dem Innendruck und dem Aussendruck ermöglicht, wobei Gas aus der Umgebung in den Mediumspeicher einströmen kann bzw. gasförmige oder ggf. auch flüssige oder feststoffartige Bestandteile des Mediums aus dem Mediumspeicher austreten können. Dadurch wird der Druckausgleich und somit die gewünschte hohe Dosiergenauigkeit der Dosiervorrichtung hinsichtlich des auszutragenden Mediumvolumens gewährleistet.This is a comparison with known metering reduced exchange of gas molecules between the trapped in the medium storage volume and the environment. The diffusion rate is determined on the basis of the volume flow of gas molecules which passes through the filter membrane within a time interval at a given pressure ratio between the internal pressure in the medium reservoir and the external pressure in the environment. A low diffusion rate expresses that with a high pressure difference between the internal pressure in the medium reservoir and the external pressure prevailing in the environment, only a small volume flow of gas molecules passes through the filter membrane. With a filter membrane having a reduced diffusion rate, evaporated medium components are less likely to escape from the medium container, and at a negative pressure in the medium reservoir, air molecules from the environment are less likely to enter the medium reservoir. An improvement in the long-term stability of the medium enclosed in the medium container is achieved, on the one hand, by a lower loss of easily soluble medium constituents which otherwise could escape from the medium reservoir as volatile constituents. The evaporated, easily dissolvable medium components are retained in the medium storage due to the reduced diffusion rate of the filter membrane over a longer period of time and also at a higher pressure difference between internal pressure and external pressure. As a result, a change in the concentration of the medium can be substantially prevented or at least reduced. On the other hand, the reduced diffusion rate causes a time-delayed inflow of air from the environment at a negative pressure in the medium reservoir. This ensures that, for example, after a discharge, by a negative pressure in the medium storage occurs, soon pass in the medium dissolved gas components in the gas phase and thus cause a reduction of the negative pressure, before air flows from the environment. Therefore, a filter membrane with a reduced diffusion rate over a long period of time can prevent or at least substantially prevent a change in the concentration of the medium. This influence of the filter membrane on the enclosed medium is an essential criterion in an assessment of the suitability of a metering device for the storage and discharge of medical substances. By changing the concentration, there is a risk that the medium to be dispensed from the metering device contains an increasing amount of active substance while the discharge volume remains constant, as a result of which requirements for metering accuracy for the active substance may no longer be met, even if the discharged medium volume remains exactly the same. In order to determine such a behavior of the metering device and the medium contained therein, stability tests are carried out in connection with the respectively provided metering device, in particular in the case of media which are used as medical active ingredients and in which precise metering is necessary. The change in the concentration of the medium (can content uniformity) over a longer period of time and under changing climatic external conditions is considered and assessed on the basis of predetermined limit values. A simple stability test examines the extent to which weight loss of the dosing device takes place over a longer period of time. This can be concluded on the basis of the original drug concentration on an altered drug concentration in the medium. The reduced diffusion rate ensures that, on the one hand, the pressure equalization required for correct medium discharge can take place and, on the other hand, the long-term stability of the enclosed material. Medium is guaranteed. The proper solution is particularly suitable for the dosage of pharmaceutical products. Suitable media are liquid and solid substances and mixtures thereof, which can be administered in particular as medicaments. Depending on the medium to be discharged from low to high demands on the dosage of the pumping device to be discharged amount of medium and the concentration of optionally medically active ingredients contained therein. The pumping device can be designed, for example, for a nebulized medium discharge or for individual jets of the medium. The ventilation device provided on the metering device serves to equalize the pressure between an internal pressure of a volume enclosed in the medium reservoir and an external pressure prevailing in the vicinity of the medium reservoir. A pressure difference can result from the discharge of medium from the medium reservoir or by thermally induced expansion or shrinkage processes of the medium / media enclosed in the medium reservoir. However, pressure differences are generally undesirable in such metering devices, since they can have a negative influence on the metering accuracy of the medium to be discharged. Therefore, a pressure equalization between the internal pressure and the external pressure is made possible by means of the ventilation device, with gas from the environment can flow into the medium reservoir or gaseous or possibly liquid or solid-like components of the medium can escape from the medium reservoir. As a result, the pressure compensation and thus the desired high metering accuracy of the metering device is ensured with regard to the medium volume to be discharged.
In Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist die Filtermembran einen gegenüber bekannten Filtermembranen reduzierten Wirkquerschnitt auf. Der Wirkquerschnitt ist das Produkt der Anzahl der in der Filtermembran vorgesehenen Poren und des mittleren freien Querschnitts dieser Poren. Filtermembranen werden insbesondere als verstreckte oder perforierte Kunststofffolien oder als Sintermaterialien, aber auch als Metallfolien ausgeführt und können abhängig vom gewählten Herstellungsverfahren hinsichtlich der Anzahl der Poren und der freien Quer schnitte der Poren in einem breiten Spektrum gefertigt werden. Die in der Kunststofffolie bzw. im Sintermaterial ausgebildeten Poren oder Kanälen weisen jeweils einen freien Querschnitt auf, der anhand der maximalen Molekülgröße, die durch den Kanal hindurchtreten kann, bestimmt werden kann. Der Wirkquerschnitt steht in unmittelbarem Zusammenhang mit der Diffusionsrate der Filtermembran. Eine große Anzahl von Kanälen oder Poren und ein großer freier Querschnitt der einzelnen Kanäle oder Poren resultiert in einem großen Wirkquerschnitt und ermöglicht eine hohe Diffusionsrate, d.h. bereits bei einer geringen Druckdifferenz kann eine große Anzahl von Molekülen durch die Filtermembran hindurchtreten. Erfindungsgemäß ist der Wirkquerschnitt gegenüber bekannten Filtermembranen reduziert, d.h. das Produkt aus der Anzahl der Poren und dem mittleren freien Querschnitt der Poren ist geringer als bei herkömmlichen Membranen.In an embodiment of the invention, the filter membrane has a reduced cross section compared to known filter membranes. The effective cross section is the product of the number of pores provided in the filter membrane and the mean free cross section of these pores. Filter membranes are designed in particular as stretched or perforated plastic films or as sintered materials, but also as metal foils and can be manufactured depending on the selected manufacturing method in terms of the number of pores and the free cross sections of the pores in a wide range. The pores or channels formed in the plastic film or in the sintered material each have a free cross-section, which can be determined on the basis of the maximum molecular size that can pass through the channel. Of the Effective cross-section is directly related to the diffusion rate of the filter membrane. A large number of channels or pores and a large free cross section of the individual channels or pores results in a large effective cross section and allows a high diffusion rate, ie even at a low pressure difference, a large number of molecules can pass through the filter membrane. According to the invention, the effective cross section is reduced compared to known filter membranes, ie the product of the number of pores and the average free cross section of the pores is less than in conventional membranes.
Bei der Erfindung ist der reduzierte Wirkquerschnitt der Filtermembran durch eine gegenüber bekannten Filtermembranen reduzierte Wirkfläche verwirklicht. Damit wird in besonders vorteilhafter Weise eine Reduzierung des Wirkquerschnitts erreicht. Die Wirkfläche der Filtermembran ist derjenige mit Poren durchsetzte Oberflächenbereich der Membran, der für ein Hindurchtreten von Gasmolekülen zur Verfügung steht. Auf der Wirkfläche sind die Poren angeordnet, die den Wirkquerschnitt der Filtermembran bestimmen.In the invention, the reduced effective cross-section of the filter membrane is realized by a reduced compared to known filter membranes effective area. Thus, a reduction of the effective cross section is achieved in a particularly advantageous manner. The effective area of the filter membrane is that pore-penetrated surface area of the membrane which is available for passage of gas molecules. On the effective surface, the pores are arranged, which determine the effective cross-section of the filter membrane.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Wirkfläche der Filtermembran von einer Strömungsleitgeometrie begrenzt, die zumindest abschnittsweise konisch ausgebildet ist. Dadurch kann in besonders einfacher Weise bei einer gegebenen Filtermembran, die beispielsweise über ihre gesamte Oberfläche eine im wesentlichen konstante Anzahl von Poren pro Oberftächenabschnitt aufweist, Einfluss auf die Wirkfläche und damit auf den Wirkquerschnitt genommen werden. Die Strömungsleitgeometrie verschließt einerseits die überzähligen Poren, die nicht für ein Hindurchtreten von Gasmolekülen zur Verfügung stehen sollen und dient andererseits zur Bündelung des durch die Filtermembran hindurchtretenden Gasstroms auf den vorgebbaren Bereich der Filtermembran. Zudem kann die Strömungsleitgeometrie dazu eingesetzt werden, die Filtermembran mechanisch, insbesondere formschlüssig zu fassen und zu stabilisieren. Die Strömungsleitgeometrie kann durch eine zumindest abschnittsweise konische Gestaltung ein besonders vorteilhaftes Zu- und/oder Abströmen der Gasmoleküle an die Filtermembran bewirken, da eine im wesentlichen verwirbelungsfreie Führung des Gasstroms durch die konische Kontur erreicht werden kann.In a further embodiment of the invention, the active surface of the filter membrane is limited by a Strömungsleitgeometrie, which is at least partially conical. As a result, in a particularly simple manner, in the case of a given filter membrane which, for example, has over its entire surface a substantially constant number of pores per surface section, influence is exerted on the effective area and thus on the effective cross section. The Strömungsleitgeometrie closes on the one hand, the surplus pores, which should not be available for passage of gas molecules available and on the other hand serves to bundle the passing through the filter membrane gas flow to the predeterminable region of the filter membrane. In addition, the Strömungsleitgeometrie can be used to hold the filter membrane mechanically, in particular form-fitting and stabilize. The Strömungsleitgeometrie can by at least partially conical design a particularly advantageous inflow and / or outflow of the Gas molecules cause the filter membrane, since a substantially turbulence-free guidance of the gas flow through the conical contour can be achieved.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Wirkfläche der Filtermembran kleiner als 0,6 mm2, besonders bevorzugt kleiner als 0,2 mm2. Damit wird eine Reduktion der Wirkfläche und der damit einhergehenden Diffusionsrate gegenüber einer bekannten Filtermembran um wenigstens ca. 15 %, vorzugsweise um ca. 60 % besonders bevorzugt um ca. 85 % erreicht.In a further embodiment of the invention, the effective area of the filter membrane is less than 0.6 mm 2 , more preferably less than 0.2 mm 2 . This achieves a reduction of the effective area and the associated diffusion rate compared to a known filter membrane by at least about 15%, preferably by about 60%, particularly preferably by about 85%.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist für den reduzierten Wirkquerschnitt ein mittlerer freier Querschnitt von Poren in der Filtermembran kleiner als bei bekannten Filtermembranen ausgeführt. Dadurch wird erreicht, dass die Größe der Gasmoleküle, die durch die Filtermembran hindurchtreten können, reduziert wird. Ein Entweichen von verdampften Mediumbestandteilen aus dem Mediumspeicher wird dadurch erschwert, ebenso wird die Diffusionsrate reduziert, weil nicht alle in der Umgebungsluft enthaltenen Gasmoleküle durch die Filtermembran hindurchtreten können.In a further embodiment of the invention, a mean free cross section of pores in the filter membrane is smaller than in known filter membranes for the reduced effective cross section. This ensures that the size of the gas molecules that can pass through the filter membrane is reduced. An escape of evaporated medium components from the medium storage is made difficult, as well as the diffusion rate is reduced because not all gas molecules contained in the ambient air can pass through the filter membrane.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist für einen reduzierten Wirkquerschnitt eine gegenüber bekannten Filtermembranen reduzierte Porenanzahl vorgesehen. Dadurch wird in einfacher Weise das Produkt aus freiem Porenquerschnitt und der Anzahl von Poren reduziert und somit die gewünschte Reduktion der Diffusionsrate erreicht. Eine Reduktion der Porenzahl wird in Abhängigkeit vom Herstellungsverfahren der Filtermembran insbesondere durch das Einbringen einer geringen Anzahl von Poren mittels eines materialabtragenden Verfahrens für eine Kunststofffolie oder durch die Auswahl einer größeren Partikelgröße in Verbindung mit einem Sinterprozess bei höherem Druck und/oder höherer Temperatur für ein Sintermaterial erreicht.In a further embodiment of the invention, a reduced number of pores compared to known filter membranes is provided for a reduced effective cross-section. As a result, the product of free pore cross-section and the number of pores is reduced in a simple manner and thus achieves the desired reduction of the diffusion rate. A reduction in the pore number, depending on the production process of the filter membrane, in particular by introducing a small number of pores by means of a material removal process for a plastic film or by selecting a larger particle size in conjunction with a sintering process at a higher pressure and / or higher temperature for a sintered material reached.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung weist die Filtermembran eine mittlere Porenzahl kleiner 1 Million Poren pro mm2, bevorzugt kleiner 600.000 Poren pro mm2, besonders bevorzugt kleiner 300.000 Poren pro mm2 auf. Ein einfacher Einfluss auf die Anzahl der Poren kann beispielsweise bei einem materialabtragenden Verfahren genommen werden, bei dem die Poren mittels einer hochenergetischen elektromagnetischen Strahlung in eine Kunststofffolie eingebracht werden.In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter membrane has a mean pore number less than 1 million pores per mm 2 , preferably less than 600,000 pores per mm 2 , more preferably less than 300,000 pores per mm 2 . A simple influence on the number of pores can be taken, for example, in a material-removing process in which the pores are introduced into a plastic film by means of high-energy electromagnetic radiation.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Filtermembran an einer im Belüftungskanal angeordneten, insbesondere zwischen Mediumbehälter und Pumpeinrichtung vorgesehenen Dichteinrichtung vorgesehen. Damit kann die Filtermembran in einfacher Weise in die Belüftungsvorrichtung integriert werden und benötigt keinen separaten Träger für eine Stabilisierung und/oder Positionierung. Für eine dichte Verbindung zwischen dem Mediumspeicher und der Pumpeinrichtung ist bei bekannten Dosiervorrichtungen eine Dichteinrichtung vorgesehen, die beispielsweise als ringförmige Flachdichtung ausgeführt sein kann. Die Filtermembran kann auf dieser Flachdichtung insbesondere abschnittweise oder vollständig auf zumindest eine der dem Mediumspeicher oder der Pumpeinrichtung zugewandte Stirnseite aufgebracht, insbesondere auflaminiert sein. Damit ist eine vorteilhafte separate Herstellung der Dichteinrichtung mit aufgebrachter Filtermembran möglich. Die Montage der Dichteinrichtung kann in der gleichen Weise wie bei bekannten Dosiervorrichtungen erfolgen und beinhaltet ohne weiteres gleichzeitig die Positionierung der Filtermembran.In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter membrane is arranged on a ventilation channel arranged, in particular between the medium container and pumping means provided sealing means. Thus, the filter membrane can be easily integrated into the ventilation device and does not require a separate support for stabilization and / or positioning. For a tight connection between the medium reservoir and the pump device, a sealing device is provided in known metering devices, which can be designed for example as an annular flat gasket. The filter membrane can be applied, in particular partially or completely, to at least one of the end faces facing the medium reservoir or the pumping device, in particular be laminated on this flat seal. For an advantageous separate production of the sealing device with applied filter membrane is possible. The assembly of the sealing device can be done in the same manner as in known metering devices and includes at the same time the positioning of the filter membrane.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Filtermembran für einen Verschluss einer in der Dichteinrichtung vorgesehenen, dem Belüftungskanal zugeordneten Durchtrittsöffnung ausgebildet. Durch eine Durchtrittsöffnung in der Dichteinrichtung, die dem Belüftungskanal zugeordnet ist, wird ein Durchtrittsquerschnitt exakt definiert, durch den Gasmoleküle aus dem Mediumspeicher in die Umgebung bzw. in umgekehrter Richtung in den Mediumspeicher strömen können. Dieser Durchtrittsquerschnitt wird durch die Filtermembran verschlossen, so dass eine Diffusionsrate exakt vorgegeben werden kann, die sich anhand des Durchtrittsquerschnitts und der damit zusammenhängenden Wirkfläche der Filtermembran sowie durch den daraus resultierenden Wirkquerschnitt der Filtermembran ergibt.In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter membrane for closing a provided in the sealing device, the ventilation channel associated passage opening is formed. Through a passage opening in the sealing device, which is assigned to the ventilation channel, a passage cross-section is precisely defined, can flow through the gas molecules from the medium storage in the environment or in the reverse direction in the media storage. This passage cross-section is closed by the filter membrane, so that a diffusion rate can be exactly specified, which results from the passage cross-section and the associated effective area of the filter membrane as well as the resulting effective cross-section of the filter membrane.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Filtermembran im Bereich einer Belüftungsöffnung des Mediumspeichers und/oder der Pumpeinrichtung angebracht, insbesondere auflaminiert. Dadurch kann die Filtermembran bereits bei der Herstellung des Mediumspeichers aufgebracht werden und wird durch einen Wandabschnitt des Mediumspeichers gestützt, wodurch sich eine besonders kompakte Gestaltung der Filtereinrichtung verwirklichen, lässt. Die Filtermembran ist vorzugsweise endseitig eines Belüftungsweges an einer Stirn-oder Außenfläche eines Teilabschnittes des Mediumspeichers oder eines Teiles der Pumpeinrichtung aufgebracht, insbesondere aufgeschweißt oder auflaminiert.In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter membrane in the region of a ventilation opening of the medium reservoir and / or the pumping device is mounted, in particular laminated. As a result, the filter membrane can already be applied during the production of the medium reservoir and is supported by a wall section of the medium reservoir, whereby a particularly compact design of the filter device can be realized. The filter membrane is preferably applied to the end of a ventilation path on a front or outer surface of a section of the medium reservoir or of a part of the pump device, in particular welded or laminated.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist die Filtereinrichtung als diskrete Filterkartusche ausgebildet. Dadurch kann die Filterrichtung unabhängig von der Pumpeinrichtung bzw. dem Mediumspender hergestellt und ggf. geprüft werden. Zudem kann die Filtereinrichtung als Massenprodukt für eine Vielzahl unterschiedlicher Dosiervorrichtungen vorgesehen werden.In a further embodiment of the invention, the filter device is designed as a discrete filter cartridge. As a result, the filter direction can be produced independently of the pumping device or the medium dispenser and optionally checked. In addition, the filter device can be provided as a mass product for a variety of different metering devices.
Die der Erfindung zugrundeliegende Aufgabe wird auch durch eine Dosiervorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art gelöst, bei der der Belüftungskanal zumindest abschnittsweise als Kapillarkanal ausgeführt ist, der zumindest abschnittsweise ein Verhältnis zwischen einem effektiven Kanaldurchmesser und einer Kapillarkanallänge aufweist, das weniger als 1/25 beträgt. Mit einer solchen Gestaltung weist der Belüftungskanal einen hohen Strömungswiderstand für Flüssigkeiten und Gase auf und vermindert damit ein unerwünschtes Abströmen von Flüssigkeitsbestandteilen oder Gasen, insbesondere von verdunsteten Mediumbestandteilen, aus dem Mediumspeicher. Damit kann ohne oder mit der Filtereinrichtung eine vorteilhafte Langzeitstabilität des im Mediumspeicher aufgenommenen Mediums gewährleistet werden. Bei einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung beträgt das Verhältnis zwischen dem effektiven Kanaldurchmesser und der Kapillarkanallänge weniger als 1/50, bei einer besonders bevorzugten Ausführungsform weniger als 1/100. Bei einem Verhältnis des effektiven Kanaldurchmessers bezogen auf die Kapillarkanallänge von 1/140 kann eine Verdunstungsrate, die bei Normaldruck von 1013 hPa, einer Temperatur von 40 Grad Celsius und einer relativen Luftfeuchtigkeit von 25 Prozent ermittelt wird, ungefähr um einen Faktor 10 von ca. 0,05 g/Woche auf 0,005 g/Woche reduziert werden.The object underlying the invention is also achieved by a metering device of the type mentioned, in which the ventilation channel is at least partially designed as a capillary channel, which has at least partially a ratio between an effective channel diameter and a Kapillarkanallänge which is less than 1/25. With such a design, the ventilation channel has a high flow resistance for liquids and gases and thus reduces undesired outflow of liquid constituents or gases, in particular of evaporated medium constituents, from the medium reservoir. Thus, without or with the filter device, an advantageous long-term stability of the recorded in the media storage Medium be guaranteed. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the ratio between the effective channel diameter and the capillary channel length is less than 1/50, in a particularly preferred embodiment less than 1/100. With a ratio of the effective channel diameter with respect to the capillary channel length of 1/140, an evaporation rate determined at atmospheric pressure of 1013 hPa, a temperature of 40 degrees Celsius and a relative humidity of 25 percent can be approximately a factor of about 10 , 05 g / week to be reduced to 0.005 g / week.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Kapillarkanal wendelförmig ausgebildet ist. Damit kann eine besonders kompakte Gestaltung des Kapillarkanals verwirklicht werden. Der Kapillarkanal kann an einer Innenfläche einer Bohrung in einem Bauteil und/oder an einer Außenfläche eines Bauteils vorgesehen sein. Die kompakte Gestaltung erlaubt eine Integration eines Kapillarkanals mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Verhältnis von effektivem Kanaldurchmesser und Kapillarkanallänge, ohne dass dadurch eine bauliche Vergrößerung der damit ausgestatteten Dosiereinrichtung notwendig ist.In a further embodiment of the invention it is provided that the capillary channel is formed helically. Thus, a particularly compact design of the capillary channel can be realized. The capillary channel may be provided on an inner surface of a bore in a component and / or on an outer surface of a component. The compact design allows an integration of a capillary channel with a ratio of effective channel diameter and capillary channel length according to the invention, without thereby necessitating a structural enlargement of the dosing device equipped therewith.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Kapillarkanal als umlaufende, wendelförmige Nut zwischen einer Konusaußenfläche und einer Abdeckung ausgeführt ist, die eine konusförmige, auf die Konusaußenfläche angepasste Ausnehmung aufweist. Dies ermöglicht eine vorteilhafte Herstellung des Kapillarkanals im Kunststoffspritzgussverfahren, da die konusförmige Geometrie eine Einbringung der wendelförmigen Nut des Kapillarkanals entgegen einer Entformungsrichtung des damit versehenen Bauteils aus einer Kunststoffspritzgussform erlaubt, so dass eine einfache Gestaltung der Kunststoffspritzgussform gewährleistet werden kann. Der Kapillarkanal kann in die Konusaußenfläche und/oder in die konusförmige Ausnehmung der Abdeckung eingebracht werden, die vorteilhafte Herstellungsweise trifft sowohl für die Konusaußenfläche wie auch für die Ausnehmung in der Abdeckung zu.In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the capillary channel is designed as a circumferential, helical groove between a conical outer surface and a cover, which has a conical, adapted to the cone outer surface recess. This allows an advantageous production of the capillary channel in the plastic injection molding process, since the cone-shaped geometry allows introduction of the helical groove of the capillary against a demolding of the thus provided component from a plastic injection mold, so that a simple design of the plastic injection mold can be ensured. The capillary channel can be introduced into the conical outer surface and / or into the conical recess of the cover; the advantageous method of production applies to both the conical outer surface and the recess in the cover.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Kapillarkanal zwischen einer Außenfläche einer Zylinderanordnung und einer Innenfläche einer Aufsteckhülse ausgebildet ist, wobei an der Außenfläche der Zylinderanordnung und/oder an der Aufsteckhülse mehrere Stege vorgesehen sind, die im Wesentlichen in Richtung einer Mittellängsachse der Dosiervorrichtung ausgerichtet sind und die eine definierte Beabstandung der Aufsteckhülse gewährleisten. Durch die Stege, die insbesondere jeweils um 120 Grad versetzt an der Zylinderanordnung und/oder an der Aufsteckhülse vorgesehen sein können, kann eine Übermaß- oder Presspassung zwischen der Zylinderanordnung und der Aufsteckhülse verwirklicht werden. Dadurch wird ein sicheres Aufpressen der Aufsteckhülse auf die Zylinderanordnung ermöglicht, ohne zu einer unerwünschten Verengung oder Deformation der in der Zylinderanordnung vorgesehenen Zylinderbohrung zu führen.In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the capillary channel is formed between an outer surface of a cylinder arrangement and an inner surface of a slip-on sleeve, wherein a plurality of webs are provided on the outer surface of the cylinder assembly and / or on the slip-on, which substantially in the direction of a central longitudinal axis of the metering device are aligned and ensure a defined spacing of the slip sleeve. By the webs, which can be provided in particular each offset by 120 degrees on the cylinder assembly and / or on the slip-on sleeve, an interference or interference fit between the cylinder assembly and the slip-on sleeve can be realized. This allows a secure pressing of the slip-on sleeve on the cylinder assembly, without leading to an undesirable narrowing or deformation of the cylinder bore provided in the cylinder assembly.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Kapillarkanal abschnittsweise in zumindest einem der Stege als Nut eingebracht ist. Damit kommt dem Steg eine Doppelfunktion als Abstandshalter und als Kapillarkanal zu. Die in dem Steg eingebrachte Nut wird durch,das gegenüberliegend angeordnete Bauteil, also bei einem der Zylinderanordnung zugeordneten Steg durch die Aufsteckhülse oder bei einem in der Aufsteckhülse vorgesehenen Steg durch die Zylinderanordnung verschlossen und bildet somit den gewünschten Kapillarkanal aus. Bei einer Ausrichtung des Steges in Richtung der Mittellängsachse der Dosiervorrichtung kann eine einfache Herstellung der Zylinderanordnung und der Aufsteckhülse im Kunststoffspritzgussverfahren verwirklicht werden.In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the capillary channel is introduced in sections in at least one of the webs as a groove. Thus, the bridge has a double function as a spacer and as a capillary channel. The introduced in the web groove is closed by, the oppositely arranged component, ie in a cylinder arrangement associated web through the slip-on sleeve or provided in the slip sleeve web through the cylinder assembly and thus forms the desired Kapillarkanal. With an alignment of the web in the direction of the central longitudinal axis of the metering device, a simple production of the cylinder arrangement and the slip-on sleeve in the plastic injection molding process can be realized.
In weiterer Ausgestaltung der Erfindung ist vorgesehen, dass der Kapillarkanal aus zumindest einem Ringabschnitt und zumindest einem Kanalabschnitt, der zumindest im Wesentlichen längs der Mittellängsachse der Dosiervorrichtung ausgerichtet ist, gebildet ist. Durch den Ringabschnitt, der umlaufend um die Mittellängsachse angeordnet sein kann, wird der parallel zur Mittellängsachse angeordnete Kanalabschnitt mit dem Mediumspeicher verbunden. Der Ringabschnitt ist Teil des Kapillarkanals und kann wie der Kanalabschnitt zwischen der Zylinderanordnung und der Aufsteckhülse ausgebildet werden. Der Ringabschnitt kann insbesondere durch zwei voneinander beabstandete Vorsprünge zwischen der Zylinderanordnung und der Aufsteckhülse verwirklicht werden, wodurch eine einfache Herstellung dieser Bauteile im Kunststoffspritzgussverfahren ermöglicht wird.In a further embodiment of the invention, it is provided that the capillary channel is formed from at least one annular section and at least one channel section, which is aligned at least substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the metering device. By the annular portion, which may be arranged circumferentially around the central longitudinal axis, which is arranged parallel to the central longitudinal axis channel portion is connected to the medium reservoir. The ring section is part of the capillary channel and can be formed like the channel portion between the cylinder assembly and the slip sleeve. The ring portion can be realized in particular by two spaced-apart projections between the cylinder assembly and the slip-on sleeve, whereby a simple production of these components in the plastic injection molding process is made possible.
Weitere Vorteile und Merkmale der Erfindung ergeben sich aus den Ansprüchen sowie aus der nachfolgenden Beschreibung bevorzugter Ausführungsbeispiele, die anhand der Zeichnungen dargestellt sind. Dabei zeigt:
- Fig. 1
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Dosiervorrichtung mit einer in der Be- lüftungsvorrichtung vorgesehenen Filterkartusche,
- Fig. 2
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Ausschnittvergrößerung der Filterkar- tusche gemäß der
Fig. 1 , - Fig. 3
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Ausschnittvergrößerung einer zweiten Ausführungsform einer Filterkartusche,
- Fig. 4
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Ausschnittvergrößerung einer dritten Ausführungsform einer Filterkartusche, und
- Fig. 5
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Dosiervorrichtung mit einer Flachdich- tung mit integrierter Filtereinrichtung
- Fig. 6
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Dosiervorrichtung mit einem Belauf- tungskanal, dem eine Filtereinrichtung und ein daran angekoppelter Kapillarkanal zugeordnet ist,
- Fig. 7
- eine Draufsicht auf die Dosiervorrichtung gemäß der
Fig. 6 bei abge- nommener Kolbenanordnung, - Fig. 8
- eine Schnittansicht der Dosiervorrichtung gemäß der
Fig. 6 , - Fig. 9
- in ebener Schnittdarstellung eine Dosiervorrichtung mit einem Belüf- tungskanal, dem eine Filtereinrichtung und ein daran angekoppelter wendelförmig ausgebildeter Kapillarkanal zugeordnet ist.
- Fig. 1
- in a planar sectional view, a metering device with a filter cartridge provided in the ventilation device,
- Fig. 2
- in a planar sectional view of a detail enlargement of the filter cartridge according to the
Fig. 1 . - Fig. 3
- in a planar sectional view of a detail enlargement of a second embodiment of a filter cartridge,
- Fig. 4
- in a planar sectional view of a detail enlargement of a third embodiment of a filter cartridge, and
- Fig. 5
- in a planar sectional view of a metering device with a flat seal with integrated filter device
- Fig. 6
- in a planar sectional view a metering device with a Belitt- tungskanal, which is associated with a filter device and a capillary channel coupled thereto,
- Fig. 7
- a plan view of the metering device according to the
Fig. 6 with removed piston arrangement, - Fig. 8
- a sectional view of the metering device according to the
Fig. 6 . - Fig. 9
- in a planar sectional view of a metering device with a Belüf- tungskanal, which is associated with a filter device and a coupled thereto helically shaped capillary channel.
Die Dosiervorrichtung 1 gemäß der
An einem der Austragöffnung 6 abgewandten Ende der Pumpeinrichtung 2 ist eine Schnittstelle 11 für die Anbringung des Mediumspeichers vorgesehen. Die Schnittstelle 11 weist eine im wesentlichen zylindrisch geformte Außenhülle 12 auf, die die Kolbenanordnung 3 aufnimmt und in relativbeweglicher, formschlüssiger Wirkverbindung mit dem Applikator 5 steht. Die Außenhülle 12 ist mit einem Innengewinde 13 versehen, das zur formschlüssigen Aufnahme eines am Mediumspeicher vorgesehenen Außengewindes vorgesehen ist. An einer umlaufenden Stirnfläche 14 der Kolbenanordnung 3 liegt eine im wesentlichen kreisringförmig gestaltete Flachdichtung 15 auf, die aus einem elastischen Material hergestellt ist und für eine Abdichtung eines am Mediumspeicher vorgesehenen Flaschenhalses gegenüber der Pumpeinrichtung 2 vorgesehen ist. Die Flachdichtung 15 weist einen Belüftungsdurchbruch 16 auf, der für eine kommunizierende Verbindung des vom Mediumspeicher umschlossenen Volumens mit der Umgebung vorgesehen ist. Auf einer der Schnittstelle 11 zugewandten Seite weist die Flachdichtung 15 eine Dichtfläche 17 auf, die für eine Dichtwirkung gegenüber dem Mediumspeicher vorgesehen ist. Oberhalb des Belüftungsdurchbruchs 16 ist in der Kolbenanordnung 3 eine Aussparung für eine formschlüssige Aufnahme einer Filterkartusche 18 vorgesehen, die mit einer in der
Bei den in den
Die in
Bei einer Filterkartusche 18 gemäß der
Gegenüber der in
Bei der in
Bei einer Filterkartusche 18 gemäß der
Bei der in
Bei einer nicht dargestellten Ausführungsform der Erfindung ist die Filtermembran 20 auf einer Oberfläche der Flachdichtung 15 aufgebracht, insbesondere auflaminiert.In one embodiment of the invention, not shown, the
Bei einer weiteren Ausführungsform ist die Filtermembran im Bereich der Belüftungsöffnung 29 der Kolben- bzw. Zylinderanordnung 3 ähnlich
Bei den mit Kapillarkanälen versehenen Ausführungsformen der Dosiervorrichtung gemäß den
Die in den
Wie in der
Bei der Ausführungsform gemäß der
Bei einer nicht dargestellten Ausführungsform ist die Filtermembran in einer Vertiefung der Flachdichtung untergebracht, wie dies in der
Claims (14)
- Metering device (1) for at least one medium, having a pump unit (2) in operational connection with a media reservoir for medium discharge and having a ventilation device which is assigned to the media reservoir and/or the pump unit and which has a ventilation channel (16, 18, 26, 27) permitting a communicating connection of the volume enclosed by the media reservoir to an environment through a filter membrane (20) assigned to the ventilation channel (16, 18, 26, 27), characterized in that the filter membrane (20) is designed for a reduced diffusion rate in that the active surface of the filter membrane is smaller than 1.4 mm2.
- Metering device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the active surface of the filter membrane is limited by a flow guidance geometry (27) which is designed conical at least in some sections.
- Metering device according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized in that the active surface of the filter membrane is smaller than 0.6 mm2, in particular preferably smaller than 0.2 mm2.
- Metering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter membrane has a mean pore size of less than 1 million pores per mm2, preferably less than 600,000 pores per mm2 and in particular preferably less than 300,000 pores per mm2.
- Metering device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter membrane is provided on a sealing unit (15) arranged inside the ventilation channel, in particular between the media reservoir and the pump unit.
- Metering device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the filter membrane is designed for closure of a passage opening (16) provided in the sealing unit and assigned to the ventilation channel.
- Metering device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter membrane is attached, in particular laminated in place, in the area of a ventilation opening of the media reservoir and/or the pump unit.
- Metering device according to one of Claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the filter device is designed as a discrete filter cartridge.
- Metering device according to the preamble of Claim 1 or to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ventilation channel is designed at least in some sections as a capillary channel which has at least in some sections a ratio between an effective channel diameter (d) and a capillary channel length (I) which is less than 1/25, preferably less than 1/50 and in particular preferably less than 1/100.
- Metering device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the capillary channel is designed helical.
- Metering device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the capillary channel is designed as an all-round helical groove between an outer cone surface and a cover having a conical recess adapted to the outer cone surface.
- Metering device according to Claim 9, characterized in that the capillary channel is designed between an outer surface of a cylinder arrangement and an inner surface of a push-on sleeve, several webs being provided on the outer surface of the cylinder arrangement and/or on the push-on sleeve which are substantially oriented in the direction of a central longitudinal axis of the metering device and ensure a defined distance from the push-on sleeve.
- Metering device according to Claim 12, characterized in that the capillary channel is integrated in some sections into at least one of the webs as a groove.
- Metering device according to Claim 13, characterized in that the capillary channel is formed of at least one annular section and at least one channel section which is oriented substantially along the central longitudinal axis of the metering device.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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DE102004050679A DE102004050679A1 (en) | 2004-10-13 | 2004-10-13 | metering |
PCT/EP2005/010994 WO2006040146A1 (en) | 2004-10-13 | 2005-10-13 | Metering device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP1799357A1 EP1799357A1 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
EP1799357B1 true EP1799357B1 (en) | 2010-07-28 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP05804435A Active EP1799357B1 (en) | 2004-10-13 | 2005-10-13 | Metering device |
Country Status (6)
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US (1) | US20070262090A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1799357B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP5069563B2 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE475484T1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE102004050679A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2006040146A1 (en) |
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DE102007021415A1 (en) | 2007-04-30 | 2008-11-06 | Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh | discharge |
DE102007056380B4 (en) | 2007-11-22 | 2020-06-25 | WestRock Dispensing Systems Hemer GmbH | Cap for a discharge head |
DE102008027599A1 (en) * | 2008-06-10 | 2009-12-31 | Meadwestvaco Calmar Gmbh | Fluidaustragkopf |
DE102009006431B4 (en) | 2009-01-23 | 2010-12-30 | Ing. Erich Pfeiffer Gmbh | discharge |
PT2442821T (en) | 2009-06-18 | 2017-09-29 | Allergan Inc | Safe desmopressin administration |
GB2474520B (en) | 2009-10-19 | 2015-08-26 | London & General Packaging Ltd | Spray dispenser |
US8766858B2 (en) | 2010-08-27 | 2014-07-01 | Apple Inc. | Antennas mounted under dielectric plates |
US9455489B2 (en) | 2011-08-30 | 2016-09-27 | Apple Inc. | Cavity antennas |
US9318793B2 (en) | 2012-05-02 | 2016-04-19 | Apple Inc. | Corner bracket slot antennas |
US9186828B2 (en) | 2012-06-06 | 2015-11-17 | Apple Inc. | Methods for forming elongated antennas with plastic support structures for electronic devices |
DE102012218434A1 (en) | 2012-10-10 | 2014-04-24 | Aptar Radolfzell Gmbh | Dispenser with child safety lock |
USD734447S1 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2015-07-14 | Meadwestvaco Calmar Gmbh | Dispenser |
DE102012023215B3 (en) * | 2012-11-28 | 2014-03-13 | Meadwestvaco Calmar Gmbh | Manually operated dispenser for media |
USD734449S1 (en) * | 2013-05-21 | 2015-07-14 | Meadwestvaco Calmar Gmbh | Dispenser |
DE102016113673A1 (en) | 2016-07-25 | 2018-01-25 | Friedrich Fischer | Dosierspendersystem |
WO2018141350A1 (en) | 2017-02-01 | 2018-08-09 | Silgan Dispensing Systems Hemer Gmbh | Discharge device for a liquid medium |
EP3821987B1 (en) * | 2019-11-15 | 2022-09-28 | Aptar Radolfzell GmbH | Fluid dispenser with bottle ventilation |
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DE4010202C2 (en) * | 1990-03-30 | 1995-02-16 | Roland Wex | Device for removing liquid from a container, in particular a bottle, with simultaneous filtered ventilation of the container |
US5074440A (en) * | 1990-07-16 | 1991-12-24 | Alcon Laboratories, Inc. | Container for dispensing preservative-free preparations |
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DE9217291U1 (en) * | 1992-07-20 | 1993-02-18 | Mauser-Werke Gmbh, 5040 Bruehl | Screw cap |
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FR2727162B1 (en) * | 1994-11-23 | 1996-12-20 | Oreal | MANUAL PREPRESSURE PUMP FOR SPRAYING A LIQUID AND DISPENSING ASSEMBLY PROVIDED WITH SUCH A PUMP |
DE19542959C1 (en) * | 1995-11-17 | 1996-10-24 | Ursatec Verpackung Gmbh | Dosing pump for pharmaceuticals, with anti-contamination protection |
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US20040173556A1 (en) * | 1997-09-19 | 2004-09-09 | Smolko Daniel D. | Vented closures for containers |
DE19807922A1 (en) * | 1998-02-25 | 1999-08-26 | Pfeiffer Erich Gmbh & Co Kg | Media Donor |
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-
2004
- 2004-10-13 DE DE102004050679A patent/DE102004050679A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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2005
- 2005-10-13 EP EP05804435A patent/EP1799357B1/en active Active
- 2005-10-13 JP JP2007536086A patent/JP5069563B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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- 2005-10-13 US US11/665,129 patent/US20070262090A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2005-10-13 WO PCT/EP2005/010994 patent/WO2006040146A1/en active Application Filing
- 2005-10-13 DE DE502005010015T patent/DE502005010015D1/en active Active
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EP1799357A1 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
WO2006040146A1 (en) | 2006-04-20 |
JP5069563B2 (en) | 2012-11-07 |
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