RU2198740C1 - Device for metering and supply - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: devices for fluid metering and supply. SUBSTANCE: device has vessel, shaft, rear seal, shock absorber, piston and single-pass valve. Rear seal is made for tight closing of the first vessel end and motion along shaft. Valve is located on the second end of vessel. Piston is secured at one shaft end and located between valve and shock absorber which is also secured to shaft and located between piston rear seal to ensure open and closed piston positions. Open piston position ensures communication between valve and vessel part between piston and rear seal. Motion of piston between open and closed positions is ensured by motion of shaft along its own axis. Pressure in zone between valve and piston reduces when piston moves from its closed to its open positions. Shock absorber in folded in said case. Single flow of fluid from vessel part located between shock absorber and rear seal and vessel part located on the other side of shock absorber passes through connecting channel in shock absorber when piston moves from its open to closed positions. EFFECT: more accurate metering and supply of fluid with the help of claimed device. 8 cl, 2 dwg

Description

 The invention relates to a device for dispensing and supplying liquid.

 In the production of consumer goods or in the pharmaceutical industry, devices for dispensing and supplying liquid are widely used. Such devices for dispensing and supplying liquid should provide good control of the amount of dosed liquid, as well as good control of the supply of this dose of liquid. Particularly in the pharmaceutical industry, precise control of both quantity and delivery is essential. In addition, it is necessary to produce such devices with reproducibility and economic benefits. An object of the present invention is to provide accurate dosing and delivery of liquid using an economical device for dosing and feeding.

 According to the invention, this task is achieved in a device for dispensing and supplying liquid, which contains a container, a shaft, a rear seal, a shock absorber, a piston and a one-way valve, while the rear seal is configured to seal the first end of the container and move along the shaft, the valve is placed on the second end of the container, the piston is fixed at one end of the shaft, the piston being located between the valve and the shock absorber, while the shock absorber is also fixed to the shaft, located between the piston and the rear seal for providing an open position and a closed position of the piston, while the open position provides fluid communication between the valve and part of the container between the piston and the rear seal, and the piston is moved between the open and closed positions by moving the shaft along its own axis, the pressure in the zone located between the valve and by the piston, decreases when the piston moves from its closed position in the direction of its open position, the shock absorber folds when the piston moves from its closed position. covered position in the direction of its open position, the only fluid flow from the part of the container located between the shock absorber and the rear seal and the part of the container located on the other side of the shock absorber passes through the connecting channel located in the shock absorber when the piston moves from its open position in the direction its closed position.

 A device made according to the invention has several advantages. Since the device contains a piston having an open position and a closed position, allowing liquid to communicate between the valve and the container, the amount of liquid dosed for supply can be precisely controlled by moving the required amount of liquid from the container to the valve part by moving the piston from the closed to the open position, the lack of a direct connection between the tank and the valve prevents uncontrolled emptying of the tank through this valve. In addition, since the pressure in the area between the valve and the piston decreases when the piston moves from its closed position in the direction of its open position, moving the piston in the direction of its open position necessitates the application of extreme force sufficient to overcome or at least balance the decrease in pressure and friction inside the device, as a result of which the unwanted movement of the piston is prevented. The dose delivery is also precisely controlled by the use of a one-way valve, piston, shock absorber and rear seal. Indeed, a one-way valve provides fluid supply only when the piston moves forward in the direction of the valve, the piston moving speed being controlled by the size of the connecting channel made in the shock absorber, in combination with the fluid viscosity and applied mechanical force (for example, spring compression force), which gives the ability to control the fluid flow rate through the valve.

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a dispensing and feeding device according to the invention with the piston in the open position;
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional plan view showing a dispensing and feeding device according to the invention with the piston in the closed position.

 The invention relates to a device 1 or 2 for dispensing and supplying a liquid 10. By a liquid is meant liquids having different viscosities. Preferred liquids in a preferred embodiment of the invention are pharmaceutical liquids, but other uses are provided, for example, in air fresheners.

The device 1 or 2 for dispensing and supplying liquid contains a container 11. The container is usually the cavity in which the liquid should be 10. In a preferred embodiment, the container is essentially gas impermeable, which prevents or limits chemical reactions when exposed to O ₂ or H vapor ₂ O, for example, or prevents air from entering the device, which can cause irregularities in the dosage and flow of fluid.

 The dispensing and feeding device also comprises a shaft 12, usually an elongated element, having a main axis extending in a more elongated direction, the shaft usually comprising a part having a constant cross section in a plane perpendicular to the main axis to provide translational movement of the rear seal 13 or having, for example, a thread to allow spiral movement of the rear seal 13 along the shaft 12.

 The device also includes a rear seal 13, which makes it possible to seal the tank 11 essentially regardless of the amount of liquid 10 contained in the tank 11. This can be achieved, for example, by making the main part of the tank 11 with a constant cross section in a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the shaft 12 wherein the rear seal 13 has substantially the same cross section, and the cross section of the rear seal 13 is preferably larger at the edges than the constant transverse the cross section of the container 11 to provide a tight seal, so that the movement of the rear seal 13 along the shaft 12 provides sealing of the container 11 at a constant cross section at any level in the main part of the tank 11 with a constant cross section, which allows a tight, gas tight seal, variable volume. In a preferred embodiment, the rear seal 13 is made of flexible and resilient material having the shape of an umbrella, more preferably the shape of a double umbrella, so that the seal is constantly pressed against the container 11 around the perimeter of the cross section.

 The device 1 or 2 also contains a shock absorber 14. The shock absorber is preferably a part made of flexible material and having the shape of an umbrella, folding during movement in one direction and absorbing during movement in the other direction.

 A piston 151 or 152 is also included in the device according to the invention. The piston 151 or 152 is usually a part having a constant cross section located in a plane perpendicular to its main axis, and this piston 151 or 152 is elongated along the main axis, moves in part of the container 11 which has a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the main axis of the piston 151 or 152, which is substantially equal, but preferably smaller at the edges, than the cross section of the piston 151 or 152 to ensure good sealing. Typically, the main axis of the piston 151 or 152 is parallel or even aligned with the main axis of the shaft 12. The device also includes a one-way valve 16. By a one-way valve, it should be understood that in normal use, the valve 16 allows the passage of fluid in only one direction. In a preferred embodiment, the valve 16 is a “self-sealing” valve, as described, for example, mainly in EP-A-0597601, EP-A-0395380 or EP-A-0160336.

 A necessary feature of the device according to the invention is that the rear seal 13 hermetically seals the first end of the container 11. This allows the use of a gas-tight container 11, which ensures the stability of the liquid product 10 and the need for the device to work, as will be described later.

 The rear seal 13 must also move along the shaft 12, while this movement includes, for example, linear or spiral movement.

 The valve 16 is located at the second end of the container 11. Typically, the container is elongated along the main direction of the shaft and contains only two ends, while the first end is hermetically sealed by the rear seal 13, and the other includes a valve 16.

 A piston 151 or 152 is mounted at one end of the shaft 12. Typically, a piston 151 or 152 is used in the device 1 or 2 according to the invention to push a dose of product 100 in the direction of the valve 16. For this, the piston 151 or 152 is located between the valve 16 and the shock absorber 14.

 The shock absorber 14 is also mounted on the shaft 12, while it is located between the piston 151 or 152 and the rear seal 13. Typically, the shock absorber 14 is located in part 110 of the tank 11, which does not contain a dose of 100, ready for metered delivery. Typically, the device 1 or 2 according to the invention is mainly intended for reusable use, so that the shock absorber 14 is installed in the part of the container 11, which contains many doses that are not ready for dosed supply, since they are not between the piston and the valve. It should be noted that device 1 or 2 can be used for single use.

 In order for the device according to the invention to be functional, the piston 151 or 152 has an open position and a closed position, the open position providing a fluid communication 153 between the valve 16 and a part of the container 11 between the piston 151 and the rear seal 13. This fluid communication 153 provides a dose dose placement 100 between the valve 16 and the piston 151 before dosing and feeding.

 The movement of the piston between the open and closed position is provided by the movement of the shaft 12 along its own axis, which is the main axis. The pressure in the zone located between the valve 16 and the piston decreases when the piston moves from its closed position in the direction of its open position, resulting in a partial vacuum. This allows you to "suck" a dose of 100 product from the part of the container 11 located between the piston and the rear seal, into the part between the valve and the piston when the piston moves to the open position.

 The shock absorber 14 is folded when the piston moves from its closed position in the direction of its open position. This makes it easier to prepare for dosed delivery and prevents excessive forces acting in the opposite direction when the operator actuates the device, as a result of which the movement or movement of the piston from its closed position in the direction of its open position provides fluid communication 153 between the part of the container between the piston and the rear seal and the part between the valve and the piston to fill this last part with liquid by reducing the pressure or creating a partial vacuum, As mentioned above, the dose 100 of the product is “absorbed” into this part under the influence of rarefaction by means of a message through the liquid 153 in the finished form for dosed supply under the influence of a piston push through the valve.

 Since the only fluid flow from the portion of the reservoir located between the shock absorber and the rear seal and the portion of the reservoir located on the other side of the shock absorber is the flow through the connecting channel 140 located in the shock absorber 14 when the piston moves from its open position in the direction of its closed position while this movement, leading to the supply of ready-to-supply fluid, is inhibited by restricting the flow of fluid in the connecting channel 140 located in amo to the riser 14. Typically, to deliver a dose 100 located between the piston and the valve 16, the piston must move from its open position in the direction of its closed position, thereby moving the shock absorber 14, since both the shock absorber 14 and the piston are fixed to the shaft 12, while the shock absorber moves through the liquid 10, thereby creating an imbalance in the hermetically sealed container 11 between the part of the tank located between the shock absorber 14 and the rear seal 13, and the part of the tank 11 located between the shock absorber 14 and a piston, moreover, this imbalance is compensated by the flow in the connecting channel 140 located in the shock absorber 14, providing control of the rate of release or delivery of a dose of 100, ready for dosing and supply through the valve 16 under the influence of the movement of the piston. Indeed, the piston will have a maximum speed depending on the compression ability, and mainly on the viscosity of the liquid, as well as on the geometric and / or mechanical properties of the device. For example, the larger the connecting channel 140, or the greater the applied force directed forward to the shaft 12, the higher the maximum speed.

 In a preferred embodiment, the shaft is made of a material that conducts electricity, such as metal. In a more preferred embodiment, the liquid is charged with electricity before dosing and feeding. The device according to the invention is particularly suitable for such use, since the regulation of flow will contribute to the charging of the liquid. In particular, there is a maximum speed, the excess of which makes it difficult to charge the liquid or makes it impossible, therefore, the inhibited flow ensures good charging. Preferably, the charging rate corresponds to a fluid flow rate to achieve effective electro-hydrodynamic atomization of the liquid.

 In a preferred embodiment, the volume between the piston in the open position and the valve is less than 100 μl.

 In another preferred embodiment, the control of the supply is such that the volume of the dosed feed liquid at each dosing and supplying operation changes by less than 10% between each dosing and supplying operation. More preferably, the change is less than 5%.

 In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a compressed spring is placed on the shaft end opposite to the one on which the piston is mounted, which provides a force on the shaft in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft axis.

 In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting channel is a single hole formed in the shock absorber, more preferably a circular hole.

 The most preferred embodiment of the invention is provided by combining the device according to the invention with the spray device described in pending applications GB 9806937.0 and GB 9806939.6.

 Such a spray device is particularly suitable for treating diseases of the nose, such as hay fever / or colds associated with colds. Recently, it has been recognized that mucous membranes of the nasal cavity can be used as convenient sites for the transfer of drugs needed to treat other parts of the body. For example, WO 92/11049 describes a pen-shaped device for use through the nose, in particular insulin. For the treatment of this type of disease, it is often convenient to use a nebulizer. Eye treatment can also be conveniently carried out by means of a spray device. Preferred dose volumes for these uses are usually small, less than 10 μl. Usually, repeated dosage is required for effective treatment. Achieving a clean start and stop flow in spray devices that deliver such small volumes can be difficult. Typical problems that are commonly encountered include residual outflow from the valve after use, with the possibility of contamination of the starting material, and clogging of the valve.

 The use of an elastomeric valve, in particular a slotted valve, ensures clean start and stop of the flow without clogging, especially a valve (for clean start) with a sharp drop in pressure through the pressure relief section (for clean stop), even if the sprayed liquid contains fine particulate matter with solid particulates .

 Preferably, the spray device is intended to provide one or more units of a dose of liquid, each dose having a volume in the range of about 1 to 100 μl, the device comprising an elastomeric, self-sealing valve having a liquid side and a supply side, wherein the valve opens to allow fluid to pass when pressure is applied to the liquid on the liquid side, and sealed when pressure is relieved.

 Preferably, the nebulizing device is an electrostatic nebulizing device that charges the nebulized substance before entering the nostrils.

 Fluid media.

 The device according to the invention preferably includes a liquid container containing a pharmaceutically acceptable liquid, including a pharmaceutically acceptable therapeutic substance selected from drugs, flavoring agents, salts, salts, surfactants and mixtures thereof. The fluid optionally contains other immunogenic substances dissolved or sprayed therein. The fluid may be aqueous or non-aqueous. Aqueous liquids include water and mixtures of water with water-miscible solvents, such as, for example, glycerol, propylene glycol or alcohols, for example ethanol or isopropyl alcohol. Aqueous emulsions, or oil-water emulsions, or oil-in-water emulsions may also be used. Preferably, the liquid is an aqueous solution, dispersion or emulsion of an oil in water. Non-aqueous liquids contain polyethylene glycols, glycerin, propylene glycol, dimethyl isosorbide, silicone oils, ketones, ethers and mixtures thereof.

Although the invention is not limited to any specific resistivity range, it is particularly applicable to liquids having a low resistivity, especially those having a volume resistivity of less than 1 • 10 ⁸ Ohm • cm, preferably less than 1 • 10 ⁴ ohm • cm, more preferably less than 1 • 10 ³ ohm • cm. If necessary, the liquid may contain a resistivity modifier, such as a pharmaceutical salt, to bring the volume resistivity to the desired level.

A fluid is a pharmaceutically acceptable intranasal preparation. Preferably, the nasal formulation is isotonic, that is, it has the same osmotic pressure as the blood and tear fluid. The necessary isotonicity of the compositions of this invention can be achieved, for example, by using sodium chloride or other pharmaceutically acceptable agents, such as dextrose, boric acid, citric acid, sodium citrate, sodium tartrate, sodium phosphate, potassium phosphate, propylene glycol or other inorganic and organic solutes. Sodium chloride is preferred especially for buffer solutions containing sodium ions. Other examples of sodium chloride equivalents are described in Remington's Pharmaceutical Theories, pp. 1491-1497, 18th ed., 1990 (Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, pp. 1491-1497, Alfonso Gennaro, 18 ^th ed, 1990) which is included for reference.

 Medications.

 The fluid may contain a wide range of medications. By "medicament" is meant a medicine or other substance intended for therapeutic effect on the body. Suitable drug levels are from 0.001 to 20%, preferably from 0.01 to 5%, more preferably from 0.1 to 5%. The levels of specific drugs will depend on many factors, including their capabilities, safety, solubility, ease of spraying, and proper effect. When used, the drug can be one that is designed to act in the area of application, for example, as a decongestant, antihistamine or anti-inflammatory drug, or it can be designed for systematic absorption, such as an antiviral agent, antidepressant, antiemetic, antipyretic or a hormonal agent, and the like. The drug may be soluble in the liquid or may be a liquid containing insoluble, finely divided particles or solids sprayed into the liquid.

 Decongestants (decongestants) drugs include oxymetazoline, tramazoline, xylometazoline, naphazoline, tetrahydrazoline, pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, phenylephrine, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts, such as hydrochlorides and mixtures thereof. Preferred decongestants are selected from oxymetazoline, xylometazoline, their pharmaceutical salts and mixtures thereof. Particularly preferred for use herein is oxymetazoline hydrochloride, which is soluble in water. When used in the compositions of the present invention, the decongestant drug is preferably present in a concentration of from about 0.01% to 3.0%, more preferably from about 0.01% to 1%.

 Antihistamines used in the present invention include, but are not limited to, the fast acting histamine H-1 receptor antagonists. Such antihistamines can be selected from the following groups of antihistamines: alkylamines, ethanolamines, ethylenediamines, piperazines, phenothiazines, piperidines. Examples of high-speed antihistamines include acrivastin, carbinoxamine, diphenhydramine, chloropheniramine, brompheniramine, dexchloropheniramine, doxylamine, clemastine, promethazine, trimeprazine, methyldazine, hydroxyzine, pyrilamine, pharmacinidine, ilipinidinpropyl azindepine, trimedinidinpropylamine, tride azinde palinpropylamine, tripledinamine, tripid azide . Other antihistamines include terfenadine, azelastine, cetirizine, astemizole, ebastine, ketotifen, lodoxamide, loratadine, levocabastine, mequitazine, oxatomide, setastine, tazifillin, temelastine or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof. When used in the compositions of the present invention, the antihistamine component is preferably present in a concentration of from about 0.01 to 3%, more preferably from about 0.01 to 1%.

 The drug may also be an anti-inflammatory agent, such as, for example, a corticosteroid. Particularly preferred agents in this class are glucocorticoids selected from the group consisting of beclomethasone, flunisolide, fluticasone, memethasone, budesonide, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof. When used in the compositions of the present invention, the anti-inflammatory agent is preferably present in a concentration of from about 0.001% to about 0.1%, more preferably from about 0.01% to about 0.1%.

 Xanthine derivatives such as caffeine and methylxanthine and the like are also useful; antiallergic drugs; antifungal agents, anticholinergics, non-opiate analyzing agents such as acetaminophen, acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen, ethodolac, fenbuprofen, phenoprofen, ketorolac, flurbiprofen, indomethacin, ketoprofen, naproxen, their pharmaceutically acceptable salts and mixtures thereof; opiate analgesics such as butarfanol; leukotriene receptor antagonists; breast cell stabilizers, such as cromolyn sodium, nedocromil and lodoxamide; lipoxygenase inhibiting compounds; and nicotine, insulin and calcinotine.

 Other examples of medications are mentioned in publications: WO 97/46243, ER-A-780127, US-A-5124315, US-A-5622724, US-A-5656255 and US-A-5705490.

 Aromatic substances.

 Various aromatic components (e.g. aldehydes and esters) can be used in the fluids of the invention. These include, for example, menthol, camphor, eucalyptol, benzaldehyde (cherry, almond); citral (lemon, lime); neral, decanal (orange, lemon); aldehyde C-8, aldehyde C-9 and aldehyde C-12 (citrus fruits); tolaldehyde (cherry, almond); 2,6-dimethyl octanal (green fruits); 2-dodecenal (citrus, mandarin); and herbal ingredients such as thyme, rosemary and sage oils. Additional aromatic components used in the present invention include those described in US Pat. Nos. 4,136,163, 4,459,425 and 4,230,688, which are incorporated by reference. Mixtures of these flavoring agents may also be used.

 Surfactants.

 The fluid may also contain one or more pharmaceutically acceptable surfactants. Such surfactants may be necessary to spray or emulsify drugs or flavoring agents to increase absorption on the nasal septum, or as a therapeutic agent, for example, to soften ear wax. Surfactants may be anionic, nonionic, cationic or amphoteric, preferably nonionic. Typical non-ionic surfactants used herein include: polyoxyethylene derivatives of partial esters of sorbitol anhydride fatty acids, for example, polysorbate 80; derivatives of polyoxyethylene fatty acids, for example polyoxyethylene stearate 50; as well as an ethoxylated tertiary octylphenol formaldehyde polymer (Sterling Organics with the trade name Tyloxapol) or mixtures thereof. A typical concentration is from about 0.1 to 3% by weight.

 Salt.

 The fluid may also contain one or more pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Salts may be mineral, such as sodium chloride, or organic acid salts, such as sodium citrate.

 Other activating additives.

 The liquid may also contain other ingredients, such as, for example, sealants, humectants, drug suspensions, encapsulation agents, chelating agents and preservatives.

 The viscosity of the compositions can be maintained at a selected level through the use of a pharmaceutically acceptable sealing agent. Sealers include, for example, xanthan gum, methyl cellulose, microcrystalline cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, carboxyvinyl polymer, carbomer, etc. or their pharmaceutically acceptable salts. Mixtures of such sealing agents can also be used. The preferred concentration of sealant will depend on the agent selected. It is important to use the amount by which the selected viscosity is achieved. Viscous formulations are usually prepared from solutions by the addition of such sealing agents.

 The fluids used in the present invention may also contain from about 0.01% to about 5% humectant to prevent mucosal drying and irritation. Any variety of pharmaceutically acceptable humectants may be used, including, for example, sorbitol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, glycerin, or mixtures thereof. As for sealants, concentrations will vary depending on the agent selected, although the presence or absence of these agents or their concentration is not an essential feature of the invention.

 A pharmaceutically acceptable preservative is typically used to extend the shelf life of the formulations of the present invention. A variety of preservatives may be used, including, for example, benzyl alcohol, paraben, phenylethyl alcohol, thimerosal, chlorobutanol, chlorhexidine gluconate or benzalkonium chloride. The most preferred preservative system used here contains a combination of benzalkonium chloride, chlorhexidine gluconate and disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as a chelating agent. A suitable preservative concentration will be from 0.001% to 2% based on the total weight, although there may be significant changes depending on the agent selected.

 The device is intended to provide one or more units of a dose of liquid, preferably several doses of liquid, each preferably with a volume in the range of from about 1 to about 100 μl, more preferably from about 1 to about 20 μl, even more preferably from about 5 to about 15 μl The dose volume is preferably set in advance, but can be adjusted by the user to the desired volume. Preferably, the device is a replaceable element that can be part of a larger device and which can be replaced or replaced.

 Preferably, the device is designed to provide a spray of a substance having a fluid connection extending from the nozzle and having a nozzle end and a feed end, the spray gun also having a sawing cone diverging from the end of the bond supply. By "tip of the nose" is meant the point at which a plane (hereinafter referred to as the nose plane), perpendicular to the axis of communication and only touching the outer surface of the nose, will intersect the center of communication. The bond preferably has a length of from about 1 to 20 mm, more preferably from about 1 to about 10 mm, but more preferably, from about 2 to about 8 mm, and especially from about 3 to about 6 mm from the end of the spout to the end of the feed.

In preferred embodiments, the sawing cone has a taper angle of from about 10 to about 90 ^° , preferably from 20 to about 50 ^° , more preferably from about 30 to about 40 ^° . In electrostatic devices, the bond length and taper angle can be controlled by changing the viscosity or surface tension of the liquid, changing the speed of the liquid stream or the output speed, or changing the characteristics of the valve slit or the properties of the valve material, or changing the strength of the electric field by means of a voltage, an electric potential gradient, or using a gain electrode field.

 The total bond length can be longer and preferably greater than the length from the end of the nozzle to the end of the feed, since the connection preferably starts from a point on the device from the side of the plane of the nozzle, such as, for example, from a self-sealing valve made of elastomeric material and passes through a channel in nose. Suitably, the distance from the starting point of the bond to the nose plane is from about 2 mm to about 15 mm, preferably from about 3 to about 10 mm, and more preferably from about 5 to about 9 mm. Thus, the spout can be used as a field amplifier, which helps to adjust the length of the connection. For this purpose, the nozzle is preferably made not of a conductive material, such as, for example, plastic, which may be polypropylene, but is preferably a soft thermoplastic elastomer, which provides more convenience when holding it near the nose. The elastomers described herein and used for the self-sealing valve are also suitable for the nozzle.

Elastomeric devices suitable for sputtering by communication are described in WO 96/40441, in EP-A-501725 and in co-pending application PCT / GB 97/02746. Preferably, the device according to the invention is a device according to exemplary applications EP-A-501725 and PCT / GB 97/02746, in which a high-speed jet is generated by mechanical means and an applied high voltage causes the stream or bond to refract into the spray cone. Suitable jet speeds are from about 0.5 to about 8, preferably from about 1 to about 3 ms ^-1 .

 Suitable high voltage ranges from about 1 kV to about 15 kV, preferably from about 2 kV to about 10 kV, and more preferably from about 2 kV to about 5 kV. Voltage can be applied even in a small hand-held device using a low-voltage battery (1.5 V is enough) connected to a step-up transformer. The battery is preferably long acting and can be replaceable. The generator can be driven by the user using an external switch, which can also be used to mechanically pump the pump. Preferably, the switch includes a metal part with which the user closes the return of current through the earth to the high voltage circuit. A suitable device for the entire structure is described in PCT / GB 97/02746. Thus, the user does not receive the total charge. Alternative devices by which an alternating voltage is excited can also be used to prevent charge buildup.

 The device is preferably actuated to supply atomized material. The bond supplying the nebulized substance passes through the opening of the nostril of the nose and preferably comes close to the opening of the nasal valve before it breaks to form a spray cone.

 To ensure a clear shut-off at low volume units, the device preferably comprises an elastomeric, self-sealing outlet valve having a liquid side and a supply side, wherein the valve opens to allow liquid to pass when the pressure exerts pressure on the liquid on the liquid side and seals off when the pressure is relieved. Preferably, a clear cut-off is achieved when the forward movement of the piston in the pressure relief chamber (section of a wider diameter) is completed, as a result of which the pressure drops sharply and the valve closes. By "exhaust valve" is meant an elastomeric valve of the final supply, and the device does not have other elements that mechanically restrict or change the fluid flow on the downstream side of the valve. In particularly preferred embodiments of the invention, the valve is a slit valve. The valve may comprise one slit or more intersecting slots to form, for example, a cruciform shape. Preferably, however, the valve has one slot. Although the valve may be flat, it preferably has a dome shape, which means that the valve is not planar in shape with a cavity having the shape of a semicircular dome or in the shape of a truncated cone. In preferred embodiments, the valve is essentially in the form of a semicircular dome with a flange around its perimeter, so that a cuff can be installed to hold the valve in the device.

 The diameter of the valve including the flange is usually from about 2 to about 6 mm, and the portion of the dome has a diameter of from about 1 to about 4 mm, usually about 2.5 mm and a thickness from the inside to the outside of about 0.5 to about 1 5 mm, more preferably about 1 mm. The valve must not have uniform thickness. In preferred embodiments, the outer surface of the dome of the valve is semicircular, while the inner surface is made with a small flat part at the top of the dome where a gap is formed. The required slit width is from about 50 to 400 microns, preferably from about 150 to about 250 microns. In this case, the width of the slit is preserved along the length of the slit during its formation.

, предпочтительно, от 40 до 70

по Шору. Эластомеры могут по желанию быть смешаны с подходящим пластификатором или пенообразователем, чтобы повысить их свойство сжатия. Эластомер может также иметь другие материалы, распыленные внутри, для модификации их свойств, например проводимости. Если применяются эластомеры, имеющие низкую прочность на разрыв, ширина щели может увеличиваться, если щель держать открытой в течение продолжительного периода времени.The term "elastomer" as used herein refers to a material that has the property of elastic compression and elastic stretching. A wide range of elastomers can be used, including but not limited to polyurethanes; chloroprene, butyl, butadiene and styrene-butadiene rubbers and silicone-based elastomers, such as silicones that cure at room temperature (VKT silicones). Preferred for use here are those silicones that are commercially available under the trademark Nusil and have a shore hardness of approximately 30 to 80

preferably 40 to 70

Shore. The elastomers may optionally be mixed with a suitable plasticizer or foaming agent to enhance their compression property. The elastomer may also have other materials sprayed inside to modify their properties, such as conductivity. If elastomers having a low tensile strength are used, the gap width may increase if the gap is kept open for a long period of time.

 The slit valve may be formed by puncture of an elastomeric seal made by injection molding or pressing, and having the size and shape of a valve according to the invention, the puncture being performed by a rod with a pointed tip. The width of the slit is approximately proportional to the width of the rod. The rod may be a flat blade or may have a polygonal or circular cross section. The rod preferably has a polygonal or, in particular, circular cross section. It has been found that tapered pointed rods create a cut, which when used acts as a sash, not a hole. This can lead to the formation of a non-direct jet and even two or more jets that do not provide spraying in a given direction. Suitable rod diameters are from about 100 to 350, more preferably from 150 to 250 microns in diameter. When silicone elastomers are used, it is preferable that the penetrating rod is quickly removed after a gap is formed in order to prevent an unwanted expansion of the gap. It has also been found that the geometric shape of the elastomeric seal and the puncture method have a significant effect on the efficiency and ability to reproduce the gap. A more reliable gap formation is obtained if the seal is pierced from the inside of the dome, and not from the outside.

The valve usually opens when pressure is applied to the liquid on the liquid side and closes when pressure is relieved. The applied pressure is suitably in the range of from about 200 to about 5000 mbar (20 to 50 kPa), preferably from 500 to about 3000 mbar (50 to 300 kPa). The speed of the jet through the valve is usually proportional to the applied pressure and ranges from about 5 to about 50, more preferably from 5 to about 30 μls ^-1 . At such pressures, this type of the proposed valve and with such dimensions of the slit, a direct connection of the liquid with an outlet speed of from about 0.5 to 8, preferably from 1 to about 3 ms ^-1 , is obtained.

 The diameter of the outgoing fluid bond is partially determined by the flow rate and is usually less than the width of the slotted valve. Depending on the flow rate, fluid coupling diameters of less than 50 μm can be obtained, even if a slot valve width of 200 μm is used. The particle size of the atomized substance after refraction into the sawing cone depends to a large extent on the diameter of the bond, the particle size being approximately the same as the diameter of the bond. A feature of electrostatic spraying according to the invention using a bond is that a sprayable substance with a dense, almost monodisperse composition is obtained. Thus, it becomes possible to obtain a sprayable substance with an average droplet size of from 20 to 80, preferably from about 30 to 70 microns, more preferably from about 40 to 60 microns, with a particle size distribution having a standard deviation of less than 5, usually less than 2 μm, and preferably less than 1 μm. It is understood that for atomization in the nose, a particle size of 10 microns or less is undesirable so that the particles do not pass into the lungs. However, it is believed that by providing an electrostatic charge on the particles, their passage outside the nose is prevented, since charged particles quickly tend to find a grounded surface.

 A clear valve stop can also be improved by providing pressure relief behind the valve. This section will provide a sharp drop in pressure when the piston enters this section almost before the completion of its forward movement, and will also provide immediate and reliable valve closure, without leakage at the end of the full dose.

 The spray device is intended for use in the body cavity, in particular, the nose, mouth and ears of a person. The small volume and soft spray also make it suitable for ophthalmology. Preferably, the device is a nose spray. A preferred method for introducing fluid into the nasal cavity using the device involves spraying the liquid in the nasal cavity without significant penetration of the device into the nostrils. By the expression “without substantial penetration into the nostrils” is meant here that a nozzle or the like is not inserted into the nose. In use, the nose of the device is preferably brought into contact with the opening of the nostrils in such a way as to exploit the field amplification effect described herein with respect to the nose. In the case of application of pressure by the user for precise contact or in order to clarify the direction, some expansion of the nostrils or overlapping of the cartilage of the septum of the nose is possible, but nevertheless, the nose will not fully enter the nostril.

Claims (8)

 1. Device for dispensing and supplying (1, 2) fluid (10), containing a container (11), a shaft (12), a rear seal (13), a shock absorber (14), a piston (151, 152) and a one-way valve (16 ), and the rear seal (13) is configured to seal the first end of the container (11) and move along the shaft (12), the valve (16) is located at the second end of the container (11), the piston (151, 152) is fixed at one end shaft (12), and the piston (151, 152) is between the valve (16) and the shock absorber, while the shock absorber (14) is also mounted on the shaft (12) and is located between the piston and the rear (13), providing the open position and the closed position of the piston (151, 152), while the open position provides fluid communication between the valve (16) and part of the container (11) between the piston (151, 152) and the rear seal (13) moreover, the movement of the piston (151, 152) between the open and closed position is provided by the movement of the shaft (12) along its own axis, the pressure in the area between the valve (16) and the piston (151, 152) decreases when the piston moves out of its closed position in the direction of its open position, with amor the isator (14) develops when the piston moves from its closed position in the direction of its open position, the only fluid flow from the part of the tank (11) located between the shock absorber (14) and the rear seal (13) and the part of the tank (11) located on the other side of the shock absorber (14), passes through the connecting channel (140) located in the shock absorber (14) when the piston (151, 152) moves from its open position in the direction of its closed position.  2. A metering and dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the shaft (12) is made of an electrically conductive material.  3. The device for dispensing and feeding according to claim 2, in which the liquid is electrically charged before it is dosed.  4. The device for dispensing and feeding according to claim 1, in which the volume enclosed between the piston in the open position and the valve (16) is less than 100 μl.  5. The device for dispensing and feeding according to claim 1, in which the volume of the dosed feed liquid during each operation of such a dosed supply varies by less than 10% between each operation of the dosed supply.  6. The metering and dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein a compressed spring is disposed at the end of the shaft (12) opposite to that on which the piston (151, 152) is attached, exerting a force on the shaft (12) in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the shaft (12).  7. The metering and dispensing device according to claim 1, wherein the one-way valve (16) is a self-sealing valve (16).  8. The device for dispensing and feeding according to claim 1, in which the connecting channel (140) is the only hole made in the shock absorber (14).

Images