WO1995009126A1 - Procede de prelevement du liquide d'une cartouche multidose - Google Patents

Procede de prelevement du liquide d'une cartouche multidose Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1995009126A1
WO1995009126A1 PCT/US1994/011130 US9411130W WO9509126A1 WO 1995009126 A1 WO1995009126 A1 WO 1995009126A1 US 9411130 W US9411130 W US 9411130W WO 9509126 A1 WO9509126 A1 WO 9509126A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cartridge
liquid
recited
needle
lid
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1994/011130
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kevin H. Butler
Thaddeus J. Mielnik, Jr.
William C. Little
Jaime Diaz
Original Assignee
American Sterilizer Company
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by American Sterilizer Company filed Critical American Sterilizer Company
Priority to JP7510480A priority Critical patent/JPH09503187A/ja
Priority to DE69404851T priority patent/DE69404851T2/de
Priority to EP94929982A priority patent/EP0721425B1/fr
Publication of WO1995009126A1 publication Critical patent/WO1995009126A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D7/00—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes
    • B67D7/02—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants
    • B67D7/0238—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on liquids in storage containers
    • B67D7/0266—Apparatus or devices for transferring liquids from bulk storage containers or reservoirs into vehicles or into portable containers, e.g. for retail sale purposes for transferring liquids other than fuel or lubricants utilising compressed air or other gas acting directly or indirectly on liquids in storage containers by gas acting directly on the liquid
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67D—DISPENSING, DELIVERING OR TRANSFERRING LIQUIDS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B67D1/00—Apparatus or devices for dispensing beverages on draught
    • B67D1/08—Details
    • B67D1/12—Flow or pressure control devices or systems, e.g. valves, gas pressure control, level control in storage containers
    • B67D1/1247—Means for detecting the presence or absence of liquid

Definitions

  • ethod for dispensing liquid from a multi-dose cartridge.
  • the present invention is directed generally to containers and more particularly to single or multi- dose vented containers used to ship liquids requiring ventilation.
  • the liquid dispensed into the equipment must be of high quality and/or precise quantity.
  • manufacturers often provide cartridges or containers containing liquid of the desired quality and quantity.
  • containers or cartridges which can be refilled by the user are susceptible of being refilled with improper quality or imprecise quantities of liquids.
  • hydrogen peroxide sterilization systems it is necessary to use hydrogen peroxide within a limited concentration range.
  • a more concentrated solution of hydrogen peroxide can be hazardous and a less concentrated solution might be ineffective to achieve sterilization under the conditions present in the particular sterilization system.
  • a technician unaware of the importance of using a particular type of hydrogen peroxide or other liquid, might refill a liquid container with the incorrect type or volume of liquid.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,037,623 Another example of a sterilant concentration injection system is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 5,037,623.
  • the apparatus disclosed in that patent provides an arm/needle configuration which punctures a single-dose cartridge.
  • the cartridge is comprised of a vent passage defining a vent aperture at a first end which is in fluid communication with the exterior of the cartridge.
  • the vent aperture is disposed centrally in three dimensions in the interior volume such that when fluid partially fills the interior volume, the vent aperture remains in the head space of the fluid regardless of the orientation of the cartridge.
  • U.S. Serial No. 07/850,645 discloses a vented cartridge comprised of a container having a top surface, a bottom surface, and side surfaces connected together to define a predetermined volume.
  • a dip tube extends from the top surface substantially to the bottom surface.
  • a vent tube extends from the top surface and is positioned coaxially with the dip tube.
  • the vent tube has an upper opening positioned in the upper third of the predetermined volume and a lower opening positioned in the lower third of the predetermined volume.
  • a space between an outer surface of the dip tube and an inner surface of the vent tube forms a central fluid communication path between the upper and lower openings and the top surface.
  • An upper valve is positioned at the upper opening for closing the upper opening if the cartridge is oriented with the top surface facing down; a lower valve is positioned at the lower opening for closing the lower opening if the cartridge is oriented with the top surface facing up.
  • This vented cartridge is intended to be used with a liquid feed system of the type which allows withdrawal of the fluid in the cartridge. When the cartridge is spent, the liquid feed system pushes the vent tube and dip tube further into the cartridge thereby disconnecting those tubes from the top surface and preventing the cartridge from being reused.
  • a reservoir member is provided which is drained when the vent tube and dip tube are pushed into the cartridge. When the reservoir member's seal is broken, a diluent is released into the cartridge which renders the designed maximum allowable remaining fluid in the cartridge harmless.
  • the vented cartridge provides a multi-dose cartridge which provides the exact quantity and quality of liquid needed for the intended process.
  • the cartridge is mechanically disabled so that it is incapable of being refilled and used again.
  • any remaining fluid in the cartridge is being diluted to a point where the cartridge may be disposed of in ordinary trash.
  • the cartridge is vented during shipping no matter what orientation the cartridge may assume.
  • the present invention is directed to an automated method of using the vented cartridge of the copending application in an improved liquid dispensing system.
  • the liquid feed system mechanically engages the cartridge by way of a "cartridge interface mechanism", a mechanical assembly which includes a piston which moves the needle, the piston being moved by a crank and linkage arrangement connected to a gear motor.
  • a sensor which permits the cartridge interface mechanism to mechanically engage the cartridge, moving the needle into a position which permits the withdrawal of liquid from the cartridge.
  • the cartridge interface system disengages from the cartridge, after first disabling the cartridge from further use by pushing the vent tube and dip tube into the cartridge, thus disconnecting them from access to the cartridge interface system.
  • the cartridge cap includes a diluent reservoir which is opened to the cartridge upon disengagement of the vent and dip tubes by the cartridge interface mechanism, the diluent thus diluting the remaining liquid to a level where it can be disposed of in ordinary trash.
  • the method of the present invention continues by raising the cartridge interface mechanism to a position which permits operator replacement of the cartridge.
  • the positions of the cartridge interface mechanism are controlled by an arrangement of sensors, located at each position, for halting the motion of the mechanism.
  • the present method permits full automation of the liquid dispensing, offering a greater degree of control than had been attainable with previous methods.
  • FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the vented cartridge of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 is an exploded view illustrating the components of the vented cartridge of the present invention
  • FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate the lid of the vented cartridge
  • FIGS. 5 and 6 illustrate the reservoir member of the vented cartridge
  • FIG. 7 illustrates the vent tube/dip tube assembly of the vented cartridge
  • FIG. 8 illustrates the dip tube of the vented cartridge
  • FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate the upper vent tube portion
  • FIG. 11 illustrates the lower vent tube portion
  • FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the upper and lower vent guard of the vented cartridge
  • FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view as used with the vented cartridge of the present invention
  • FIGS. 15A and 15B are respective front and side sectional views of the cartridge interface mechanism used with the present invention
  • FIG. 16 illustrates the vented cartridge; and cartridge interface system in the pre-operative position
  • FIG. 17 illustrates the vented cartridge and cartridge interface mechanism in mechanical engagement
  • FIG. 18 illustrates the cartridge interface system disengaging vent tube/dip tube assembly of the vented cartridge from mechanical contact with the cartridge cap.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a vented cartridge 10 of the type disclosed and claimed in the aforementioned U.S. Serial No. 07/850,645.
  • the vented cartridge 10 can be broken down into three functional components: a container 12 which defines a predetermined volume for carrying hydrogen peroxide or any other liquid of interest; a cartridge cap 13 which incorporates a reservoir member 14 for carrying a diluent appropriate for the liquid carried by container 12; and a vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 which provides the means for venting the cartridge 10 as well as withdrawing the liquid from the container 12.
  • the vented cartridge 10 is intended to be used in conjunction with a liquid dispensing system as shown in Figs. 15A and 15B.
  • This liquid dispensing system includes a housing which further includes a top portion in which a cartridge interface mechanism is positioned, and a bottom portion having an opening for receiving the vented cartridge 10 of the present invention.
  • a needle 220 carried by the cartridge interface mechanism is moved into a first position for sealingly engaging the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 of the vented cartridge 10 to an inlet port of the liquid feed system.
  • the cartridge interface mechanism thereafter assumes a second position wherein the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 is rendered inoperative and, simultaneously, causes the release of the diluent from reservoir member 14.
  • the diluent dilutes the designed maximum allowable remaining liquid in the cartridge thereby enabling the cartridge to be disposed of with other office trash.
  • the cartridge interface mechanism returns to the position of Fig. 3 which allows the vented cartridge 10 to be removed and replaced with another vented cartridge 10 having a fresh supply of liquid.
  • the present invention is directed primarily to the vented cartridge 10.
  • the container 12 is seen in FIG. 2 to be comprised of a jar or bottle shaped member 18 and an appropriately sized lid 20.
  • the container 12 is thus seen as having a top surface 24 provided by the lid 20, a bottom surface 25 which is the bottom of bottle shaped member 18, and a side surface 27 which, in the case of bottle shaped member 18, is cylindrical in shape.
  • the lid 20 carries threads 22 which mate with threads 23 carried by the bottle shaped member 18.
  • lid 20 is screwed onto the bottle shaped member 18.
  • the top surface 24 combines with the side surface 27 and bottom surface 25 to define a predetermined volume 29 which the container 12 can hold.
  • the bottle shaped member 18 may be in the shape of a rectangular parallelpiped. Rather than including threads, the lid 20 and the bottle shaped member 18 may include projecting lips which permit the lid 20 to snap onto the bottle shaped member 18.
  • the lid 20 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 3, which is a view looking downward on top of the lid, and in FIG. 4, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines IV - IV in FIG. 3.
  • the lid 20 is provided with a plurality of reinforcing ribs 31.
  • An annular space 35 receives an annular sealing member 39, seen in FIG. 1.
  • the annular sealing member 39 may be retained in the annular space 35 by the diluent reservoir member 14 that is snapped into place using retaining bead 41.
  • the function of the annular sealing member 39 will be described in detail hereinbelow.
  • an annular projection 43 formed in the underside of the lid 20.
  • the annular projection 43 defines a circular opening
  • the circular opening 45 may be divided into three portions, an outer annular area 47 extending between annular projection 43 and a cylindrical wall 80, an inner annular area 48 extending between cylindrical wall 80 and a second cylindrical wall 84, and a central circular area 49 defined by the second cylindrical wall 84.
  • inner annular area 48 and central circular area 49 are sized to receive the upper end of the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16.
  • Lid 20 contains four apertures 51 located in annular area 48. The purpose of apertures 51 will become clear after the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 has been described.
  • the second cylindrical wall 84 defines a bore 53 which is sealed from atmospheric pressure by an extremely thin and frangible portion 55 of the lid 20.
  • the bore 53 carries a detente 56 which is used to mechanically hold the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 together with the lid 20 as will be described more fully hereinbelow.
  • the reservoir member 14 is shown in greater detail in FIG. 5, which is a view looking upward into the reservoir member 14, and in FIG. 6, which is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines VI-VI in FIG. 5.
  • the reservoir member 14 contains a plurality of radially extending reinforcing ribs 57.
  • the reservoir member 14, as seen in FIG. 6, is substantially cylindrical in shape and is characterized by having an outwardly extending lip 59, an open top, and a closed bottom having a central bore 61.
  • the central bore 61 is sized to allow the reservoir member 14 to rest upon, and firmly engage, a conical surface of the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16.
  • An 0-ring 63 or other type of sealing member may be provided in the area in which the reservoir member 14 abuts the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 so as to ensure that the diluent carried in the reservoir 14 does not leak.
  • the bottle shaped member 18 carries an inwardly extending lip 65 around its upper periphery. Upon lip 65 is positioned an annular sealing member 67. The outwardly extending lip 59 of the reservoir member 14 is sized to fit on top of annular sealing member 67 as shown in the figure.
  • annular sealing member 39 When lid 22 is screwed on to the top of the bottle shaped member 18, annular sealing member 39 is brought into engagement with outwardly extending lip 59. By applying torque to lid 20, annular sealing members 39 and 67 are compressed, thereby forming a seal between the bottle shaped member 18 and reservoir member 14, and a seal between reservoir member 14 and lid 20, respectively. In that manner, neither the diluent carried by reservoir member 14 nor the liquid carried by container 12 can leak.
  • the purpose of the reservoir member 14 is to be drained upon removal of all the liquid from the container 12 so that the designed maximum allowable residual liquid in container 12 may be diluted to such an extent that the vented cartridge 10 may be disposed with ordinary office trash.
  • vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 is shown in detail in FIG. 7.
  • the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 is comprised of an upper vent tube portion 69 which carries an upper vent guard 70 and an upper movable member 71 and a lower vent tube portion 72 which carries a lower vent guard 73 and a lower movable member 74.
  • a vent tube 76 illustrated in FIG. 8, extends substantially throughout the length of the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 and extends out the bottom of that assembly as seen in FIG. 1.
  • the vent tube is actually comprised of an upper vent tube portion 69, shown in detail in FIGS. 9 and 10, and a lower vent tube portion 72 illustrated in detail in FIG. 11.
  • FIG. 9 is a view looking up into the upper vent tube portion 69
  • FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines X - X in FIG. 9.
  • the upper vent tube is comprised essentially of a cylindrical wall 78 which, at its upper end, is sized to provide a friction fit (seen in FIG. 1) with the wall 80 defining the inner annular area 48.
  • the upper end of the upper vent tube portion 69 contains a crown member 82 centrally located within circular wall 78.
  • the crown member 82 is rigidly connected to the circular wall 78 except for four bores 95 seen best in FIG. 9. As seen in FIG. 1, the four bores 95 are in fluid communication with an air space 97 formed by inner annular area 48.
  • the air space 97 is in fluid communication with atmospheric pressure through the apertures 51 in the inner annular area 48 of lid 20.
  • Crown member 82 carries a raised bead 83.
  • the crown member 82 and bead 83 are sized to provide a friction fit within the wall 84 defining central circular area 49 and detente 56, respectively, as best seen in FIG. 1.
  • the lower end of crown member 82 contains a circular opening 86 sized to receive dip tube 76.
  • crown member 82 has a central bore 88 extending therethrough.
  • a fluid communication path to the bottom of the container 12 is established through lid 20, bore 53 defined by wall 84, the central bore 88 of crown member 82, and the dip tube 76.
  • a fluid communication path is established from the top surface 24 to substantially the bottom surface 25.
  • Dip tube 76 may have an angled bottom to enable the maximum amount of fluid to be withdrawn from container 12.
  • the bottom of container 12 may be sloped as illustrated in phantom in FIG. 1 to facilitate maximum removal of the fluid contained within container 12.
  • the circular wall 78 has an outside surface 90 and an inside surface 91.
  • Upper apertures 93 extending through wall 78 from inside surface 91 to outside surface 90 permit fluid communication between the interior volume of upper vent tube portion 69 and the predetermined volume 29 defined by container 12.
  • Upper apertures 93 may be located, for example, so as to be in the upper third of the predetermined volume 29.
  • the upper vent tube portion 69 carries a skirt member 99 which is configured to provide a surface 101 upon which reservoir member 14 may rest and a groove 103 for retaining the 0-ring 63.
  • the skirt member 99 has at its outer periphery an outwardly extending lip which provides a first shoulder 105 and a detente 107.
  • Formed in the outside surface 90 is a second shoulder 109 and detente 111.
  • the two shoulders 105 and 109 and the two detentes 107 and 111 are used to retain upper vent guard 70 as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.
  • the circular wall 78 of upper vent tube portion 69 carries appropriate means t" enable mechanical linkage with lower vent tube portion 72.
  • such mechanical means includes an inwardly extending bead 113 formed on the inside surface 91 of circular wall 78.
  • the reader will understand, however, tnat other types of mechanical means for connecting the upper vent tube portion 69 and lower vent tube portion 72 may be provided.
  • the lower vent tube assembly 72 is illustrated in FIG. 11.
  • the lower vent tube assembly 72 is comprised essentially of a cylindrical wall 115.
  • the upper end of the cylindrical wall 115 has a reduced outside diameter sized to fit inside of the lower end of the upper vent tube portion.
  • a step or shoulder 121 is present where the area of reduced outside diameter begins.
  • Also carried by the outside surface 119 is a detente 123.
  • the lower end of upper vent tube portion 59 slides along the area of reduced diameter until it strikes shoulder 121 at which time the bead 113 engages detente 123. In that manner, the upper vent tube portion 69 and lower vent tube portion 72 are mechanically interconnected.
  • the lower vent tube portion 72 carries a circular member 125.
  • the circular member 125 has an outwardly extending lip forming a first shoulder 105, and a corresponding detente 107.
  • Formed in the outer surface of wall 115 is a second shoulder 109 and a corresponding detente 111.
  • First and second shoulders 105 and 109 and first and second detentes 107 and 111, respectively, perform the same functions with respect to the lower vent tube portion 72 as they perform with respect to the upper vent tube portion 69 and therefore have been given the same reference numerals as were given in the description of the upper vent tube portion.
  • wall 117 contains a bead 127 sized to sealingly engage dip tube 76.
  • the cylindrical wall 115 has an inside surface 117 and an outside surface 119.
  • Wall 117 has lower apertures 129 extending therethrough from the inside surface 117 to the outside surface 119 which allow the interior volume of the lower dip tube portion 72 to be in fluid communication with the predetermined volume 29 of the container 12.
  • the apertures 129 may be located, for example, in the lower third of the predetermined volume 29.
  • upper vent guard 70 and the lower vent guard 73 which are illustrated in detail in FIG. 12, which is a view looking up into vent guard 70, and FIG. 13 which is a cross-sectional view taken along the lines XIII - XIII in FIG. 12.
  • the upper vent guard 70 and lower vent guard 73 are identical in construction and operation such that only one need be described.
  • upper vent guard 70 is substantially comprised of a cylindrical wall 131.
  • the cylindrical wall 131 carries a raised bead 133 on its interior surface at one end thereof.
  • the upper vent guard 70 includes a central ring 135 which is connected to the cylindrical wall 131 through a plurality of ribs 137. Central ring 135 and ribs 137 cooperate to define a plurality of openings 139 seen best in FIG. 12.
  • Ring 135 carries a raised bead 141 along its interior surface.
  • the upper vent guard 70 is carried on the upper vent tube portion 69. That is accomplished in the following manner. Referring to FIG. 1, it is seen that the inside diameter of one end of the vent guard 70 is sized to fit over the outside diameter of skirt member 99. When so positioned, a transverse edge 132 of wall 131 butts against shoulder 105 and raised bead 133 engages detente 107. Similarly, a transverse edge 134 of central ring member 135 butts against shoulder 109 and raised bead 141 engages detente 111. In that manner, upper vent guard 70 is fixably carried by upper vent tube portion 69. The upper vent guard 70 is positioned such that cylindrical wall 131 surrounds apertures 93. The reader will understand that lower vent guard 73 is similarly constructed, is likewise fixably carried by lower vent tube portion 72, and is positioned such that cylindrical wall 131 surrounds apertures 129.
  • Upper vent guard 70 has a plurality of C-shaped members 143 extending from the exterior surface of wall 131 at one end thereof.
  • the C-shaped members 143 are used to retain movable members 145 best seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.
  • the movable members 145 are annularly shaped and sized to entirely cover openings 139 when the movable member is adjacent to surface 147 of the vent guard 70. That is referred to as the valve seat position.
  • the movable member's 145 annular shape the movable member is capable of sliding along either the upper vent tube portion 69 or the lower vent tube portion 72, wherever it happens to be located. Movement away from the valve seat position is ultimately restrained by the C-shaped members 143.
  • the valve stop position When the movable member is engaging C-shaped members 143, that position is referred to as the valve stop position.
  • lid 20 Prior to transportation, lid 20 is screwed tightly onto bottle-shaped member 18 thereby sealing the liquid within container 12 and the diluent within reservoir 14 when the cartridge 10 is oriented such that the top surface 24 is facing up, the force of gravity acting upon movable member 145 carried on the lower vent tube portion 72 will move member 145 into the valve seat position.
  • apertures 139 are covered. In that manner, the lower vent guard 73 and movable member 145 form a valve which affectively controls apertures 129.
  • Apertures 129 are in fluid communication with the atmosphere through the aforementioned central fluid communication path.
  • hydrophobic membranes 150 are shown positioned over openings 139 and covering apertures 51.
  • the vented cartridge 10 may be filled with any volume of fluid so long as at least one of the upper and lower fluid communication paths remains in the head space of the fluid, in the preferred embodiment in which hydrogen peroxide is carried by the vented cartridge 10, the hydrogen peroxide level will be below the C-shaped members 143 carried by the lower vent guard 73.
  • movable member 145 carried by lower vent tube portion 72 will, by force of gravity, be in the valve seat position such that the hydrophobic membranes 150 of lower vent guard 73 are protected from splashing hydrogen peroxide.
  • movable member 145 carried by the upper vent tube portion 69 will be in the valve stop position such that the upper fluid communication path will be open.
  • vent guards' 70 and 73 construction is the result of the design requirements for their openings 139 to permit the required air transmissibility through the hydrophobic membrane 150 to prevent over pressurization of the bottle.
  • the cartridge 10 will always be capable of being vented.
  • a needle 220 punctures the frangible area 55 of the lid 20 and enters the bore 53 defined by wall 84.
  • the frangible surface 55 is forcibly pushed back by entry of the needle 220 such that a seal is formed between the needle and the bore 53 above the frangible surface 55 of lid 20.
  • the contents of container 12 may be withdrawn by use of a vacuum.
  • the fluid communication paths which are allowed for venting during transportation and storage, are now relied upon to provide air to replace the withdrawn fluid to prevent the cartridge 10 from collapsing.
  • the hydrophobic membranes 150 filter the ambient incoming air to prevent contamination that could degrade the hydrogen peroxide.
  • the needle 220 is inserted further until it contacts crown member 82. Further insertion of the needle forces the entire vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 out of engagement with lid 20 thus rendering cartridge 10 incapable of being reused. At the same time that the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 is pushed out of engagement with lid 20, the seal between the reservoir 14 and the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16 is broken thereby allowing the diluent to enter container 12.
  • the present invention employs a cartridge interface mechanism 200 for withdrawing the sterilant.
  • the cartridge interface mechanism 200 is a mechani al assembly which includes a piston 210 that cooperates with the needle 220 that performs the engage function and the ejection of the vent tube/dip tube assembly 16.
  • the piston is powered by a gear motor 230 which controls the needle operation, in the preferred embodiment, by means of a crank and linkage 235.
  • the gear motor 230 drives the piston 210 which varies the needle position in order to engage and disengage the cartridge 10 in an automated fashion.
  • the gear motor is activated and deactivated in response to user input and signals received from optical sensors 201, 202.
  • the gear motor 230, optic sensors 201, 202 and liquid indicator 240 are connected electronically to a computer control system. User input for function commands is made through a control panel keypad.
  • the presence of sterilant available for processing is detected by a liquid indicator 240 located on the mechanical apparatus immediately downstream from the needle 220, providing for immediate detection of an empty container.
  • the gear motor 230 is controlled such that removal of the sterilant cartridge prior to the complete use of sterilant is avoided. This feature prevents undesired exposure of the user to concentrated sterilant and insures that if a constant supply of sterilant to the sterilizer is not being delivered, that the cycle will abort.
  • the cartridge is placed inside the chamber 250 of the cartridge interface mechanism 200. The door 251 of this chamber 250 is then closed.
  • the cartridge's presence is registered by a chamber switch 260, located on the inside of the chamber 250, which contacts the exterior of the lid 20 when the cartridge 10 is in its proper position, thus indicating proper alignment in the chamber 250.
  • the cartridge 10 is brought into mechanical engagement with the cartridge interface mechanism 200 when the needle 220 comes down and pierces the frangible surface 55 of the lid 20.
  • a new seal is created by the interference fit of the needle 220 into the bore 53.
  • the needle 220 is stopped in the "draw" position by a sensor flag 203 which activates piston position sensor 202, thus stopping piston movement.
  • a path for the supply of sterilant to the sterilizer has now been created.
  • the draw for the sterilant is created by a vacuum supplied by the sterilizer.
  • sterilant will be replaced by air in the cartridge 10 and eventually, as the bottle empties, into the sterilant supply line 241.
  • the liquid indicator 240 located immediately downstream from the needle 220 senses either the presence or absence of liquid sterilant.
  • the liquid indicator is a capacitance sensor, as are known in the art.
  • the higher dielectric constant of the sterilant produces an output from the sensor which indicates the presence of liquid sterilant.
  • the sterilant supply line 241 is empty of sterilant, the lower dielectric constant from the absence of the sterilent changes the state of the sensor that is eguatal to no sterilant present.
  • This signal charge of the sensor is detected by the computer control system, and indicates an empty cartridge. This condition is communicated to the user via a display screen and an audible alarm.
  • the sterilization cycle is aborted at this point because a sufficient volume of sterilant may not be available in the sterilant tubing to complete a full cycle.
  • the signal from the liquid indicator 240 effects the lowering of the piston so that the needle 220 moves downward, pushing the dip tube/vent tube assembly 16 away from the lid 20 thus disengaging the dip tube/vent tube assembly 16 and opening the diluent reservoir 14 into the cartridge cavity.
  • the diluent that was contained in the diluent reservoir 14 will then flow into the cartridge 10 and dilute the residual sterilant.
  • the dip tube/vent tube seal is permanently broken, rendering the cartridge 10 unusable.
  • the needle 220 is then withdrawn from the lid 20 to the point where it has resumed its initial position, and is stopped there by the passage of the sensor flag 203 across sensor 201.
  • the used cartridge 10 may now be removed for proper disposal and a new cartridge put in its place to repeat the cycle.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Infusion, Injection, And Reservoir Apparatuses (AREA)
  • Containers And Packaging Bodies Having A Special Means To Remove Contents (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur un procédé permettant d'accéder à un liquide contenu dans une cartouche multidose munie d'un système de mise à l'air libre/soutirage, et de le distribuer et utilisant une interface d'adaptation à la cartouche munie d'une aiguille. L'aiguille est attachée à un piston qui est lui même relié à un moteur par l'intermédiaire d'un engrenage et d'un système bielle-manivelle. Ledit moteur commande le piston qui déplace l'aiguille. Le fonctionnement du moteur répond aux signaux de différents capteurs qui assurent automatiquement l'accès au liquide et son prélèvement. Selon cette méthode l'accès à la cartouche a lieu quand sa présence est détectée par le biais de l'interface. Le liquide est prélevé de manière continue jusqu'à ce que l'absence de liquide soit détectée. La cartouche est alors rebutée, après le dégagement du système de mise à l'air libre/soutirage et le débranchement de l'interface d'avec la cartouche.
PCT/US1994/011130 1993-09-30 1994-09-29 Procede de prelevement du liquide d'une cartouche multidose WO1995009126A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP7510480A JPH09503187A (ja) 1993-09-30 1994-09-29 複数回投与可能なカートリッジから液体を分配する方法
DE69404851T DE69404851T2 (de) 1993-09-30 1994-09-29 Verfahren zur abgabe einer flüssigkeit aus einer mehrere portionen enthaltenden patrone
EP94929982A EP0721425B1 (fr) 1993-09-30 1994-09-29 Procede de prelevement du liquide d'une cartouche multidose

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US12933893A 1993-09-30 1993-09-30
US08/129,338 1993-09-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1995009126A1 true WO1995009126A1 (fr) 1995-04-06

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1994/011130 WO1995009126A1 (fr) 1993-09-30 1994-09-29 Procede de prelevement du liquide d'une cartouche multidose

Country Status (6)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0721425B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH09503187A (fr)
CA (1) CA2173161A1 (fr)
DE (1) DE69404851T2 (fr)
ES (1) ES2107861T3 (fr)
WO (1) WO1995009126A1 (fr)

Cited By (5)

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WO1999024353A1 (fr) * 1997-11-05 1999-05-20 Unilever N.V. Dispositif distributeur et ensemble recipient le comprenant
FR2774974A1 (fr) * 1998-02-19 1999-08-20 Fluoroware Inc Systeme de confinement
US6425502B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2002-07-30 Entegris, Inc. Containment system
EP1808196A2 (fr) * 1998-12-22 2007-07-18 Best Vascular, Inc. Système automatisé pour le traitement par rayonnement d'une région souhaitée dans le corps d'un patient
EP1904115A2 (fr) * 2005-07-21 2008-04-02 American Sterilizer Company Procede et dispositif permettant d'injecter une quantite mesuree de liquide dans une chambre

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0353489A2 (fr) * 1988-07-25 1990-02-07 Nalco Chemical Company Système automatisé de stockage et de livraison des produits chimiques
US4941519A (en) * 1988-08-19 1990-07-17 American Sterilizer Company Liquid feed system using a non-reusable container
WO1993017938A1 (fr) * 1992-03-13 1993-09-16 American Sterilizer Company Cartouche multidose a event a usage unique

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0353489A2 (fr) * 1988-07-25 1990-02-07 Nalco Chemical Company Système automatisé de stockage et de livraison des produits chimiques
US4941519A (en) * 1988-08-19 1990-07-17 American Sterilizer Company Liquid feed system using a non-reusable container
WO1993017938A1 (fr) * 1992-03-13 1993-09-16 American Sterilizer Company Cartouche multidose a event a usage unique

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1999024353A1 (fr) * 1997-11-05 1999-05-20 Unilever N.V. Dispositif distributeur et ensemble recipient le comprenant
FR2774974A1 (fr) * 1998-02-19 1999-08-20 Fluoroware Inc Systeme de confinement
BE1013619A5 (nl) * 1998-02-19 2002-05-07 Fluoroware Inc Omhullingsysteem.
US6425502B1 (en) 1998-02-19 2002-07-30 Entegris, Inc. Containment system
EP1808196A2 (fr) * 1998-12-22 2007-07-18 Best Vascular, Inc. Système automatisé pour le traitement par rayonnement d'une région souhaitée dans le corps d'un patient
EP1808196A3 (fr) * 1998-12-22 2009-04-01 Best Vascular, Inc. Système automatisé pour le traitement par rayonnement d'une région souhaitée dans le corps d'un patient
EP1904115A2 (fr) * 2005-07-21 2008-04-02 American Sterilizer Company Procede et dispositif permettant d'injecter une quantite mesuree de liquide dans une chambre
EP1904115A4 (fr) * 2005-07-21 2008-10-29 American Sterilizer Co Procede et dispositif permettant d'injecter une quantite mesuree de liquide dans une chambre

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0721425A1 (fr) 1996-07-17
DE69404851D1 (de) 1997-09-11
EP0721425B1 (fr) 1997-08-06
ES2107861T3 (es) 1997-12-01
DE69404851T2 (de) 1998-02-19
JPH09503187A (ja) 1997-03-31
CA2173161A1 (fr) 1995-04-06

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