WO2001014245A1 - Pompe a micro-debit - Google Patents

Pompe a micro-debit Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001014245A1
WO2001014245A1 PCT/US2000/023206 US0023206W WO0114245A1 WO 2001014245 A1 WO2001014245 A1 WO 2001014245A1 US 0023206 W US0023206 W US 0023206W WO 0114245 A1 WO0114245 A1 WO 0114245A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
pump
nozzle
stem
fluid
shroud
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2000/023206
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2001014245A8 (fr
Inventor
Ben Z. Cohen
Nigel Kelly
Original Assignee
Cohen Ben Z
Nigel Kelly
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 Cohen Ben Z, Nigel Kelly filed Critical Cohen Ben Z
Priority to US10/069,682 priority Critical patent/US7014068B1/en
Priority to AU70679/00A priority patent/AU7067900A/en
Publication of WO2001014245A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001014245A1/fr
Publication of WO2001014245A8 publication Critical patent/WO2001014245A8/fr
Priority to US11/296,974 priority patent/US7207468B2/en
Priority to US11/705,688 priority patent/US20070145078A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • B05B11/0027—Means for neutralising the actuation of the sprayer ; Means for preventing access to the sprayer actuation means
    • B05B11/0032—Manually actuated means located downstream the discharge nozzle for closing or covering it, e.g. shutters
    • 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
    • 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
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1001—Piston pumps
    • B05B11/1016—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element
    • B05B11/1018—Piston pumps the outlet valve having a valve seat located downstream a movable valve element controlled by a pressure actuated controlling element and the controlling element cooperating with means for opening or closing the inlet valve
    • 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
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1052—Actuation means
    • B05B11/1053—Actuation means combined with means, other than pressure, for automatically opening a valve during actuation; combined with means for automatically removing closures or covers from the discharge nozzle during actuation
    • 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
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1059—Means for locking a pump or its actuation means in a fixed position
    • 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
    • B05B11/01—Single-unit hand-held apparatus in which flow of contents is produced by the muscular force of the operator at the moment of use characterised by the means producing the flow
    • B05B11/10—Pump arrangements for transferring the contents from the container to a pump chamber by a sucking effect and forcing the contents out through the dispensing nozzle
    • B05B11/1042—Components or details
    • B05B11/1061—Pump priming means
    • B05B11/1063—Air exhausted from the pump chamber being discharged into the container during priming
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
    • B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
    • B05B15/00—Details of spraying plant or spraying apparatus not otherwise provided for; Accessories
    • B05B15/50—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter
    • B05B15/52—Arrangements for cleaning; Arrangements for preventing deposits, drying-out or blockage; Arrangements for detecting improper discharge caused by the presence of foreign matter for removal of clogging particles

Definitions

  • This invention relates to pumps for dispensing fluids and medications, and, more particularly, to microdispensing pumps.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,881,956 discloses a positive displacement pump which is capable of dispensing microdoses of fluid, as small as 5-10 microliters.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,881,956 is incorporated by reference herein. With such small dosing capability, the pumps of U.S. Patent No. 5,881,956 are advantageously usable to dispense opthalthmic medication.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,881,956 can be applied to the pre-compression pump art, there are significant differences between the pumps which prevent full carry-over of the technology.
  • a pre-compression pump operates on the principle that the pressure build-up within a pump cylinder propels a fluid out of the pump. The ejection of the fluid drains the pump cylinder thereby causing a pressure differential which results in additional fluid being drawn into the pump cylinder.
  • a positive displacement pump relies on one dose of fluid literally “pushing" out, and thus causing ejection of, a preceding dose of fluid.
  • pressure fluctuations are generated during pump operation, where a pressure build-up within the cylinder of the pump causes the stem of the pump to separate from the piston, thereby allowing pressurized fluid to rush into, and out of, the nozzle of the pump.
  • the pressure within the cylinder quickly decays, with the stem being urged back into sealing contact with the piston by a return spring.
  • the fluid is then quickly re-pressurized in the cylinder, again causing separation of the stem from the piston, thus, achieving further fluid delivery.
  • This repeated “opening” and “closing” of the pump cylinder occurs rapidly with the dose being continuously and interruptedly delivered.
  • the internal pressure of the dose fluctuates as it is dispensed causing the dispensed fluid to pulse.
  • pre-compression pumps With typical uses of pre-compression pumps, pulsing does not interfere with the required atomization of the dispensed liquid. Typical doses are relatively large, and, thus, are substantially insensitive to the pressure fluctuations; pre-compression pumps generally dispense doses much larger than 10 microliters, with such doses being on the order of at least 70 microliters. Where it is desired to consistently dispense microdoses of fluid without atomization, such as with ophthalmic medication, pressure fluctuations have an adverse effect. Furthermore, medication is ideally delivered in a stable, relatively laminar flow pattern, with little pressure fluctuation throughout dosage delivery. Atomization of the fluid is not desired.
  • pre- compression pump having various inventive features. It should be noted that some of the features can be carried over to other pump arts beyond the field of pre-compression pumps, such as lift pumps.
  • the pump includes features to minimize the pulsing effect caused by pressure fluctuations in a pre-compression pump, thereby avoiding atomization in dispensing a fluid.
  • the pump is provided with various elements which restrict the responsive movement of the stem so that the stem does not quickly respond to the pressure fluctuations in the pump cylinder. Accordingly, the stem will respond relatively slowly to the decay of internal pressure of the cylinder, thereby prolonging the uninterrupted delivery of fluid without pulsing and allowing for a laminar delivery.
  • a return spring is provided to urge components into a rest position which is formed with a low spring force and/or is wound to have a slow return velocity (typical coil springs are wound to have high return velocities) .
  • the spring will react weakly/slowly to pressure decay within the pump cylinder with the stem being urged into a closed position relatively slowly as compared to the rate of pressure decay.
  • portions of the fluid passage communicating the pump cylinder and the nozzle are enlarged so as to reduce restriction to flow, thereby minimizing throttling of the fluid, and to provide a damping effect on the fluid. The reduction in throttling and the damping effect coact to reduce pulsing in the fluid.
  • an elastically-deformable bumper may be disposed on the end of the stem of the pump.
  • the bumper which may be in the form of a deflectable dome or a solid member, is disposed on an end of the stem so as to absorb, and react to, pressure of the fluid, thereby minimizing the stem's reaction to fluid pressure.
  • an internal seal may be formed with a generally triangular cross-section to increase fluid drag on the stem and further inhibit movement of the stem.
  • a ratchet tooth may be disposed on the pump piston which bears against the stem and inhibits movement of the stem, thereby also reducing the stem's reaction to fluid pressure .
  • priming of the pump is a concern, since a relatively minor air pocket will inhibit, or altogether prevent, the ability of the pump to dispense microdoses.
  • a partially splined stem is preferably used, wherein shallow recesses are formed between the splines. The recesses are sufficiently shallow such that air bubbles may pass between the splines via the recesses, but un-pressurized fluid will not because of its viscosity. As such, air bubbles may escape without hindering operation of the pump. Also no dip tube is utilized, thereby eliminating the possibility of an air pocket being trapped in the dip tube.
  • an inlet is formed in the pump cylinder which is in direct communication with the fluid reservoir of the pump.
  • the inlet is located off-center in the pump cylinder and at a low point on a tapered surface. With the off-set location and tapered surface, air bubbles will not become entrapped at the bottom of the cylinder, and the air bubbles will have an unobstructed path up along the outside of the pump cylinder to escape the pump.
  • a deflectable diaphragm may be provided which is deflectable into the fluid reservoir to reduce the volume thereof.
  • the pump includes a stem formed with deflectable fingers that yield under a pre-determined amount of operational force thereby ensuring sufficient momentum is provided in operating the pump. In this manner, the pump can only be operated with sufficient force to ensure full and proper fluid dispensing.
  • cleanliness of the pump is of concern. Cooperative detents and grooves are formed to selectively lock the nozzle cap in an inoperative, locked position. In a locked position, the nozzle of the pump is covered by a shroud which prevents dirt and debris from collecting on the nozzle.
  • the nozzle cap and shroud are preferably formed with cooperating members which overlap in a locked position to form a seal in proximity to the nozzle to further inhibit the ingress of dirt and debris between the shroud and nozzle cap.
  • the pump also provides for cleaning of the nozzle, with an opening in the shroud wiping the nozzle to remove any meniscus therefrom after dispensing fluid. Additionally, cuts are formed in the shroud facing the nozzle cap which assist in drawing excess fluid from the nozzle, and an empty void is located about the nozzle for collecting fluid run-off from the nozzle.
  • a handle is also mounted to the pump to provide a comfortable grip for handling the pump .
  • FIG. 1 is an elevational view of a pump in accordance with the subject invention
  • FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 1A-1A of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the nozzle of the pump
  • FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of an alternative stem of the pump
  • FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the stem
  • FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line 4A-4A;
  • FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the pump with a deflectable diaphragm
  • FIG. 6 is an enlarged view of the nozzle of the pump
  • FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the portion of the shroud about the dispensing opening in the shroud
  • FIG. 8 is a top view showing the locking and operating positions of the nozzle cap.
  • FIG. 9 is a plan view of the sealing members. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • the pump 10 generally includes a body 12, and a nozzle cap 14.
  • the body 12 is formed with a generally tubular outer wall 16 with a transverse web 18 which divides the body 12 into two chambers, an upper chamber 20 and a lower chamber 22, and a web opening 24 communicates the two chambers 20 and 22.
  • the nozzle cap 14 is disposed in the upper chamber 20, whereas, the lower chamber 22 cooperates with a bottom wall 26 to define fluid reservoir 28.
  • the bottom wall 26 may be detachable from the outer wall 16 so as to permit charging of fluid directly into the fluid reservoir 28.
  • a tubular cylinder 30 is mounted about the web opening 24 and extends into the fluid reservoir 28.
  • a rubber washer 32 is disposed over, and presses against, the cylinder 30.
  • a holding member 34 disposed to engage and hold the rubber washer 32, is preferably snap- fitted onto an annular ridge 36 protruding from the web 18.
  • vent holes 38 extend through the web 18. It is preferred that the vent holes 38 be out of contact with the rubber washer 32, so that air may be drawn through the web 18 and into the fluid reservoir 28 during use.
  • a tubular piston 40 is disposed within the cylinder 30 and extends therefrom through the rubber washer 32 and into the upper chamber 20.
  • the rubber washer 32 is generally circumferentially in contact with, and forms a seal about, the piston 40.
  • the piston 40 has an outer surface 42 which is in contact with the cylinder 30, due to an interference fit being defined therebetween. It must be noted however that the interference fit may not be excessive since the piston 40 must be slidable relative to the cylinder 30.
  • the nozzle . cap 14 is mounted onto the piston 40 such that the two elements move together.
  • a cylindrical stem 44 is disposed within the cylinder 30 and partially telescoped within the piston 40.
  • the stem 44 is slidable relative to both the cylinder 30 and the piston 40. Additionally, the stem 44 is urged into contact with the piston 40 by a return spring 46 disposed between the stem 44 and lower end 48 of the cylinder 30. The interaction of top edge 50 of the stem 44 and lip 52 of the piston 40 limits the upward movement of the stem 44.
  • a fluid passage 54 is defined in the piston 40 about the stem 44 and above the lip 52.
  • the fluid passage 54 is in fluid communication with passage 56 formed in the nozzle cap 14.
  • the passage 56 has a bend 58 which re-directs the passage 56 to nozzle 60.
  • fluid F is disposed within the fluid reservoir 28. With the pump 10 being fully primed, the fluid F is also present within the cylinder 30.
  • An inlet 62 is formed in the lower end 48 which communicates cylinder chamber 64, encompassed by the cylinder 30, and the fluid reservoir 28.
  • An annular seal 66 is mounted within the cylinder chamber 64 so as to form a seal about the stem 44.
  • the piston 40 is translated downwardly, pressing against the top edge 50 of the stem 44 and against the spring force of the return spring 46.
  • the volume of the cylinder chamber 64 above the annular seal 66 decreases, thereby increasing the pressure of the fluid F trapped therein.
  • the pressure of the fluid F acts on all surfaces in contact with the fluid F, including a tapered actuating surface 68. With further downward movement, the pressure of the fluid F increases to the point where the fluid F presses down on the actuating surface 68 so as to separate the top edge 50 of the stem from the lip 52 of the piston 40.
  • the pressurized fluid F then escapes from the cylinder chamber 64 through the fluid passage 54, into the passage 56, and out of the nozzle 60. As the fluid F escapes, the internal pressure of the cylinder chamber 64 decays. The phenomenon of pressure fluctuations described above take effect with the fluid F being dispensed from the nozzle 60. With the pressure within the cylinder chamber 64 being sufficiently decayed the stem 44 is urged into contact with the piston 40.
  • the stem 44 is formed with a plurality of longitudinally extending splines 70 which separate recesses 72.
  • the splines 70 are located below the seal 66 with the annular seal 66 generally sealing a full circumference of the stem 44. In this manner, no fluid F by-passes the seal 66.
  • a pressure differential is created across the annular seal 66, the stem 44 is urged toward the piston 40, and the fluid F is drawn into the cylinder chamber 66 through the recesses 72 under the annular seal 66. Consequently, the pump 10 is recharged, and ready for re-use.
  • the interference fit between the piston 40 and the cylinder 30 is reduced from that found in the prior art.
  • the interference fit is approximately .010 inches.
  • the interference fit is approximately .005 inches.
  • the return spring 46 can be formed with a weaker spring force than that in the prior art, since less resistance is presented by the interference fit, and/or the return spring 46 can be wound to have a slower return velocity than that found in the prior art.
  • the weaker/slower response of the return spring 46 will retard the spring's response to pressure decay in the cylinder chamber 64. With the return spring 46 responding weakly/slowly, the stem 44 will not engage and disengage the piston 40 as repeatedly in the prior art.
  • a portion of the passage 56 preferably the bend 58, is enlarged relative to other portions thereof.
  • the enlarged portions of the passage 56 reduce flow restriction, and, thus, reduce any potential throttling of the fluid F above the stem 44.
  • the increased area serves as a pocket or cushion to smooth out pressure fluctuations.
  • a bumper 74 may be mounted to the top edge 50 of the stem 44.
  • the bumper 74 is elastically deformable to respond to pressure applied thereto by the fluid F.
  • the bumper 74 can be a hollow dome- shaped member which protrudes from the stem 44, or, alternatively, can be a solid pellet or ball which is partially inserted into the stem 44 and extends therefrom. The bumper 74 will absorb some of the pressure fluctuations in the fluid F and immunize the operation of the pump 10 thereagainst .
  • a ratchet tooth 76 may be formed on the piston 40 to bear against the stem 44.
  • the ratchet tooth 76 is plate shaped with a generally triangular profile. The bearing of the ratchet tooth 76 against the stem 44 creates friction which inhibits relative movement between the stem 44 and the piston 40. Again, the inhibition of movement of the stem 44 serves to limit the effect of pressure fluctuations.
  • a plurality of ratchet teeth 76 may also be provided.
  • the annular seal 66 may be formed with a generally right-triangular cross- section, having a pointed edge 78 for engaging the stem 44.
  • a generally planar lower surface 80 is defined which is generally perpendicular to the axis of the stem 44. This perpendicular arrangement creates more fluid drag during use against upward movement of the stem 44, thereby inhibiting the movement of the stem 44 and further reducing the effects of pressure fluctuations.
  • a seal in a seal/shaft arrangement is sized so that the seal diameter is a little smaller than the shaft to ensure a good seal.
  • the seal is 0.010 inches smaller than a shaft diameter in seals typically used in hand-held pre-compression pumps, such as the annular seal 66.
  • a constant-diameter portion 82 is formed in the stem 44 above the splines 70 which may be 0.010 inches larger than the inner diameter of the annular seal 66.
  • the constant-diameter portion may be substituted for by conical portion 84.
  • the conical portion 84 is preferably made with an upper diameter 86 slightly greater, e.g..002 inches, than the inner diameter of the annular seal 66. Also, preferably a lower diameter 87 is provided of .005 inches.
  • the conical portion 84 provides a progressively looser fit in the seal 66 as it progresses down through the seal 66 with the movement of the stem 44, thereby allowing the stem 44 to move downwards with less resistance from the seal 66 throughout the dispensing stroke. This reduction in resistance from the seal 66 reduces the creation of pulses.
  • the pump 10 houses the fluid F around the cylinder 30 and does not utilize a dip tube. Instead, the inlet 62 is in direct communication with the fluid reservoir 28. As shown, the inlet 62 may be coextensive with the cylinder 30, or may be formed to extend slightly therefrom. Costs are saved by removing the dip tube component. Also, priming is enhanced, because the fluid F is disposed at a higher elevation with respect to the cylinder 30 as compared to the elevation of fluid in prior art pumps utilizing dip tubes.
  • the fluid F at least partially engulfs the stem 44 with the cylinder 30 substantially being coextensive with the fluid reservoir 28 and the inlet 62 being located in proximity to the bottom wall 26.
  • the recesses 72 allow air to leak freely out of the cylinder chamber 64 during priming.
  • the splines 70 are relatively shallow, preferably 0.001 to 0.005 inches, which allows air to pass downwards with the pump 10 not in use.
  • the annular seal 66 is disposed about the splines 70 with the pump 10 not in use.
  • fluids will be generally too viscous to pass through the recesses 72, and, thus, will remain above the seal 66 in an unactuated state.
  • the fluid F is urged through the recesses 72 under force of the aforementioned pressure differential.
  • the inlet 62 be located off-center in the lower end 48 of the cylinder 30.
  • the inlet 62 will be located off-center in a direction away from the nozzle 60. Since the pump 10 will often be inclined slightly towards the nozzle 60 in use, the off-center location will encourage entrapped air to be expelled into the fluid reservoir 28, where it can rise freely up to the vent holes 38.
  • inside surface 88 of the lower end 48 is preferably inclined, relative to the cylinder 30, so as to encourage the fluid F to spread evenly across the inside surface 88 upon entry. This ensures that pockets of air do not become trapped at this point.
  • the pump 10 of the subject application can be provided with a deflectable diaphragm 90 for accelerating the priming operation.
  • a deflectable diaphragm 90 for accelerating the priming operation.
  • prior art pumps prime themselves prior to dosing liquid by stroking up and down several times. Once fully flooded with liquid they then begin to dose.
  • the problem with very low dose pumps is that the number of strokes required to prime can be high, simply because the internals of the pump are of relatively high volume compared to the dose volume of the pump.
  • the diaphragm 90 protrudes from the outer wall 16 prior to initial use of the pump 10.
  • the user presses the diaphragm 90, which deflects inwards into the fluid reservoir 28 and remains in that position.
  • the indenting of the diaphragm 90 decreases the volume of the fluid reservoir 28, thereby raising the pressure in the fluid reservoir 28 which spontaneously drives the fluid F into the cylinder 30.
  • the stem/piston interaction of the top edge 50 and the lip 52 when in a dry condition, and allowing air in the pump 10 to pass therethrough.
  • the rubber washer 32 should not leak at a lower pressure than the stem/piston interaction because the deflection of the diaphragm 90 would result in fluid leaking through the vent holes 38, without the pump 10 being actually primed.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,881,956 describes a latch mechanism which is utilized to ensure a minimum amount of velocity is applied to actuate a pump.
  • the pump 10 is also provided with a mechanical latch in the form of a plurality of fingers 92 which are cantilevered to, and extend downwards from, the stem 44. The fingers 92 bear against and slide freely against an upstanding pin 94 during downward movement of the stem 44 and the piston 40. In an unactuated state of the pump 10, it is preferred that the fingers 92 be located clear of and above the pin 94.
  • the pin 94 has a tapered end 96, with increasing diameters from smaller to larger.
  • the end 96 makes initial contact with the fingers 92 just prior to the point at which the upper end of the splines 70 on the stem 44 enter the seal 66 (which is the point at which the pump is about to dispense fluid) .
  • the point at which the fingers 92 engage the tapered end 96 may be slightly in advance of the point at which the splines 70 enter the seal 66. To further advance the stem 44 downwardly, sufficient force must be applied to deflect the fingers 92 and cause yielding thereof. The increased downward force required to deflect the fingers 92 past the tapered end 96 provides sufficient momentum needed to ensure a minimum velocity is provided to the pump 10 to properly dispense a full dose of the fluid at an acceptable velocity.
  • the nozzle 60 and free space around the nozzle cap 14 must remain clean and free from any accumulation of excess fluid, or the dried remnants of fluid. Cleanliness of the nozzle 60 may be managed in several ways.
  • the portion of the outer wall 16 disposed about the upper chamber 20 defines a shroud 98 which shields the nozzle cap 14 and the nozzle 60 from dirt and debris.
  • a dispensing opening 100 is defined in the shroud 98 which is located to register with the nozzle 60 during dispensing, so that dispensed fluid may pass through the shroud 98.
  • the nozzle 60 is positioned behind a portion of the shroud 98.
  • the nozzle 60 is disposed to be relatively close to a snout 102 formed about the opening 100. The snout 102 is used to aim the pump 10 when in use.
  • the nozzle 60 is brought close enough to the snout 102 so that any liquid meniscus M which might remain on the nozzle 60 after dosing is wiped against the snout 102. As shown in dashed lines in FIG. 6, the meniscus M overlaps with portions of the snout 102.
  • the wiping action has the tendency to transfer some of the excess fluid onto, or adjacent to, the shroud 102, thus reducing the height of the meniscus M. It is preferred that the liquid be transferred to the snout 102, rather than to other portions of the pump 10.
  • the nozzle cap 14 When the pump 10 is not in use, the nozzle cap 14 is rotated, preferably by about 40 degrees, into a locking position to prevent inadvertent operation. During this locking operation, any slight meniscus of liquid which might have gathered will not be wiped around the inside of the shroud 102 which surrounds the cap 14 because of the prior wiping action against the inside of the snout 102.
  • a further embellishment to encourage liquid to transfer from the nozzle 60 to the snout 102 is provided by a series of angled cuts 104 on the inside face 101 of the snout 102. These cuts 104 are angled such that tapered lands 106 are defined which accommodate the excess liquid on the snout 102.
  • the lands 106 diverge and becomes broader, and as the cap 14 is rotated to a lock position, the nozzle 60 wipes past the broadening region of a land 106.
  • the broadening land 106 tends to pull the liquid outwards to its boundaries, defined by the cuts 104, which draw more liquid away from the nozzle 60 as the cap 14 is rotated to the locked position.
  • the cuts 104 act to break surface tension of the meniscus M, as the meniscus M is passed thereover.
  • the excess liquid may partly transfer onto the snout 102, but can also be pushed downwards from the mouth of the nozzle 60 and roll over and down the outside of the protruding nozzle.
  • a void 108 is provided around the nozzle 60 where any excess liquid can be transferred. In this way, the excess fluid can dry without interfering with the mouth of the nozzle 60.
  • the front edge of the nozzle is rounded with a full radius, of typically 0.005 inches. This small radius tends to reduce any meniscus formation by encouraging the rolling over mechanism to occur.
  • all the surfaces which are designed to receive excess liquid from the nozzle 60 can be roughened during manufacture, on the basis that roughened surfaces will more readily attract liquid.
  • grooves 110 are cut into the outside of the cap 14 to provide a grip to provide for this rotation.
  • the pump 10 provides for the outer surfaces of these grooves 110 to be roughened to improve the quality of the grip.
  • the rear part of the cap has flat faces 112 which can also be used to rotate the cap 14 into and out of its locked position. Pushing on one of the faces 112 will rotate the cap to lock, while pushing on the other face 112 will rotate the cap to unlock.
  • a pair of slotted faces 114 cut into the outside diameter of the cap 14 work in conjunction with a pair of protrusions 116 on the inside diameter of the shroud 98 to define the position at which the cap is permitted to descend and also the extremes of rotational travel of the cap 14.
  • a detent 118 is added to each of the protrusions 116 within the shroud 98 which is formed to snap into a groove 118 when the cap 14 is rotated into the lock position. The detents 118 indicate that the lock position has been achieved by holding the cap 14 in that position.
  • Similar shaped grooves 120 are formed to correspond to the operating position of the cap 14, thus providing clear indications as to the locked and operating positions.
  • the locked position it is desirable to provide an intimate seal between the periphery of the cap 14 adjacent to the nozzle 60 and the inside of the shroud 98.
  • This is achieved by introducing three bands 122 of reduced diameter on the inside of the shroud 98, preferably equi-spaced, and three bands 124 of increased diameter on the cap 14, also preferably equi-spaced.
  • One of the bands 124 on the cap 14 is preferably centered upon the nozzle 60.
  • the diameters of the inside bands on the shroud 122 and outside bands 124 on the cap 14 are approximately equal in diameter, to provide a seal when overlapped.
  • the overlapping occur when the pump 10 is locked, with the bands of the cap 124 being in pressing engagement with the bands of the shroud 122, preferably with transition fits.
  • the diameter bands on the shroud 122 and the cap 124 are spaced apart to allow unrestricted downward operation of the cap 14.
  • a handle H is provided for convenient handling and gripping.
  • the handle H both provides an ergonomic grip for the user and also serves to buffer the fluid reservoir 28.
  • the pump 10 will be filled in an inverted position, and the handle H will be snapped into place. The pump 10 will then be inverted to the normal upright position for further manufacturing operations.

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Abstract

L'invention concerne une pompe à pré-compression (1) qui distribue des microdoses de fluide (F). La pompe réduit les impulsions causées par les fluctuations de pression. Afin de limiter ces impulsions, la pompe comporte les éléments suivants: un ressort de rappel à faible puissance et à faible vitesse de retour (46), un passage de fluide plus large (58), un amortisseur élastique et une dent triangulare (76) appuyée contre la tige (44). Un diaphragme flexible (90), une tige cannelée (44), un tube non plongeur, une entrée basse gravitationnelle (62) contribuent, en outre, à charger la pompe. Cette dernière comporte une tige (44) dotée de doigts flexibles (92) afin d'assurer une force d'impulsion suffisante lors du fonctionnement de la pompe. Des crans (118) et des rainures (120) verrouillent de manière sélective un bouchon d'injecteur (14) dans une position inactive. Une opération de nettoyage permet d'assurer la propreté de l'injecteur (60), le frottement de l'injecteur sert à éliminer le ménisque (M), des tailles (104) formées dans une gaine (98) contribuent à retirer l'excès de fluide de l'injecteur, et un volume vide (108) récolte l'écoulement de fluide de l'injecteur. Une poignée (H) est fixée à la pompe pour en faciliter la prise.
PCT/US2000/023206 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Pompe a micro-debit WO2001014245A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/069,682 US7014068B1 (en) 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Microdispensing pump
AU70679/00A AU7067900A (en) 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Microdispensing pump
US11/296,974 US7207468B2 (en) 1999-08-23 2005-12-08 Microdispensing pump
US11/705,688 US20070145078A1 (en) 1999-08-23 2007-02-13 Microdispensing pump

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15040599P 1999-08-23 1999-08-23
US60/150,405 1999-08-23

Related Child Applications (3)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10069682 A-371-Of-International 2000-08-23
US10/069,682 A-371-Of-International US7014068B1 (en) 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Microdispensing pump
US11/296,974 Division US7207468B2 (en) 1999-08-23 2005-12-08 Microdispensing pump

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2001014245A1 true WO2001014245A1 (fr) 2001-03-01
WO2001014245A8 WO2001014245A8 (fr) 2002-02-28

Family

ID=22534376

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2000/023206 WO2001014245A1 (fr) 1999-08-23 2000-08-23 Pompe a micro-debit

Country Status (2)

Country Link
AU (1) AU7067900A (fr)
WO (1) WO2001014245A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2003024823A1 (fr) 2001-09-20 2003-03-27 Cohen Ben Z Pompe a micro-debit
US6776309B2 (en) * 2002-05-23 2004-08-17 Ben Z. Cohen Medically accurate pump system
US7651011B2 (en) 2001-04-16 2010-01-26 Ben Z. Cohen Microdispensing pump

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3352463A (en) * 1965-10-20 1967-11-14 Robert M Berler Fluid dispenser
US5062549A (en) * 1989-11-03 1991-11-05 Dowbrands Inc. Hand held, dip-tube style liquid dispenser
US5381932A (en) * 1992-04-14 1995-01-17 American Wyott Corporation Condiment pump
US5806721A (en) * 1995-12-15 1998-09-15 Canyon Corporation Container mounted pump dispenser with back suction
US6126038A (en) * 1998-10-30 2000-10-03 Olegnowicz; Israel Atomizing pump spray

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3352463A (en) * 1965-10-20 1967-11-14 Robert M Berler Fluid dispenser
US5062549A (en) * 1989-11-03 1991-11-05 Dowbrands Inc. Hand held, dip-tube style liquid dispenser
US5381932A (en) * 1992-04-14 1995-01-17 American Wyott Corporation Condiment pump
US5806721A (en) * 1995-12-15 1998-09-15 Canyon Corporation Container mounted pump dispenser with back suction
US6126038A (en) * 1998-10-30 2000-10-03 Olegnowicz; Israel Atomizing pump spray

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7651011B2 (en) 2001-04-16 2010-01-26 Ben Z. Cohen Microdispensing pump
US8267285B2 (en) 2001-04-16 2012-09-18 Ben Z. Cohen Microdispensing pump
US8752735B2 (en) 2001-04-16 2014-06-17 Ben Z. Cohen Microdispensing pump
WO2003024823A1 (fr) 2001-09-20 2003-03-27 Cohen Ben Z Pompe a micro-debit
US6776309B2 (en) * 2002-05-23 2004-08-17 Ben Z. Cohen Medically accurate pump system

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO2001014245A8 (fr) 2002-02-28
AU7067900A (en) 2001-03-19

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